SHAWNEE COUNTY —A man wanted in connection with the November shooting death of a 16-year-old Kansas boy is in custody. Just before 9p.m. Sunday, police booked 20-year-old&nbsp; Nassir Tiriq Gill into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Police have not released details on the circumstances of his arrest.

On Friday, police asked the public for help to locate him in connection with the November killing of 16-year-old Kingston Scott.

Just before 1a.m. November 22, 2025,&nbsp; police responded to several reports of gunshots around SE 37th Street and SE Adams Street in Topeka. While officers were investigating that area, they received information on a subject arriving at a local hospital by private vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds. The victim later identified as Kingston Scott of Topeka was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;

As a result of the investigation police have already arrested two 16-year-old boys from Topeka on&nbsp;&nbsp;charges including murder, Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied vehicle with great bodily harm and Aggravated Assault; Use of a deadly weapon.

&nbsp;Gill is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Murder in the 1st degree; Intentional and premeditated, Murder in the 1st degree; In the commission of a felony. Murder in the 1st degree; Intentional and premeditated, Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied vehicle w great bodily harm, Criminal discharge of firearm; Recklessly at occupied dwelling and Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt; $1000, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764973228137.png" alt="Kingston Scott photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Kingston Scott photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —A man wanted in connection with the November shooting death of a 16-year-old Kansas boy is in custody. Just before 9p.m. Sunday, police booked 20-year-old&nbsp; Nassir Tiriq Gill into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Police have not released details on the circumstances of his arrest.On Friday, police asked the public for help to locate him in connection with the November killing of 16-year-old Kingston Scott.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771847664741.png" alt="Gill photo Shawnee&nbsp; County" />
 <figcaption>Gill photo Shawnee&nbsp; County</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 1a.m. November 22, 2025,&nbsp; police responded to several reports of gunshots around SE 37th Street and SE Adams Street in Topeka. While officers were investigating that area, they received information on a subject arriving at a local hospital by private vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds. The victim later identified as Kingston Scott of Topeka was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;As a result of the investigation police have already arrested two 16-year-old boys from Topeka on&nbsp;&nbsp;charges including murder, Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied vehicle with great bodily harm and Aggravated Assault; Use of a deadly weapon.&nbsp;Gill is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Murder in the 1st degree; Intentional and premeditated, Murder in the 1st degree; In the commission of a felony. Murder in the 1st degree; Intentional and premeditated, Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied vehicle w great bodily harm, Criminal discharge of firearm; Recklessly at occupied dwelling and Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt; $1000, according to online jail records.

Suspect in murder of 16-year-old Kan. boy is in custody

A disagreement on the oversight of federal immigration officers and arguments over changes to how agencies are funded has led to an ongoing partial government shutdown, pausing funding of the Department of Homeland Security.  

Eastern Kansas Congressman, Derek Schmidt says the biggest problem is that the pause in funding is not affecting those agencies such as ICE or Customs Borders and Protections, which were fully funded back in July.  

Schmidt says what is affected is everything else that is supposed to be funded through DHS 

“So it’s the Secret Service, it’s FEMA, it’s the Transportation Security Administration, TSA, the folks that keep us safe when we get on airplanes, it’s the Coast Guard, those are the agencies that aren’t getting funded right now, and they’re the agencies nobody’s mad at,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “So, it’s this strange Washington dynamic that it’s really unfortunate, and I’m hoping we can get it ended very quickly before it disrupts people’s lives anymore.” 

Schmidt says that's frustrating because agencies such as those have not done anything wrong and have just been doing their jobs each and every day  

“And they’ve been caught up in this broader dispute about immigration enforcement and removal operations, and so I’m hopeful we can get past this quickly,” Schmidt explains.  “The negotiations are ongoing, Senator (Chuck) Schumer and his folks, Hakeem Jeffries and his House Democrats, the White House and obviously the Republican leadership in congress they’re continuing to talk every day, offers are being sent back and forth and eventually agreement will be reached, but I hope it’s sooner rather than later, this isn’t doing anybody any good and so it really needs to end.” 

Schmidt says the situation is incredibly frustrating and believes it's no way government should be run, adding most of the ongoing problems stemmed from headlines out of Minnesota 

“We had a bipartisan agreement with Republicans and Democrats, House and Senate, and the White House on funding the Department of Homeland Security, we passed it in the house, they were prepared to pass it in the Senate, then the situation in Minnesota happened and then Senator Schumer pulled the plug on it and so here we are,” Schmidt says.  “I just don’t think holding these other agencies hostage does anybody any good, I don’t think it’s the right thing to do, and I’d like to get it ended as quickly as possible, I hope that’s going to happen.” 

The shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by DHS immigration agents during protests in Minneapolis last month prompted Senate Democrats to demand reforms in exchange for their support of the package. 

Schmidt says talks appear to be creeping towards meeting somewhere in the middle on an agreement to get funding back to those departments, however other reports say discussions remain pretty far apart still.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

By MATT PIKEA disagreement on the oversight of federal immigration officers and arguments over changes to how agencies are funded has led to an ongoing partial government shutdown, pausing funding of the Department of Homeland Security. Eastern Kansas Congressman, Derek Schmidt says the biggest problem is that the pause in funding is not affecting those agencies such as ICE or Customs Borders and Protections, which were fully funded back in July. Schmidt says what is affected is everything else that is supposed to be funded through DHS “So it’s the Secret Service, it’s FEMA, it’s the Transportation Security Administration, TSA, the folks that keep us safe when we get on airplanes, it’s the Coast Guard, those are the agencies that aren’t getting funded right now, and they’re the agencies nobody’s mad at,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, it’s this strange Washington dynamic that it’s really unfortunate, and I’m hoping we can get it ended very quickly before it disrupts people’s lives anymore.” Schmidt says that's frustrating because agencies such as those have not done anything wrong and have just been doing their jobs each and every day “And they’ve been caught up in this broader dispute about immigration enforcement and removal operations, and so I’m hopeful we can get past this quickly,” Schmidt explains. “The negotiations are ongoing, Senator (Chuck) Schumer and his folks, Hakeem Jeffries and his House Democrats, the White House and obviously the Republican leadership in congress they’re continuing to talk every day, offers are being sent back and forth and eventually agreement will be reached, but I hope it’s sooner rather than later, this isn’t doing anybody any good and so it really needs to end.” Schmidt says the situation is incredibly frustrating and believes it's no way government should be run, adding most of the ongoing problems stemmed from headlines out of Minnesota “We had a bipartisan agreement with Republicans and Democrats, House and Senate, and the White House on funding the Department of Homeland Security, we passed it in the house, they were prepared to pass it in the Senate, then the situation in Minnesota happened and then Senator Schumer pulled the plug on it and so here we are,” Schmidt says. “I just don’t think holding these other agencies hostage does anybody any good, I don’t think it’s the right thing to do, and I’d like to get it ended as quickly as possible, I hope that’s going to happen.” The shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by DHS immigration agents during protests in Minneapolis last month prompted Senate Democrats to demand reforms in exchange for their support of the package. Schmidt says talks appear to be creeping towards meeting somewhere in the middle on an agreement to get funding back to those departments, however other reports say discussions remain pretty far apart still.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Kanas Congressman Schmidt hopes partial government shutdown ends 'sooner rather than later'

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a weekend homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.

&nbsp;just before 10:15p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4900 block of College Avenue, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

When officers arrived, they located a juvenile male victim later identified as 17-year-old Santino Gonzalez suffering from apparent gunshot trauma and unresponsive. 

Officers performed life-saving measures until EMS could respond and transport the boy to an area hospital for treatment. Officers on scene were advised that he had been pronounced deceased. 

Three additional victims, one adult female and two juvenile teens, were located at the scene all suffering from varying gunshot trauma. An additional two victims, one adult female and one juvenile teen, arrived at area hospitals by private conveyance all suffering from gunshot wounds.

Preliminary investigation indicates there was a gathering occurring at a residence in the 4900 block of College when an altercation between unknown individuals transpired inside of the residence. That altercation escalated into shots being fired, and resulted in two adult females, two juvenile teen males, and two juvenile teen females being struck. At this time, we do not have a person of interest identified and we do not have anyone in custody.

Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene to begin collecting evidence and gathering witness statements.

This incident is being investigated as a homicide. Police have not released suspect details or the name of the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771801790391.png" alt="Police near the crime scene-photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Police near the crime scene-photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a weekend homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp;just before 10:15p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4900 block of College Avenue, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771801754925.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>When officers arrived, they located a juvenile male victim later identified as 17-year-old Santino Gonzalez suffering from apparent gunshot trauma and unresponsive. Officers performed life-saving measures until EMS could respond and transport the boy to an area hospital for treatment. Officers on scene were advised that he had been pronounced deceased. Three additional victims, one adult female and two juvenile teens, were located at the scene all suffering from varying gunshot trauma. An additional two victims, one adult female and one juvenile teen, arrived at area hospitals by private conveyance all suffering from gunshot wounds.Preliminary investigation indicates there was a gathering occurring at a residence in the 4900 block of College when an altercation between unknown individuals transpired inside of the residence. That altercation escalated into shots being fired, and resulted in two adult females, two juvenile teen males, and two juvenile teen females being struck. At this time, we do not have a person of interest identified and we do not have anyone in custody.Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene to begin collecting evidence and gathering witness statements.This incident is being investigated as a homicide. Police have not released suspect details or the name of the victim.

Mass Shooting: Teen killed, 5 others injured at Kansas City home

WASHINGTON —The Mexican army killed the leader of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-jalisco-cartel-us-sanctions-8e40e7da8ce88c4feb45e61f3a2e00a3">Jalisco New Generation Cartel</a>, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho," on Sunday, decapitating what had become Mexico's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-mencho-justice-department-drug-cartels-cjng-73b539b8029c793fbd995a357b57f25f">most powerful drug cartel</a>&nbsp;and thrusting swaths of the nation into chaos.

According to a social media report late Sunday from White House spokesperson Karaoline Leavitt, " The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government in order to assist with an operation in Talpalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, in which Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes, an infamous drug lord and leader within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was eliminated. 

‘El Mencho’ was a was a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland. Last year, President Trump rightfully designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization — because that’s exactly what it is. In this operation, three additional cartel members were killed, three were wounded, and two were arrested.

"President Trump has been very clear — the United States will ensure narcoterrorists sending deadly drugs to our homeland are forced to face the wrath of justice they have long deserved."

"The Trump Administration also commends and thanks the Mexican military for their cooperation and successful execution of this operation."

The drug lord was the Mexican government's biggest prize yet to show the Trump administration in its efforts to crack down on the cartels, and his death was met with a forceful reaction from the cartel, known by its Spanish initials CJNG.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771795992010.png" alt="Image U.S. Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Image U.S. Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —The Mexican army killed the leader of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-jalisco-cartel-us-sanctions-8e40e7da8ce88c4feb45e61f3a2e00a3">Jalisco New Generation Cartel</a>, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho," on Sunday, decapitating what had become Mexico's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-mencho-justice-department-drug-cartels-cjng-73b539b8029c793fbd995a357b57f25f">most powerful drug cartel</a>&nbsp;and thrusting swaths of the nation into chaos.According to a social media report late Sunday from White House spokesperson Karaoline Leavitt, " The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government in order to assist with an operation in Talpalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, in which Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes, an infamous drug lord and leader within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was eliminated. ‘El Mencho’ was a was a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland. Last year, President Trump rightfully designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization — because that’s exactly what it is. In this operation, three additional cartel members were killed, three were wounded, and two were arrested."President Trump has been very clear — the United States will ensure narcoterrorists sending deadly drugs to our homeland are forced to face the wrath of justice they have long deserved."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mexico: UPDATE - Due to ongoing, widespread security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity in many areas of Mexico, U.S. citizens should shelter in place until further notice. Roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with some domestic &amp; int’l flights… <a href="https://t.co/SIxMGKwGny">pic.twitter.com/SIxMGKwGny</a>&mdash; TravelGov (@TravelGov) <a href="https://twitter.com/TravelGov/status/2025690556953714887?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"The Trump Administration also commends and thanks the Mexican military for their cooperation and successful execution of this operation."The drug lord was the Mexican government's biggest prize yet to show the Trump administration in its efforts to crack down on the cartels, and his death was met with a forceful reaction from the cartel, known by its Spanish initials CJNG.

White House: U.S. helped Mexican army kill powerful drug lord

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after

Just after 6a.m. January 18, a sheriff's deputy conducted a narcotic search warrant in the 1100 block of Laing Street in Osage City., according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

As a result, two subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility.&nbsp; Gabriel A. Kennedy, 37, of Osage City is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Interference with law enforcement

Christopher W. Hibbs, 39, of Osage City is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Violation of the registered offender act, 2nd offense and Aggravated violation of the registered offender act. He has been listed as a registered sex offender since a conviction in 2006 for attempted aggravated indecent liberties w/ child; Intercourse w child 14-16 years of age, according to the KBI Offender Registry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771522214051.png" alt="Kennedy photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Kennedy photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771522175586.png" alt="Hibbs photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Hibbs photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 6a.m. January 18, a sheriff's deputy conducted a narcotic search warrant in the 1100 block of Laing Street in Osage City., according to Sheriff Chris Wells.As a result, two subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility.&nbsp; Gabriel A. Kennedy, 37, of Osage City is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Interference with law enforcementChristopher W. Hibbs, 39, of Osage City is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Violation of the registered offender act, 2nd offense and Aggravated violation of the registered offender act. He has been listed as a registered sex offender since a conviction in 2006 for attempted aggravated indecent liberties w/ child; Intercourse w child 14-16 years of age, according to the KBI Offender Registry.

Wanted Kan. sex offender caught during drug bust

Click below to listen to the Palm Beach County Sheriff and Secret Service update on the fatal shooting at President Trump's Mar-a-Lago club.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771803623092.png" alt="Suspect had gas can and a shotgun- image from Palm Beach Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Suspect had gas can and a shotgun- image from Palm Beach Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Click below to listen to the Palm Beach County Sheriff and Secret Service update on the fatal shooting at President Trump's Mar-a-Lago club.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=315&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F901846472775014%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

New details: Armed man shot, killed at Mar-a-Lago 

Locations:&nbsp;Widespread, including&nbsp;Jalisco&nbsp;State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Baja California State (including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada), Quintana Roo State (including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum), and areas of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacan, Oaxaca, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas States

Event:&nbsp;Due to ongoing security&nbsp;operations and&nbsp;related&nbsp;road blockages and criminal activity,&nbsp;U.S. citizens&nbsp;in the named locations&nbsp;should shelter in&nbsp;place&nbsp;until further notice.

All U.S. government staff at Consulate General Tijuana and all U.S. government staff in Guerrero, Michoacan, and Quintana Roo states have been directed to shelter in place.&nbsp; All U.S. government staff at Consulate General Monterrey have been directed to remain in the Monterrey metropolitan area.

While no airports have been closed, roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with some domestic and international flights cancelled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.&nbsp; All taxis and ride shares are suspended in Puerto Vallarta. &nbsp;Some businesses have suspended operations.

<a href="https://mx.usembassy.gov/contact/" target="_blank">Contact Form</a><a href="https://mx.usembassy.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico</a>From Mexico: (55) 8526 2561From the United States: &nbsp;+1-844-528-6611Department of State – Consular Affairs:  +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444

Links:<a href="https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/mexico.html" target="_blank">Mexico International Travel information&nbsp;</a><a href="https://mx.usembassy.gov/receive-embassy-alerts-on-whatsapp/" target="_blank">U.S. Citizens in Mexico WhatsApp Channel</a><a href="https://mx.usembassy.gov/passports/" target="_blank">U.S. Passports</a><a href="https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step" target="_blank">Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)&nbsp;</a>Department of State on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/travelgov" target="_blank">Facebook&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/travelgov" target="_blank">X&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771795992010.png" alt="On Sunday, troops targeted Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” in the western state of Jalisco. and killed him, according to the Mexican Army. - Photo U.S. Department of State" />
 <figcaption>On Sunday, troops targeted Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” in the western state of Jalisco. and killed him, according to the Mexican Army. - Photo U.S. Department of State</figcaption>
 </figure>Locations:&nbsp;Widespread, including&nbsp;Jalisco&nbsp;State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Baja California State (including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada), Quintana Roo State (including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum), and areas of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacan, Oaxaca, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas States<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mexico: UPDATE - Due to ongoing, widespread security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity in many areas of Mexico, U.S. citizens should shelter in place until further notice. Roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with some domestic &amp; int’l flights… <a href="https://t.co/SIxMGKwGny">pic.twitter.com/SIxMGKwGny</a>&mdash; TravelGov (@TravelGov) <a href="https://twitter.com/TravelGov/status/2025690556953714887?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Security Alert – Update: Ongoing Security Operations - U.S. Mission Mexico (February 22, 2026) Locations: Widespread, including Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Baja California State (including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada), Quintana Roo… <a href="https://t.co/GlF1wAhm2J">pic.twitter.com/GlF1wAhm2J</a>&mdash; U.S. Consulate Tijuana (@ConsuladoUSATJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/ConsuladoUSATJ/status/2025697223850565982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Event:&nbsp;Due to ongoing security&nbsp;operations and&nbsp;related&nbsp;road blockages and criminal activity,&nbsp;U.S. citizens&nbsp;in the named locations&nbsp;should shelter in&nbsp;place&nbsp;until further notice.All U.S. government staff at Consulate General Tijuana and all U.S. government staff in Guerrero, Michoacan, and Quintana Roo states have been directed to shelter in place.&nbsp; All U.S. government staff at Consulate General Monterrey have been directed to remain in the Monterrey metropolitan area.While no airports have been closed, roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with some domestic and international flights cancelled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.&nbsp; All taxis and ride shares are suspended in Puerto Vallarta. &nbsp;Some businesses have suspended operations.Actions to Take:<ul>
 <li>Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements.&nbsp;&nbsp;Remain in your residences or hotels.</li><li>Avoid areas around law enforcement activity.</li><li>Be aware of your surroundings.</li><li>Monitor local media for updates.</li><li>Follow the directions of local authorities and in case of emergency, call 911.</li><li>Avoid crowds.</li><li>Keep family and friends advised of your location and well-being via phone, text, and social media.</li>
 </ul>Assistance:<a href="https://mx.usembassy.gov/contact/" target="_blank">Contact Form</a><a href="https://mx.usembassy.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico</a>From Mexico: (55) 8526 2561From the United States: &nbsp;+1-844-528-6611Department of State – Consular Affairs:  +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444Links:<a href="https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/mexico.html" target="_blank">Mexico International Travel information&nbsp;</a><a href="https://mx.usembassy.gov/receive-embassy-alerts-on-whatsapp/" target="_blank">U.S. Citizens in Mexico WhatsApp Channel</a><a href="https://mx.usembassy.gov/passports/" target="_blank">U.S. Passports</a><a href="https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step" target="_blank">Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)&nbsp;</a>Department of State on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/travelgov" target="_blank">Facebook&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/travelgov" target="_blank">X&nbsp;</a>

Security Alert: Ongoing security operations – U.S. Mission Mexico

KANSAS CITY—Kansas City , Missouri police know some heroes have four legs.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, police responded to a call for a toddler found wandering barefoot on the street, according to a social media report from KCMO Police.. While trying to figure out the toddler’s identity and family, a dog kept nudging at the officers.

To officers, the dog was trying to tell them something. When the dog walked away, the officers followed their instincts and the dog.

The dog led officers to a house. That house was the toddler’s home.

The toddler was reunited with family, though there is an investigation as to what happened.

KANSAS CITY—Kansas City , Missouri police know some heroes have four legs.&nbsp;Earlier this month, police responded to a call for a toddler found wandering barefoot on the street, according to a social media report from KCMO Police.. While trying to figure out the toddler’s identity and family, a dog kept nudging at the officers.

To officers, the dog was trying to tell them something. When the dog walked away, the officers followed their instincts and the dog.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">The video, again. <a href="https://t.co/qDg83UqZh5">pic.twitter.com/qDg83UqZh5</a>&mdash; kcpolice (@kcpolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/kcpolice/status/2024537473133813850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The dog led officers to a house. That house was the toddler’s home.The toddler was reunited with family, though there is an investigation as to what happened.

🎥Dog helps Kansas City police find wandering toddler's home 

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/kevinhardy/">Kevin Hardy</a>

Outrage erupted last month when Oklahoma City residents learned of plans to convert a vacant warehouse into an immigration processing facility.

Making&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahomavoice.com/2026/01/27/oklahomans-denounce-potential-ice-processing-center-at-okc-city-council-meeting/" target="_blank">matters worse</a>&nbsp;was the secrecy of the federal government: City leaders received no communication from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement aside from a mandated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.okc.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/city-manager/ltr-from-dhs-to-okc-about-okc-detention-center.pdf" target="_blank">disclosure</a>&nbsp;related to historic preservation.

Planning a major development without city input is antithetical to the in-depth, sometimes arcane permitting, planning and zoning process in Oklahoma City. Mayor David Holt, a former Republican state senator, said those land use decisions are among the most crucial of any municipal government.

“For any entity to be able to open a detention center in our communities, potentially next to neighborhoods or schools, regardless of your views on immigration policy or enforcement, is very challenging, because that’s a very high-impact use, and that’s the kind of thing that we would expect to talk about,” he told Stateline.

Communities across the country are facing similar prospects as ICE undertakes a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/01/21/nx-s1-5674887/ice-budget-funding-congress-trump" target="_blank">massive expansion</a>&nbsp;fueled in large part by the record $45 billion approved for increased immigration detention by Congress last summer.

During President Donald Trump’s second term, ICE is holding a record number of detainees —&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2026/02/05/immigration-detention-passed-70000-in-january/" target="_blank">more than 70,000</a>&nbsp;as of January — across its own facilities as well as in contracted local jails and private prisons. ICE<a href="https://www.governor.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt971/files/inline-documents/merrimack-detention-reengineering-initiative.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;documents</a>&nbsp;from last week show plans for acquiring and renovating 16 processing sites that hold up to 1,500 people each and eight detention centers that hold up to 10,000 each, for a total capacity of 92,600 beds. The agency also has plans for some 150 new leases and office expansions across the country,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wired.com/story/ice-expansion-across-us-at-heres-where-its-going-next/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us" target="_blank">Wired reported</a>.

But ICE’s plans to convert industrial buildings — often warehouses — into new detention facilities have recently faced fierce opposition over humanitarian and economic concerns. From Utah to Texas to Georgia, local governments have sought to block these massive facilities. But with limited legal authority, city and state officials have turned to the court of public opinion to deter private developers and the federal government.

Holt, who is the president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, a nonpartisan organization representing the more than 1,400 leaders of cities with populations of 30,000 or more, said cities have little legal recourse over the ICE facilities.

“We all have a clear, unified position that really crosses party lines,” he said, “and then we also have a clear understanding of how limited our options are.”

Local leaders often cite the U.S. Constitution’s&nbsp;<a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artVI-C2-1/ALDE_00013395/" target="_blank">supremacy clause</a>, which says federal laws supersede conflicting state laws. That leaves cities with limited influence over projects that could take industrial space off tax rolls, cause new strains on city services and raise serious humanitarian concerns given the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement, including the high-profile killings of two Americans in Minnesota.

Facing bipartisan opposition, the out-of-state owner of the Oklahoma City warehouse ultimately decided to&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahomavoice.com/briefs/proposed-oklahoma-city-ice-facility-is-off-the-table/" target="_blank">end talks</a>&nbsp;of selling or leasing its warehouse to the federal government.

Similar public pressure has proved effective in reversing plans in several other cities: In late January, a Canadian firm said it would not proceed with a planned sale of a Virginia warehouse after it faced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/01/us/politics/ice-warehouse-detention-canada.html" target="_blank">calls for a boycott</a>&nbsp;from Canadian politicians and businesses. In Mississippi, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker announced the federal government would&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenatorWicker/status/2019820750900002820" target="_blank">“look elsewhere”</a>&nbsp;after he spoke with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who oversees ICE. Wicker, a Republican who said he supports immigration enforcement, echoed local&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/2/wicker-proposed-ice-facility-threatens-byhalia-mississippi-economy-and-infrastructure" target="_blank">economic concerns</a>&nbsp;of a project planned in Byhalia.

Some officials have welcomed the new facilities: Missouri Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Alford has&nbsp;<a href="https://alford.house.gov/uploadedfiles/1.16.2026_ice_facility_letter.pdf" target="_blank">lobbied</a>&nbsp;to land a detention and processing center in his district. And last week, a Maryland county approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wbaltv.com/article/washington-county-dhs-ice-resolution-hagerstown-detention-center/70300009" target="_blank">resolution</a>&nbsp;expressing its “full support” for ICE, which is considering purchasing a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washco-md.net/news/washington-county-statement-on-u-s-department-of-homeland-security-notice-concerning-proposed-ice-facility/" target="_blank">warehouse</a>&nbsp;there, despite local protests. But most communities have fought them.

Neither DHS nor ICE responded to Stateline’s questions.

Holt said the discussion resembles other local development concerns where NIMBY — short for Not in My Backyard — is a common description of opponents.

“There are plenty of people who are very law-and-order and supporters of law enforcement who don’t want a jail next to their house,” he said. “That’s why it’s got such broad opposition: NIMBYism is the most powerful force sometimes in American politics and nobody wants a detention center next to their home, their business or their school.”

After learning that ICE planned to take over a vacant warehouse within its city limits, the Kansas City Council in January swiftly approved a five-year ban on nonmunicipal detention facilities.

Kansas City Council member Andrea Bough, who is also a private development attorney, said the move was both political and legal: The city wanted to send a clear signal opposing ICE facilities, but it also wants to exert its local authority over planning and zoning.

She acknowledged the legal hurdle posed by the supremacy clause, but said there was enough ambiguity over the city’s ability to regulate land use that it may take the issue to the courts.

“Some would say local building codes and zoning regulations do not apply to the federal government,” she said. “That’s something I think we would probably in this situation be willing to fight until we had clear guidance on that.”

Following weeks of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/david-hudnall/article314486671.html" target="_blank">pressure</a>, the Kansas City firm that owns the 920,000-square-foot warehouse announced Thursday it was no longer “actively engaged with the U.S. Government or any other prospective purchaser,” the Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article314676617.html#storylink=cpy" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Jackson County, which includes portions of Kansas City and the potential detention facility, is considering a similar ban. And across the state line, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, is considering a similar&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/wyandotte-county/article314647328.html" target="_blank">two-year moratorium</a>.

But there are clear limitations on cities’ ability to stop federal projects, said Nestor Davidson, a professor who teaches land use and local government law at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.

“The federal government can assert immunity from certain state and local laws, including zoning, but it’s complicated, and there are nuances,” he said.

Still, Davidson said some case law has shown cities may have stronger legal footing for zoning rules that are broad and not directly targeted at specific federal government projects.

“I expect to see litigation,” he said. “I think you’re going to see these conversations play out as land use fights often do: both in a legal venue and in a political venue.”

Kansas City’s moratorium has sparked interest among local activists who have pressured elected officials in other cities across the country to act. But many local officials are adamant that federal law ties their hands.

In a legal opinion provided to the Orlando City Council in Florida, City Attorney Mayanne Downs rejected “suggestions of actions we can supposedly take,” including moratoriums or using zoning ordinances to block ICE detention centers.

“However well motivated these suggestions are, the law is very clear: ICE, as an agency of our federal government, ICE is immune from any local regulation that interferes in any way with its federal mandate,” Downs wrote to the mayor and city commissioners.

ICE is reportedly&nbsp;<a href="https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/06/u-s-reps-maxwell-frost-darren-soto-tell-kristi-noem-not-to-open-ice-facility-in-central-florida/" target="_blank">considering</a>&nbsp;a new $100 million processing center in southeast Orlando.

The county commission in Orange County, which includes Orlando, discussed the issue last week after receiving similar legal advice. County Commissioner Nicole Wilson said the board is even more constrained because of a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/180" target="_blank">Florida law&nbsp;</a>limiting certain local governments’ ability to regulate development through 2027.

After being advised against passing a moratorium, the board agreed with Wilson’s follow-up suggestion to draft a resolution expressing its opposition. That will be considered at a future meeting.

“It doesn’t sound like it has the teeth that a moratorium would have, but it essentially gives an awareness that we’ve established a position in opposition to this type of facility in Orange County,” Wilson told Stateline.

An attorney by trade, Wilson said the case law regarding federal projects largely centers on disputes about post offices, which she said is not an appropriate comparison to the massive detention centers currently contemplated.

“A post office has the same water consumption and sewage as probably a lot of other uses,” she said. “If you take a warehouse that was designed for 25,000 widgets and put 15,000 humans in it, you’ve got a very different set of local needs and services that are being used and being taxed and being burdened.”

Communities have often opposed various other federal projects, such as federal courthouses. But the federal government generally takes the time to listen to local concerns and communicate building plans with communities, said Jason Klumb, a former regional administrator with the U.S. General Services Administration, which manages the federal government’s real estate.

“Generally, GSA has had kind of a good neighbor approach, understanding that they have requirements for federal facilities, and some of those facilities may not always be popular,” said Klumb, an Obama appointee.

But the federal government has not been shy about exerting its constitutional authority.

For example, late last month,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/jan/31/federal-government-reconfirms-vine-street/" target="_blank">GSA announced</a>&nbsp;it would build a new $239 million federal courthouse in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, despite&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/jan/31/federal-government-reconfirms-vine-street/" target="_blank">bipartisan lobbying</a>&nbsp;from city and federal officials for a different site.

“The feds get what the feds want, ultimately,” Klumb said.

In a statement, a GSA spokesperson declined to clarify the agency’s current role in acquiring ICE detention facilities. The statement said the agency was “following all lease procurement procedures in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.”

Communities have largely been left out of the administration’s immigration decision-making process.

“Most of the information we have received on this facility has been through news leaks and the government has not reached out to us yet,” said Paul Micali, the town manager of Merrimack, New Hampshire.

Through an open records request, the ACLU of New Hampshire&nbsp;<a href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/02/03/new-documents-confirm-federal-government-plans-to-put-an-ice-facility-in-merrimack/" target="_blank">confirmed</a>&nbsp;that ICE was planning to convert a 43-acre warehouse property in the town of about 28,200.

The federal plans were obtained from the state’s historic preservation office, which came under fire for not informing Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte of ICE’s proposal. That agency’s top official&nbsp;<a href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/02/09/embattled-cultural-resources-commissioner-resigns-amid-merrimack-ice-facility-fallout/" target="_blank">resigned last week</a>&nbsp;after pressure from Ayotte.

Ayotte’s office did not respond to a request for comment. On Thursday, her office released documents detailing how the federal government’s&nbsp;<a href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/02/13/ayotte-releases-dhs-documents-about-planned-ice-detention-center-in-merrimack/" target="_blank">$158 million plan</a>&nbsp;to retrofit the property would create hundreds of long-term jobs for the region.

<a href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/02/12/ice-director-dhs-has-worked-with-gov-ayotte-on-merrimack-immigrant-detention-center/" target="_blank">Testifying before Congress</a>&nbsp;Thursday, an ICE official said the feds will not cancel the project over local concerns.

Micali said the vacant warehouse currently provides about $529,000 in annual property taxes — a substantial sum given the town’s property tax base of about $20 million.

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.merrimacknh.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3456/f/news/260123_town_council_letter_to_dhs_re_ice_processing_center_-_signed.pdf" target="_blank">letter to Noem</a>, the Town Council said converting the property to a tax-free federal facility would result in higher local taxes for residents. Merrimack is also concerned about potential demands for water, fire and other city services, Micali said, but can’t even begin to assess needs without more details from the feds.

He’s speaking with lawyers about what options, if any, the town may have to assert local zoning power.

“We’re looking at every possibility,” he said.

Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:khardy@stateline.org">khardy@stateline.org</a>.&nbsp;

This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2026/02/17/communities-fight-ice-detention-centers-but-have-few-tools-to-stop-them/" target="_blank">Stateline</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Kansas Reflector, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771730316728.png" alt=" A vacant warehouse in Kansas City, Mo., was among a growing number of properties across the country planned for conversion into a federal immigration detention center. After weeks of public pressure, the private developer that owns the property announced last week it would not transfer the property to the federal government. (Photo by Kevin Hardy/Stateline)" />
 <figcaption> A vacant warehouse in Kansas City, Mo., was among a growing number of properties across the country planned for conversion into a federal immigration detention center. After weeks of public pressure, the private developer that owns the property announced last week it would not transfer the property to the federal government. (Photo by Kevin Hardy/Stateline)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/kevinhardy/">Kevin Hardy</a>Outrage erupted last month when Oklahoma City residents learned of plans to convert a vacant warehouse into an immigration processing facility.Making&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahomavoice.com/2026/01/27/oklahomans-denounce-potential-ice-processing-center-at-okc-city-council-meeting/" target="_blank">matters worse</a>&nbsp;was the secrecy of the federal government: City leaders received no communication from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement aside from a mandated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.okc.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/city-manager/ltr-from-dhs-to-okc-about-okc-detention-center.pdf" target="_blank">disclosure</a>&nbsp;related to historic preservation.Planning a major development without city input is antithetical to the in-depth, sometimes arcane permitting, planning and zoning process in Oklahoma City. Mayor David Holt, a former Republican state senator, said those land use decisions are among the most crucial of any municipal government.“For any entity to be able to open a detention center in our communities, potentially next to neighborhoods or schools, regardless of your views on immigration policy or enforcement, is very challenging, because that’s a very high-impact use, and that’s the kind of thing that we would expect to talk about,” he told Stateline.Communities across the country are facing similar prospects as ICE undertakes a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/01/21/nx-s1-5674887/ice-budget-funding-congress-trump" target="_blank">massive expansion</a>&nbsp;fueled in large part by the record $45 billion approved for increased immigration detention by Congress last summer.During President Donald Trump’s second term, ICE is holding a record number of detainees —&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2026/02/05/immigration-detention-passed-70000-in-january/" target="_blank">more than 70,000</a>&nbsp;as of January — across its own facilities as well as in contracted local jails and private prisons. ICE<a href="https://www.governor.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt971/files/inline-documents/merrimack-detention-reengineering-initiative.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;documents</a>&nbsp;from last week show plans for acquiring and renovating 16 processing sites that hold up to 1,500 people each and eight detention centers that hold up to 10,000 each, for a total capacity of 92,600 beds. The agency also has plans for some 150 new leases and office expansions across the country,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wired.com/story/ice-expansion-across-us-at-heres-where-its-going-next/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us" target="_blank">Wired reported</a>.But ICE’s plans to convert industrial buildings — often warehouses — into new detention facilities have recently faced fierce opposition over humanitarian and economic concerns. From Utah to Texas to Georgia, local governments have sought to block these massive facilities. But with limited legal authority, city and state officials have turned to the court of public opinion to deter private developers and the federal government.Holt, who is the president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, a nonpartisan organization representing the more than 1,400 leaders of cities with populations of 30,000 or more, said cities have little legal recourse over the ICE facilities.“We all have a clear, unified position that really crosses party lines,” he said, “and then we also have a clear understanding of how limited our options are.”Local leaders often cite the U.S. Constitution’s&nbsp;<a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artVI-C2-1/ALDE_00013395/" target="_blank">supremacy clause</a>, which says federal laws supersede conflicting state laws. That leaves cities with limited influence over projects that could take industrial space off tax rolls, cause new strains on city services and raise serious humanitarian concerns given the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement, including the high-profile killings of two Americans in Minnesota.Facing bipartisan opposition, the out-of-state owner of the Oklahoma City warehouse ultimately decided to&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahomavoice.com/briefs/proposed-oklahoma-city-ice-facility-is-off-the-table/" target="_blank">end talks</a>&nbsp;of selling or leasing its warehouse to the federal government.Similar public pressure has proved effective in reversing plans in several other cities: In late January, a Canadian firm said it would not proceed with a planned sale of a Virginia warehouse after it faced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/01/us/politics/ice-warehouse-detention-canada.html" target="_blank">calls for a boycott</a>&nbsp;from Canadian politicians and businesses. In Mississippi, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker announced the federal government would&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenatorWicker/status/2019820750900002820" target="_blank">“look elsewhere”</a>&nbsp;after he spoke with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who oversees ICE. Wicker, a Republican who said he supports immigration enforcement, echoed local&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/2/wicker-proposed-ice-facility-threatens-byhalia-mississippi-economy-and-infrastructure" target="_blank">economic concerns</a>&nbsp;of a project planned in Byhalia.Some officials have welcomed the new facilities: Missouri Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Alford has&nbsp;<a href="https://alford.house.gov/uploadedfiles/1.16.2026_ice_facility_letter.pdf" target="_blank">lobbied</a>&nbsp;to land a detention and processing center in his district. And last week, a Maryland county approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wbaltv.com/article/washington-county-dhs-ice-resolution-hagerstown-detention-center/70300009" target="_blank">resolution</a>&nbsp;expressing its “full support” for ICE, which is considering purchasing a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washco-md.net/news/washington-county-statement-on-u-s-department-of-homeland-security-notice-concerning-proposed-ice-facility/" target="_blank">warehouse</a>&nbsp;there, despite local protests. But most communities have fought them.Neither DHS nor ICE responded to Stateline’s questions.Holt said the discussion resembles other local development concerns where NIMBY — short for Not in My Backyard — is a common description of opponents.“There are plenty of people who are very law-and-order and supporters of law enforcement who don’t want a jail next to their house,” he said. “That’s why it’s got such broad opposition: NIMBYism is the most powerful force sometimes in American politics and nobody wants a detention center next to their home, their business or their school.”<h2>A political and legal fight</h2>After learning that ICE planned to take over a vacant warehouse within its city limits, the Kansas City Council in January swiftly approved a five-year ban on nonmunicipal detention facilities.Kansas City Council member Andrea Bough, who is also a private development attorney, said the move was both political and legal: The city wanted to send a clear signal opposing ICE facilities, but it also wants to exert its local authority over planning and zoning.She acknowledged the legal hurdle posed by the supremacy clause, but said there was enough ambiguity over the city’s ability to regulate land use that it may take the issue to the courts.“Some would say local building codes and zoning regulations do not apply to the federal government,” she said. “That’s something I think we would probably in this situation be willing to fight until we had clear guidance on that.”Following weeks of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/david-hudnall/article314486671.html" target="_blank">pressure</a>, the Kansas City firm that owns the 920,000-square-foot warehouse announced Thursday it was no longer “actively engaged with the U.S. Government or any other prospective purchaser,” the Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article314676617.html#storylink=cpy" target="_blank">reported</a>.Jackson County, which includes portions of Kansas City and the potential detention facility, is considering a similar ban. And across the state line, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, is considering a similar&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/wyandotte-county/article314647328.html" target="_blank">two-year moratorium</a>.But there are clear limitations on cities’ ability to stop federal projects, said Nestor Davidson, a professor who teaches land use and local government law at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.“The federal government can assert immunity from certain state and local laws, including zoning, but it’s complicated, and there are nuances,” he said.Still, Davidson said some case law has shown cities may have stronger legal footing for zoning rules that are broad and not directly targeted at specific federal government projects.“I expect to see litigation,” he said. “I think you’re going to see these conversations play out as land use fights often do: both in a legal venue and in a political venue.”<h2>Governments pressured to act</h2>Kansas City’s moratorium has sparked interest among local activists who have pressured elected officials in other cities across the country to act. But many local officials are adamant that federal law ties their hands.In a legal opinion provided to the Orlando City Council in Florida, City Attorney Mayanne Downs rejected “suggestions of actions we can supposedly take,” including moratoriums or using zoning ordinances to block ICE detention centers.“However well motivated these suggestions are, the law is very clear: ICE, as an agency of our federal government, ICE is immune from any local regulation that interferes in any way with its federal mandate,” Downs wrote to the mayor and city commissioners.ICE is reportedly&nbsp;<a href="https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/06/u-s-reps-maxwell-frost-darren-soto-tell-kristi-noem-not-to-open-ice-facility-in-central-florida/" target="_blank">considering</a>&nbsp;a new $100 million processing center in southeast Orlando.The county commission in Orange County, which includes Orlando, discussed the issue last week after receiving similar legal advice. County Commissioner Nicole Wilson said the board is even more constrained because of a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/180" target="_blank">Florida law&nbsp;</a>limiting certain local governments’ ability to regulate development through 2027.After being advised against passing a moratorium, the board agreed with Wilson’s follow-up suggestion to draft a resolution expressing its opposition. That will be considered at a future meeting.“It doesn’t sound like it has the teeth that a moratorium would have, but it essentially gives an awareness that we’ve established a position in opposition to this type of facility in Orange County,” Wilson told Stateline.An attorney by trade, Wilson said the case law regarding federal projects largely centers on disputes about post offices, which she said is not an appropriate comparison to the massive detention centers currently contemplated.“A post office has the same water consumption and sewage as probably a lot of other uses,” she said. “If you take a warehouse that was designed for 25,000 widgets and put 15,000 humans in it, you’ve got a very different set of local needs and services that are being used and being taxed and being burdened.”<h2>Working with the feds</h2>Communities have often opposed various other federal projects, such as federal courthouses. But the federal government generally takes the time to listen to local concerns and communicate building plans with communities, said Jason Klumb, a former regional administrator with the U.S. General Services Administration, which manages the federal government’s real estate.“Generally, GSA has had kind of a good neighbor approach, understanding that they have requirements for federal facilities, and some of those facilities may not always be popular,” said Klumb, an Obama appointee.But the federal government has not been shy about exerting its constitutional authority.For example, late last month,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/jan/31/federal-government-reconfirms-vine-street/" target="_blank">GSA announced</a>&nbsp;it would build a new $239 million federal courthouse in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, despite&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/jan/31/federal-government-reconfirms-vine-street/" target="_blank">bipartisan lobbying</a>&nbsp;from city and federal officials for a different site.“The feds get what the feds want, ultimately,” Klumb said.In a statement, a GSA spokesperson declined to clarify the agency’s current role in acquiring ICE detention facilities. The statement said the agency was “following all lease procurement procedures in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.”Communities have largely been left out of the administration’s immigration decision-making process.“Most of the information we have received on this facility has been through news leaks and the government has not reached out to us yet,” said Paul Micali, the town manager of Merrimack, New Hampshire.Through an open records request, the ACLU of New Hampshire&nbsp;<a href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/02/03/new-documents-confirm-federal-government-plans-to-put-an-ice-facility-in-merrimack/" target="_blank">confirmed</a>&nbsp;that ICE was planning to convert a 43-acre warehouse property in the town of about 28,200.The federal plans were obtained from the state’s historic preservation office, which came under fire for not informing Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte of ICE’s proposal. That agency’s top official&nbsp;<a href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/02/09/embattled-cultural-resources-commissioner-resigns-amid-merrimack-ice-facility-fallout/" target="_blank">resigned last week</a>&nbsp;after pressure from Ayotte.Ayotte’s office did not respond to a request for comment. On Thursday, her office released documents detailing how the federal government’s&nbsp;<a href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/02/13/ayotte-releases-dhs-documents-about-planned-ice-detention-center-in-merrimack/" target="_blank">$158 million plan</a>&nbsp;to retrofit the property would create hundreds of long-term jobs for the region.<a href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/02/12/ice-director-dhs-has-worked-with-gov-ayotte-on-merrimack-immigrant-detention-center/" target="_blank">Testifying before Congress</a>&nbsp;Thursday, an ICE official said the feds will not cancel the project over local concerns.Micali said the vacant warehouse currently provides about $529,000 in annual property taxes — a substantial sum given the town’s property tax base of about $20 million.In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.merrimacknh.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3456/f/news/260123_town_council_letter_to_dhs_re_ice_processing_center_-_signed.pdf" target="_blank">letter to Noem</a>, the Town Council said converting the property to a tax-free federal facility would result in higher local taxes for residents. Merrimack is also concerned about potential demands for water, fire and other city services, Micali said, but can’t even begin to assess needs without more details from the feds.He’s speaking with lawyers about what options, if any, the town may have to assert local zoning power.“We’re looking at every possibility,” he said.Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:khardy@stateline.org">khardy@stateline.org</a>.&nbsp;This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2026/02/17/communities-fight-ice-detention-centers-but-have-few-tools-to-stop-them/" target="_blank">Stateline</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Kansas Reflector, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

Communities fight ICE detention centers, but have few tools to stop them

The Department of Homeland Security on Sunday walked back its decision to suspend the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program, after initially sparking confusion for travelers when it said it was temporarily halting the popular service.

WASHINGTON – After a week of being&nbsp;shutdown&nbsp;by Congressional Democrats, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it&nbsp;must take&nbsp;emergency measures to preserve&nbsp;limited&nbsp;funds&nbsp;and personnel&nbsp;to&nbsp;mitigate&nbsp;the&nbsp;national security and public&nbsp;safety damage&nbsp;at the hands of&nbsp;Congressional&nbsp;Democrats.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Democrats’ decision to put politics over public safety, for a third time this&nbsp;Congress,&nbsp;has forced the&nbsp;Department to direct its components to take the&nbsp;following&nbsp;measures effective&nbsp;at&nbsp;6 AM&nbsp;ET, February 22, 2026:&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This is the third time that Democrat&nbsp;politicians&nbsp;have&nbsp;shut down&nbsp;this&nbsp;department during&nbsp;the 119th&nbsp;Congress,” said&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;Kristi Noem.&nbsp;“Shutdowns have real world consequences, not just for the men and women of DHS&nbsp;and their families&nbsp;who go without&nbsp;a&nbsp;paycheck,&nbsp;but&nbsp;it endangers&nbsp;our national security. The American people depend on this department&nbsp;every day, and&nbsp;we are making&nbsp;tough but&nbsp;necessary workforce&nbsp;and resource&nbsp;decisions to&nbsp;mitigate the&nbsp;damage inflicted by these politicians.&nbsp;TSA and CBP&nbsp;are&nbsp;prioritizing&nbsp;the general traveling&nbsp;population at our airports and ports of entry&nbsp;and suspending&nbsp;courtesy and special privilege escorts. FEMA will&nbsp;halt all non-disaster related&nbsp;response to prioritize&nbsp;disasters. This is particularly&nbsp;important given&nbsp;this&nbsp;weekend another significant winter storm is forecast to&nbsp;impact&nbsp;the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast&nbsp;United States.”&nbsp;

A full list of&nbsp;measures being&nbsp;taken are&nbsp;below:&nbsp;&nbsp;

FEMA&nbsp;has entered emergency operating status,&nbsp;and is scaling back to bare-minimum, life-saving&nbsp;operations only.&nbsp;&nbsp;Effective 6:00 a.m. on February 22, FEMA will cease all non-essential activities and focus exclusively on immediate disaster response where there is an active threat to life, public health, or safety. As a result: &nbsp;

These actions reflect the reality of operating without appropriations. FEMA cannot continue normal recovery operations under these conditions and must prioritize only its most critical, life-saving responsibilities. Full recovery and&nbsp;assistance&nbsp;operations will resume once funding is restored.&nbsp;

As the Transportation Security Administration enters emergency operating status, resources are being&nbsp;consolidated&nbsp;to prioritize essential security operations and focus personnel on detecting and countering threats. Effective&nbsp;at 6:00 a.m. on February 22, nonessential privileges and courtesies provided by TSA will cease.&nbsp;

Operations at all airports will prioritize screening of the general traveling population. Without appropriations, TSA simply cannot afford to risk overstretching our staff and weakening our security posture. Until funding is restored, all travelers should expect a process that does not sacrifice&nbsp;security, but&nbsp;refocuses TSA officers to standard screening procedures. TSA&nbsp;PreCheck® and other services will resume upon Department of Homeland Security funding being signed into law.&nbsp;

As of&nbsp;6:00 am on February 22,&nbsp;2026&nbsp;U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations will halt all Global Entry arrival processing at participating airports.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769268628445.png" alt="Photo DHS" />
 <figcaption>Photo DHS</figcaption>
 </figure>Department of Homeland SecurityThe Department of Homeland Security on Sunday walked back its decision to suspend the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program, after initially sparking confusion for travelers when it said it was temporarily halting the popular service.----------------WASHINGTON – After a week of being&nbsp;shutdown&nbsp;by Congressional Democrats, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it&nbsp;must take&nbsp;emergency measures to preserve&nbsp;limited&nbsp;funds&nbsp;and personnel&nbsp;to&nbsp;mitigate&nbsp;the&nbsp;national security and public&nbsp;safety damage&nbsp;at the hands of&nbsp;Congressional&nbsp;Democrats.&nbsp;&nbsp;The&nbsp;Democrats’ decision to put politics over public safety, for a third time this&nbsp;Congress,&nbsp;has forced the&nbsp;Department to direct its components to take the&nbsp;following&nbsp;measures effective&nbsp;at&nbsp;6 AM&nbsp;ET, February 22, 2026:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Halting&nbsp;all non-disaster-related&nbsp;Federal Emergency Management Agency&nbsp;(FEMA)&nbsp;response efforts to prioritize disaster response;</li><li>Ending&nbsp;Transportation&nbsp;Security Administration (TSA)&nbsp;PreCheck®&nbsp;lanes and&nbsp;Customs and Border Protection (CBP)&nbsp;Global&nbsp;Entry&nbsp;service,&nbsp;to refocus&nbsp;Department&nbsp;personnel&nbsp;on&nbsp;the majority of&nbsp;travelers; and</li><li>Suspending&nbsp;all&nbsp;courtesy and&nbsp;family&nbsp;police&nbsp;escorts at airports&nbsp;for&nbsp;Members of Congress,&nbsp;which&nbsp;is drawing staff away from the critical mission of getting passengers screened.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>“This is the third time that Democrat&nbsp;politicians&nbsp;have&nbsp;shut down&nbsp;this&nbsp;department during&nbsp;the 119th&nbsp;Congress,” said&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;Kristi Noem.&nbsp;“Shutdowns have real world consequences, not just for the men and women of DHS&nbsp;and their families&nbsp;who go without&nbsp;a&nbsp;paycheck,&nbsp;but&nbsp;it endangers&nbsp;our national security. The American people depend on this department&nbsp;every day, and&nbsp;we are making&nbsp;tough but&nbsp;necessary workforce&nbsp;and resource&nbsp;decisions to&nbsp;mitigate the&nbsp;damage inflicted by these politicians.&nbsp;TSA and CBP&nbsp;are&nbsp;prioritizing&nbsp;the general traveling&nbsp;population at our airports and ports of entry&nbsp;and suspending&nbsp;courtesy and special privilege escorts. FEMA will&nbsp;halt all non-disaster related&nbsp;response to prioritize&nbsp;disasters. This is particularly&nbsp;important given&nbsp;this&nbsp;weekend another significant winter storm is forecast to&nbsp;impact&nbsp;the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast&nbsp;United States.”&nbsp;A full list of&nbsp;measures being&nbsp;taken are&nbsp;below:&nbsp;&nbsp;FEMA&nbsp;FEMA&nbsp;has entered emergency operating status,&nbsp;and is scaling back to bare-minimum, life-saving&nbsp;operations only.&nbsp;&nbsp;Effective 6:00 a.m. on February 22, FEMA will cease all non-essential activities and focus exclusively on immediate disaster response where there is an active threat to life, public health, or safety. As a result: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Public Assistance will not move forward for ongoing or legacy disasters. FEMA will only carry out Public Assistance activities for new or recent disasters requiring immediate emergency action to protect lives or prevent catastrophic damage.</li><li>All non-emergency recovery work is paused, including project formulation, long-term recovery efforts, planning, and administrative processing that does not address an imminent threat.</li><li>Non-disaster-related activities are halted so limited personnel and resources can be redirected to urgent response operations.</li><li>New initiatives, discretionary programs, pilot efforts, and policy development are suspended until funding is restored.</li><li>Travel, deployments, and operational support are restricted to those strictly necessary to respond to active disasters and life-safety emergencies.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>These actions reflect the reality of operating without appropriations. FEMA cannot continue normal recovery operations under these conditions and must prioritize only its most critical, life-saving responsibilities. Full recovery and&nbsp;assistance&nbsp;operations will resume once funding is restored.&nbsp;TSA&nbsp;As the Transportation Security Administration enters emergency operating status, resources are being&nbsp;consolidated&nbsp;to prioritize essential security operations and focus personnel on detecting and countering threats. Effective&nbsp;at 6:00 a.m. on February 22, nonessential privileges and courtesies provided by TSA will cease.&nbsp;As a result:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>TSA&nbsp;PreCheck® lanes will be closed. All TSA&nbsp;PreCheck® members will be directed to general screening lanes to&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;our security standards and&nbsp;consolidate&nbsp;TSA’s limited personnel and resources.</li><li>All courtesy escorts, including for members of Congress, will cease. These escorts put increased strain on our officers, who must be allowed to prioritize their critical work of screening passengers.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Operations at all airports will prioritize screening of the general traveling population. Without appropriations, TSA simply cannot afford to risk overstretching our staff and weakening our security posture. Until funding is restored, all travelers should expect a process that does not sacrifice&nbsp;security, but&nbsp;refocuses TSA officers to standard screening procedures. TSA&nbsp;PreCheck® and other services will resume upon Department of Homeland Security funding being signed into law.&nbsp;CBP&nbsp;&nbsp;As of&nbsp;6:00 am on February 22,&nbsp;2026&nbsp;U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations will halt all Global Entry arrival processing at participating airports.&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Officers assigned to process Global Entry travelers will be re-assigned to process all other arriving travelers.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>U.S. citizens and lawful permanent resident Global Entry Members can proceed to the properly marked primary processing lanes for arriving U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. All other Global Entry members can proceed to the properly marked visitor lanes.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

DHS reverses course on TSA PreCheck suspension

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Saturday in Kansas City.

Preliminary investigation indicates a black Hyundai with a flat tire was stopped in lane one without hazard lights activated&nbsp;on Interstate 70 westbound near the Walnut exit, according to KCPD Officer Alyana Gonzalez. A tractor-trailer traveling in lane two merged into lane one to pass another tractor-trailer and subsequently struck the rear of the stopped Hyundai, causing significant rear-end damage. 

The driver of the Hyundai was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. The accident remains under investigation, according to Gonzalez. This is fatality #10 in KCMO for 2026.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771729261623.png" alt="KC Scout camera view near the crash scene on Saturday" />
 <figcaption>KC Scout camera view near the crash scene on Saturday</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Saturday in Kansas City.Preliminary investigation indicates a black Hyundai with a flat tire was stopped in lane one without hazard lights activated&nbsp;on Interstate 70 westbound near the Walnut exit, according to KCPD Officer Alyana Gonzalez. A tractor-trailer traveling in lane two merged into lane one to pass another tractor-trailer and subsequently struck the rear of the stopped Hyundai, causing significant rear-end damage. The driver of the Hyundai was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. The accident remains under investigation, according to Gonzalez. This is fatality #10 in KCMO for 2026.

Woman killed after semi strikes car with flat tire on I-70

RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a woman's death and the death of a Kansas registered offender accused of her death.

On February 20th, 2026, at approximately 8:19 P.M., officers with the Hutchinson Police Department were dispatched to the 800 block of West 4th Avenue in reference to a reported shooting, according to a media release from Hutchinson Police.

When they arrived, officers located a woman later identified as 37-year-old Lacy D Nelson of Hutchinson, with multiple gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began rendering first aid until Reno County EMS arrived on scene. She was transported by ambulance to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

During the investigation, Curtis E Richardson, age 49 of Hutchinson, was identified as a person of interest. Just before 9:30p.m., a statewide BOLO was issued for Richardson.

Just after 7a.m. Saturday, Pratt County Kansas Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Preston, Kansas, in reference to a reported robbery. The victim reported that a man forced entry into her residence and took her vehicle without permission

While en route, a Pratt County Sheriff’s Office deputy located the reported stolen vehicle traveling southbound on K61 Highway in Pratt County. The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop; however, the driver, later identified as Richardson, refused to stop, and a vehicle pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, the stolen vehicle left the roadway and drove into a field near NE 30th Avenue and NE 20th Street in Pratt County, where it became stuck. The Pratt County Sheriff’s Office deputy maintained scene security until additional units arrived.

The Pratt County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT) responded to the scene. Richardson refused to exit his vehicle despite multiple clear commands from the Pratt County Sheriff’s Office and continued efforts by the SRT negotiator. While he remained inside the vehicle, less-lethal tactics were deployed in an effort to gain compliance. 

Richardson was later located inside the vehicle with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Pratt County EMS initiated lifesaving measures. Mr. Richardson was transported by ambulance to Pratt Regional Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Richardson had been listed as a registered offender following a drug distribution conviction in Crawford County in 2015, according to the KBI Offender Registry. He has previous convictions for theft, violation of the offender registration act and for various illegal drug violations, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771707087358.png" alt="Richardson photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Richardson photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a woman's death and the death of a Kansas registered offender accused of her death.On February 20th, 2026, at approximately 8:19 P.M., officers with the Hutchinson Police Department were dispatched to the 800 block of West 4th Avenue in reference to a reported shooting, according to a media release from Hutchinson Police.When they arrived, officers located a woman later identified as 37-year-old Lacy D Nelson of Hutchinson, with multiple gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began rendering first aid until Reno County EMS arrived on scene. She was transported by ambulance to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injuries.During the investigation, Curtis E Richardson, age 49 of Hutchinson, was identified as a person of interest. Just before 9:30p.m., a statewide BOLO was issued for Richardson.Just after 7a.m. Saturday, Pratt County Kansas Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Preston, Kansas, in reference to a reported robbery. The victim reported that a man forced entry into her residence and took her vehicle without permissionWhile en route, a Pratt County Sheriff’s Office deputy located the reported stolen vehicle traveling southbound on K61 Highway in Pratt County. The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop; however, the driver, later identified as Richardson, refused to stop, and a vehicle pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, the stolen vehicle left the roadway and drove into a field near NE 30th Avenue and NE 20th Street in Pratt County, where it became stuck. The Pratt County Sheriff’s Office deputy maintained scene security until additional units arrived.The Pratt County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT) responded to the scene. Richardson refused to exit his vehicle despite multiple clear commands from the Pratt County Sheriff’s Office and continued efforts by the SRT negotiator. While he remained inside the vehicle, less-lethal tactics were deployed in an effort to gain compliance. Richardson was later located inside the vehicle with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Pratt County EMS initiated lifesaving measures. Mr. Richardson was transported by ambulance to Pratt Regional Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.Richardson had been listed as a registered offender following a drug distribution conviction in Crawford County in 2015, according to the KBI Offender Registry. He has previous convictions for theft, violation of the offender registration act and for various illegal drug violations, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kan. woman and registered offender dead after shooting, police chase

WASHINGTON —The Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s far-reaching global tariffs in a 6-3 decision on Friday.

On social media, Kansas Junior U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote, "President Trump’s tariffs secured 10 trade deals, brought supply chains back to America, and strengthened our national security. This decision is disappointing — but it won’t stop him from using every tool available to fight for American workers, rebuild U.S. manufacturing, and put America First."

During a press conference Friday afternoon, President Trump said he will impose a global 10% tariff as an alternative while pressing his trade policies by other means.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672235865420.png" alt="Supreme Court Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States" />
 <figcaption>Supreme Court Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —The Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s far-reaching global tariffs in a 6-3 decision on Friday.On social media, Kansas Junior U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote, "President Trump’s tariffs secured 10 trade deals, brought supply chains back to America, and strengthened our national security. This decision is disappointing — but it won’t stop him from using every tool available to fight for American workers, rebuild U.S. manufacturing, and put America First."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Reckless tariffs have driven up costs for all hardworking Kansans. Here’s my response after the Supreme Court ruled them unlawful. ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/i2fewOic5L">pic.twitter.com/i2fewOic5L</a>&mdash; Rep. Sharice Davids (@RepDavids) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDavids/status/2024867378979299599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>During a press conference Friday afternoon, President Trump said he will impose a global 10% tariff as an alternative while pressing his trade policies by other means.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tariffs can be an important and effective tool to address unfair trade practices and help level the playing field with foreign competitors. Senate Republicans will continue working with the administration and our colleagues in the House to advance our shared goal to strengthen…&mdash; Leader John Thune (@LeaderJohnThune) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeaderJohnThune/status/2024909322388423065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;We&#39;re doing something in a different way... and we&#39;re using things that some people thought we should&#39;ve used in the first place... but the end result is going to get us more money.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/M8jp0pgmo2">pic.twitter.com/M8jp0pgmo2</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2024920064143639000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A victory for the wallets of every American consumer. Trump’s illegal tariff tax just collapsed—He tried to govern by decree and stuck families with the bill. Enough chaos. End the trade war. <a href="https://t.co/VrHIwTGJ0c">pic.twitter.com/VrHIwTGJ0c</a>&mdash; Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenSchumer/status/2024869159197118878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">No Supreme Court decision can undo the massive damage that Trump&#39;s chaotic tariffs have caused. The American people paid for these tariffs and the American people should get their money back. <a href="https://t.co/I78bV2jJUH">https://t.co/I78bV2jJUH</a>&mdash; Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenWarren/status/2024872083130335653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/USTradeRep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USTradeRep</a> on tariffs: &quot;We&#39;re very focused on using the alternative authorities that Congress has delegated to the President... Although the tools may change, the policy remains the same.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/pppt5jvOrr">pic.twitter.com/pppt5jvOrr</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2024988217972257002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/fSxgGDjTCL">pic.twitter.com/fSxgGDjTCL</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2025009503083597979?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Kan. lawmakers react to court ruling on President Trump's tariffs

On Friday at the direction of U.S. Southern Command&nbsp; Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations, according to an online report from the U.S. Southern Command.

Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Three male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed.

On Friday at the direction of U.S. Southern Command&nbsp; Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations, according to an online report from the U.S. Southern Command.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">On Feb. 20, at the direction of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOUTHCOM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOUTHCOM</a> commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known… <a href="https://t.co/PzWQFfNgHm">pic.twitter.com/PzWQFfNgHm</a>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2025006036776878463?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Three male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed.

🎥 3 more killed after new U.S. strike on a drug boat

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City man was charged with child pornography offenses in a now-unsealed federal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Missouri, according to the United State's Attorney.

Luis Leony Valentin, 34, was charged by federal criminal complaint with production of child pornography, receipt of child pornography over the internet, and possession of child pornography. Following his arrest Valentin had his first appearance in court.

An affidavit filed with the complaint alleges that Valentin communicated over the internet with a 14-year-old to obtain depictions of the minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Valentin possessed numerous videos of child pornography of minor females.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett. It was investigated by the Kansas City Missouri Police Department and the FBI.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City man was charged with child pornography offenses in a now-unsealed federal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Missouri, according to the United State's Attorney.Luis Leony Valentin, 34, was charged by federal criminal complaint with production of child pornography, receipt of child pornography over the internet, and possession of child pornography. Following his arrest Valentin had his first appearance in court.An affidavit filed with the complaint alleges that Valentin communicated over the internet with a 14-year-old to obtain depictions of the minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Valentin possessed numerous videos of child pornography of minor females.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett. It was investigated by the Kansas City Missouri Police Department and the FBI.

Sex crimes: KC man communicated online with 14-year-old

Just before 2p.m. Thursday, the Junction City Fire Department responded to reports of a fire at The Bluffs apartment complex, at 1810 Caroline Avenue, Building O in Junction City, according to a media release.

Upon arrival, crews observed heavy smoke and visible flames coming from second- and third-floor balconies on the front (east) side of the building. Fire had extended into the roof structure on the east side of the complex.

Due to the size and complexity of the incident, mutual aid was requested from Fort Riley Fire for a ladder truck, and Geary County Fire Dept. responded with an additional engine for support. Firefighters initiated an aggressive interior fire attack while additional crews conducted a primary search of the structure and assisted residents with evacuation. Because of the large apartment complex, Junction City Police Department personnel also assisted with precautionary evacuations on the non-fire side of the building.

The fire was brought under control at approximately 2:56 P.M.

Building O consists of 34 apartment units. A total of 17 units were affected by the fire, with 7 units determined to be a total loss. Twenty-four occupants were displaced as a result of the incident. EMS personnel evaluated individuals on scene, and no serious injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is currently undetermined. The investigation is being conducted by the Junction City Fire Department with assistance from the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Initial damage estimates are approximately $700,000 in fire and smoke damage. The estimated total value of Building O is approximately $3.4 million.

The American Red Cross and Fort Riley military personnel assisted displaced residents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771550654784.jpeg" alt="Photo Junction City Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>Photo Junction City Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey Terrill JC PostJust before 2p.m. Thursday, the Junction City Fire Department responded to reports of a fire at The Bluffs apartment complex, at 1810 Caroline Avenue, Building O in Junction City, according to a media release.Upon arrival, crews observed heavy smoke and visible flames coming from second- and third-floor balconies on the front (east) side of the building. Fire had extended into the roof structure on the east side of the complex.Due to the size and complexity of the incident, mutual aid was requested from Fort Riley Fire for a ladder truck, and Geary County Fire Dept. responded with an additional engine for support. Firefighters initiated an aggressive interior fire attack while additional crews conducted a primary search of the structure and assisted residents with evacuation. Because of the large apartment complex, Junction City Police Department personnel also assisted with precautionary evacuations on the non-fire side of the building.The fire was brought under control at approximately 2:56 P.M.Building O consists of 34 apartment units. A total of 17 units were affected by the fire, with 7 units determined to be a total loss. Twenty-four occupants were displaced as a result of the incident. EMS personnel evaluated individuals on scene, and no serious injuries were reported.The cause of the fire is currently undetermined. The investigation is being conducted by the Junction City Fire Department with assistance from the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office.Initial damage estimates are approximately $700,000 in fire and smoke damage. The estimated total value of Building O is approximately $3.4 million.The American Red Cross and Fort Riley military personnel assisted displaced residents.

$700,000 damage from Kansas apartment fire

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Topeka Police are asking the public for help in locating Nassir Tiriq Gill, 20, of Topeka, in reference to homicide investigation.

Just before 1a.m. November 22, 2025,&nbsp; police responded to several reports of gunshots around SE 37th Street and SE Adams Street in Topeka. While officers were investigating that area, they received information on a subject arriving at a local hospital by private vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds. The victim later identified as 16-year-old&nbsp;Kingston Scott of Topeka was pronounced deceased.

As a result of the investigation police have arrested two 16-year-old boys from Topeka on&nbsp;&nbsp;charges including murder, Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied vehicle with great bodily harm and Aggravated Assault; Use of a deadly weapon

&nbsp;Gill is being sought for the following charges Murder in the 1st degree, Criminal discharge of a firearm; at occupied vehicle with great bodily harm, Criminal discharge of a firearm; recklessly at occupied dwelling and Criminal damage to property.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to email telltpd@topeka.org or contact the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368-9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007. You can also make anonymous tips online at www.p3tips.com/128.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764973228137.png" alt="Kingston Scott photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Kingston Scott photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Topeka Police are asking the public for help in locating Nassir Tiriq Gill, 20, of Topeka, in reference to homicide investigation.Just before 1a.m. November 22, 2025,&nbsp; police responded to several reports of gunshots around SE 37th Street and SE Adams Street in Topeka. While officers were investigating that area, they received information on a subject arriving at a local hospital by private vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds. The victim later identified as 16-year-old&nbsp;Kingston Scott of Topeka was pronounced deceased.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771624164755.png" alt="Gill photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Gill photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>As a result of the investigation police have arrested two 16-year-old boys from Topeka on&nbsp;&nbsp;charges including murder, Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied vehicle with great bodily harm and Aggravated Assault; Use of a deadly weapon&nbsp;Gill is being sought for the following charges Murder in the 1st degree, Criminal discharge of a firearm; at occupied vehicle with great bodily harm, Criminal discharge of a firearm; recklessly at occupied dwelling and Criminal damage to property.Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to email telltpd@topeka.org or contact the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368-9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007. You can also make anonymous tips online at www.p3tips.com/128.

Police: Kansas man wanted for murder of 16-year-old boy

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">📣HUGE NEWS FOR KANSAS CITY: We secured $13.3 MILLION for KC Area Transportation Authority to upgrade buses &amp; facilities ahead of the 2026 World Cup. 🌎⚽️ <a href="https://t.co/pXaurVbuUQ">pic.twitter.com/pXaurVbuUQ</a>&mdash; Rep. Mark Alford (@RepMarkAlford) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMarkAlford/status/2024878308295626891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

KCATA gets funds to upgrade buses, facilities ahead of World Cup

The Supreme Court struck down&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s global tariffs&nbsp;on Friday. A significant loss for his economic agenda.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771612720731.png" alt="Image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>Image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>The Supreme Court struck down&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s global tariffs&nbsp;on Friday. A significant loss for his economic agenda.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;The Supreme Court&#39;s ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing and I&#39;m ashamed of certain members of the Court, absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what&#39;s right for our country.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Ei07ATVDE9">pic.twitter.com/Ei07ATVDE9</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2024913944805032063?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;In actuality, while I am sure that they did not mean to do so, the Supreme Court&#39;s decision today made a president&#39;s ability to both regulate trade and impose tariffs more powerful and more crystal clear rather than less.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/mekPEzDgEU">pic.twitter.com/mekPEzDgEU</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2024916771686244639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Effective immediately all National Security tariffs under Section 232 and existing Section 301 tariffs...remain in place, fully in place and in full force and effect. Today, I will sign an order to impose a 10% global tariff under Section 122, over and above our normal tariffs.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/XzOZxR2RYT">pic.twitter.com/XzOZxR2RYT</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2024917513897672712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;The good news is that there are methods, practices, statutes and authorities as recognized by the entire court... that are even stronger than the IEEPA tariffs available to me as President of the United States.&quot; - President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/v2juxmYHiR">pic.twitter.com/v2juxmYHiR</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2024919657782694316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! <a href="https://t.co/5UudUfHe42">https://t.co/5UudUfHe42</a> <a href="https://t.co/un5zFbSEJl">pic.twitter.com/un5zFbSEJl</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2024921307855417373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President Trump reacts to Supreme Court decision on tariffs

The Kansas City Missouri Police Department is attempting to identify the suspects who were involved in a shooting that occurred in the 300 Block of Westport Road on February 8 at 08:54p.m., according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

Police released no additional details on the crime.

If you can identify the suspects, please contact the Assault Squad at 816-234-5227 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771609590416.png" alt="Photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas City Missouri Police Department is attempting to identify the suspects who were involved in a shooting that occurred in the 300 Block of Westport Road on February 8 at 08:54p.m., according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.Police released no additional details on the crime.If you can identify the suspects, please contact the Assault Squad at 816-234-5227 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

KCPD asks for help to ID shooting suspects

WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the Trump administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs.

"The Supreme Court’s announcement today regarding tariffs provides much-needed certainty for U.S. businesses and manufacturers, enabling global supply chains to operate without ambiguity. Clear and consistent trade policy is essential for economic growth, creating jobs and opportunities for American families. We urge the lower court to ensure a&nbsp;seamless&nbsp;process to refund the tariffs to U.S. importers. The refunds will serve as an economic boost and allow companies to reinvest in their operations, their&nbsp;employees&nbsp;and their customers."

The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs — 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies.&nbsp;<a href="https://nrf.com/">nrf.com</a>

National Retail FederationWASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the Trump administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771606912161.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"The Supreme Court’s announcement today regarding tariffs provides much-needed certainty for U.S. businesses and manufacturers, enabling global supply chains to operate without ambiguity. Clear and consistent trade policy is essential for economic growth, creating jobs and opportunities for American families. We urge the lower court to ensure a&nbsp;seamless&nbsp;process to refund the tariffs to U.S. importers. The refunds will serve as an economic boost and allow companies to reinvest in their operations, their&nbsp;employees&nbsp;and their customers."About NRFThe National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs — 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies.&nbsp;<a href="https://nrf.com/">nrf.com</a>

National Retail Federation responds to Supreme Court ruling on tariffs

U.S. Supreme Court on Friday ruled the Trump Administration can not impose tariffs&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_4gcj.pdf">Click here to read the ruling</a>

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2025/24-1287">Click here to listen to oral arguments</a>&nbsp;before court on Nov. 5, 2025

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743626000304.png" alt="President Trump announced his tariff plan in April -photo White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump announced his tariff plan in April -photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Supreme Court on Friday ruled the Trump Administration can not impose tariffs&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_4gcj.pdf">Click here to read the ruling</a><a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2025/24-1287">Click here to listen to oral arguments</a>&nbsp;before court on Nov. 5, 2025<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771601035444.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Read the ruling: Supreme Court strikes down Trump's global tariffs

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</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 — Former Saint Francis Ministries CEO Robert Smith admitted in federal court Thursday that he used the organization’s credit card for personal expenses and authorized payments for a co-defendant’s fraudulent invoices.

Then he pleaded guilty to a single charge of wire fraud for a $6,909.73 credit card payment.

Smith led the foster care organization from 2014 to 2020, where the Episcopal priest was known as Father Bobby.&nbsp;Federal authorities gathered evidence that Smith and William&nbsp;Whymark, who provided IT services, engaged in a scheme to bilk the organization of more than $4.7 million through inflated invoices. Smith also used the organization’s credit card for family travels, fine clothes, meals at five-star restaurants and cash withdrawals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705958001381.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Robert Smith, who led Saint Francis Ministries from 2014 to 2020, pleaded guilty Thursday to wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 15 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Robert Smith, who led Saint Francis Ministries from 2014 to 2020, pleaded guilty Thursday to wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 15 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</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 — Former Saint Francis Ministries CEO Robert Smith admitted in federal court Thursday that he used the organization’s credit card for personal expenses and authorized payments for a co-defendant’s fraudulent invoices.Then he pleaded guilty to a single charge of wire fraud for a $6,909.73 credit card payment.Smith led the foster care organization from 2014 to 2020, where the Episcopal priest was known as Father Bobby.&nbsp;Federal authorities gathered evidence that Smith and William&nbsp;Whymark, who provided IT services, engaged in a scheme to bilk the organization of more than $4.7 million through inflated invoices. Smith also used the organization’s credit card for family travels, fine clothes, meals at five-star restaurants and cash withdrawals.Kansas Reflector&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/20/kansas-foster-care-leader-charged-469k-to-credit-cards-hid-financial-losses/">first reported on the financial irregularities</a>&nbsp;shortly after Smith resigned in 2020.Whymark&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Whymark-plea.pdf">pleaded guilty on Nov. 18</a>&nbsp;to two charges of wire fraud totaling more than $2 million, admitting his role in the scheme. He has yet to be sentenced.The 54-year-old Smith faced 20 charges for crimes including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. By pleading guilty to a single count of wire fraud, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will remain free until sentencing, which is set for July 15.Danielle Thomas, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Kansas, said&nbsp;“the discretion on whether to dismiss or proceed on the remaining charges remains.”U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse gripped and spun a baseball in his hands Thursday as Smith affirmed for the judge that he understood the charges against him, that he would lose the right to vote, hold office or own a gun, that he received adequate counsel from defense attorney Sarah Hess, and that the judge alone would determine the length of his prison term.“Does it remain your desire to plead guilty today?” Crouse asked.Smith answered: “Yes.”Prosecutor Sara Walton then presented evidence that would be brought against Smith if the case were to go to trial. The evidence included Smith’s approval of fraudulent invoices, as well as the personal credit card expenses that he failed to report or reimburse. The count to which Smith agreed to plead guilty was a credit card payment from March 3, 2018.Smith admitted for the record that the evidence was accurate. He sat stoically with hands folded on the defendant’s table as Crouse accepted the plea.Bishop Paula Clark of the Diocese of Chicago, where Smith was ordained, said in a statement that the church would respond to his guilty plea by initiating a disciplinary process.“I ask you to please pray for the Rev. Smith, his family, and all who are affected by this situation,” Clark said.Saint Francis, a faith-based nonprofit, was the state’s largest foster care contractor, serving 3,100 children and 600 homes, when Smith resigned in November 2020. The organization nearly became insolvent under Smith’s management, which included severely underbidding a foster care contract in Nebraska.Among other questionable purchases, Smith claimed he purchased&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/22/former-ceo-of-foster-care-provider-defends-travel-charges-cubs-tickets/">$65,000 worth of Chicago Cubs tickets</a>&nbsp;so he could flip them for a profit on the secondary market. Nebraska’s governor at the time, Pete Ricketts, who is now a U.S. senator, is part-owner of the Cubs.Smith also invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in his wife’s plans to harvest a “miracle” food in El Salvador. An internal Saint Francis investigation later discovered a project manager in El Salvador had asked for a Visa card that could be used for cash bribes for government officials there.The Kansas Department for Children and Families, after conducting its own investigation, required Saint Francis to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/30/kansas-foster-care-provider-to-repay-9-4m-in-unused-tax-dollars/">repay $9.4 million</a>. The state also replaced Saint Francis as the contractor for the Wichita area, but continues to contract with Saint Francis in other parts of the state.“For more than 80 years Saint Francis Ministries has provided healing and hope to children and families and that remains our focus,” said Denny Marlin, spokesman for Saint Francis. “We trust the judicial process and remain committed to serving the children and families who rely on our care.”