By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

About 90 people gathered Sunday afternoon at the corner of 27th and Vine in Hays to protest ICE deportation efforts and clashes with protestors in Minneapolis.

Some of the protesters specifically focused on the recent killings of <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d9d3442e-cb60-4c4e-a745-dac53b1c3611">Renee Good</a> and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/134b8506-314c-4303-8caf-e77c474e354a">Alex Pretti </a>by ICE agents.

Pastor Ben Houchen of Hays did not refer to the event as a protest but rather as an assembly to promote national unity.

"We are coming together for a better America than what we are devolving into," he said. "I think, at this point, this is beyond politics. This is about humanity, how we're going to live in this world together as humans."

Stephanie Pfannenstiel is a former Fort Hays State University student who traveled from Great Bend to Hays for the protest.

"I'm protesting ICE's policies, particularly the Kavanaugh stops and the Supreme Court's decision that race, language and place of employment are reasons to detain people and determine later immigration status," she said.

Mary Turner, a registered Republican from Hays, said, "This is John Brown's Kansas. ICE has no business in our state."

John Brown was a famous abolitionist in Kansas before the Civil War. Brown was captured and executed in Virginia for leading a violent raid and inciting a slave rebellion at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in 1859.

She chanted through a bullhorn, "If you can be shot for protesting, you do not have the right to protest. ... If you can be shot for being legally armed, you do not have the right to bear arms."

Charles Brown Jr., a Vietnam veteran from Planville, said, "As a veteran, I didn't sign up for this. ICE is violating Constitutional rights every damn day."

Ainsley Lenays of Hays said, "What ICE has been doing is just completely unacceptable. What I have seen in videos and from people in Minnesota is the exact same thing that was done in Germany."

Lenays' family came from Germany and is ethnically Jewish.

"I very strongly believe we are repeating history, and we have to fight back. Because even if it's not me in trouble right now, it's not going to stop with just one group."

Sherri Truan said, "Our country is in a sad state of affairs and being run by a bunch of psychopaths and terrorists. It's the new Gestapo. It's 1930s Germany. 

"We're losing America. We got to be out here. We got to be loud to let people know," she said. "Things are not right in America right now. The whole world sees it. Why doens't our government see it? Why doesn't our Congress? What is taking them so long to take action?

"I'm not going to be scared off by this," Truan said. "This is the time to be wary, but not be afraid. This is our country. This is what it was founded on—freedom, free speech, not worrying about getting shot because we went to protest.&nbsp; No, that's not America. That's why I'm out here. I'm trying to save what we got left."

Anna Towns, chairwoman of the Ellis County Democratic Party, helped organize the protest.

"I was reached out to by several community members who wanted to be out here today to let people know we do care about our neighbors and that the behaviors that ICE is exhibiting are completely unacceptable," she said.

"Our rights are being trampled on. If we don't stand up now, it will soon be too late. I think it is important for people in rural areas to know they are not alone in that opinion."

She said more people were&nbsp;driving by, honking and giving them thumbs up, than at past protests.

"We think people are coming around on this issue and are excited to be together in community to stand up for our neighbors," she said.

Hays protest sparked by ICE actions in Minneapolis

A small earthquake shook portions of northwest Hays this morning.

The 2.9 magnitude earthquake struck at 10:48 a.m. about 6.8 miles from Hays, according to the <a href="https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000s5zf/executive">U.S. Geological Survey</a>.

Small earthquake reported in Ellis County

Please be advised, beginning Monday, February 2, 2026 the road between 14th Street &amp; 15th Street on Fort Street will be closed to traffic due to a sewer line repair. Traffic control devices will be in place to direct the traveling public. Work is expected to be completed by Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

The City regrets any inconvenience this may cause the public. If you have any questions please contact the Water Resources Department at 785-628-7380.

Sewer line repairs on Fort Street beginning Monday

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: Jan. 25-31, 2026

Ellis County Jail bookings: Jan. 25-31, 2026

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

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Please email obituaries to haysobits@eaglemedia.com.

Please allow up to 24 hours from the submission of the obituary for it to be posted on the Hays Post.&nbsp;

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If you have an issue outside of business hours or your obit has not been published within 24 hours, please email <a href="mailto:hayspost@eaglemedia.com" target="_blank">hayspost@eaglemedia.com</a> or call Cristina Janney, Hays Post editor, at 785-301-2077.&nbsp;

Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

While the gift-giving holidays are over, scammers still want gift card money. Some scammers might even reach out by pretending to be your boss and asking you to buy gift cards for them. But it’s a scam. Here’s how to spot and avoid it.

The scene often starts with an unexpected text, email, or a call from your “boss” asking for an “urgent favor.” (That emergency? Not real. That person? Not your boss.) They tell you to go to the store, buy gift cards, and send them the numbers on the back. They might even ask for “Google certificates.” They really mean gift cards, but they use different words hoping you’ll engage to find out more.

Even if your “boss” says they need the cards for a company event, slow down and make sure it’s not a scammer trying to steal the money you put on the gift cards. If you’re in this situation, here’s how to avoid this scam:

And if you’re buying&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/avoiding-and-reporting-gift-card-scams#safely%20buying%20gift%20cards">gift cards</a>&nbsp;for friends and family:

FTC: No, that's not your boss asking you to buy gift cards

The American Red Cross serving Kansas saw a surge in home fires as Winter Storm Fern rolled through Oklahoma&nbsp;and is urging families to heat their homes safely as freezing temperatures continue.

Since Friday, Red Cross Disaster Action Teams have responded to 20 home fires across Kansas, working with fire departments to connect with families and provide help such as a safe place to stay, financial assistance and emotional support. These Red Cross volunteers have helped nearly 70 Kansans in that time.

“Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires in this country, and it’s devastating to see families lose their homes when they’re just trying to stay warm” said Jane Blocher, Executive Director of the Red Cross Greater Kansas Chapter. “Help keep your family safe by providing at least three feet of space around all heating equipment, testing your smoke alarms monthly and practicing your two-minute home fire escape plan.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Overall, home fires account for most of the 60,000-plus disasters that the Red Cross responds to each year, and home fire responses are&nbsp;30%&nbsp;higher during cold months than warmer times of year.

HOW TO SAFELY HEAT YOUR HOME&nbsp;According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters are most often responsible for home heating fires. Follow these tips on how to safely heat your home:

PREVENT HOME FIRE TRAGEDIES&nbsp;To help protect your family year-round, test your smoke alarms monthly and practice your home fire escape plan until everyone can escape in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to get out of a burning home before it’s too late.

IF YOU NEED HELP&nbsp;If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsyz1uAyEQxfHTQMcKhu-Cwo2vYQ0w9qKwWQc2sZzTR7bS_t771yQtGSyckvIuWiNt0HxN2eucpYslkDekiyzaOV-LChhj1MBbctFHmWtwGGy9KC2jkhAhhMCMnK3SR_sSG7ZOYwpbYzUmex8F_M4Iy2vgPa3HcZ9MnxicGZwfj8cyqJaxz7ns48bgfG2fVTz37yH6XrCLsuL9oLGsx9b5RrWhGNQJJ4lW0xsu_8D0CVSwyvKRVnzO-z4PZiThrdP7uJR94_MYRNsrJoUOyhWE0SUKU7wWqDALU0Hl6hGuTvGfBH8BAAD__7riX8M">local Red Cross</a>&nbsp;for help.

Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy0uO6yAQheHVwAyLKt4DBplkG1EB5QRdW84Fq6Pu1bcS9fQ7529ZO7ZUJWcIPjmrXTTykbUPYGO1JQZkvTJjwES6AFbwawHZs08h6dKip-jaDYxOoDFhjFFYPXvjf_2_2qlvPKZyLTVrSwhJ4c9MuLwHueXHeT6FuQi8Cry-Xq9lcKvjmHM5xl3gde2D5c6tkxq8MU1WveUP3P5AmAtCdODkyA_6ns9jnsJqpvvGn-NSj13OczDv75iBPNYVlTU1KVuDUQRUlG0IpQXC1YP8yvgbAAD___qzVhE">redcross.org/fire</a>&nbsp;for more information, including an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJw0yz2u3CAUxfHVQIcFF7ChoHjFQykjZQFP13Bto_grgDKarD6aUdL-_ufkIC0ZTJyCmkZvjbRO8y1MUi4gR1LWkaNZJ52Ssy4ZctJb9LyE0U9eztmN6Gz-Ulp6JcGDc44Z2Uqmn-WXOLDsVJuw2Wdj5mnyAv40D8Mr8D1svd-N6Q8GkUF8PB5DpZzq1dpw1ZVBTNfZ6ewMYsaDQfyfGcSVuthovxnEpVQSDRfqTwbx23WQiC_6bAlvEt93PMXnue6lbeLHjWdp23DnhR-UC4pKO2EjUXJ4w9c_YPoDlLPK8ho2fLb7ap0ZSbju9B4O6Tp465XoeJ1J4QhpAWF08sKkSQtUOAuTQc15QlhGxX8H-BsAAP__K0514A">escape plan</a>&nbsp;to practice with your family. Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies.&nbsp;Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector.&nbsp;Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy83O2yAQheGrgR0WDP8LFtn4NqKBmSSotuyC1ai9-irRt33Oealozw6b5GJiyN5pn6x8ldZiJUMZYrSVamvBV-ce1tvgqzdV9hJyzLpSCpg83Y3V2WjIkFISTs9O_Kv_Vjv2jcdUnjI5V2PMCv7NDMtnkFt5Xdcp7E3AKmB9v9_LYGrjmHM5xlPAeg4-cbCAdT9q31jheU65M3VUgzfGyapT-cL9B4S9gUneeDnKC__O85iXcJrxufH3uLRjl_MazPsnZoMB2gOUsy0r16JVaLAqR2AqRYRHMPJPgf8BAAD__-dwXOc">redcross.org/apps.</a>

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVE LIVES&nbsp;Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least&nbsp;2,552&nbsp;lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy01uwyAQxfHTwA4LhuFjFiyysXqLCMM4QbXlFKxG7emrRN3-3vvXpB1jLpKTCZ4cahetvCdi9EhhNdY6Cqyz0x6X1TjH2lJB2ZKnQHqp0efo6tVYTUYDQYxRoB6t8mf7UntuG_ehXKWKuIRACn4HwfQa5Jbu5_kQ9iJgFjA_n8-pcy39GGM6-k3A_HHsPLfOQ-5cW1adN86DVavpDdd_EPYCJjrjZE_3_DMexzgFas63jd_HqRy7HGdn3l8xm-yhrKDQFlJYglXZ5EVhBbPUkGH1Rn4n-AsAAP__WXtXdQ">redcross.org/homefires</a>.&nbsp;

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy0uO6yAQheHVwAyLKt4DBplkGxGmyjG6tpwLVlvdq28l6ul3zk9ZO7alSs4QfHJWu2jkmtkgknZ1SdV7Z8F7dECBDAQwycyyZZ9C0jNFX6KjBxidQGPCGKOwejTif-2_2kvbuA_lKJG1cwhJ4c9IOL0HueX1PF_C3ATeBd6v65o6U-3HGNPRn3JnakV13rgMVo3yBx5_IMwNITpwsue1fI_XMU5hNZfnxp_jVI9djrMz7--YoXisCypralK2BqMKlFlZQpgpFFw8yK-MvwEAAP__NSJTSA">redcross.org</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy82yGiEQxfGngR1T0HwvWLjxNayGbpVkJmNgEuv69Le07vZ3zp-K9uywSS4mhuyd9snKeyHrQ84phnZNKdlKBKnpqqttVkedZC8hx6wrpYDJ08VYnY2GDCkl4fTsxL_7X7VhX3lM5SmTczXGrOA1MyzvQa7lfhwPYU8CzgLOz-dzaePfa-y_EDceveEfXPZxE3CWG1NHNXhlnKw6lQ9cfkDYE5jkjZej3PFrPvZ5CKcZbyt_jkvbNzmPwby9YzYYoF1BOduyci1ahQarcgSmUkS4BiP_F_gOAAD__9fCWAE">CruzRojaAmericana.org</a>, or visit us on Twitter at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwszLtuKyEQBuCngQ4LhntB4cavYQ3M7DE6u7IDKFHy9NFaab__QkV7dtgkFxND9k77ZOWj6ES1kt0iBYsEOrnNsg3GuogaEsteQo5ZV0oBk6e7sTobDRlSSsLp2Yn_9w91YN95TOUpk3M1xqzgZ2a4nIHcy2Ot1xT2KuAm4La--lo8Lu15CLgNpjaec8qDqaMavDNOVp3KG-5_IOwVTPLGy1Ee-D1fz7mE04z_dn4Xzzs512A-zjEbDNA2UM62rFyLVqHBqhyBqRQRtmDkZ4HfAAAA__9aXFaJ">@RedCross</a>.

Home fires spike; Red Cross urges people to heat their homes safely

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

The last few weeks, I have had a great opportunity to work with several classes of 6th grade students using a 4-H curriculum: Mind Body Whole. There are some highlights of these lessons that are applicable to all of us!

The first week is a focus on mood and stress with a good discussion about how emotions aren’t good or bad, they just are. How we act/react to our emotions is often what gets us into trouble! Students learn and practice “box breathing” as a tool to slow down when things get hectic. Box breathing is a simple technique of taking a deep breath to the count of 4, holding that breath for a count of 4, slowing exhaling to a count of 4, and again holding to a count of 4. This is a technique that all of us can use.

Getting good sleep is the focus of Lesson 2. It includes the need of sleep for physical and mental health. Students are encouraged to develop a healthy bedtime routine which often includes keeping their phone out of their room or turning off notifications to minimize interruptions. An important activity as part of this lesson is to practice a “body scan” which involves laying quietly with eyes closed while focusing on and creating tension in your body as you take a deep breath; as you exhale, you intentionally release the tension. We start with toes, move to feet/ankles, and on through the body. By focusing your mind on the deep breathing and tension/release, the level of calm and stillness is so evident in the room!

This past week, we added the impacts of diet on our mood, stress level, and sleep. In addition to a general discussion of food and nutrition, we had good discussion about limiting the amount of sugars and caffeine in our diet, especially later in the day. I was really impressed by the wide variety of vegetables that the students eat and challenged them to try one new food this week. A good takeaway for all of us is slowing down when we eat while trying to eat from all the food groups. A funny discussion involved that there are some foods that we just don’t care for but we should try them from time to time or try them cooked a different way. I do have several volunteers to eat any pickles that I end up with!

This week, we will wrap up by adding the impacts of exercise to our mood/emotions and stress level. Different exercises work for different people. I am not a runner but I do appreciate a good stress walk. Students will work together to develop a workout plan to make sure that they are&nbsp;getting their 60 minutes of exercise at least three days per week. Changing up the types of exercise is also important. While many of the students I have been working with are involved in a sport, we discuss that playing with or walking your dog counts as does a good set of stretches, jumping jacks, or push-ups. No equipment needed! I’ll be doing some toe touches and lacing up my shoes for a walk.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

BERAN: Whole body wellness

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the Hays Playmaker award and USD 489 selling land north of the former Hays Middle School on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams on Hays Playmaker award, USD 489 land sale

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

Feb. 2 Morning Mixer - The Hideout, Osborne, 7 am-noon

Feb. 3 Lunch with Us - The Roundhouse, Downs, 11-1:30 PM

Feb. 4 Coffee &amp; Cookies Grant Lab, City Office, Natoma 11-1 - Come learn tips and techniques for writing grants

Feb. 7 Morning Mixer - The Front Porch, Alton, 8:30-10 amFeb. 10 Morning Mixer - VFW, Natoma, 7-9 am

Feb. 11 Coffee &amp; Cookies Grant Lab, Osborne Public Library, 11-1 - Come learn tips and techniques for writing grants

Feb. 13 Trooper Ben "Go and Grow" Event, Osborne High School New Gym, Osborne, 6:30 PM

Feb. 16 Community Soup Supper, Community Center, Portis, 5:30-7:00 PM

Feb. 18 Coffee &amp; Cookies Grant Lab, Roundhouse Coffee, Downs, 11-1

Feb. 23 Morning Mixer, Midway Coop Station, Portis, 8-10 am

February events in Osborne County

Fort Hays Tech | North Central to celebrate opening of construction career center

Join our new Hays Post Newsletter and receive the top news stories from your community every morning in your email inbox plus one-click access to the latest obituaries.&nbsp;

Sign up for free Hays Post Newsletter

Thank you to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/haysfumc?__cft__[0]=AZYEZ5UGcHe3-fcLV6ZQ2tDojZwI1mxzSIT7WdEFWBBLZGVFSWRwa3GVcZAeCqPFTzkhsd159eETje633o3Uy7NMHt-hJ2LS5nQb4otDn7SkpzbllhjqXXFm5ZEJnmJvzl4ZSzjclkVhynXurFS0G7NyB9ryOgc-uN9MOuH5gjNwtg&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Hays First United Methodist Church</a> for being the sponsor of Laundry Love for 2026!

They will be sponsoring a second location/date at the 8th Street Laundromat, 225 E. 8th, beginning in April.

Laundry Love will be on the first and third Thursdays of each month starting in April. Until then, we will see you on the third Thursday (February and March) at the 27th and Hall Laundromat only.

The first Thursday will be held at the 8th Street Laundromat and the third Thursday will continue to be located at the 27th &amp; Hall Street Laundromat.

How blessed we are to have such giving community/congregation members to be able to make this happen in our town.&nbsp;

Laundry Love to expand to second Hays location in April

Tryyaki Asian Cuisine and TeaHouse will celebrate its 10-year anniversary of serving the Hays community on Feb. 2.

"Over the past decade, our restaurant has been fortunate to grow alongside this community, and we are deeply grateful for the support we’ve received—especially after experiencing a fire and rebuilding our business," the owners said.

To mark this milestone and say thank you, Tryyaki will donate a portion of its proceeds on Monday, Feb. 2, to the Hays Fire Department and Hays Police Department as a small way of giving back to the community that helped the business recover and move forward.

"We look forward to serving Hays for many years to come. Thank you for being part of our journey," Tryyaki posted on Facebook.

Tryyaki Asian Cuisine, TeaHouse celebrates 10 years, to donate to Hays police, fire

Science Cafe presents: Fossils, museums and 66 million years

Ribbon cutting, open house for new senior housing in Russell Feb. 20

The Hays Eagle Media Center will close at 3:15 p.m. today.

Hays Eagle Media Center closing at 3:15 p.m. today

Do you have photos or videos of a news or weather event? Did you shoot a clip of a fun event in our community?

Submit your videos or photos to&nbsp;hayspost@eaglemedia.com&nbsp;for possible publication on the Hays Post.

Eagle Media ... Your Community Connected!

📷 Send Hays Post your snow photos or videos

WASHINGTON (AP) —House Speaker Mike Johnson faces tough days ahead trying to muscle a federal funding package to passage and prevent a prolonged partial government shutdown as debate intensifies over the Trump administration’s sweeping immigration enforcement operations. J

Democrats in the Senate and House are seeking new constraints on federal immigration agents after the shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis. The Democratic demands include:

1. Ending “roving patrols” in cities and requiring coordination with local law enforcement on immigration arrests

2. Stopping the detention and deportation of U.S. citizens

3. Requiring judicial approval for warrants

4. Implementing an enforceable code of conduct for federal agents and giving them enhanced training

5. Requiring agents to wear body cameras and unmask

Republicans are open to some of the changes, but have drawn a line on judicial warrants and unmasking. They say the warrants would be onerous and warn that unmasked federal agents would face doxxing — the publishing of their private info online.

Details on what Dems and Republicans want in the ICE legislation

MANHATTAN, KAN. –&nbsp;Law enforcement are investigating a fatal stabbing in Manhattan.

Just after 8 p.m. Sunday, police responded to the 1900 block of Anderson Avenue in Manhattan for a reported stabbing, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Deparament.

Officers located Teray Robinson, 24, of Manhattan, who had sustained a stab wound. Robinson was transported by ambulance to Via Christi Hospital and later died as a result of his injury. &nbsp;

Officers detained the suspect Billy Arnez, 39, of Manhattan, on scene.&nbsp; Following an investigation into the incident, Billy Arnez was arrested on requested charges of second-degree murder at 1:00 a.m. on Monday. He is being held on a $1,000,000 bond, according to the RCPD.

Police: Suspect jailed after deadly Kansas knife attack

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Trump&nbsp;is threatening to sue comedian Trevor Noah after the Grammy host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/article/trevor-noah-grammys-nicki-minaj-kendrick-lamar-79ee508f2e15ec56b2b4826b787b6913">mocked Trump</a>&nbsp;during Sunday’s show.

After the song of the year presentation, Noah said, “That is a Grammy that every artist wants almost as much as Trump wants Greenland, which makes sense because Epstein’s island is gone, he needs a new one to hang out with Bill Clinton.”

Trump answered Monday on Truth Social, calling it “false and defamatory” to suggest he visited Jeffrey Epstein’s island.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-trump-musk-andrew-tisch-google-682447e50bf9a3643a36c9b54ccdfa22">Trump, Clinton and other powerful men</a>&nbsp;are in headlines after another release of the U.S. government’s files on Epstein.

The president called Noah a “poor, pathetic, talentless, dope of an M.C.” and referenced his previous lawsuits against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abc-trump-lawsuit-defamation-stephanopoulos-04aea8663310af39ae2a85f4c1a56d68">ABC</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-media-harris-minutes-paramount-6415042fe910ae60b432dd8c73ef61b2">CBS</a>. Those yielded settlement payments that will go to Trump’s future presidential library.

“Get ready Noah, I’m going to have some fun with you!” Trump wrote.

Noah's Epstein Island joke was not his only dig at President Trump during the Grammy Awards.

Noah joked that the Grammy Awards were coming to viewers “completely live” because “if we edited any of the show, the president would sue CBS for $16 billion.”

It’s a not-so-subtle reference to Trump’s uneasy history with CBS News. He won a $16 million settlement last summer from Paramount over a

What Trump said about comedian's Epstein joke during Grammy awards

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.&nbsp;– A General Court-Martial at McConnell Air Force Base resulted in a conviction on several charges, according to a statement from the base.

Senior Airman Randall Moore, 22nd&nbsp;Maintenance Squadron, faced court-martial Jan. 26-Feb. 1 on one&nbsp; charge and two specifications of violating Article 120b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), sexual abuse of a child; one charge and two specification specifications of violating Article 131b of the UCMJ, obstruction of justice; and one charge and five specifications of violating Article 134 of the UCMJ, child pornography and indecent conduct.

Moore was found guilty of one charge and all five specifications of child pornography and indecent conduct, and also found guilty of one charge and one specification of obstruction of justice.

The presiding military judge sentenced Moore to 40 months confinement, a Dishonorable Discharge, reduction to the rank of Airman Basic, and total forfeiture of all pay and allowances. He will be confined in a military facility, with the location to be determined.&nbsp;&nbsp;Airman Basic is the lowest enlisted Air Force rank.

In December he was also arrested for alleged insurance fraud, according to Sedgwick County arrest records.

Court-Martial: Kansas airman sentenced for child sex crimes

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">House Speaker Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;faces tough days ahead trying to muscle a federal funding package to passage and prevent a prolonged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-homeland-security-pentagon-transportation-2dd3464f56295ff79f136c1c5c24a532">partial government shutdown</a>&nbsp;as debate intensifies over the Trump administration's sweeping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minneapolis-hospitals-32cd5ca61d495e155d43b7cfd5e563b9">immigration enforcement operations</a>.

Johnson signaled he is relying on help from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;to ensure passage. Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-republican-trump-ice-homeland-security-1eb2706ef2c4f91a69a083d23e30ba95">struck a deal with senators</a>&nbsp;to separate funding for the Department of Homeland Security from a broader package after public outrage over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-ice-fbi-alex-pretti-immigration-65a963816603a08bbc9db83961dd173f">two shooting deaths</a>&nbsp;during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChJQJk-DRy0">protests in Minneapolis</a>&nbsp;against Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Under the plan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-budget-immigration-trump-homeland-security-39fd7917e39aaf9e4e78e89f3449a587">approved by the Senate,</a>&nbsp;DHS would be funded temporarily to Feb. 13, setting up a deadline for Congress to try to find consensus on new restrictions on ICE operations.

“The president is leading this,” Johnson, R-La., told “Fox News Sunday.”

“It’s his play call to do it this way," the speaker said, adding that the Republican president has “already conceded that he wants to turn down the volume” on federal immigration sweeps and raids.

A first test will come Monday afternoon during a committee meeting when Johnson will need his own GOP majority to advance the package after Democrats refused to provide the votes for speedy consideration. Johnson said he is hopeful work can wrap up for a full House vote, at least by Tuesday.

Democrats are demanding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-customs-enforcement-democrats-noem-impeachment-funding-03095f6a4041bef063afe22becf1a788">restraints on ICE</a>&nbsp;that go beyond $20 million for body cameras that already is in the bill and want to require that federal immigration agents unmask and identify themselves and are pressing for an end to roving patrols, amid other changes.

“What is clear is that the Department of Homeland Security needs to be dramatically reformed,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hakeem-jeffries">House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries</a>&nbsp;of New York on ABC’s “This Week.”

Jeffries said the administration needs to begin negotiations now, not over the next two weeks, on changes to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minneapolis-hospitals-32cd5ca61d495e155d43b7cfd5e563b9">immigration enforcement operations</a>.

“Masks should come off," he said. “Judicial warrants should absolutely be required consistent with the Constitution, in our view, before DHS agents or ICE agents are breaking into the homes of the American people or ripping people out of their cars.”

At the same time, House Republicans, with some allies in the Senate, are making their own demands, as they work to support Trump's clamp down on immigrants in the U.S.

The House Freedom Caucus has insisted on fuller funding for Homeland Security while certain Republicans are pushing to include other measures, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-save-act-citizenship-voting-elections-a37c139461d11eb5f82086680b67ffe7">the SAVE Act</a>, a longshot Trump priority that would require proof of citizenship before Americans are eligible to participate in elections and vote.

Johnson said he would be talking to lawmakers over the day ahead to see what it will take to win over support.

Meanwhile, a number of federal agencies are snared in the funding standoff as the government went into a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-homeland-security-pentagon-transportation-2dd3464f56295ff79f136c1c5c24a532">partial shutdown</a>&nbsp;over the weekend.

Defense, health, transportation and housing are among those that were given shutdown guidance by the administration, though many operations are deemed essential and services are not necessarily interrupted. Workers could go without pay if the impasse drags on. Some could be furloughed.

Lawmakers from both parties are increasingly concerned the closure will disrupt the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which they rely on to help constituents in the states after storms and other disasters.

This is the second time in a matter of months that federal government operations have been disrupted as Congress is using the annual funding process as leverage to extract policy changes. Last fall, Democrats sparked what became the longest federal shutdown in history, 43 days, as they protested the expiration of health insurance tax breaks.

That shutdown ended with a promise to vote on proposals to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. But with GOP opposition, Democrats were unable to achieve their goal of keeping the subsidies in place. Insurance premiums spiked in the new year for millions of people.

This time, the administration has signaled its interest in more quickly resolving the shutdown.

Johnson said he was in the Oval Office last week when Trump, along with border czar Tom Homan, spoke with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York to work out a deal on immigration enforcement changes.

“I think we’re on the path to get agreement,” Johnson said on NBC's “Meet the Press.”

Body cameras, which are already provided for in the package, and an end to the roving patrols by immigration agents are areas of potential agreement, Johnson said.

But he said taking the masks off and putting names on agents' uniforms could lead to problems for law enforcement officers as they are being targeted by the protesters and their personal information is posted online.

“I don’t think the president would approve it — and he shouldn’t,” Johnson said on Fox.

Democrats, however, said the immigration operations are out of control, and must end in Minneapolis and other cities.

Growing numbers of lawmakers are calling for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kristi-noem">Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem</a>&nbsp;to be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-shootings-kristi-noem-ice-congress-add9ac7b90f5677621009e8a603c0141">fired or impeached</a>.

"What is happening in Minnesota right now is a dystopia," said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who led efforts to hold the line for more changes.

“ICE is making this country less safe, not more safe today," Murphy said on “Fox News Sunday.”

“Our focus over the next two weeks has to be reining in a lawless and immoral immigration agency.”

Partial federal government shutdown far from over

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) — Punxsutawney Phil is said to be predicting six more weeks of wintry weather after he saw his shadow Monday.

His&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/groundhog-day-punxsutawney-phil-history-d13aaf4f0e62b1bf0126935f0176d2f2">annual prediction</a>&nbsp;was translated by his handlers at Gobbler’s Knob in western Pennsylvania.

The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club says that when Phil is deemed to have not seen his shadow, that means there will be an early spring. When he does see it, it’s six more weeks of winter.

Phil tends to predict a longer winter far more often than an early spring.

Tens of thousands of people were on hand at Gobbler's Knob for the annual ritual that goes back more than a century, with ties to ancient farming traditions in Europe. Punxsutawney's festivities have grown considerably since the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray.

Lisa Gibson was at her 10th Groundhog Day, wearing a lighted hat that resembled the tree stump from which Phil emerges shortly after daybreak.

“Oh man, it just breaks up the doldrums of winter,” said Gibson, accompanied by her husband — dressed up as Elvis Presley — and teenage daughter. “It’s like Halloween and New Year’s Eve all wrapped up into one holiday.”

Gibson, a resident of Pittsburgh, had been rooting for Phil to not see his shadow and therefore predict an early start to spring.

Rick Siger, Pennsylvania’s secretary of community and economic development, said the outdoor thermometer in his vehicle read 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 degrees Celsius) on his way to Gobbler’s Knob.

“I think it’s just fun — folks having a good time,” said Siger, attending his fourth straight Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney. “It brings people together at a challenging time. It is a unifying force that showcases the best of Pennsylvania, the best of Punxsutawney, this area.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/punxsutawney-phil-groundhog-winter-forecast-ab11e8b4745227fe2b218d2ccebbbaa4">Last year’s announcement</a>&nbsp;was six more weeks of winter, by far Phil’s more common assessment and not much of a surprise during the first week of February. His top-hatted handlers in the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club insist Phil’s “groundhogese” of winks, purrs, chatters and nods are being interpreted when they relate the meteorological marmot’s muses about the days ahead.

AccuWeather’s chief long-range weather expert, meteorologist Paul Pastelok, said early Monday some clouds moved into Punxsutawney overnight, bringing flurries he called “microflakes.”

Pastelok said the coming week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-weather-ice-snow-cold-4b1aad9d5c8b380ae18e6e6c2e650dee">will remain cold</a>, with below-average temperatures in the eastern United States.

Phil isn't the only animal being consulted for long-term weather forecasts Monday. There are formal and informal Groundhog Day events in many places in the U.S., Canada and beyond.

Groundhog Day falls on Feb. 2, the midpoint between the shortest, darkest day of the year on the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It’s a time of year that also figures in the Celtic calendar and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-baby-jesus-restoration-a242ac62e87662c6b44f961b34005750">Christian holiday of Candlemas</a>.

🎥Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil makes his prediction on winter's end

KANSAS CITY—Kansas City, Missouri mayor Quinton Lucas joined CBS Face The Nation on Sunday to discuss critical issues facing American cities. From immigration policy and housing affordability to crime reduction and preparing for the 2026 World Cup.

On the proposed federal detention center for the region, Mayor Lucas said, "Converting a gigantic distribution facility into a warehouse for 10,000 people for which it was never designed is not right, and it is fundamentally something that is inhumane."

ICE was given $45 billion for detention centers in the tax and spending bill that President Trump signed last year.

🎥KCMO Mayor talks proposed federal detention center on Face The Nation

WYANDOTTE CCOUNTY—Detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department are investigating a double-homicide.

Just before noon Saturday, officers were dispatched to a shooting in the&nbsp;in the 1000 block of Orville Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.

First responders located three adults inside a home; one man and one woman were pronounced deceased on scene and one man was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

 All three had apparent gunshot wounds. The initial investigation indicates that the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute. Detectives are not currently seeking suspects. Police did not release the names of the victims or additional details.

This incident remains under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.

Police: 2 dead, 1 wounded in shooting at Kansas home

ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating an injury accident that occurred just after 12:30a.m. early Saturday in Atchison.

A 2019 Honda pickup driven by Joshua Hosier, 42, Atchison, was westbound on Kansas Avenue in Atchison, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; A 2001 Toyota Highlander driven by Joshua Campbell, 18, Atchison, was southbound on 14th Street. The two vehicles collided at the&nbsp;intersection of 14th and Kansas Avenue. 

EMS arrived on the scene and examined and treated Campbell and a 21-year-old passenger for minor injuries but they were not transported. 

Hosier had fled the scene on foot but went to Police headquarters a short time later.&nbsp; EMS later transported him to Amberwell Hospital for treatment of injuries that he sustained in the accident. 

Charges are pending against Hosier, according to Wilson.

Kan. man hospitalized after running from 2 vehicle crash

KANSAS CITY– A former Grain Valley, Missouri police officer was sentenced this week by U.S. District Judge D. Gregory Kays to 20 years in the Bureau of Prisons to be followed by supervised release for Life.

August Price Gildehaus, 30, of Blue Springs, Mo., previously pleaded guilty to one count of enticing a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and one count of producing child pornography.

Gildehaus admitted that he engaged in illegal sexual activity with a 15-year-old female victim. Gildehaus and the victim met on an online social media platform. Gildehaus met with the victim on five separate occasions between Aug. 5, 2022, and Jan. 5, 2023, to engage in illicit sexual activity at different locations, including a middle school parking lot.

Gildehaus admitted that the child victim took photographs of herself when she was home, and he took photographs of himself that he sent to her. Gildehaus also admitted that he recorded videos of their sexual encounters.

Gildehaus will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen Brackett. It was investigated by the Grain Valley, Mo., Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

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