By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Douglas County District Judge James McCabria declined Tuesday to pause enforcement of a new state law that invalidated driver’s licenses and criminalizes bathroom use for transgender residents, saying he doesn’t have enough information yet and that he believes Kansans are tolerant.

In a six-page ruling — which includes a section titled “Who to believe?” — McCabria said attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union and Attorney General Kris Kobach provided no examples to support their claims that the law will harm transgender people or that the law makes bathrooms more secure.

“In hearing the arguments of each side, the Court is struck by a basic assumption each side makes about the other — that our ‘lesser angels’ drive our choices,” McCabria wrote. “Yet, the very paucity of actual examples that&nbsp;either side&nbsp;has put forward in&nbsp;any&nbsp;of the arguments suggests the opposite — that the vast majority of Kansans are tolerant, understanding, accepting and generally supportive of each other and that the vast majority of transgender persons have experienced this as Kansans.”

Two transgender men from Lawrence&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/27/trans-men-file-lawsuit-over-kansas-law-that-restricts-bathroom-use-and-invalidates-drivers-licenses/">filed a lawsuit Feb. 26</a>, the day the law took effect, arguing it violates their constitutional rights to due process, privacy, equality and expression. They also argue the law violates a constitutional requirement that bills passed by the Legislature contain only one subject.

Attorneys with the ACLU and the Philadelphia-based Ballard Spahr law firm represent the plaintiffs, who are identified by the pseudonyms Daniel Doe and Mathew Moe. They asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order, which would have paused enforcement of the law for 14 days, which a possible 14-day extension.

McCabria wrote in his decision that the request for a temporary restraining order requires plaintiffs to pass multiple legal tests: They have to demonstrate a likelihood of winning the case, show the law would cause immediate and irreparable harm, and show that a restraining order serves the public interest and no other remedy is available.

“The conclusion became self-evident — this Court simply does not have the information the law requires to enter a Temporary Restraining Order at this stage of the proceedings,” he wrote.

Plaintiffs can continue to provide evidence and arguments in support of an injunction, which would block enforcement of the law while the case is being litigated. McCabria scheduled a case management conference for March 18.

“This is a devastating, but hopefully temporary, setback for our clients and transgender people across the state of Kansas,” said Harper Seldin, a senior staff attorney for the ACLU. “The harm of this law has already had sweeping impacts on the lives of transgender people like our clients, threatening their ability to hold a job, go to school, or go about their daily lives.”

The GOP-led Kansas Legislature this year fast-tracked&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 244</a>, limiting public input and debate at every step. The Legislature overrode Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of the bill on Feb. 18, and the law took effect as soon as paperwork could be finalized.

Under the law, individuals in public buildings must use bathrooms and other private spaces, such as locker rooms, that align with their sex assigned at birth, rather than their gender. It isn’t clear how governments, schools, universities, libraries and other entities are supposed to ensure proper bathroom use, but failure to do so will result in a $25,000 fine on first offense and $125,000 fines on subsequent offenses.

Individuals who use the “wrong” bathroom will receive a warning on first offense, a $1,000 fine for breaking the law on subsequent offenses, and be charged with a Class B misdemeanor crime on third and subsequent violations. They also are subject to civil lawsuits from anyone “aggrieved” by their bathroom choice.

Proponents said the law will make it safer for cisgender women to use the bathroom, even though there is no evidence to support the claim. They ignore the reality that the law now requires transgender men, who look and sound like men, to use the women’s bathroom.

In his ruling, McCabria said he rejected the assumption “that every restroom visit is fraught with the potential for violence or embarrassment if this law is not immediately suspended. Or, especially, to assume the Legislature intended to promote such negative experiences when the law was passed.”

The law also requires that gender markers on driver’s licenses and birth certificates match an individual’s sex assigned at birth.

Shortly before the law took effect, the Kansas Department of Revenue sent letters to 275 residents who had changed their gender markers to let them know their driver’s licenses had been invalidated.

Kobach said during a court hearing Friday that 138 of the 275 individuals who were affected by the law had already gotten a new driver’s license.

“You can’t take it seriously, the impossibility of complying, when so many already have,” Kobach said.

Trans Liberty, a national advocacy group, announced Monday it was launching Operation Lifeboat to serve transgender Kansans who need support. The organization previously issued a statewide evacuation warning for transgender people.

Operation Lifeboat provides&nbsp;<a href="https://www.translifeboat.org/" target="_blank">an online portal</a>&nbsp;for trans people to request help with transportation, packing, hauling and getting settled somewhere else, breaking leases, emergency financial aid, legal guidance, DMV escorts and other assistance. Allies can offer to help as drivers, hosts, movers and donors.

“Our goal is to meet this moment with both urgency and compassion,” said Brandon Callahan, an incident commander for the operation. “This operation is built to provide real support to people who need it while coordinating the many individuals and organizations stepping forward to help.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773194309766.png" alt="Douglas County District Judge James McCabria listens to arguments during a March 6, 2026, hearing on a new law that requires transgender individuals to use bathrooms in government buildings and gender markers on driver’s licenses that match their sex assigned at birth. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Douglas County District Judge James McCabria listens to arguments during a March 6, 2026, hearing on a new law that requires transgender individuals to use bathrooms in government buildings and gender markers on driver’s licenses that match their sex assigned at birth. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Douglas County District Judge James McCabria declined Tuesday to pause enforcement of a new state law that invalidated driver’s licenses and criminalizes bathroom use for transgender residents, saying he doesn’t have enough information yet and that he believes Kansans are tolerant.In a six-page ruling — which includes a section titled “Who to believe?” — McCabria said attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union and Attorney General Kris Kobach provided no examples to support their claims that the law will harm transgender people or that the law makes bathrooms more secure.“In hearing the arguments of each side, the Court is struck by a basic assumption each side makes about the other — that our ‘lesser angels’ drive our choices,” McCabria wrote. “Yet, the very paucity of actual examples that&nbsp;either side&nbsp;has put forward in&nbsp;any&nbsp;of the arguments suggests the opposite — that the vast majority of Kansans are tolerant, understanding, accepting and generally supportive of each other and that the vast majority of transgender persons have experienced this as Kansans.”Two transgender men from Lawrence&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/27/trans-men-file-lawsuit-over-kansas-law-that-restricts-bathroom-use-and-invalidates-drivers-licenses/">filed a lawsuit Feb. 26</a>, the day the law took effect, arguing it violates their constitutional rights to due process, privacy, equality and expression. They also argue the law violates a constitutional requirement that bills passed by the Legislature contain only one subject.Attorneys with the ACLU and the Philadelphia-based Ballard Spahr law firm represent the plaintiffs, who are identified by the pseudonyms Daniel Doe and Mathew Moe. They asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order, which would have paused enforcement of the law for 14 days, which a possible 14-day extension.McCabria wrote in his decision that the request for a temporary restraining order requires plaintiffs to pass multiple legal tests: They have to demonstrate a likelihood of winning the case, show the law would cause immediate and irreparable harm, and show that a restraining order serves the public interest and no other remedy is available.“The conclusion became self-evident — this Court simply does not have the information the law requires to enter a Temporary Restraining Order at this stage of the proceedings,” he wrote.Plaintiffs can continue to provide evidence and arguments in support of an injunction, which would block enforcement of the law while the case is being litigated. McCabria scheduled a case management conference for March 18.“This is a devastating, but hopefully temporary, setback for our clients and transgender people across the state of Kansas,” said Harper Seldin, a senior staff attorney for the ACLU. “The harm of this law has already had sweeping impacts on the lives of transgender people like our clients, threatening their ability to hold a job, go to school, or go about their daily lives.”The GOP-led Kansas Legislature this year fast-tracked&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 244</a>, limiting public input and debate at every step. The Legislature overrode Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of the bill on Feb. 18, and the law took effect as soon as paperwork could be finalized.Under the law, individuals in public buildings must use bathrooms and other private spaces, such as locker rooms, that align with their sex assigned at birth, rather than their gender. It isn’t clear how governments, schools, universities, libraries and other entities are supposed to ensure proper bathroom use, but failure to do so will result in a $25,000 fine on first offense and $125,000 fines on subsequent offenses.Individuals who use the “wrong” bathroom will receive a warning on first offense, a $1,000 fine for breaking the law on subsequent offenses, and be charged with a Class B misdemeanor crime on third and subsequent violations. They also are subject to civil lawsuits from anyone “aggrieved” by their bathroom choice.Proponents said the law will make it safer for cisgender women to use the bathroom, even though there is no evidence to support the claim. They ignore the reality that the law now requires transgender men, who look and sound like men, to use the women’s bathroom.In his ruling, McCabria said he rejected the assumption “that every restroom visit is fraught with the potential for violence or embarrassment if this law is not immediately suspended. Or, especially, to assume the Legislature intended to promote such negative experiences when the law was passed.”The law also requires that gender markers on driver’s licenses and birth certificates match an individual’s sex assigned at birth.Shortly before the law took effect, the Kansas Department of Revenue sent letters to 275 residents who had changed their gender markers to let them know their driver’s licenses had been invalidated.Kobach said during a court hearing Friday that 138 of the 275 individuals who were affected by the law had already gotten a new driver’s license.“You can’t take it seriously, the impossibility of complying, when so many already have,” Kobach said.Trans Liberty, a national advocacy group, announced Monday it was launching Operation Lifeboat to serve transgender Kansans who need support. The organization previously issued a statewide evacuation warning for transgender people.Operation Lifeboat provides&nbsp;<a href="https://www.translifeboat.org/" target="_blank">an online portal</a>&nbsp;for trans people to request help with transportation, packing, hauling and getting settled somewhere else, breaking leases, emergency financial aid, legal guidance, DMV escorts and other assistance. Allies can offer to help as drivers, hosts, movers and donors.“Our goal is to meet this moment with both urgency and compassion,” said Brandon Callahan, an incident commander for the operation. “This operation is built to provide real support to people who need it while coordinating the many individuals and organizations stepping forward to help.”

Kansas judge rejects attempt to block law that restricts bathroom use, invalidates driver’s licenses

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces multiple charges for a 2023 murder in Kansas City, Missouri.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2819/Canady-RED-COMPLAINT-TC">Terry W. Canady</a>, 33,&nbsp;&nbsp;faces 2nd Degree Murder, three counts of Armed Criminal Action, two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Shooting at a Person and Exhibiting), and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2820/Canady-RED-PC-TCRedacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a shooting on March 31, 2023, and located the victim on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Video footage captured two suspects, one later identified as Canady approaching the victim near a vehicle. One of the suspects had their arms extended, holding a firearm. A flash was observed between Canady and the victim and then gunfire was exchanged as both suspects fled. A dark-colored Chevrolet Traverse was observed driving away from the crime scene at a high rate of speed.&nbsp;

Canady later arrived at a hospital in a black Chevrolet Traverse with a gunshot wound. Detectives collected a buccal swab from Canady and it matched the blood found at the crime scene.&nbsp;

Detectives are working to identify the second suspect.

A Jackson County judge set Canady's bond to $150,000 cash only.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772576985947.png" alt="Canady-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Canady-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces multiple charges for a 2023 murder in Kansas City, Missouri.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2819/Canady-RED-COMPLAINT-TC">Terry W. Canady</a>, 33,&nbsp;&nbsp;faces 2nd Degree Murder, three counts of Armed Criminal Action, two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Shooting at a Person and Exhibiting), and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2820/Canady-RED-PC-TCRedacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a shooting on March 31, 2023, and located the victim on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.Video footage captured two suspects, one later identified as Canady approaching the victim near a vehicle. One of the suspects had their arms extended, holding a firearm. A flash was observed between Canady and the victim and then gunfire was exchanged as both suspects fled. A dark-colored Chevrolet Traverse was observed driving away from the crime scene at a high rate of speed.&nbsp;Canady later arrived at a hospital in a black Chevrolet Traverse with a gunshot wound. Detectives collected a buccal swab from Canady and it matched the blood found at the crime scene.&nbsp;Detectives are working to identify the second suspect.A Jackson County judge set Canady's bond to $150,000 cash only.&nbsp;

Hospital swab linked suspect to Kansas City killing 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal hit-and-run and have made an arrest.

Just after 10p.m. Monday, police responded to a report of an injury accident at the intersection of SW 6th Street and SW Horne Street in Topeka, according to a media release.

Officers learned that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police did not release the name of the pedestrian.

As a result of the investigation, it was determined that the incident involved a hit-and-run crash. The vehicle driver, Elizabeth A. Neal, 38, of Topeka, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and remains jailed on requested charges of Driving While License Suspended, Failure to Stop at an Accident Resulting in Death, Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer; Conceal/Alter/Destroy Evidence, Vehicular Homicide

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773175192479.png" alt="Neal-Photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Neal-Photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal hit-and-run and have made an arrest.Just after 10p.m. Monday, police responded to a report of an injury accident at the intersection of SW 6th Street and SW Horne Street in Topeka, according to a media release.Officers learned that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police did not release the name of the pedestrian.As a result of the investigation, it was determined that the incident involved a hit-and-run crash. The vehicle driver, Elizabeth A. Neal, 38, of Topeka, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and remains jailed on requested charges of Driving While License Suspended, Failure to Stop at an Accident Resulting in Death, Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer; Conceal/Alter/Destroy Evidence, Vehicular Homicide

Kansas woman accused of hit-and-run that killed pedestrian

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Rabbi Moti Rieber sat on the tiled floor, legs akimbo, in front of the arched passage leading to the Kansas Senate chamber with at least 20 people behind him and more lining the walls with handmade signs.

“We are here because when injustice becomes law, then resistance is necessary,” Rieber said. “We are here as moral witnesses.”

Clergy members led a sit-in protest Tuesday in opposition to a recently passed anti-trans law. The Republican-controlled Legislature used tactics to avoid public input and overrode the governor’s veto to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 244</a>, requiring people in public buildings to use the bathroom that coincides with their biological sex and also mandating driver’s licenses include a person’s biological sex instead of their gender.

Sergeants-at-arms looked on from behind the group, and Kansas Highway Patrol troopers soon joined. But it wasn’t until the group prevented Sen. Tim Shallenburger, R-Baxter Springs, from entering the chamber that troopers grabbed people by the arms to clear a path.

As troopers hoisted activists up from their seats, encouraging them to disperse, the group sang in harmony: “No one is getting left behind this time. No one is getting left behind. No one is getting left behind this time. We get there together or never get there at all.”

At one point, a trooper knocked a woman to the ground as she tried to pass through the crowd, appearing to mistake her as part of the demonstration. Protesters responded with chants of “Shame!”

The woman declined to be identified or comment but told Kansas Reflector she was OK.

Rieber, executive director of Kansas Interfaith Action, said while sitting on the floor, addressing the crowd, that the process to pass SB 244 was “crooked.”

The law has already been challenged in Douglas County District Court, and a judge’s decision on pausing the order was expected as soon as Tuesday. The state sent letters to 275 Kansans shortly before the law went into effect, telling them their driver’s licenses were invalid. Some&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/03/05/new-kansas-bathroom-law-likely-to-harm-mental-health-increase-risks-for-trans-people-experts-say/">experts say laws targeting trans people can harm</a>&nbsp;their mental health and increase the likelihood of discrimination.

The Rev. Mandy Todd, pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, said SB 244 is hurtful, targeted and part of a culture war. She said the group is “disgusted by this Legislature’s treatment of trans people.”

The bill stokes fear and anxiety, she said.

Todd, the director of engagement for Kansas Interfaith Action, said trans people in her community have felt the immediate effects of SB 244. The closest driver’s license office is in the next town, which Todd said has hamstrung one Lindsborg woman, who now cannot legally drive to sort out her invalid license.

Pastor Charles McKinzie II of Grace United Methodist Church in Winfield is confident the law, which he said was flawed in process and in substance, will make its way to the Kansas Supreme Court to be overturned.

“In the meantime, people are hurting, and people need to know that they are seen,” McKinzie said.

Conversations about the effects of SB 244 aren’t limited to a courtroom. They are taking place in churches, synagogues and other small group settings across the state, McKinzie said, and the sit-in was meant as a show of nonviolence “to shed light on a violent system.”

Master Trooper Scott Whitsell said Tuesday afternoon, about an hour after the protest, that no one from the group had been cited or arrested to his knowledge. The only law the protestors broke was blocking an entryway, he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773183932273.png" alt=" Rabbi Moti Rieber watches law enforcement as they confront protesters March 10, 2026, outside the Senate chamber in the Kansas Statehouse. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Rabbi Moti Rieber watches law enforcement as they confront protesters March 10, 2026, outside the Senate chamber in the Kansas Statehouse. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Rabbi Moti Rieber sat on the tiled floor, legs akimbo, in front of the arched passage leading to the Kansas Senate chamber with at least 20 people behind him and more lining the walls with handmade signs.“We are here because when injustice becomes law, then resistance is necessary,” Rieber said. “We are here as moral witnesses.”Clergy members led a sit-in protest Tuesday in opposition to a recently passed anti-trans law. The Republican-controlled Legislature used tactics to avoid public input and overrode the governor’s veto to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 244</a>, requiring people in public buildings to use the bathroom that coincides with their biological sex and also mandating driver’s licenses include a person’s biological sex instead of their gender.Sergeants-at-arms looked on from behind the group, and Kansas Highway Patrol troopers soon joined. But it wasn’t until the group prevented Sen. Tim Shallenburger, R-Baxter Springs, from entering the chamber that troopers grabbed people by the arms to clear a path.As troopers hoisted activists up from their seats, encouraging them to disperse, the group sang in harmony: “No one is getting left behind this time. No one is getting left behind. No one is getting left behind this time. We get there together or never get there at all.”At one point, a trooper knocked a woman to the ground as she tried to pass through the crowd, appearing to mistake her as part of the demonstration. Protesters responded with chants of “Shame!”The woman declined to be identified or comment but told Kansas Reflector she was OK.Rieber, executive director of Kansas Interfaith Action, said while sitting on the floor, addressing the crowd, that the process to pass SB 244 was “crooked.”The law has already been challenged in Douglas County District Court, and a judge’s decision on pausing the order was expected as soon as Tuesday. The state sent letters to 275 Kansans shortly before the law went into effect, telling them their driver’s licenses were invalid. Some&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/03/05/new-kansas-bathroom-law-likely-to-harm-mental-health-increase-risks-for-trans-people-experts-say/">experts say laws targeting trans people can harm</a>&nbsp;their mental health and increase the likelihood of discrimination.The Rev. Mandy Todd, pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, said SB 244 is hurtful, targeted and part of a culture war. She said the group is “disgusted by this Legislature’s treatment of trans people.”The bill stokes fear and anxiety, she said.Todd, the director of engagement for Kansas Interfaith Action, said trans people in her community have felt the immediate effects of SB 244. The closest driver’s license office is in the next town, which Todd said has hamstrung one Lindsborg woman, who now cannot legally drive to sort out her invalid license.Pastor Charles McKinzie II of Grace United Methodist Church in Winfield is confident the law, which he said was flawed in process and in substance, will make its way to the Kansas Supreme Court to be overturned.“In the meantime, people are hurting, and people need to know that they are seen,” McKinzie said.Conversations about the effects of SB 244 aren’t limited to a courtroom. They are taking place in churches, synagogues and other small group settings across the state, McKinzie said, and the sit-in was meant as a show of nonviolence “to shed light on a violent system.”Master Trooper Scott Whitsell said Tuesday afternoon, about an hour after the protest, that no one from the group had been cited or arrested to his knowledge. The only law the protestors broke was blocking an entryway, he said.Sherman Smith contributed to this story.

Clergy-led activists block entry into Kansas Senate in protest over bathroom law

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Several people including two police officers were injured after an overnight house fire in Bonner Springs.

Late Monday, Kansas City, Kansas fire crews responded on automatic aid to assist the Bonner Springs Fire Department with a house fire in the 500 block of Allcutt Avenue, according to a media release.

Bonner Springs Police officers were the first to arrive and immediately entered the home after learning people were still inside. They assisted in removing the occupants until firefighters arrived.

Two patients were transported in critical condition, and a citizen who stopped to help is listed in stable condition. Two Bonner Springs Police officers were also treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.

Situations like this are exactly why regional cooperation between public safety agencies exists. Last night could have been much worse without the quick actions of officers, firefighters, and citizens working together.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Several people including two police officers were injured after an overnight house fire in Bonner Springs.Late Monday, Kansas City, Kansas fire crews responded on automatic aid to assist the Bonner Springs Fire Department with a house fire in the 500 block of Allcutt Avenue, according to a media release.Bonner Springs Police officers were the first to arrive and immediately entered the home after learning people were still inside. They assisted in removing the occupants until firefighters arrived.Two patients were transported in critical condition, and a citizen who stopped to help is listed in stable condition. Two Bonner Springs Police officers were also treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.Situations like this are exactly why regional cooperation between public safety agencies exists. Last night could have been much worse without the quick actions of officers, firefighters, and citizens working together.

Two hospitalized after fire at Kansas home

The first case arising from last year’s special session for redistricting examines whether the state constitution allows the General Assembly to revise maps without new census data

BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

The first case challenging Missouri’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">gerrymandered redistricting plan</a>&nbsp;to reach the state Supreme Court questions whether lawmakers had the power to enact the plan at all.

The court’s seven judges on Tuesday spent nearly an hour discussing the definition of a single word — “when” — and what it means in the&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++45&amp;bid=31801&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">constitutional directive</a>&nbsp;to make congressional districts after each census.

The constitution states that “when the number of representatives to which the state is entitled” is reported after each census, “the General Assembly shall by law divide the state into districts corresponding with the number of representatives to which it is entitled…”

“‘When’ means ‘when’ and we think that language is quite clear,” said attorney Chuck Hatfield, who represents the plaintiffs asking the court to throw out the map passed in a special session last year.

Judge Zel Fischer, in one of the few queries from the bench, asked Hatfield to clarify what he meant.

“You are asking us to conclude that ‘when’ means only ‘when,’” Fischer said.

“It does,” Hatfield replied. “It does mean only ‘when.’”

Defending the map, attorneys for Secretary of State Denny Hoskins and the Missouri Republican Party said the provision is a directive to enact a new map after a census but does not bar redistricting at other times.

“This court has long held that the General Assembly has the power to act unless the constitution expressly takes that power away,” said Lou Capozzi, state solicitor general.

Missouri Republicans pushed through a new map for the state’s eight congressional districts under&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/25/trump-white-house-pressing-missouri-republicans-to-redraw-congressional-map/">pressure from President Donald Trump</a>, who is anxious to preserve the GOP’s thin majority in the U.S. House.&nbsp;

Republicans hold six of Missouri’s seats and Gov. Mike Kehoe called lawmakers into a special session in September to draw a map that targets the 5th Congressional District, held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City.

Cleaver filed for a new term on Feb. 24. Despite the case heard Tuesday and other pending lawsuits that could throw out the map, five Republicans have filed so far for the nomination to oppose Cleaver in November.

The map could also be stopped by a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/09/missouri-gerrymander-congressional-map-referendum/">referendum petition</a>&nbsp;seeking to force a statewide vote in November on the new map.&nbsp;

The directive that lawmakers revise district lines every 10 years was added to the Missouri Constitution by a state convention in 1944. Attorney John Gore, arguing Tuesday on behalf of the Missouri Republican Party, said the delegates had recent experience of lawmakers ignoring new census data and refusing to draw district lines for three decades from 1901 to 1931.&nbsp;

The language makes it a duty of the General Assembly to redraw lines after every census, Gore said. And delegates could have added language barring lawmakers from changing the districts between census reports, but they did not, he said.

“It would have been easy for the framers to prohibit redistricting except when there is a census,” Gore said.

Capozzi noted that Missouri revised district lines in 1877 and other states had changed districts without new census data in the years before the convention.

“There is zero historical evidence the framers were worried about mid-decade redistricting,” Capozzi said.

Other lawsuits filed in response to the redistricting plan challenge the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/18/court-battle-looms-over-kc-precinct-listed-twice-in-missouris-new-congressional-map/">details of the map</a>, which signatures of 300,000 submitted should be&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-delays-decision-on-signatures-for-missouri-referendum-on-gerrymandered-map/">checked for the referendum</a>&nbsp;and whether the new map&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/10/judge-to-decide-whether-missouris-gerrymandered-congressional-map-is-in-effect/">is in effect</a>&nbsp;for this year’s elections despite the filing of the referendum petition.

Only one other case, filed by the NAACP to challenge Kehoe’s authority to call lawmakers into special session, has been decided in a circuit court. The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/special-session-to-redraw-missouri-congressional-districts-was-constitutional-judge-rules/">NAACP lost that decision</a>&nbsp;but is planning an appeal.

The case before the Supreme Court on Tuesday was written to answer the single question of when lawmakers are allowed to revise congressional district lines, Hatfield said.

“Redistricting is like cicadas,” he said. “It shows up noisily, it is very annoying to everyone and then it goes away for 10 years.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773164911036.jpeg" alt=" Demonstrators opposed to the gerrymandered redistricting map gather Tuesday outside the Missouri Supreme Court after the judges heard a case challenging legislative power to alter maps without new census data. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption> Demonstrators opposed to the gerrymandered redistricting map gather Tuesday outside the Missouri Supreme Court after the judges heard a case challenging legislative power to alter maps without new census data. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The first case arising from last year’s special session for redistricting examines whether the state constitution allows the General Assembly to revise maps without new census data</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The first case challenging Missouri’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">gerrymandered redistricting plan</a>&nbsp;to reach the state Supreme Court questions whether lawmakers had the power to enact the plan at all.The court’s seven judges on Tuesday spent nearly an hour discussing the definition of a single word — “when” — and what it means in the&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++45&amp;bid=31801&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">constitutional directive</a>&nbsp;to make congressional districts after each census.The constitution states that “when the number of representatives to which the state is entitled” is reported after each census, “the General Assembly shall by law divide the state into districts corresponding with the number of representatives to which it is entitled…”“‘When’ means ‘when’ and we think that language is quite clear,” said attorney Chuck Hatfield, who represents the plaintiffs asking the court to throw out the map passed in a special session last year.Judge Zel Fischer, in one of the few queries from the bench, asked Hatfield to clarify what he meant.“You are asking us to conclude that ‘when’ means only ‘when,’” Fischer said.“It does,” Hatfield replied. “It does mean only ‘when.’”Defending the map, attorneys for Secretary of State Denny Hoskins and the Missouri Republican Party said the provision is a directive to enact a new map after a census but does not bar redistricting at other times.“This court has long held that the General Assembly has the power to act unless the constitution expressly takes that power away,” said Lou Capozzi, state solicitor general.Missouri Republicans pushed through a new map for the state’s eight congressional districts under&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/25/trump-white-house-pressing-missouri-republicans-to-redraw-congressional-map/">pressure from President Donald Trump</a>, who is anxious to preserve the GOP’s thin majority in the U.S. House.&nbsp;Republicans hold six of Missouri’s seats and Gov. Mike Kehoe called lawmakers into a special session in September to draw a map that targets the 5th Congressional District, held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City.Cleaver filed for a new term on Feb. 24. Despite the case heard Tuesday and other pending lawsuits that could throw out the map, five Republicans have filed so far for the nomination to oppose Cleaver in November.The map could also be stopped by a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/09/missouri-gerrymander-congressional-map-referendum/">referendum petition</a>&nbsp;seeking to force a statewide vote in November on the new map.&nbsp;The directive that lawmakers revise district lines every 10 years was added to the Missouri Constitution by a state convention in 1944. Attorney John Gore, arguing Tuesday on behalf of the Missouri Republican Party, said the delegates had recent experience of lawmakers ignoring new census data and refusing to draw district lines for three decades from 1901 to 1931.&nbsp;The language makes it a duty of the General Assembly to redraw lines after every census, Gore said. And delegates could have added language barring lawmakers from changing the districts between census reports, but they did not, he said.“It would have been easy for the framers to prohibit redistricting except when there is a census,” Gore said.Capozzi noted that Missouri revised district lines in 1877 and other states had changed districts without new census data in the years before the convention.“There is zero historical evidence the framers were worried about mid-decade redistricting,” Capozzi said.Other lawsuits filed in response to the redistricting plan challenge the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/18/court-battle-looms-over-kc-precinct-listed-twice-in-missouris-new-congressional-map/">details of the map</a>, which signatures of 300,000 submitted should be&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-delays-decision-on-signatures-for-missouri-referendum-on-gerrymandered-map/">checked for the referendum</a>&nbsp;and whether the new map&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/10/judge-to-decide-whether-missouris-gerrymandered-congressional-map-is-in-effect/">is in effect</a>&nbsp;for this year’s elections despite the filing of the referendum petition.Only one other case, filed by the NAACP to challenge Kehoe’s authority to call lawmakers into special session, has been decided in a circuit court. The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/special-session-to-redraw-missouri-congressional-districts-was-constitutional-judge-rules/">NAACP lost that decision</a>&nbsp;but is planning an appeal.The case before the Supreme Court on Tuesday was written to answer the single question of when lawmakers are allowed to revise congressional district lines, Hatfield said.“Redistricting is like cicadas,” he said. “It shows up noisily, it is very annoying to everyone and then it goes away for 10 years.”

Lawmaker power to draw gerrymandered congressional map tested at Missouri Supreme Court

ALLEN COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Humboldt Police Department, and the Allen County Sheriff's Office are investigating a homicide that occurred in Humboldt, Kansas.

Just after 5p.m. on Sunday, Humboldt officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Sycamore Street, in Humboldt, according to a media release from the KBI.

Preliminary information indicates that a woman fled a residence during a domestic dispute with her boyfriend, Malachi I. Davis, 25, of Humboldt, and sought help at a neighbor’s house. The neighbor contacted a male subject, who arrived at the scene. The man, John P. Kent, 43, of Humboldt, became involved in a verbal altercation with Davis.

During the incident, Davis fired a single shot from his vehicle window, striking Kent, who was transported to Allen County Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Davis fled the scene following the shooting. The KBI identified Davis as the suspect and multiple law enforcement agencies began searching for him. At approximately 8:40 p.m., the Kansas Highway Patrol spotted Davis and conducted a traffic stop in Allen County near La Harpe. Davis was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Allen County Jail for second-degree murder.&nbsp; He has a previous conviction for theft in 2022, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation is ongoing. Nothing further will be released at this time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596032210664.png" alt="File photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>File photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>ALLEN COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Humboldt Police Department, and the Allen County Sheriff's Office are investigating a homicide that occurred in Humboldt, Kansas.Just after 5p.m. on Sunday, Humboldt officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Sycamore Street, in Humboldt, according to a media release from the KBI.Preliminary information indicates that a woman fled a residence during a domestic dispute with her boyfriend, Malachi I. Davis, 25, of Humboldt, and sought help at a neighbor’s house. The neighbor contacted a male subject, who arrived at the scene. The man, John P. Kent, 43, of Humboldt, became involved in a verbal altercation with Davis.During the incident, Davis fired a single shot from his vehicle window, striking Kent, who was transported to Allen County Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.Davis fled the scene following the shooting. The KBI identified Davis as the suspect and multiple law enforcement agencies began searching for him. At approximately 8:40 p.m., the Kansas Highway Patrol spotted Davis and conducted a traffic stop in Allen County near La Harpe. Davis was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Allen County Jail for second-degree murder.&nbsp; He has a previous conviction for theft in 2022, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation is ongoing. Nothing further will be released at this time.

KBI: Good Samaritan killed in domestic incident 

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Former Missouri House Speaker John Diehl was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison Monday after pleading guilty last year to misusing federal loans meant to help businesses withstand the COVID-19 pandemic.

Diehl, a St. Louis-area attorney, admitted defrauding the U.S. Small Business Administration out of $379,900 through an Economic Injury Disaster Loan and a later loan modification obtained through false representations.

His attorneys asked the court last month for a non-custodial sentence, arguing in part that he repaid the money. Prosecutors pushed back on that argument, saying repayment should not be treated as an “extraordinary” basis for leniency because Diehl is a “man of great and substantial means.”

Prosecutors say he used the funds for personal expenses including payments on a Tesla, Audi and Jeep, mortgage payments, pool maintenance, additional country club charges and cash withdrawals. The filing also says he used about $200,000 of the loan money to fund a defined benefit plan for his law firm in which he was the sole participant.

Diehl also allegedly used some of the funds to pay off “a civil settlement related to his time as Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives.” Prosecutors did not specify the nature of that settlement or whether it is connected to the scandal that forced him from office in 2015, which involved sending sexually inappropriate text messages to a 19-year-old House intern.

Diehl will be allowed to report to prison at a later date.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684961110116.png" alt="John Diehl during his time in the Missouri House of Representatives (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption>John Diehl during his time in the Missouri House of Representatives (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Former Missouri House Speaker John Diehl was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison Monday after pleading guilty last year to misusing federal loans meant to help businesses withstand the COVID-19 pandemic.Diehl, a St. Louis-area attorney, admitted defrauding the U.S. Small Business Administration out of $379,900 through an Economic Injury Disaster Loan and a later loan modification obtained through false representations.His attorneys asked the court last month for a non-custodial sentence, arguing in part that he repaid the money. Prosecutors pushed back on that argument, saying repayment should not be treated as an “extraordinary” basis for leniency because Diehl is a “man of great and substantial means.”Prosecutors say he used the funds for personal expenses including payments on a Tesla, Audi and Jeep, mortgage payments, pool maintenance, additional country club charges and cash withdrawals. The filing also says he used about $200,000 of the loan money to fund a defined benefit plan for his law firm in which he was the sole participant.Diehl also allegedly used some of the funds to pay off “a civil settlement related to his time as Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives.” Prosecutors did not specify the nature of that settlement or whether it is connected to the scandal that forced him from office in 2015, which involved sending sexually inappropriate text messages to a 19-year-old House intern.Diehl will be allowed to report to prison at a later date.

Ex-Missouri House Speaker John Diehl sentenced to federal prison for COVID fraud

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773082135316.png" alt="Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington&nbsp;of Glendale, Kentucky. He died Sunday after being wounded during a March 1 attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, a Pentagon statement said." />
 <figcaption>Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington&nbsp;of Glendale, Kentucky. He died Sunday after being wounded during a March 1 attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, a Pentagon statement said.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> attends the dignified transfer of Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, an Army Space and Missile Defense Command soldier killed in Operation Epic Fury. May God grant eternal rest to this American hero, be with his family, and forever bless the United States of America. <a href="https://t.co/mvdgIAIojg">pic.twitter.com/mvdgIAIojg</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2031180782518014446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773139493230.png" alt="White House photo" />
 <figcaption>White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥Dignified transfer for 7th US service member to die in Iran conflict

WILSON COUNTY&nbsp;– Just a couple of hours after asking for help to located&nbsp; a missing teen on Monday, The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) canceled&nbsp; an endangered persons advisory for 17-year-old&nbsp; Alexandra R. Smith of Wichita who had been seen in Coyville.&nbsp;

Alexandra went missing from Wichita on July 6, 2025 when she was 16. She was last seen Sunday, March 8, at a residence in Wilson County community of Coyville.

Alexandra was a witness to a homicide, and authorities were concerned for her safety.&nbsp; The KBI did not release details on where they located the teen.

They did report that just after 7p.m. on Sunday, deputies from the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 2105 2nd&nbsp;Street in Coyville, after gunfire was reported.

Upon arrival deputies located Lucas R. Pickell, 37, of Fredonia, just outside a fifth-wheel RV on the property. Pickell had suffered a gunshot wound and died at the scene.

Witnesses were interviewed and evidence was examined and collected. Preliminary information indicates Pickell had been using drugs in the RV with a male subject and two female subjects. During the incident, 52-year-old William “Bud” Wescott, of Coyville, is suspected to have shot Pickell.

Wescott was arrested on requested of second-degree murder at the scene and booked into the Wilson County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773090248934.png" alt="Alexandra Smith-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Smith-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WILSON COUNTY&nbsp;– Just a couple of hours after asking for help to located&nbsp; a missing teen on Monday, The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) canceled&nbsp; an endangered persons advisory for 17-year-old&nbsp; Alexandra R. Smith of Wichita who had been seen in Coyville.&nbsp;Alexandra went missing from Wichita on July 6, 2025 when she was 16. She was last seen Sunday, March 8, at a residence in Wilson County community of Coyville.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773085124320.png" alt="Wescott photo Wilson Co." />
 <figcaption>Wescott photo Wilson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Alexandra was a witness to a homicide, and authorities were concerned for her safety.&nbsp; The KBI did not release details on where they located the teen.They did report that just after 7p.m. on Sunday, deputies from the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 2105 2nd&nbsp;Street in Coyville, after gunfire was reported.Upon arrival deputies located Lucas R. Pickell, 37, of Fredonia, just outside a fifth-wheel RV on the property. Pickell had suffered a gunshot wound and died at the scene.Witnesses were interviewed and evidence was examined and collected. Preliminary information indicates Pickell had been using drugs in the RV with a male subject and two female subjects. During the incident, 52-year-old William “Bud” Wescott, of Coyville, is suspected to have shot Pickell.Wescott was arrested on requested of second-degree murder at the scene and booked into the Wilson County Jail.

Police found Kansas teen, a witness in a deadly shooting

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 11p.m. Sunday in Kansas City, Missouri.

A customized American Chopper motorcycle was southbound on Raytown Road from Longview Road, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. The rider lost control of the motorcycle. The vehicle crossed the double yellow centerline, entered a ditch, and overturned ejecting the rider. Grandiew EMS pronounced the rider deceased at the scene.

This incident marks traffic fatality number 14 for 2025, compared to 10 at the same time last year, according to&nbsp;Gonzalez.&nbsp; Police did not release the victim's name.

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 11p.m. Sunday in Kansas City, Missouri.A customized American Chopper motorcycle was southbound on Raytown Road from Longview Road, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. The rider lost control of the motorcycle. The vehicle crossed the double yellow centerline, entered a ditch, and overturned ejecting the rider. Grandiew EMS pronounced the rider deceased at the scene.This incident marks traffic fatality number 14 for 2025, compared to 10 at the same time last year, according to&nbsp;Gonzalez.&nbsp; Police did not release the victim's name.

KCPD: Motorcyclist killed after ejected in crash

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.&nbsp; Sheriff Tim Morse reports on March 5, 2026, around 

Just after 10:00 a.m. March 5 a, Sheriff's Deputies and Detectives along with the Holton Police Department served a search warrant at 627 W. 3rd&nbsp;Street in the City of Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The search warrant was issued in reference to an ongoing drug investigation that was initiated by the Sheriff’s Office earlier this year.&nbsp; The following individuals were arrested at the residence:

Gabriel Joaquin Mendez, 32, of Holton, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, interference with law enforcement, conspiracy; possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of THC, and use of communication facility; in the commission of a felony drug violation.

Ruta Lee Mendez, 60, of Holton, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, interference with law enforcement, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of THC and &nbsp;possession of a controlled substance.

Grace Naomi Place, 25, of Holton, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, interference with law enforcement and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773051527887.png" alt="Mendez-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Mendez-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.&nbsp; Sheriff Tim Morse reports on March 5, 2026, around Just after 10:00 a.m. March 5 a, Sheriff's Deputies and Detectives along with the Holton Police Department served a search warrant at 627 W. 3rd&nbsp;Street in the City of Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The search warrant was issued in reference to an ongoing drug investigation that was initiated by the Sheriff’s Office earlier this year.&nbsp; The following individuals were arrested at the residence:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773051461420.png" alt="Place" />
 <figcaption>Place</figcaption>
 </figure>Gabriel Joaquin Mendez, 32, of Holton, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, interference with law enforcement, conspiracy; possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of THC, and use of communication facility; in the commission of a felony drug violation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773051489671.png" alt="Mendez-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Mendez-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Ruta Lee Mendez, 60, of Holton, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, interference with law enforcement, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of THC and &nbsp;possession of a controlled substance.Grace Naomi Place, 25, of Holton, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, interference with law enforcement and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: 3 jailed after meth was sold from Kansas home

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. –&nbsp;The Department of War announced the death of a U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Soldier who was supporting Operation Epic Fury.

Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, died March 8 of his wounds received during the Iranian regime’s initial attacks across the Middle East. He was seriously injured at the scene of an attack on U.S. troops at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, on March 1. Pennington was assigned to the 1st Space Brigade, at Fort Carson, Colorado. The incident is under investigation.

"The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command is deeply saddened by the loss of Sgt. Pennington,” Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, USASMDC commanding general, said. “He gave the ultimate sacrifice for the country he loved. That makes him nothing less than a hero, and he will always be remembered that way. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends."

“Sgt. Pennington was a dedicated and experienced noncommissioned officer who led with strength, professionalism and sense of duty,” Col. Michael F. Dyer, 1st Space Brigade commander, said. “Our deepest sympathies are with his family, friends and fellow Soldiers. We remain dedicated to providing comfort and support at this time and will forever honor his legacy and ultimate sacrifice for our nation.”

Pennington, a resident of Glendale, Kentucky, enlisted in the U.S. Army as a 92Y, unit supply specialist, in 2017. He was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, USASMDC, on June 10, 2025.

Pennington’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Korea Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

Pennington was promotable and will be posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773082135316.png" alt="Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Department of WarREDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. –&nbsp;The Department of War announced the death of a U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Soldier who was supporting Operation Epic Fury.Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, died March 8 of his wounds received during the Iranian regime’s initial attacks across the Middle East. He was seriously injured at the scene of an attack on U.S. troops at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, on March 1. Pennington was assigned to the 1st Space Brigade, at Fort Carson, Colorado. The incident is under investigation."The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command is deeply saddened by the loss of Sgt. Pennington,” Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, USASMDC commanding general, said. “He gave the ultimate sacrifice for the country he loved. That makes him nothing less than a hero, and he will always be remembered that way. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends."“Sgt. Pennington was a dedicated and experienced noncommissioned officer who led with strength, professionalism and sense of duty,” Col. Michael F. Dyer, 1st Space Brigade commander, said. “Our deepest sympathies are with his family, friends and fellow Soldiers. We remain dedicated to providing comfort and support at this time and will forever honor his legacy and ultimate sacrifice for our nation.”Pennington, a resident of Glendale, Kentucky, enlisted in the U.S. Army as a 92Y, unit supply specialist, in 2017. He was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, USASMDC, on June 10, 2025.Pennington’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Korea Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.Pennington was promotable and will be posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.

Pentagon IDs 7th U.S. soldier to die in Iran conflict

JEFFERSON COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal accident that occurred just before 9p.m. Sunday in Jefferson&nbsp; County.

The Patrol reported a&nbsp;Honda UTV and a Polaris UTV were eastbound side-by-side on Half Mound Road at Coal Creek Road approximately 4 and one half miles north of Valley Falls. A rear passenger in one of the vehicles exited the vehicle while it was in motion and was struck and killed by the other vehicle.

Check the Post for additional detail as they are released by the KHP.

JEFFERSON COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal accident that occurred just before 9p.m. Sunday in Jefferson&nbsp; County.The Patrol reported a&nbsp;Honda UTV and a Polaris UTV were eastbound side-by-side on Half Mound Road at Coal Creek Road approximately 4 and one half miles north of Valley Falls. A rear passenger in one of the vehicles exited the vehicle while it was in motion and was struck and killed by the other vehicle.Check the Post for additional detail as they are released by the KHP.

KHP: Passenger dead after exiting moving vehicle

WILSON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a man connected to a weekend homicide in Coyville, Kansas.

Just after 7p.m. on Sunday, deputies from the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 2105 2nd&nbsp;Street in Coyville, after gunfire was reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773085124320.png" alt="Wescott photo Wilson County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Wescott photo Wilson County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>WILSON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a man connected to a weekend homicide in Coyville, Kansas.Just after 7p.m. on Sunday, deputies from the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 2105 2nd&nbsp;Street in Coyville, after gunfire was reported.Upon arrival deputies located Lucas R. Pickell, 37, of Fredonia, just outside a fifth-wheel RV on the property. Pickell had suffered a gunshot wound and died at the scene.Witnesses were interviewed and evidence was examined and collected. Preliminary information indicates Pickell had been using drugs in the RV with a male subject and two female subjects. During the incident, 52-year-old William “Bud” Wescott, of Coyville, is suspected to have shot Pickell.Wescott was arrested on requested of second-degree murder at the scene and booked into the Wilson County Jail.

Man accused of murder in small rural, Kansas town

Five of six members of Kansas’ congressional delegation rejects war-powers resolution

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Servicemembers in a Kansas Air National Guard air refueling wing deployed in support of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran in conjunction with votes by the U.S. Senate and U.S. House to reject a resolution forbidding the armed forces from continuing to engage in hostilities without congressional consent.

Neither the Kansas National Guard nor the U.S. Central Command initially commented on deployment of Kansas Guard troops. The 190th Air Refueling Wing is stationed at Forbes Field in Topeka, and is one of two refueling wings based in Kansas.

Jane Welch, a spokesperson for the Kansas Guard, subsequently confirmed airmen from the 190th deployed “in early March to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Epic Fury.”

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, said he spoke with Kansas Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Paul Schneider about the Kansas Guard’s role in the Middle East.

“Prior to Operation Epic Fury, Kansas guardsmen were already deployed to the region and I wanted to hear firsthand about their mission, their readiness and their needs,” Marshall said. “I have full faith in our Kansas guardsmen and the exceptional leadership overseeing this operation.”

Marshall was among five members in the Kansas congressional delegation to vote against a joint resolution that would have directed President Donald Trump to cease military operations against Iran pending approval by Congress.

On March 4, the U.S. Senate defeated the motion on a war powers resolution 47-53. The U.S. House voted 212-219 on March 5 against rebuffing Trump for bypassing Congress.

“The United States took decisive, necessary and long overdue military action against Iran’s nuclear program,” said Marshall, who defended the attack on a “regime that has spent nearly 50 years chanting ‘death to America,’ killing and maiming thousands of American soldiers and citizens, and relentlessly pursuing a nuclear weapon that threatens our very existence.”

GOP U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran joined Marshall in opposing the resolution. U.S. Reps. Derek Schmidt, Ron Estes and Tracey Mann, all Republicans, voted against the measure. U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, the delegation’s lone Democrat, voted for it.

Davids, who serves the 3rd District in the Kansas City region, denounced the effort by Iran to develop nuclear weapons. She criticized the Iranian regime’s killing of its own citizens and robbing others of freedom. She said Iran had for decades contributed to global instability by funding terrorism.

“That said, costly, endless wars without congressional authorization are not the answer,” Davids said. “We cannot repeat the mistakes of our past, and I am extremely concerned about what this attack could drag us into. The president has not been granted congressional approval for these acts of war.”

Moran said Iran was guilty of terrorizing its people, financing terror networks, supporting proxy militias, threatening Israel’s security and demonstrating an ambition to enrich uranium for use in missiles that posed a danger to the United States.

He said the engagement of U.S. forces against Iran required the Trump administration to provide “full, timely briefings to Congress so that we can understand the objectives, risks and costs for military action” because “our constitution vests the decision to take our nation to war in Congress.”

Schmidt, the state’s 2nd District congressman, expressed support for U.S. servicemembers in harm’s way, but intentionally had “taken care not to rush to judgment” since the start of U.S. combat operations in Iran.

He said “every person in a position of public responsibility should assess his or her duty with serious mind and with only the best interests of our country for a guide.”

Kansas candidates for federal office weighed into debate about the president’s attack on Iran. The state’s four U.S. House members and Marshall are up for reelection in 2026.

“Supporting our troops means asking the hard questions before the next escalation. Not after it,” said Sandy Spidel&nbsp;Neumann, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Marshall. “Senators are elected to provide oversight, not automatic approval.”

Democrat Chris Carmichael, who is seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination for the 4th District seat held by Estes, said the U.S. Constitution said Congress, not a president, had authority to wage war.

Calling the attack on Iran a “law enforcement action” didn’t change the fact use of the U.S. military in this instance was an unlawful, impeachable offense, he said.

“When presidents ignore the Constitution, Kansans pay the price,” said Carmichael, who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1992 to 2023, “Troops put at risk, billions wasted overseas, and higher costs at home while families struggle with health care bills and everyday expenses.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773078744203.jpeg" alt="Members of the Kansas Air National Guard's 190th air refueling wing based at Forbes Field in Topeka are deployed in support of President Donald Trump's war against Iran. Five of the state's six congressional delegation members oppose halting the U.S. military's engagement pending approval by Congress. In this image, Kansas Guard troops fire a 19-gun salute for Gov. Laura Kelly's inauguration Jan. 9, 2023. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Kansas Air National Guard's 190th air refueling wing based at Forbes Field in Topeka are deployed in support of President Donald Trump's war against Iran. Five of the state's six congressional delegation members oppose halting the U.S. military's engagement pending approval by Congress. In this image, Kansas Guard troops fire a 19-gun salute for Gov. Laura Kelly's inauguration Jan. 9, 2023. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Five of six members of Kansas’ congressional delegation rejects war-powers resolution</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Servicemembers in a Kansas Air National Guard air refueling wing deployed in support of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran in conjunction with votes by the U.S. Senate and U.S. House to reject a resolution forbidding the armed forces from continuing to engage in hostilities without congressional consent.Neither the Kansas National Guard nor the U.S. Central Command initially commented on deployment of Kansas Guard troops. The 190th Air Refueling Wing is stationed at Forbes Field in Topeka, and is one of two refueling wings based in Kansas.Jane Welch, a spokesperson for the Kansas Guard, subsequently confirmed airmen from the 190th deployed “in early March to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Epic Fury.”U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, said he spoke with Kansas Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Paul Schneider about the Kansas Guard’s role in the Middle East.“Prior to Operation Epic Fury, Kansas guardsmen were already deployed to the region and I wanted to hear firsthand about their mission, their readiness and their needs,” Marshall said. “I have full faith in our Kansas guardsmen and the exceptional leadership overseeing this operation.”<h2>War Powers vote</h2>Marshall was among five members in the Kansas congressional delegation to vote against a joint resolution that would have directed President Donald Trump to cease military operations against Iran pending approval by Congress.On March 4, the U.S. Senate defeated the motion on a war powers resolution 47-53. The U.S. House voted 212-219 on March 5 against rebuffing Trump for bypassing Congress.“The United States took decisive, necessary and long overdue military action against Iran’s nuclear program,” said Marshall, who defended the attack on a “regime that has spent nearly 50 years chanting ‘death to America,’ killing and maiming thousands of American soldiers and citizens, and relentlessly pursuing a nuclear weapon that threatens our very existence.”GOP U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran joined Marshall in opposing the resolution. U.S. Reps. Derek Schmidt, Ron Estes and Tracey Mann, all Republicans, voted against the measure. U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, the delegation’s lone Democrat, voted for it.Davids, who serves the 3rd District in the Kansas City region, denounced the effort by Iran to develop nuclear weapons. She criticized the Iranian regime’s killing of its own citizens and robbing others of freedom. She said Iran had for decades contributed to global instability by funding terrorism.“That said, costly, endless wars without congressional authorization are not the answer,” Davids said. “We cannot repeat the mistakes of our past, and I am extremely concerned about what this attack could drag us into. The president has not been granted congressional approval for these acts of war.”Moran said Iran was guilty of terrorizing its people, financing terror networks, supporting proxy militias, threatening Israel’s security and demonstrating an ambition to enrich uranium for use in missiles that posed a danger to the United States.He said the engagement of U.S. forces against Iran required the Trump administration to provide “full, timely briefings to Congress so that we can understand the objectives, risks and costs for military action” because “our constitution vests the decision to take our nation to war in Congress.”Schmidt, the state’s 2nd District congressman, expressed support for U.S. servicemembers in harm’s way, but intentionally had “taken care not to rush to judgment” since the start of U.S. combat operations in Iran.He said “every person in a position of public responsibility should assess his or her duty with serious mind and with only the best interests of our country for a guide.”<h2>Other Kansas voices</h2>Kansas candidates for federal office weighed into debate about the president’s attack on Iran. The state’s four U.S. House members and Marshall are up for reelection in 2026.“Supporting our troops means asking the hard questions before the next escalation. Not after it,” said Sandy Spidel&nbsp;Neumann, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Marshall. “Senators are elected to provide oversight, not automatic approval.”Democrat Chris Carmichael, who is seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination for the 4th District seat held by Estes, said the U.S. Constitution said Congress, not a president, had authority to wage war.Calling the attack on Iran a “law enforcement action” didn’t change the fact use of the U.S. military in this instance was an unlawful, impeachable offense, he said.“When presidents ignore the Constitution, Kansans pay the price,” said Carmichael, who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1992 to 2023, “Troops put at risk, billions wasted overseas, and higher costs at home while families struggle with health care bills and everyday expenses.”

 Kansas Air National Guard’s 190th refueling wing deploys in support of war against Iran

MIAMI COUNTY —Three people are safe after a weekend water rescue in Miami County.

Emergency personnel from the Miami County, Kansas Sheriff’s Office, Osawatomie Volunteer Fire Department, and Miami County EMS worked a water rescue in the area of 347th Street and Hospital Drive on Sunday, according to a social media report from the sheriff's office.

The driver traveled into flooded roadways, requiring emergency rescue. The occupants, two adults and a juvenile, reportedly did not know how to swim, making this situation even more dangerous for both them and the responders working to reach them.

&nbsp;All occupants were rescued and are safe. There were no injures to anyone involved.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The sheriff office reminded, "Turn around, don’t drown. Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways. It only takes a small amount of moving water to sweep a vehicle away.Please avoid flooded areas and allow emergency crews space to work safely."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773067052689.png" alt="Photos Miami County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photos Miami County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>MIAMI COUNTY —Three people are safe after a weekend water rescue in Miami County.Emergency personnel from the Miami County, Kansas Sheriff’s Office, Osawatomie Volunteer Fire Department, and Miami County EMS worked a water rescue in the area of 347th Street and Hospital Drive on Sunday, according to a social media report from the sheriff's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773067026939.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The driver traveled into flooded roadways, requiring emergency rescue. The occupants, two adults and a juvenile, reportedly did not know how to swim, making this situation even more dangerous for both them and the responders working to reach them.&nbsp;All occupants were rescued and are safe. There were no injures to anyone involved.&nbsp;&nbsp;The sheriff office reminded, "Turn around, don’t drown. Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways. It only takes a small amount of moving water to sweep a vehicle away.Please avoid flooded areas and allow emergency crews space to work safely."

2 adults, child rescued after driver stuck on flooded Kansas road

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Five Democratic candidates vying to unseat U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall told more than 150 people Sunday how they will deliver in Washington, D.C., if the state can flip the seat blue.

While sharing their experience and goals for Kansas, the five took a few shots at Marshall. They&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU4oovkjmWY" target="_blank">were on stage</a>&nbsp;during the closing day of the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual meeting, which began Friday at Townsite Topeka.

“I just want you to know I’m ready, willing and able to send Roger Marshall back to Florida for good,” said Sandy Spidel Neumann, who is challenging Marshall for his Senate seat.

Democrats have accused Marshall of living at his second residence in Florida more than his Kansas residence, an accusation Marshall denies.

Spidel Neumann said she made the decision to run, after a long career in financial services, after seeing Marshall storm out of a town hall.

“I saw Roger Marshall’s infamous town hall, and I saw him walk out on Kansans — people that reminded me of my cousins who voted for Trump and Marshall,” she said. “It was so bad that I thought, ‘Oh, hell to the no, you work for us, and we need somebody to fight for us.’ I’m that person.”

The five candidates talked about issues they’ve heard from Kansans as they’ve toured the state, echoing many of the same challenges other candidates spoke about at the convention: education, immigration, health care, tariffs and reproductive rights.

Erik Murray, a real estate developer, said the “politician-created problems,” such as tariffs and tax policies that benefit billionaires, “are tearing apart the fabric of our communities.”

“We know that this is a country of immigrants, and protecting and standing up for folks is what we believe in,” Murray said. “So we’ve got to restore our Kansas values in Washington.”

Anne Parelkar, an immigration attorney, called for a full investigation of what U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have been doing nationwide.&nbsp;

“The American people need and deserve to see everything that they have done and everything that has gone wrong,” she said. “We deserve the truth, and if that investigation shows us that there isn’t anything in that entity worth saving, then we abolish it, and we use that money for actual immigration reform that serves our people in our country.”

Spidel Neumann called for body cameras, the elimination of masks and better training.

“We need them to have the right goals,” she said, noting that ICE agents have goals set based on the number of arrests, rather than on convictions or other criteria.

Jason Hart, an assistant U.S. district attorney, said his job for 21 years has been “standing in the breach against bullies” for marginalized communities.

“You have to be there and be able to hold their hand, to meet them where they are, and show them that you care and that you are an ally,” he said.

Christy Cauble Davis, a fifth-generation Kansan, said about 20% of the voters in Chase County, where she lives, are registered Democrats. Even with those numbers, her county voted about 50-50 on protecting abortion in the Kansas Constitution.

“What that says to me is we can’t count rural Kansas out,” she said. “We need to work statewide.There are more people who agree on issues than disagree.”

Spidel Neumann said she couldn’t believe Kansas is still debating this issue.

“I am beyond floored by it,” she said. “I’m a pro-choice Catholic. I’m pro women making decisions that they need to make with their doctor, with their family. Politicians should not be involved, and they should stay away from our hoo-has.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773060389411.png" alt=" Five Democratic candidates running to flip U.S. Senator Roger Marshall’s seat blue spoke March 8, 2026, at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention. From left, Jason Hart, Christy Cauble Davis, Sandy Spidel Neumann, Anne Parelkar and Erik Murray. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Five Democratic candidates running to flip U.S. Senator Roger Marshall’s seat blue spoke March 8, 2026, at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention. From left, Jason Hart, Christy Cauble Davis, Sandy Spidel Neumann, Anne Parelkar and Erik Murray. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Five Democratic candidates vying to unseat U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall told more than 150 people Sunday how they will deliver in Washington, D.C., if the state can flip the seat blue.While sharing their experience and goals for Kansas, the five took a few shots at Marshall. They&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU4oovkjmWY" target="_blank">were on stage</a>&nbsp;during the closing day of the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual meeting, which began Friday at Townsite Topeka.“I just want you to know I’m ready, willing and able to send Roger Marshall back to Florida for good,” said Sandy Spidel Neumann, who is challenging Marshall for his Senate seat.Democrats have accused Marshall of living at his second residence in Florida more than his Kansas residence, an accusation Marshall denies.Spidel Neumann said she made the decision to run, after a long career in financial services, after seeing Marshall storm out of a town hall.“I saw Roger Marshall’s infamous town hall, and I saw him walk out on Kansans — people that reminded me of my cousins who voted for Trump and Marshall,” she said. “It was so bad that I thought, ‘Oh, hell to the no, you work for us, and we need somebody to fight for us.’ I’m that person.”The five candidates talked about issues they’ve heard from Kansans as they’ve toured the state, echoing many of the same challenges other candidates spoke about at the convention: education, immigration, health care, tariffs and reproductive rights.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773060355661.png" alt="Democrat Sandy Spidel Neumann shares her thoughts on her run for the U.S. Senate at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention on March 8 2026. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Democrat Sandy Spidel Neumann shares her thoughts on her run for the U.S. Senate at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention on March 8 2026. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Immigration</h2>Erik Murray, a real estate developer, said the “politician-created problems,” such as tariffs and tax policies that benefit billionaires, “are tearing apart the fabric of our communities.”“We know that this is a country of immigrants, and protecting and standing up for folks is what we believe in,” Murray said. “So we’ve got to restore our Kansas values in Washington.”Anne Parelkar, an immigration attorney, called for a full investigation of what U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have been doing nationwide.&nbsp;“The American people need and deserve to see everything that they have done and everything that has gone wrong,” she said. “We deserve the truth, and if that investigation shows us that there isn’t anything in that entity worth saving, then we abolish it, and we use that money for actual immigration reform that serves our people in our country.”Spidel Neumann called for body cameras, the elimination of masks and better training.“We need them to have the right goals,” she said, noting that ICE agents have goals set based on the number of arrests, rather than on convictions or other criteria.Jason Hart, an assistant U.S. district attorney, said his job for 21 years has been “standing in the breach against bullies” for marginalized communities.“You have to be there and be able to hold their hand, to meet them where they are, and show them that you care and that you are an ally,” he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773060323828.png" alt="Democratic candidate Jason Hart, an assistant U.S. attorney, shares his thoughts on what needs to happen in Washington, D.C., at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention March 8, 2026. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Democratic candidate Jason Hart, an assistant U.S. attorney, shares his thoughts on what needs to happen in Washington, D.C., at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention March 8, 2026. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Reproductive rights</h2>Christy Cauble Davis, a fifth-generation Kansan, said about 20% of the voters in Chase County, where she lives, are registered Democrats. Even with those numbers, her county voted about 50-50 on protecting abortion in the Kansas Constitution.“What that says to me is we can’t count rural Kansas out,” she said. “We need to work statewide.There are more people who agree on issues than disagree.”Spidel Neumann said she couldn’t believe Kansas is still debating this issue.“I am beyond floored by it,” she said. “I’m a pro-choice Catholic. I’m pro women making decisions that they need to make with their doctor, with their family. Politicians should not be involved, and they should stay away from our hoo-has.”Across the board, the candidates supported women choosing what happens with their bodies.“We have got to protect women’s rights to make their own decisions about their own bodies,” Murray said. “We do not need the same leaders in Washington that are screwing up everything in this world to be in our doctor’s offices and in our schools and in our hospitals trying to make decisions on behalf of women.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773060290995.png" alt="Democratic candidate Christy Cauble Davis talks about the importance of rural communities at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention on March 8, 2026. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Democratic candidate Christy Cauble Davis talks about the importance of rural communities at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention on March 8, 2026. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Working across the aisle</h2>Cauble Davis said she is used to working with hard-line Republicans to find solutions and drew laughter after a comment about Rep. Pat Proctor, a Leavenworth Republican who is well-known for his conservative views.“I’ve also navigated this landscape in my advocacy work in the state Legislature,” she said. “ I worked with Pat Proctor on an issue that we agreed on. If I’m able, as a woman and a leader, to work with Pat Proctor on issues, I can work with anyone.”Parelkar said she’s modeling the idea of compromise throughout her campaign, where the idea is to “throw out the idea of an aisle.”“At my community round tables, which we’re holding in every county in this state, we make it a point to invite everybody, not just the people who agree with us — Democrat, Republican, independent, inexperienced in politics,” she said. “I say throw out the old idea of us vs. them.”Today, she said, it’s “us vs. the elite.”It was a sentiment that brought Murray’s full agreement.&nbsp;“We’re all struggling because of the actions that Washington is taking in our communities,” he said. “All of the lies, all of the division, it’s all a distraction from the grift, right? We need to come together as the 99% of Americans who are not part of that grift, not part of that hate, to realize that we need to work together on solutions.”As an attorney, Hart said he is used to reaching agreement, and it’s all about the question you ask.“What are your interests, not your positions,” he said. “Because all we’ve been doing right now is arguing from the corners. Everybody’s staked out a position, and they can’t get in the middle. The middle is where you need to be standing in order to bridge the gap.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773060249595.png" alt="Democratic candidate Erik Murray shares his views on what Kansans want from their Washington politicians at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention March 8, 2026. He is running for Sen. Roger Marshall’s seat. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Democratic candidate Erik Murray shares his views on what Kansans want from their Washington politicians at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention March 8, 2026. He is running for Sen. Roger Marshall’s seat. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Rural Kansas</h2>Spidel Neumann said reversing some impacts of the “big abomination of a bill” that cut Medicaid would be a good first step because health care is a significant concern in rural Kansas. She also pointed out the need to get a Farm Bill passed and to stop using tariffs “willy-nilly.”&nbsp;“That’s not economics. That’s market manipulation,” she said.Cauble Davis said Democrats need to keep in mind that not everyone in rural communities are farmers or ranchers.“Only 2% of the folks who live in rural America are engaged in production agriculture,” she said, and issues like health care, mental health care and education are critical in rural communities.Hart said the most important thing is to show up for rural Kansans.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773060207013.png" alt="Democratic candidate Anne Parelkar states her point about Kansans needing better representation in Washington, D.C., at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention March 8, 2026. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Democratic candidate Anne Parelkar states her point about Kansans needing better representation in Washington, D.C., at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual convention March 8, 2026. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>“How do you bring folks together? You go out and talk to them,” he said. “I ask people questions for a living, and that’s what we need more of, not talking at people. I listen to the experts, and the experts are our Kansas voters, our Kansas constituents, our Kansas communities that can tell us exactly what they need, and then take that and go to D.C. and advocate for them.”