SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect who admitted setting a fire near the historic Orpheum Theatre,&nbsp;200 N Broadway Street, in Wichita is going to prison.

On Friday Judge Seth Rundell sentenced 34-year-old Jeremy Wycoff of Wichita to 30 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;In September, Wycoff pleaded guilty to aggravated arson.

On the evening of April 10, 2025, crews responded to report of a fire near the 102-year-old theatre that is undergoing renovations.&nbsp;

"Thanks to the quick response of Wichita Fire Department, the situation was contained before it caused any major damage to our building or our neighbors along First Street," the theatre announced on their social media page.

Three days after the crime, police arrested Wycoff and booked him into the Sedgwick County Jail where he remained jailed on a bond of just over $100,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744832383037.png" alt="Wycoff photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Wycoff photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect who admitted setting a fire near the historic Orpheum Theatre,&nbsp;200 N Broadway Street, in Wichita is going to prison.On Friday Judge Seth Rundell sentenced 34-year-old Jeremy Wycoff of Wichita to 30 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;In September, Wycoff pleaded guilty to aggravated arson.On the evening of April 10, 2025, crews responded to report of a fire near the 102-year-old theatre that is undergoing renovations.&nbsp;"Thanks to the quick response of Wichita Fire Department, the situation was contained before it caused any major damage to our building or our neighbors along First Street," the theatre announced on their social media page.Three days after the crime, police arrested Wycoff and booked him into the Sedgwick County Jail where he remained jailed on a bond of just over $100,000.

Prison time for arson fIre near historic Kansas theatre

NEW YORK (AP) — A huge new tranche of files on millionaire financier and sex offender&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;has revealed details of his communications with the wealthy and powerful, some not long before he died by suicide in 2019.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein">Click here t</a>o view the latest files

The Justice Department said it was disclosing more than 3 million pages of documents, as well as thousands of videos and photos, as required by a law passed by Congress. By Friday evening, more than 600,000 documents had been published online. Millions of files that prosecutors had identified as potentially subject to release under the law remain under wraps, however, drawing criticism from Democrats.

The records also have new details on Epstein’s incarceration and suicide

Epstein was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges in July 2019, and found dead in his cell just over a month later.

The latest batch of documents includes emails between investigators about Epstein’s death, including an investigator’s observation that his final communication doesn’t look like a suicide note.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-politics-new-york-business-suicides-4ff27f28f32d446795b65ac7dd8cc4ac">Multiple investigations</a>&nbsp;have determined that Epstein’s death&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">was a suicide</a>.

The records also detail a trick that jail staffers used to fool the media gathered outside while Epstein’s body was removed: they used boxes and sheets to create what appeared to be a body and loaded it into a white van labeled as belonging to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

The reporters followed the van when it left the jail, not knowing that Epstein’s actual body was loaded into a black vehicle, which departed “unnoticed,” according to the interview notes.

Epstein chatted with Elon Musk and Howard Lutnick about island visits

Billionaire Tesla founder Elon Musk emailed Epstein in 2012 and 2013 about visiting his infamous island compound, the scene of many allegations of sexual abuse.

Epstein inquired in an email about how many people Musk would like flown by helicopter, and Musk responded that it would likely be just him and his partner at the time. “What day/night will be the wildest party on =our island?” he wrote, according to the Justice Department records.

It’s not immediately clear if the island visits took place. Spokespersons for Musk’s companies, Tesla and X, didn’t immediately respond to emails seeking comment Friday.

Musk has maintained that he repeatedly turned down the disgraced financier’s overtures. “Epstein tried to get me to go to his island and I REFUSED,” he posted on X in 2025

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%2010/EFTA02152992.pdf">Epstein also invited</a>&nbsp;Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to the island in Dec. 2012. Lutnick’s wife enthusiastically accepted the invitation and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%209/EFTA00398721.pdf">said they would arrive</a>&nbsp;on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%2011/EFTA02521951.pdf">yacht with their children</a>. The two also had drinks on another occasion in 2011, according to a schedule. Six years later, they e-mailed about the construction of a building across the street from both of their homes.

Lutnick has distanced himself from Epstein, calling him “gross” and saying in 2025 that he cut ties decades ago. He didn’t respond to an e-mailed request for comment on Friday afternoon.

Epstein talked politics with Steve Bannon and an ex-Obama official

The documents show Epstein exchanged hundreds of friendly texts with Steve Bannon, a top adviser to President Donald Trump, some months before Epstein’s death.

They discussed politics, travel and a documentary Bannon was said to be planning that would help salvage Epstein’s reputation.

In March 2019, Bannon asked Epstein if he could&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%2010/EFTA01615683.pdf">supply his plane</a>&nbsp;to pick him up in Rome.

A couple of months later, Epstein messaged to Bannon, “Now you can understand why trump wakes up in the middle of the night sweating when he hears you and I are friends.”

The context is unclear from the documents, which were released with many redactions and little clear organization.

Another 2018 exchange focused on Trump’s threats at the time to oust Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, whom he had named to the post just the year prior.

Around the same time, Epstein also communicated with Kathy Ruemmler, a lawyer and former Obama White House official. In a typo-filled email, he warned that Democrats should stop demonizing Trump as a Mafia-type figure even as he derided the president as a “maniac.”

Bannon did not immediately respond to a message from the AP seeking comment. Ruemmler said through a spokesperson she was associated with Epstein professionally during her time as a lawyer in private practice and now “regrets ever knowing him.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769870922216.png" alt="Jeffrey Epstein as shown in a photo released by the DOJ on Friday" />
 <figcaption>Jeffrey Epstein as shown in a photo released by the DOJ on Friday</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — A huge new tranche of files on millionaire financier and sex offender&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;has revealed details of his communications with the wealthy and powerful, some not long before he died by suicide in 2019.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein">Click here t</a>o view the latest filesThe Justice Department said it was disclosing more than 3 million pages of documents, as well as thousands of videos and photos, as required by a law passed by Congress. By Friday evening, more than 600,000 documents had been published online. Millions of files that prosecutors had identified as potentially subject to release under the law remain under wraps, however, drawing criticism from Democrats.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769891409865.png" alt="EDS NOTE: GRAPHIC CONTENT - Image from an undated and redacted document released by the U.S. Department of Justice, showa Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, leaning over an unidentified person." />
 <figcaption>EDS NOTE: GRAPHIC CONTENT - Image from an undated and redacted document released by the U.S. Department of Justice, showa Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, leaning over an unidentified person.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Latest:<h2>The records also have new details on Epstein’s incarceration and suicide</h2>Epstein was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges in July 2019, and found dead in his cell just over a month later.The latest batch of documents includes emails between investigators about Epstein’s death, including an investigator’s observation that his final communication doesn’t look like a suicide note.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-politics-new-york-business-suicides-4ff27f28f32d446795b65ac7dd8cc4ac">Multiple investigations</a>&nbsp;have determined that Epstein’s death&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">was a suicide</a>.The records also detail a trick that jail staffers used to fool the media gathered outside while Epstein’s body was removed: they used boxes and sheets to create what appeared to be a body and loaded it into a white van labeled as belonging to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.The reporters followed the van when it left the jail, not knowing that Epstein’s actual body was loaded into a black vehicle, which departed “unnoticed,” according to the interview notes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769817863085.png" alt="Email exchange from Elon Musk in the files released Friday" />
 <figcaption>Email exchange from Elon Musk in the files released Friday</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Epstein chatted with Elon Musk and Howard Lutnick about island visits</h2>Billionaire Tesla founder Elon Musk emailed Epstein in 2012 and 2013 about visiting his infamous island compound, the scene of many allegations of sexual abuse.Epstein inquired in an email about how many people Musk would like flown by helicopter, and Musk responded that it would likely be just him and his partner at the time. “What day/night will be the wildest party on =our island?” he wrote, according to the Justice Department records.It’s not immediately clear if the island visits took place. Spokespersons for Musk’s companies, Tesla and X, didn’t immediately respond to emails seeking comment Friday.Musk has maintained that he repeatedly turned down the disgraced financier’s overtures. “Epstein tried to get me to go to his island and I REFUSED,” he posted on X in 2025<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%2010/EFTA02152992.pdf">Epstein also invited</a>&nbsp;Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to the island in Dec. 2012. Lutnick’s wife enthusiastically accepted the invitation and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%209/EFTA00398721.pdf">said they would arrive</a>&nbsp;on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%2011/EFTA02521951.pdf">yacht with their children</a>. The two also had drinks on another occasion in 2011, according to a schedule. Six years later, they e-mailed about the construction of a building across the street from both of their homes.Lutnick has distanced himself from Epstein, calling him “gross” and saying in 2025 that he cut ties decades ago. He didn’t respond to an e-mailed request for comment on Friday afternoon.<h2>Epstein talked politics with Steve Bannon and an ex-Obama official</h2>The documents show Epstein exchanged hundreds of friendly texts with Steve Bannon, a top adviser to President Donald Trump, some months before Epstein’s death.They discussed politics, travel and a documentary Bannon was said to be planning that would help salvage Epstein’s reputation.In March 2019, Bannon asked Epstein if he could&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%2010/EFTA01615683.pdf">supply his plane</a>&nbsp;to pick him up in Rome.A couple of months later, Epstein messaged to Bannon, “Now you can understand why trump wakes up in the middle of the night sweating when he hears you and I are friends.”The context is unclear from the documents, which were released with many redactions and little clear organization.Another 2018 exchange focused on Trump’s threats at the time to oust Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, whom he had named to the post just the year prior.Around the same time, Epstein also communicated with Kathy Ruemmler, a lawyer and former Obama White House official. In a typo-filled email, he warned that Democrats should stop demonizing Trump as a Mafia-type figure even as he derided the president as a “maniac.”Bannon did not immediately respond to a message from the AP seeking comment. Ruemmler said through a spokesperson she was associated with Epstein professionally during her time as a lawyer in private practice and now “regrets ever knowing him.”

New Epstein documents include his emails with wealthy and powerful

MCPHERSON&nbsp;COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is assisting the McPherson County Sheriff's Office in investigating a homicide that occurred early Saturday morning, according to a media release from the agency.

KBI agents and investigators determined that attendees of a house party, held southwest of Inman, had a disagreement after consuming alcohol. Two groups of partygoers left in separate pickup trucks, but then met on a rural road approximately two miles from the party, near 4th Avenue and Arapaho Road.

A physical altercation occurred between two adult males. During the fight, Joshua Soden, 19, of McPherson, was shot and killed. Soden was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The 18-year-old male who shot Soden called 911 to report the incident. He then drove to the Inman Police Department where he was questioned by police, but has not been arrested.

Several witnesses have been interviewed The community is not at any risk related to this incident.

MCPHERSON&nbsp;COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is assisting the McPherson County Sheriff's Office in investigating a homicide that occurred early Saturday morning, according to a media release from the agency.KBI agents and investigators determined that attendees of a house party, held southwest of Inman, had a disagreement after consuming alcohol. Two groups of partygoers left in separate pickup trucks, but then met on a rural road approximately two miles from the party, near 4th Avenue and Arapaho Road.A physical altercation occurred between two adult males. During the fight, Joshua Soden, 19, of McPherson, was shot and killed. Soden was pronounced deceased at the scene.The 18-year-old male who shot Soden called 911 to report the incident. He then drove to the Inman Police Department where he was questioned by police, but has not been arrested.Several witnesses have been interviewed The community is not at any risk related to this incident.

KBI: McPherson man shot and killed during fight

Washington&nbsp;– This week, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. received the PROMISE (Protecting Our Most Important Students Early) Award from the National Head Start Association. The award is given to Members of Congress who have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to Head Start and serving our nation’s most vulnerable children and their families, according to a media release from Marshall's office.

The National Head Start Association is a nonprofit organization that believes that every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, can succeed in school and in life. NHSA represents nearly 700,000 children across the country and has locations in all 50 states.

“I’m deeply honored to receive the PROMISE Award and to stand with the National Head Start Association,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“After delivering more than 5,000 babies during my medical career, I know the miracle of life doesn’t end at birth — it’s just the beginning. Programs like Head Start come alongside families with early education, nutrition, health services, and encouragement when it matters most. The earliest years shape a child’s future, and if we want a stronger country tomorrow, we must invest in children and families today. I’ll continue fighting for strong early childhood programs that support parents, strengthen communities, and give every child a fair shot at the American Dream.”

Senator Marshall was presented the award by NHSA’s Deputy Director Tommy Sheridan, and was joined on stage by members of the Kansas Head Start team.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769619433450.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Washington&nbsp;– This week, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. received the PROMISE (Protecting Our Most Important Students Early) Award from the National Head Start Association. The award is given to Members of Congress who have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to Head Start and serving our nation’s most vulnerable children and their families, according to a media release from Marshall's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769619658200.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The National Head Start Association is a nonprofit organization that believes that every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, can succeed in school and in life. NHSA represents nearly 700,000 children across the country and has locations in all 50 states.“I’m deeply honored to receive the PROMISE Award and to stand with the National Head Start Association,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“After delivering more than 5,000 babies during my medical career, I know the miracle of life doesn’t end at birth — it’s just the beginning. Programs like Head Start come alongside families with early education, nutrition, health services, and encouragement when it matters most. The earliest years shape a child’s future, and if we want a stronger country tomorrow, we must invest in children and families today. I’ll continue fighting for strong early childhood programs that support parents, strengthen communities, and give every child a fair shot at the American Dream.”Senator Marshall was presented the award by NHSA’s Deputy Director Tommy Sheridan, and was joined on stage by members of the Kansas Head Start team.

National Head Start honors Kansas U.S. Senator 

BUTLER COUNTY —A Kansas pilot avoided injury after a mishap just after 10a.m. Saturday in Butler County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported, during the 4th take off attempt, a 2023 Cesnna Skyhawk, piloted by a 40-year-old Wichita woman, began to track towards the left side of the runway at the Augusta Municipal Airport. The aircraft continued drifting left and control inputs were applied in an attempt to maintain centerline and regain directional control. The aircraft continued traveling to the left, entered the snow area and came to rest upside down.

The pilot was not injured.&nbsp; The NTSB and FAA will investigate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769890933266.png" alt="Google map" />
 <figcaption>Google map</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —A Kansas pilot avoided injury after a mishap just after 10a.m. Saturday in Butler County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported, during the 4th take off attempt, a 2023 Cesnna Skyhawk, piloted by a 40-year-old Wichita woman, began to track towards the left side of the runway at the Augusta Municipal Airport. The aircraft continued drifting left and control inputs were applied in an attempt to maintain centerline and regain directional control. The aircraft continued traveling to the left, entered the snow area and came to rest upside down.The pilot was not injured.&nbsp; The NTSB and FAA will investigate.

Aircraft came to rest upside down in the snow at Kan. airport

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-funk">JOSH FUNK</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/peter-smith">PETER SMITH</a> Associated Press

Nine people, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/don-lemon-arrest-minnesota-church-service-d3091fe3d1e37100a7c46573667eb85c">former CNN anchor Don Lemon</a>&nbsp;and another journalist — have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/don-lemon-arrest-minnesota-church-service-d3091fe3d1e37100a7c46573667eb85c">charged</a>&nbsp;with violating two different federal laws in connection with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-ice-doj-church-protest-st-paul-46dac5c5595ec78e3360ec927eef92d2">protest that interrupted a worship service at a Minnesota church</a>&nbsp;earlier this month.

The group that barged into a worship service that Sunday was upset that the head of a local field office for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement serves as a pastor. The protest was quickly denounced by President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi and other officials, as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-protest-church-minneapolis-fcc97a29b9c4434c665d76d4811c5a3e">many religious leaders</a>.

<a href="https://sortor.us/release/lemon.pdf">Click here to read </a>the full indictment

Lemon and a local reporter were covering the protest on Jan. 18 at the Cities Church in St. Paul. A grand jury in Minnesota indicted Lemon and others on charges of conspiracy and interfering with the First Amendment rights of worshippers. The indictment alleges various actions by the group that entered the church, including what Lemon said as he reported on the event for his livestream show.

The arrests of Lemon and independent journalist Georgia Fort are especially troubling for legal experts and media groups who worry about the chilling effect on coverage of the Trump administration.

David Harris, a University of Pittsburgh law professor specializing in criminal law, said the charges against the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-church-protest-history-58817d7033c6b83867131f4cee87256a">protesters</a>&nbsp;are more tenable, given the federal laws against disrupting the free exercise of worship. “A court will have to sort that out,” he said.

But charges against reporters are troubling, he said.

“Charging journalists for being there covering the disruption does not mean they were part of the disruption,” Harris said. “Don Lemon and other journalists are the way that we the public are finding out what is happening in these spaces,” he said. “They are our eyes and ears. The message that is being sent is that journalists like Don Lemon and others should feel intimidated from doing this.”

The two key laws cited in the complaints against those who were arrested were passed more than a century apart — one rooted in efforts to prevent intimidation by the post-Civil War Ku Klux Klan and the other to enable access to abortion clinics, though they both have had wider applications.

Law designed to protect access to abortion clinics and churches

The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances law, known as the FACE Act for short, was passed in 1994 to help ensure that patients seeking care at an abortion clinic — as well as the doctors and nurses who work there — could safely access the facilities that often draw protests. It followed incidents of violence targeting clinic workers.

A Republican-sponsored clause that provided for penalties for disruptions of worship services was also incorporated into the law.

Anti-abortion conservatives have denounced the law, focusing on the clinic protections. Trump last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-trump-executive-order-pardon-817774b21d32a4edf6d39ee43cbc18f4">pardoned</a>&nbsp;several people convicted for blockading clinics. His Justice Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-reproductive-care-clinics-prosecutions-5f693b186d0dd62fc693474aab7b5f3f">scaled back</a>&nbsp;FACE Act prosecutions of those accused of blocking clinics, claiming there had been a “weaponization” of the law.

But the U.S. Supreme Court, despite having overturned the Roe v. Wade decision that had legalized abortion nationwide, last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-buffer-zones-7979c3d747d7eab88f7e8b723397e768">refused</a>&nbsp;to hear a challenge to the constitutionality of FACE.

In 2025, 42 House Republicans co-sponsored legislation, introduced by Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, to repeal the FACE Act. The conservative Heritage Foundation supported the stalled repeal effort, calling the FACE Act “an ideological weapon” designed to suppress anti-abortion activity.

They have contended the worship-protection aspect of the law hasn’t been invoked in the past. In 2025, the Justice Department did invoke the act in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-lawsuit-reproductive-care-clinic-d8e45edcf962ea62b3d86251de103737">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against demonstrators who protested outside of a synagogue.

Someone charged with their first violation of the FACE Act could be fined or sentenced up to one year in jail. Subsequent offenses, or charges that involve injuries, deaths or damage, could face tougher penalties.

The Conspiracy Against Rights law dates back to the post Civil War era

The other charges against Lemon and Fort are based on a law commonly known as the Conspiracy Against Rights law, which was enacted shortly after the Civil War. It was originally designed to target vigilante groups such as the Ku Klux Klan. The law prohibits intimidating or otherwise preventing someone from exercising constitutional rights.

The Klan had been targeting those newly freed from slavery, but over the years the law has been revised to apply to a wide range of violations of constitutional rights. It was used to charge suspects in the “Mississippi Burning” killings of three civil rights workers in 1964. It has been used in cases ranging from church arsons and antisemitic intimidation to political conspiracy and witness tampering.

The law carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison –- or more if it involves injury, death or destruction of property.

Harris said it’s important for Americans to be able to see what’s happening so they can make up their own minds, instead of only hearing officials describe what happened.

“We all have had the experience of them telling us things that simply do not square with what we see with our own eyes,” he said. “Journalists being present to witness these things and report them are crucial to our being able to make our minds about what our government is doing.”

Jonathan Manes, senior counsel in the MacArthur Justice Center’s Illinois Office, agreed.

“It’s astonishing that the federal government is criminally charging journalists for covering a protest,” said Manes, whose work focuses on governmental civil rights violations.

“The crucial point is that a journalist covering activities going on is not part of those activities,” he said. “None of this is to say that the protest here was a good thing or that it was even allowed, but journalists shouldn’t be charged federally with conspiracy when they’re covering it.”

AP reporters Tiffany Stanley in Washington and Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu contributed.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769862788432.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-funk">JOSH FUNK</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/peter-smith">PETER SMITH</a> Associated PressNine people, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/don-lemon-arrest-minnesota-church-service-d3091fe3d1e37100a7c46573667eb85c">former CNN anchor Don Lemon</a>&nbsp;and another journalist — have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/don-lemon-arrest-minnesota-church-service-d3091fe3d1e37100a7c46573667eb85c">charged</a>&nbsp;with violating two different federal laws in connection with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-ice-doj-church-protest-st-paul-46dac5c5595ec78e3360ec927eef92d2">protest that interrupted a worship service at a Minnesota church</a>&nbsp;earlier this month.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769780223167.png" alt="File -Don Lemon from a 2022 interview- photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File -Don Lemon from a 2022 interview- photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>The group that barged into a worship service that Sunday was upset that the head of a local field office for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement serves as a pastor. The protest was quickly denounced by President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi and other officials, as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-protest-church-minneapolis-fcc97a29b9c4434c665d76d4811c5a3e">many religious leaders</a>.<a href="https://sortor.us/release/lemon.pdf">Click here to read </a>the full indictmentLemon and a local reporter were covering the protest on Jan. 18 at the Cities Church in St. Paul. A grand jury in Minnesota indicted Lemon and others on charges of conspiracy and interfering with the First Amendment rights of worshippers. The indictment alleges various actions by the group that entered the church, including what Lemon said as he reported on the event for his livestream show.The arrests of Lemon and independent journalist Georgia Fort are especially troubling for legal experts and media groups who worry about the chilling effect on coverage of the Trump administration.David Harris, a University of Pittsburgh law professor specializing in criminal law, said the charges against the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-church-protest-history-58817d7033c6b83867131f4cee87256a">protesters</a>&nbsp;are more tenable, given the federal laws against disrupting the free exercise of worship. “A court will have to sort that out,” he said.But charges against reporters are troubling, he said.“Charging journalists for being there covering the disruption does not mean they were part of the disruption,” Harris said. “Don Lemon and other journalists are the way that we the public are finding out what is happening in these spaces,” he said. “They are our eyes and ears. The message that is being sent is that journalists like Don Lemon and others should feel intimidated from doing this.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://t.co/Yy9IOZRpJU">pic.twitter.com/Yy9IOZRpJU</a>&mdash; CNN Communications (@CNNPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/CNNPR/status/2017257849592721642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The two key laws cited in the complaints against those who were arrested were passed more than a century apart — one rooted in efforts to prevent intimidation by the post-Civil War Ku Klux Klan and the other to enable access to abortion clinics, though they both have had wider applications.Here are some details about those laws:<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">When life gives you lemons... ⛓️ <a href="https://t.co/wxry0fudOj">pic.twitter.com/wxry0fudOj</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2017248964878143741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>Law designed to protect access to abortion clinics and churches</h2>The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances law, known as the FACE Act for short, was passed in 1994 to help ensure that patients seeking care at an abortion clinic — as well as the doctors and nurses who work there — could safely access the facilities that often draw protests. It followed incidents of violence targeting clinic workers.A Republican-sponsored clause that provided for penalties for disruptions of worship services was also incorporated into the law.Anti-abortion conservatives have denounced the law, focusing on the clinic protections. Trump last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-trump-executive-order-pardon-817774b21d32a4edf6d39ee43cbc18f4">pardoned</a>&nbsp;several people convicted for blockading clinics. His Justice Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-reproductive-care-clinics-prosecutions-5f693b186d0dd62fc693474aab7b5f3f">scaled back</a>&nbsp;FACE Act prosecutions of those accused of blocking clinics, claiming there had been a “weaponization” of the law.But the U.S. Supreme Court, despite having overturned the Roe v. Wade decision that had legalized abortion nationwide, last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-buffer-zones-7979c3d747d7eab88f7e8b723397e768">refused</a>&nbsp;to hear a challenge to the constitutionality of FACE.In 2025, 42 House Republicans co-sponsored legislation, introduced by Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, to repeal the FACE Act. The conservative Heritage Foundation supported the stalled repeal effort, calling the FACE Act “an ideological weapon” designed to suppress anti-abortion activity.They have contended the worship-protection aspect of the law hasn’t been invoked in the past. In 2025, the Justice Department did invoke the act in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-lawsuit-reproductive-care-clinic-d8e45edcf962ea62b3d86251de103737">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against demonstrators who protested outside of a synagogue.Someone charged with their first violation of the FACE Act could be fined or sentenced up to one year in jail. Subsequent offenses, or charges that involve injuries, deaths or damage, could face tougher penalties.<h2>The Conspiracy Against Rights law dates back to the post Civil War era</h2>The other charges against Lemon and Fort are based on a law commonly known as the Conspiracy Against Rights law, which was enacted shortly after the Civil War. It was originally designed to target vigilante groups such as the Ku Klux Klan. The law prohibits intimidating or otherwise preventing someone from exercising constitutional rights.The Klan had been targeting those newly freed from slavery, but over the years the law has been revised to apply to a wide range of violations of constitutional rights. It was used to charge suspects in the “Mississippi Burning” killings of three civil rights workers in 1964. It has been used in cases ranging from church arsons and antisemitic intimidation to political conspiracy and witness tampering.The law carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison –- or more if it involves injury, death or destruction of property.Harris said it’s important for Americans to be able to see what’s happening so they can make up their own minds, instead of only hearing officials describe what happened.“We all have had the experience of them telling us things that simply do not square with what we see with our own eyes,” he said. “Journalists being present to witness these things and report them are crucial to our being able to make our minds about what our government is doing.”Jonathan Manes, senior counsel in the MacArthur Justice Center’s Illinois Office, agreed.“It’s astonishing that the federal government is criminally charging journalists for covering a protest,” said Manes, whose work focuses on governmental civil rights violations.“The crucial point is that a journalist covering activities going on is not part of those activities,” he said. “None of this is to say that the protest here was a good thing or that it was even allowed, but journalists shouldn’t be charged federally with conspiracy when they’re covering it.”___AP reporters Tiffany Stanley in Washington and Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu contributed.___Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Read the indictment: Former CNN anchor charged with 2 federal crimes

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —A family lost their home to a fire on Thursday.

Just before 10:30a.m., the&nbsp;Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a house fire located at 25098 P. Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The Holton, Mayetta and Solder Fire Departments were dispatched to the scene along with Jackson County EMS and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. 

The&nbsp; fire resulted in the complete loss of the h9ome The residents of the address were not home at the time of the fire. There were no injuries reported. A relief account has been established at the Denison State Bank for the family, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769824887505.png" alt="Photos Jackson County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photos Jackson County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —A family lost their home to a fire on Thursday.Just before 10:30a.m., the&nbsp;Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a house fire located at 25098 P. Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769824865138.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Holton, Mayetta and Solder Fire Departments were dispatched to the scene along with Jackson County EMS and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The&nbsp; fire resulted in the complete loss of the h9ome The residents of the address were not home at the time of the fire. There were no injuries reported. A relief account has been established at the Denison State Bank for the family, according to Morse.

Sheriff: Rural Kansas home destroyed by fire

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/cora-lewis">CORA LEWIS</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — Tax filing season is underway, and the IRS expects 164 million people will file returns by April 15.

The average refund last year was $3,167. This year, analysts have projected it could be $1,000 higher, thanks to changes in tax law. More than 165 million individual income tax returns were processed last year, with 94% submitted electronically.

People with straightforward returns should not encounter delays, but because of an exodus of IRS workers since the start of the Trump administration, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-tax-season-taxpayer-advocate-report-cd82286bb60e7e896b5372da25178b1e">national taxpayer advocate has cautioned</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-irs-tax-season-fd379f43d501d064cdad046eb32fb9f6">the 2026 tax filing season</a>&nbsp;is likely to present challenges for those who run into problems filing.

While last year IRS employees were not permitted to accept a buyout offer from the Trump administration until after the taxpayer filing deadline, many of those customer service workers have now left. The IRS started 2025 with about 102,000 employees and finished with roughly 74,000 after a series of firings and layoffs led by the Department of Government Efficiency.

If you file electronically, the IRS says it should take 21 days or less to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tax-season-refund-debt-credit-personal-finance-39412fe2d14f39fc3237e50789c10dc9">receive your refund</a>. If you choose direct deposit, it should take even less time. If you file a paper return, the refund could take four weeks or more, and if your return requires amendments or corrections, it could take longer.

The IRS cautions that taxpayers not rely on receiving a refund by a certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying bills.

Taxpayers can use the online tool&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund" target="_blank">Where’s My Refund?</a>&nbsp;to check the status of their refund within 24 hours of e-filing and generally within four weeks of filing a paper return. The “Where’s My Refund?” tool will also provide projected deposit dates for most early EITC/ACTC refund filers by Feb. 21, according to the IRS.

Information related to this tool is updated once daily, overnight. To access the status of your refund, you’ll need:

— Your Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN)

Taxpayers can also consult the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/irs2goapp" target="_blank">IRS2Go</a>&nbsp;app, or their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-account-for-individuals" target="_blank">IRS Individual Online Account</a>, to check their refund status.

If you paid more through the year than you owe in tax, due to withholding or other reasons, you should get money back. Even if you didn’t pay excess tax, you may still get a refund if you qualify for a refundable credit, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit. To get your refund, you must file a return, and you have three years to claim a tax refund.

Who qualifies for the Earned Income Tax Credit

To qualify for the EITC, you must have under $11,950 in investment income and earn less than a specific income level from working.

If you’re single with no children, your income level must be $19,104 or below. And if you’re married filing jointly with three or more children, you must make $68,675 or below. To determine if your household qualifies based on your marital status and your number of dependents you can use the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/use-the-eitc-assistant" target="_blank">online EITC Assistant tool.</a>

Who qualifies for the Child Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit

If you have a child, you are most likely eligible for the Child Tax Credit. The credit is up to $2,200 per qualifying child. To qualify, a child must:

— Be your son, daughter, stepchild, eligible foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother, half-sister, or a descendant of one of these (for example, a grandchild, niece or nephew)

— Not provide more than half of his or her own support for the tax year

— Have lived with you for more than half the tax year

— Be claimed as a dependent on your tax return

— Not file a joint return for the year (or filed the joint return only to claim a refund of taxes withheld or estimated taxes)

— Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or a U.S. resident alien

You qualify for the full amount of the Child Tax Credit for each qualifying child if you meet all eligibility factors and your annual income is not more than $200,000 ($400,000 if filing a joint return).

You qualify for the Additional Child Tax Credit if ($1,700 per qualifying child) if you meet these factors and have little or no federal income tax liability. You must have earned income of at least $2,500 to be eligible for the ACTC.

When the tax credits will become available

The IRS expects most refunds for the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit to be available in bank accounts or on debit cards by March 2 for taxpayers who choose direct deposit. Some taxpayers may receive their refund earlier, depending on their financial institution.

This year, most taxpayers must provide their routing and account numbers to receive refunds directly deposited into their bank accounts. That’s because the IRS began phasing out paper tax refund checks on Sept. 30 in accordance with an executive order.

The Associated Press receives support from the Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579706571729.jpeg" alt="IRS Form 1040 Page 1" />
 <figcaption>IRS Form 1040 Page 1</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/cora-lewis">CORA LEWIS</a>NEW YORK (AP) — Tax filing season is underway, and the IRS expects 164 million people will file returns by April 15.The average refund last year was $3,167. This year, analysts have projected it could be $1,000 higher, thanks to changes in tax law. More than 165 million individual income tax returns were processed last year, with 94% submitted electronically.People with straightforward returns should not encounter delays, but because of an exodus of IRS workers since the start of the Trump administration, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-tax-season-taxpayer-advocate-report-cd82286bb60e7e896b5372da25178b1e">national taxpayer advocate has cautioned</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-irs-tax-season-fd379f43d501d064cdad046eb32fb9f6">the 2026 tax filing season</a>&nbsp;is likely to present challenges for those who run into problems filing.While last year IRS employees were not permitted to accept a buyout offer from the Trump administration until after the taxpayer filing deadline, many of those customer service workers have now left. The IRS started 2025 with about 102,000 employees and finished with roughly 74,000 after a series of firings and layoffs led by the Department of Government Efficiency.Here’s what to know:<h2>When refunds will go out</h2>If you file electronically, the IRS says it should take 21 days or less to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tax-season-refund-debt-credit-personal-finance-39412fe2d14f39fc3237e50789c10dc9">receive your refund</a>. If you choose direct deposit, it should take even less time. If you file a paper return, the refund could take four weeks or more, and if your return requires amendments or corrections, it could take longer.The IRS cautions that taxpayers not rely on receiving a refund by a certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying bills.<h2>How to check the status of your refund</h2>Taxpayers can use the online tool&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund" target="_blank">Where’s My Refund?</a>&nbsp;to check the status of their refund within 24 hours of e-filing and generally within four weeks of filing a paper return. The “Where’s My Refund?” tool will also provide projected deposit dates for most early EITC/ACTC refund filers by Feb. 21, according to the IRS.Information related to this tool is updated once daily, overnight. To access the status of your refund, you’ll need:— Your Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN)Taxpayers can also consult the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/irs2goapp" target="_blank">IRS2Go</a>&nbsp;app, or their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-account-for-individuals" target="_blank">IRS Individual Online Account</a>, to check their refund status.<h2>How tax refunds work</h2>If you paid more through the year than you owe in tax, due to withholding or other reasons, you should get money back. Even if you didn’t pay excess tax, you may still get a refund if you qualify for a refundable credit, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit. To get your refund, you must file a return, and you have three years to claim a tax refund.<h2>Who qualifies for the Earned Income Tax Credit</h2>To qualify for the EITC, you must have under $11,950 in investment income and earn less than a specific income level from working.If you’re single with no children, your income level must be $19,104 or below. And if you’re married filing jointly with three or more children, you must make $68,675 or below. To determine if your household qualifies based on your marital status and your number of dependents you can use the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/use-the-eitc-assistant" target="_blank">online EITC Assistant tool.</a><h2>Who qualifies for the Child Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit</h2>If you have a child, you are most likely eligible for the Child Tax Credit. The credit is up to $2,200 per qualifying child. To qualify, a child must:— Have a Social Security number— Be under age 17 at the end of 2025— Be your son, daughter, stepchild, eligible foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother, half-sister, or a descendant of one of these (for example, a grandchild, niece or nephew)— Not provide more than half of his or her own support for the tax year— Have lived with you for more than half the tax year— Be claimed as a dependent on your tax return— Not file a joint return for the year (or filed the joint return only to claim a refund of taxes withheld or estimated taxes)— Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or a U.S. resident alienYou qualify for the full amount of the Child Tax Credit for each qualifying child if you meet all eligibility factors and your annual income is not more than $200,000 ($400,000 if filing a joint return).You qualify for the Additional Child Tax Credit if ($1,700 per qualifying child) if you meet these factors and have little or no federal income tax liability. You must have earned income of at least $2,500 to be eligible for the ACTC.<h2>When the tax credits will become available</h2>The IRS expects most refunds for the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit to be available in bank accounts or on debit cards by March 2 for taxpayers who choose direct deposit. Some taxpayers may receive their refund earlier, depending on their financial institution.<h2>What’s different this year</h2>This year, most taxpayers must provide their routing and account numbers to receive refunds directly deposited into their bank accounts. That’s because the IRS began phasing out paper tax refund checks on Sept. 30 in accordance with an executive order.___The Associated Press receives support from the Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.

Here's when you'll get your tax refund from the IRS

On Friday, Governor Laura Kelly welcomed 35 new Americans as they took the Oath of Allegiance and officially became citizens of the United States—and Kansans during a ceremony at the Statehouse.

On her social media account the Governor wrote, "Today’s Naturalization Ceremony serves as a powerful reminder that our nation is strengthened by those who choose to call it home."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769826102085.png" alt="Photos from the governor's social media account" />
 <figcaption>Photos from the governor's social media account</figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday, Governor Laura Kelly welcomed 35 new Americans as they took the Oath of Allegiance and officially became citizens of the United States—and Kansans during a ceremony at the Statehouse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769826082001.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>On her social media account the Governor wrote, "Today’s Naturalization Ceremony serves as a powerful reminder that our nation is strengthened by those who choose to call it home."

Governor welcomes 35 new Americans during ceremony at Kan. Statehouse

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement made an arrest after a suspect had a difficult time navigating a fast food restaurant drive-through.

Just before 10:30p.m. January 25, police&nbsp;responded to a report of a vehicle stuck near a fast-food drive-through in the 12000 block of Shawnee Mission Parkway, according to a social media report from the Shawnee, Kansas Police. The driver was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence.

"Driving impaired puts everyone at risk. Please help keep our roads safe by planning responsibly. Use a designated driver, a ride-share service, or food delivery instead of driving under the influence."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769599495942.png" alt="Photos Shawnee Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Shawnee Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement made an arrest after a suspect had a difficult time navigating a fast food restaurant drive-through.Just before 10:30p.m. January 25, police&nbsp;responded to a report of a vehicle stuck near a fast-food drive-through in the 12000 block of Shawnee Mission Parkway, according to a social media report from the Shawnee, Kansas Police. The driver was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769599480143.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Driving impaired puts everyone at risk. Please help keep our roads safe by planning responsibly. Use a designated driver, a ride-share service, or food delivery instead of driving under the influence."

Police: Impaired Kan. driver struck in restaurant drive-through

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a> <a href="https://statesnewsroom.com/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — The federal government began a partial shutdown early Saturday, even though Senate Democrats and President Donald Trump reached a deal that allows lawmakers more time to negotiate new constraints on immigration enforcement.&nbsp;

The Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1192/vote_119_2_00020.htm" target="_blank">voted 71-29</a>&nbsp;on Friday evening to pass the reworked government funding package before a midnight deadline. But the earliest the House could clear it for Trump’s signature is Monday evening, when members return from a recess.

The scheduling problem guarantees the current spending law, which Congress approved in November at the end of the last shutdown, will expire without a replacement.&nbsp;

However, the effects on the nation are not expected to be as dramatic as those during the historic 43-day shutdown last year. Since Congress has already passed half of the dozen annual appropriations bills, this shutdown will only affect part of the government, and possibly with moderate impacts since it may only last a few days until the House acts.

The unexpected hitch in progress toward passing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7148/text" target="_blank">the $1.2 trillion package</a>&nbsp;came about after immigration agents killed a second person in Minneapolis and Senate Democrats demanded reforms be included in the Department of Homeland Security spending bill. Trump has agreed to two weeks of negotiations on the DHS bill, which includes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection and other immigration enforcement agencies.

Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, said the full-year measures are “fiscally responsible bills that reflect months of hard work and deliberation from members from both parties and both sides of the Capitol.”

“The package also continues funding for the Department of Homeland Security for two weeks to allow us additional time to evaluate further changes in ICE procedures beyond those that we have already included in this bill,” she said.&nbsp;

Once the package becomes law, she said, 96% of government will be funded for the fiscal year that began back on Oct. 1.&nbsp;

Washington Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, ranking member on the Appropriations Committee, said approving the five full-year bills and a stopgap for the Homeland Security Department represented “a simple, commonsense path forward.”

“It is good news we have a deal to fund these key programs families count on while work continues on serious DHS accountability over the next two weeks,” Murray said. “It could not be more clear that ICE and CBP are out of control and that we cannot just wait for the same president who caused this mess to address it.”

Senators from North Carolina, South Carolina tangle

South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said in a floor speech several hours before voting began that he would hold up quick consideration of the funding package until leaders agreed to schedule floor votes on two separate proposals.&nbsp;

The first would establish some sort of criminal penalty for local or state officials who do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement agents, often called sanctuary cities. The second would clear the way for conservative organizations to file lawsuits against former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith for his investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.&nbsp;

“What is the right answer when a state or a mayor says, ‘I don’t like this federal law, I’m not going to do it because there’s good politics for me.’ I think you risk going to jail,” Graham said. “We cannot live in a country this way, where you get to pick and choose the laws you don’t like.”

A spokesperson for Graham later confirmed to States Newsroom that the senator didn’t want the votes Friday but “just sometime down the road.” Graham released a statement later in the afternoon that Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., had agreed to schedule floor votes “at a time to be determined.”

North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis spoke directly after Graham and rebuked him for delaying the entire funding package.&nbsp;

Tillis called on senators from both political parties to start negotiations about “common sense sorts of ways to lower the temperature” on immigration enforcement.

He said officials should “hold people accountable when they’re harming ICE agents, and hold ICE agents accountable if they reacted in a way that’s not consistent with their law enforcement training.”

Tillis argued that Graham’s approach to pushing for amendment votes that are unlikely to succeed wouldn’t have any tangible, real-world impacts.&nbsp;

“One senator has a lot of power. And if you use it judiciously, you can be productive and make a difference,” Tillis said. “But if you use it in the heat of the moment, you can make a point that not a damn person is going to remember a month later.”

The departments of Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, State, Transportation and Treasury will all experience the funding lapse. The Executive Office of the President, Supreme Court and judicial branch will also be affected.&nbsp;

All other federal programs will continue uninterrupted, since their spending bills have become law, including those at the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, Interior, Justice and Veterans Affairs, as well as military construction projects and funding for Congress.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts wrote in a statement earlier this week that “operations would continue using court fees and other available balances through Wednesday, February 4.&nbsp;

“The following day, on February 5, the Judiciary would begin operating under the terms of the Anti-Deficiency Act. Federal courts would continue operating, but would be limited to activities needed to support the exercise of the Judiciary’s constitutional functions and to address emergency circumstances.”

House Democrats demand changes in DHS bill

A spokesperson for the White House budget office said the departments and agencies affected by the funding lapse can use their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/how-federal-shutdown-playing-out-across-government" target="_blank">contingency plans from the last shutdown</a>&nbsp;unless they had “big changes.”

Those documents detail how many employees continue working without pay during a shutdown and how many are furloughed.&nbsp;

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats wouldn’t support the spending bill unless major reforms are made in the way immigration officers conduct enforcement.

“We’re going to have to evaluate what the real opportunity is to get dramatic changes at the Department of Homeland Security. It has to be bold,” he said during a morning press conference. “The Senate has to do its thing before we have anything to evaluate.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759315749226.png" alt="Photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a> <a href="https://statesnewsroom.com/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — The federal government began a partial shutdown early Saturday, even though Senate Democrats and President Donald Trump reached a deal that allows lawmakers more time to negotiate new constraints on immigration enforcement.&nbsp;The Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1192/vote_119_2_00020.htm" target="_blank">voted 71-29</a>&nbsp;on Friday evening to pass the reworked government funding package before a midnight deadline. But the earliest the House could clear it for Trump’s signature is Monday evening, when members return from a recess.The scheduling problem guarantees the current spending law, which Congress approved in November at the end of the last shutdown, will expire without a replacement.&nbsp;However, the effects on the nation are not expected to be as dramatic as those during the historic 43-day shutdown last year. Since Congress has already passed half of the dozen annual appropriations bills, this shutdown will only affect part of the government, and possibly with moderate impacts since it may only last a few days until the House acts.The unexpected hitch in progress toward passing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7148/text" target="_blank">the $1.2 trillion package</a>&nbsp;came about after immigration agents killed a second person in Minneapolis and Senate Democrats demanded reforms be included in the Department of Homeland Security spending bill. Trump has agreed to two weeks of negotiations on the DHS bill, which includes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection and other immigration enforcement agencies.Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, said the full-year measures are “fiscally responsible bills that reflect months of hard work and deliberation from members from both parties and both sides of the Capitol.”“The package also continues funding for the Department of Homeland Security for two weeks to allow us additional time to evaluate further changes in ICE procedures beyond those that we have already included in this bill,” she said.&nbsp;Once the package becomes law, she said, 96% of government will be funded for the fiscal year that began back on Oct. 1.&nbsp;Washington Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, ranking member on the Appropriations Committee, said approving the five full-year bills and a stopgap for the Homeland Security Department represented “a simple, commonsense path forward.”“It is good news we have a deal to fund these key programs families count on while work continues on serious DHS accountability over the next two weeks,” Murray said. “It could not be more clear that ICE and CBP are out of control and that we cannot just wait for the same president who caused this mess to address it.”<h2>Senators from North Carolina, South Carolina tangle</h2>South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said in a floor speech several hours before voting began that he would hold up quick consideration of the funding package until leaders agreed to schedule floor votes on two separate proposals.&nbsp;The first would establish some sort of criminal penalty for local or state officials who do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement agents, often called sanctuary cities. The second would clear the way for conservative organizations to file lawsuits against former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith for his investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.&nbsp;“What is the right answer when a state or a mayor says, ‘I don’t like this federal law, I’m not going to do it because there’s good politics for me.’ I think you risk going to jail,” Graham said. “We cannot live in a country this way, where you get to pick and choose the laws you don’t like.”A spokesperson for Graham later confirmed to States Newsroom that the senator didn’t want the votes Friday but “just sometime down the road.” Graham released a statement later in the afternoon that Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., had agreed to schedule floor votes “at a time to be determined.”North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis spoke directly after Graham and rebuked him for delaying the entire funding package.&nbsp;Tillis called on senators from both political parties to start negotiations about “common sense sorts of ways to lower the temperature” on immigration enforcement.He said officials should “hold people accountable when they’re harming ICE agents, and hold ICE agents accountable if they reacted in a way that’s not consistent with their law enforcement training.”Tillis argued that Graham’s approach to pushing for amendment votes that are unlikely to succeed wouldn’t have any tangible, real-world impacts.&nbsp;“One senator has a lot of power. And if you use it judiciously, you can be productive and make a difference,” Tillis said. “But if you use it in the heat of the moment, you can make a point that not a damn person is going to remember a month later.”<h2>Some departments, judiciary affected</h2>The departments of Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, State, Transportation and Treasury will all experience the funding lapse. The Executive Office of the President, Supreme Court and judicial branch will also be affected.&nbsp;All other federal programs will continue uninterrupted, since their spending bills have become law, including those at the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, Interior, Justice and Veterans Affairs, as well as military construction projects and funding for Congress.&nbsp;A spokesperson for the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts wrote in a statement earlier this week that “operations would continue using court fees and other available balances through Wednesday, February 4.&nbsp;“The following day, on February 5, the Judiciary would begin operating under the terms of the Anti-Deficiency Act. Federal courts would continue operating, but would be limited to activities needed to support the exercise of the Judiciary’s constitutional functions and to address emergency circumstances.”<h2>House Democrats demand changes in DHS bill</h2>A spokesperson for the White House budget office said the departments and agencies affected by the funding lapse can use their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/how-federal-shutdown-playing-out-across-government" target="_blank">contingency plans from the last shutdown</a>&nbsp;unless they had “big changes.”Those documents detail how many employees continue working without pay during a shutdown and how many are furloughed.&nbsp;House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats wouldn’t support the spending bill unless major reforms are made in the way immigration officers conduct enforcement.“We’re going to have to evaluate what the real opportunity is to get dramatic changes at the Department of Homeland Security. It has to be bold,” he said during a morning press conference. “The Senate has to do its thing before we have anything to evaluate.”

Partial federal government shutdown begins, amid hopes it won’t last long

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/kimberlee-kruesi">KIMBERLEE KRUESI</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/holly-ramer">HOLLY RAMER</a> Associated Press

Protesters across the U.S. are calling for “no work, no school, no shopping” as part of a nationwide strike on Friday to oppose the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-renee-good-immigration-sweeps-6ae64be5a0d6a718b658a938fb56e567">Trump administration’s immigration crackdown</a>.

The demonstrations are taking place amid widespread outrage over the killing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-protester-alex-pretti-15ade7de6e19cb0291734e85dac763dc">Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse</a>&nbsp;who was shot multiple times after he used his cellphone to record Border Patrol officers conducting an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. The death heightened scrutiny over the administration’s tactics after the Jan. 7 death of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">Renee Good</a>, who was fatally shot behind the wheel of her vehicle by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.

“The people of the Twin Cities have shown the way for the whole country — to stop ICE’s reign of terror, we need to SHUT IT DOWN,” said one of the many websites and social media pages promoting actions in communities around the United States.

Some schools in Arizona, Colorado and other states preemptively canceled classes in anticipation of mass absences. Many other demonstrations were planned for students and others to gather at city centers, statehouses and churches across the country.

Just outside Minneapolis, hundreds gathered in the frigid cold early Friday at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, the site of regular protests in recent weeks.

After speeches from clergy members, demonstrators marched toward the facility’s restricted area, jeering at a line of DHS agents to “quit your jobs” and “get out of Minnesota.” Much of the group later dispersed after they were threatened with arrest by local law enforcement for blocking the road.

Michelle Pasko, a retired communications worker, said she joined the demonstration after witnessing federal agents stopping immigrants at a bus stop near her home in Minnetonka, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis.

“They’re roaming our streets, they’re staying in hotels near our schools,” she said. “Everyone in this country has rights, and the federal government seems to have forgotten that. We’re here to remind them.”

In Michigan, dozens of students walked out of Friday morning classes at Groves High School in Birmingham, north of Detroit. The students braved the zero-degree temperatures and walked about a mile to the closest business district where a number of morning commuters honked horns in support.

“We’re here to protest ICE and what they’re doing all over the country, especially in Minnesota,” said Logan Albritton, a 17-year-old senior at Groves. “It’s not right to treat our neighbors and our fellow Americans this way.”

Abigail Daugherty, 16, organized the walkout at Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Georgia, on Friday.

“For years, I have felt powerless, and seeing other schools in the county being able to do this, I wanted to do something,” the sophomore said.

Numerous businesses announced they would be closed during Friday’s “blackout.” Others said they would be staying open, but donating a portion of their proceeds to organizations that support immigrants and provide legal aid to those facing deportation.

Otway Restaurant and its sister Otway Bakery in New York posted on social media that its bakery would stay open and 50% of proceeds would go to the New York Immigration Coalition. The restaurant remained open as well.

“As a small business who already took a huge financial hit this week due to the winter storm closures, we will remain open on Friday,” they posted.

In Maine, where Republican Sen. Susan Collins&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-maine-immigration-arrests-collins-ff774636a6e9825fb957e70a10c9ab01">announced that ICE is ending its surge</a>, people gathered outside a Portland church on Friday morning, holding signs that said “No ICE for ME,” a play on the state’s postal code.

Grace Valenzuela, an administrator with Portland Public Schools, decried an “enforcement system that treats our presence as suspect.” She said ICE’s actions brought “daily trauma” to the school system.

“Schools are meant to be places of learning, safety and belonging. ICE undermines that mission every time it destabilizes a family,” Valenzuela said.

Portland Mayor Mark Dion, a Democrat, spoke about the importance of speaking out in the wake of ICE’s actions in the city.

“Dissent is Democratic. Dissent is American. It’s the cornerstone of our democracy,” Dion said.

Associated Press reporters Emilie Megnien in Atlanta, Mae Anderson in New York, Jake Offenhartz in Minneapolis, Patrick Whittle in Portland, Maine, and Corey Williams in Detroit contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769824719346.jpeg" alt="People gather during a protest on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)" />
 <figcaption>People gather during a protest on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/kimberlee-kruesi">KIMBERLEE KRUESI</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/holly-ramer">HOLLY RAMER</a> Associated PressProtesters across the U.S. are calling for “no work, no school, no shopping” as part of a nationwide strike on Friday to oppose the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-renee-good-immigration-sweeps-6ae64be5a0d6a718b658a938fb56e567">Trump administration’s immigration crackdown</a>.The demonstrations are taking place amid widespread outrage over the killing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-protester-alex-pretti-15ade7de6e19cb0291734e85dac763dc">Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse</a>&nbsp;who was shot multiple times after he used his cellphone to record Border Patrol officers conducting an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. The death heightened scrutiny over the administration’s tactics after the Jan. 7 death of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">Renee Good</a>, who was fatally shot behind the wheel of her vehicle by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.“The people of the Twin Cities have shown the way for the whole country — to stop ICE’s reign of terror, we need to SHUT IT DOWN,” said one of the many websites and social media pages promoting actions in communities around the United States.Some schools in Arizona, Colorado and other states preemptively canceled classes in anticipation of mass absences. Many other demonstrations were planned for students and others to gather at city centers, statehouses and churches across the country.Just outside Minneapolis, hundreds gathered in the frigid cold early Friday at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, the site of regular protests in recent weeks.After speeches from clergy members, demonstrators marched toward the facility’s restricted area, jeering at a line of DHS agents to “quit your jobs” and “get out of Minnesota.” Much of the group later dispersed after they were threatened with arrest by local law enforcement for blocking the road.Michelle Pasko, a retired communications worker, said she joined the demonstration after witnessing federal agents stopping immigrants at a bus stop near her home in Minnetonka, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis.“They’re roaming our streets, they’re staying in hotels near our schools,” she said. “Everyone in this country has rights, and the federal government seems to have forgotten that. We’re here to remind them.”In Michigan, dozens of students walked out of Friday morning classes at Groves High School in Birmingham, north of Detroit. The students braved the zero-degree temperatures and walked about a mile to the closest business district where a number of morning commuters honked horns in support.“We’re here to protest ICE and what they’re doing all over the country, especially in Minnesota,” said Logan Albritton, a 17-year-old senior at Groves. “It’s not right to treat our neighbors and our fellow Americans this way.”Abigail Daugherty, 16, organized the walkout at Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Georgia, on Friday.“For years, I have felt powerless, and seeing other schools in the county being able to do this, I wanted to do something,” the sophomore said.Numerous businesses announced they would be closed during Friday’s “blackout.” Others said they would be staying open, but donating a portion of their proceeds to organizations that support immigrants and provide legal aid to those facing deportation.Otway Restaurant and its sister Otway Bakery in New York posted on social media that its bakery would stay open and 50% of proceeds would go to the New York Immigration Coalition. The restaurant remained open as well.“As a small business who already took a huge financial hit this week due to the winter storm closures, we will remain open on Friday,” they posted.In Maine, where Republican Sen. Susan Collins&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-maine-immigration-arrests-collins-ff774636a6e9825fb957e70a10c9ab01">announced that ICE is ending its surge</a>, people gathered outside a Portland church on Friday morning, holding signs that said “No ICE for ME,” a play on the state’s postal code.Grace Valenzuela, an administrator with Portland Public Schools, decried an “enforcement system that treats our presence as suspect.” She said ICE’s actions brought “daily trauma” to the school system.“Schools are meant to be places of learning, safety and belonging. ICE undermines that mission every time it destabilizes a family,” Valenzuela said.Portland Mayor Mark Dion, a Democrat, spoke about the importance of speaking out in the wake of ICE’s actions in the city.“Dissent is Democratic. Dissent is American. It’s the cornerstone of our democracy,” Dion said.___Associated Press reporters Emilie Megnien in Atlanta, Mae Anderson in New York, Jake Offenhartz in Minneapolis, Patrick Whittle in Portland, Maine, and Corey Williams in Detroit contributed to this report.

Protesters call for nationwide strike against Trump's immigration policies

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a house fire in Kansas City.&nbsp;

Just before 10:30p.m. Thursday Kansas City Fire Department companies were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 300 block of NE 86th Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan. On arrival, crews reported fire showing from a single-story house, and advanced 2 hose lines on an offensive fire attack.

Searches were performed and were all clear. The fire was brought under control at 10:42 p.m.&nbsp; Dangerous Buildings and City Planning were requested to the scene. There were no injuries have been reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769811354565.png" alt="Photo KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a house fire in Kansas City.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769811330200.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 10:30p.m. Thursday Kansas City Fire Department companies were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 300 block of NE 86th Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan. On arrival, crews reported fire showing from a single-story house, and advanced 2 hose lines on an offensive fire attack.Searches were performed and were all clear. The fire was brought under control at 10:42 p.m.&nbsp; Dangerous Buildings and City Planning were requested to the scene. There were no injuries have been reported.

Cause of Kansas City house fire under investigation

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Sinaloa, Mexico man was sentenced in federal court on Jan. 27, 2026, for his involvement in a fentanyl drug conspiracy.

Raymundo Guadalupe Felix-Perez, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 20 years’ imprisonment without parole, 5 years supervised release, and a money judgment of $80,000.&nbsp; Felix-Perez previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl, between Oct. 27, 2020, and Jan. 24, 2023, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering in the Western District of Missouri.

Beginning the fall of 2020, Felix-Perez sold M30 fentanyl pills to a co-conspirator in the Western District of Missouri.&nbsp; The initial indictment in this matter included two defendants that were charged, Troy Lee Palmer and Dallas W. Hughs, in a six-count indictment including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.&nbsp; During the initial investigation, other members of the conspiracy were identified, including Craig Troester, Dakota Morris, Cassidie Bumgarner, Lucas Coltrain, and Jessica Moody.&nbsp; The final superseding indictment charged Felix-Perez, Joshua Stramel, and Kaden Bernard with the conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl. All members of the conspiracy have been previously sentenced with Felix-Perez being the last.

Prior to his indictment, Felix-Perez returned to Sinaloa, Mexico, where he continued to distribute fentanyl to co-conspirators in Missouri, Iowa, Arizona, and Idaho.&nbsp; On June 30, 2024, Felix-Perez was arrested after attempting to enter the United States in the Southern District of California.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657637560252.jpeg" alt="Beginning the fall of 2020, Felix-Perez sold M30 fentanyl pills to a co-conspirator in the Kansas City area." />
 <figcaption>Beginning the fall of 2020, Felix-Perez sold M30 fentanyl pills to a co-conspirator in the Kansas City area.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Sinaloa, Mexico man was sentenced in federal court on Jan. 27, 2026, for his involvement in a fentanyl drug conspiracy.Raymundo Guadalupe Felix-Perez, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 20 years’ imprisonment without parole, 5 years supervised release, and a money judgment of $80,000.&nbsp; Felix-Perez previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl, between Oct. 27, 2020, and Jan. 24, 2023, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering in the Western District of Missouri.Beginning the fall of 2020, Felix-Perez sold M30 fentanyl pills to a co-conspirator in the Western District of Missouri.&nbsp; The initial indictment in this matter included two defendants that were charged, Troy Lee Palmer and Dallas W. Hughs, in a six-count indictment including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.&nbsp; During the initial investigation, other members of the conspiracy were identified, including Craig Troester, Dakota Morris, Cassidie Bumgarner, Lucas Coltrain, and Jessica Moody.&nbsp; The final superseding indictment charged Felix-Perez, Joshua Stramel, and Kaden Bernard with the conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl. All members of the conspiracy have been previously sentenced with Felix-Perez being the last.Prior to his indictment, Felix-Perez returned to Sinaloa, Mexico, where he continued to distribute fentanyl to co-conspirators in Missouri, Iowa, Arizona, and Idaho.&nbsp; On June 30, 2024, Felix-Perez was arrested after attempting to enter the United States in the Southern District of California.

Prison: Mexican man sold fentanyl in Kansas City

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate voted Friday to fund most of the government through the end of September after President Donald Trump made a deal with Democrats to carve out Homeland Security funding and allow Congress to debate new restrictions on federal immigration raids across the country.

With a weekend shutdown looming, Trump made the rare deal with Senate Democrats on Thursday in the wake of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-ice-b0cec9d1c5bae4b62469011775082300">deaths of two protesters</a>&nbsp;at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis. Under the agreement, the Homeland Security money will continue at current levels for two weeks while lawmakers consider Democratic demands to unmask agents, require more warrants and allow local authorities to help investigate any incidents.

The bill passed in a 71-29 vote. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted with the majority.

The bill will now head to the House, which is not due back until Monday. That means the government could be in a partial shutdown temporarily over the weekend until they pass it.

As lawmakers in both parties called for investigations into the fatal shootings by federal agents, Trump said he didn’t want a shutdown and encouraged members of both parties to cast a “much needed Bipartisan ‘YES’ vote.”

The president's concessions to Democrats prompted pushback from some Senate Republicans, delaying the final votes and providing a preview of the coming debate over the next two weeks. In a fiery floor speech, Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina warned that Republicans should not give away too much.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769820803076.png" alt="Photo White House" />
 <figcaption>Photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate voted Friday to fund most of the government through the end of September after President Donald Trump made a deal with Democrats to carve out Homeland Security funding and allow Congress to debate new restrictions on federal immigration raids across the country.With a weekend shutdown looming, Trump made the rare deal with Senate Democrats on Thursday in the wake of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-ice-b0cec9d1c5bae4b62469011775082300">deaths of two protesters</a>&nbsp;at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis. Under the agreement, the Homeland Security money will continue at current levels for two weeks while lawmakers consider Democratic demands to unmask agents, require more warrants and allow local authorities to help investigate any incidents.The bill passed in a 71-29 vote. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted with the majority.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759315749226.png" alt="The bill will now head to the House, which is not due back until Monday. That means the government could be in a partial shutdown temporarily over the weekend until they pass it.&nbsp; photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>The bill will now head to the House, which is not due back until Monday. That means the government could be in a partial shutdown temporarily over the weekend until they pass it.&nbsp; photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>The bill will now head to the House, which is not due back until Monday. That means the government could be in a partial shutdown temporarily over the weekend until they pass it.As lawmakers in both parties called for investigations into the fatal shootings by federal agents, Trump said he didn’t want a shutdown and encouraged members of both parties to cast a “much needed Bipartisan ‘YES’ vote.”The president's concessions to Democrats prompted pushback from some Senate Republicans, delaying the final votes and providing a preview of the coming debate over the next two weeks. In a fiery floor speech, Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina warned that Republicans should not give away too much.“To the Republican party, where have you been?” Graham said, adding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and Border Patrol agents have been “slandered and smeared."Still, some Republicans said they believe that changes to ICE’s operations were necessary, even as they were unlikely to agree to all of the Democrats’ requests.“I think the last couple of days have been an improvement,” said Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul. “I think the rhetoric has been dialed down a little bit, in Minnesota.”<h2>Democrats demand change</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-kings-protest-alex-pretti-minneapolis-immigration-0b34386da0bb3eeac939d9f934680b6c">Irate Democrats</a>&nbsp;say that they won't vote again to fund the Department of Homeland Security until Congress puts new curbs on ICE and other federal agencies conducting the raids.“These are not radical demands,” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. “They’re basic standards the American people already expect from law enforcement.”Democrats have asked the White House to “end roving patrols” in cities and coordinate with local law enforcement on immigration arrests, including requiring tighter rules for warrants.They also want an enforceable code of conduct so agents are held accountable when they violate rules. Schumer said agents should be required to have “masks off, body cameras on” and carry proper identification, as is common practice in most law enforcement agencies.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-protester-alex-pretti-15ade7de6e19cb0291734e85dac763dc">Alex Pretti</a>, a 37 year-old ICU nurse, was killed by a border patrol agent on Jan. 24, two weeks after protester&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">Renee Good</a>&nbsp;was killed by an ICE officer. Administration officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, originally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-administration-alex-pretti-their-own-words-27b7233380c68306a64317b3bf2aa4a3">said that Pretti had aggressively approached officers</a>, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-ice-alex-pretti-videos-immigration-809506eb23f44a3e8f6e53b9fda7b700">multiple videos</a>&nbsp;contradicted that claim.<h2>Republican pushback</h2>Republicans countered with their own demands, including restrictions on so-called “sanctuary cities” that they say do not do enough to enforce illegal immigration.“There no way in hell we’re going to let Democrats knee cap law enforcement and stop deportations in exchange for funding DHS,” said Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., ahead of the vote.Graham held the spending bills up until Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., agreed to give him a vote on his sanctuary cities bill at a later date.Separately, Graham was also protesting a repeal of a new law giving senators the ability to sue the government for millions of dollars if their personal or office data is accessed without their knowledge — as happened to him and other senators as part of the so-called Arctic Frost investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack by Trump supporters at the Capitol.The spending bill, which was passed by the House last week, would repeal that law. But Graham said that Thune had agreed to consider a separate bill that would allow “groups and private citizens” who were caught up in Jack Smith's probe to sue.<h2>Rare bipartisan talks</h2>The unusual bipartisan talks between Trump and Schumer, his frequent adversary, came after Pretti's death. Schumer called it “a moment of truth.”The standoff threatened to plunge the country into another shutdown, just two months after Democrats blocked a spending bill over expiring federal health care subsidies. That dispute closed the government for 43 days as Republicans refused to negotiate.That shutdown ended when a small group of moderate Democrats broke away to strike a deal with Republicans. But Democrats are more unified this time after the fatal shootings of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-protester-alex-pretti-15ade7de6e19cb0291734e85dac763dc">Pretti</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">Renee Good</a>&nbsp;by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-administration-alex-pretti-their-own-words-27b7233380c68306a64317b3bf2aa4a3">federal agents</a>.<h2>Uncertainty in the House</h2>House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has said he was opposed to breaking up the funding package, but “if it is broken up, we will have to move it as quickly as possible. We can’t have the government shut down.”Johnson said he might have some “tough decisions” to make about when to bring the House back to Washington to approve the bills separated by the Senate.House Republicans have said they do not want any changes to their bill.“The package will not come back through the House without funding for the Department of Homeland Security,” members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus wrote Trump.House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters that any change in the homeland bill needs to be “meaningful and it needs to be transformative.”Absent “dramatic change,” Jeffries said, “Republicans will get another shutdown.”___Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Stephen Groves, Joey Cappelletti, Seung Min Kim, Michelle L. Price and Darlene Superville contributed to this report.