The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) has released its New Year’s Holiday Activity Report. 

The reporting period for the holiday ran from 6:00 pm on Wednesday, December 31&nbsp;through 11:59 pm on Sunday, January 4.

KHP worked two non-DUI&nbsp;related fatal crashes which resulted in two non-DUI&nbsp;related fatalities. The fatal crashes occurred in Jefferson and Ford counties.

KHP&nbsp;personnel assisted 687 motorists over the holiday reporting&nbsp;period.

The reporting period for 2024 was from 6:00 pm Friday,&nbsp;December 29,&nbsp;2023 to 11:59 pm Monday,&nbsp;January 1, 2024.

Two fatalities reported on KHP New Year’s Holiday Activity Report

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has been in operation for a full three years and has seen successes with response to those in crisis.

On Wednesday, the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is sharing a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdads.ks.gov%2Fhome%2Fshowdocument%3Fid=5345%26t=639033714024282973/1/0101019b995764d8-4281a18c-354e-4116-8492-e0110bf5ff4d-000000/eELTQkxMiEozKgZZazHB0SJ_znAeBFpYJNdDIYlT10k=439">report</a>&nbsp;detailing actions taken by the Kansas 988 Coordinating Council in 2025 and highlighting data on the 988 Lifeline in the state. The report to the 2025 Kansas Legislature was created by the council with support from the Kansas Health Institute (KHI).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Throughout 2025, the 988 Coordinating Council convened six times, focusing on several topics, including evaluating key performance indicators such as call volumes, in-state answer rates, and response times, which are instrumental in assessing the impact of the 988 system.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The 988 Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline is a critical resource for Kansans in moments of distress,”&nbsp;KDADS Deputy Secretary Andrew Brown said. “Whether someone is facing a mental health crisis, struggling with substance use, or simply needs someone to talk to, 988 provides immediate, confidential support anytime, anywhere in Kansas. The 988 Lifeline ensures that help is just a call or text away.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The most recent data indicate that overall, Kansas is maintaining the goals set in the original Kansas 988 Implementation Plan. 

- A steady increase in call volume, with the number of routed calls climbing from 2,751 in January 2025 to as high as 3,796 in October 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;

- An in-state answer rate that remained around or above the state goal of 90 percent after March 2025, after starting the year below the goal.&nbsp;

In 2025, the council focused on strengthening coordination across Kansas’s crisis response system and evaluating future needs as 988 call volume and public awareness continued to grow. 

Discussions centered on improving mobile crisis response and dispatch technology, enhancing 988-911 interoperability, and expanding outreach to ensure statewide access to services. The council also reviewed trends in sustainable funding used by other states, assessing long-term budget capacity as demand increases. 

In Kansas, the 988 call centers are independently operated and receive additional state funding and oversight from KDADS and the coordinating council. The report includes recommendations for legislators to consider.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The 988 Coordinating Council recommends that the legislature take action to ensure the long-term&nbsp;sustainability and growth of Kansas’s 988 system by increasing available funding and maintaining coordinated oversight of crisis response services. 

Specifically, the council recommends increasing the budget for 988 operations and related crisis services, either by:&nbsp;

- Raising the current $10 million cap on the 988 Fund to $13 million.

- Identifying alternative or supplemental revenue sources, such as allocating a percentage of state lottery proceeds or sports betting revenue to the 988 Fund.&nbsp;

- Revisiting the discussion of the telecommunications fee as an additional, stable funding stream to support ongoing 988 operations, technology, and workforce needs.&nbsp;

An additional recommendation from the council is to extend the 988 Coordinating Council beyond June 30, 2026, to provide continued oversight, coordination, and system development.&nbsp;

Learn more about the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdads.ks.gov%2Fservices-programs%2Fbehavioral-health%2F988-suicide-crisis-lifeline/1/0101019b995764d8-4281a18c-354e-4116-8492-e0110bf5ff4d-000000/5WsicU2-iqW6PKueDDsnrjZqFS4FQ3TrVAk-rSk5jkE=439">988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Kansas</a>. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for help.&nbsp;

For details about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Kansas or the 988 Coordinating Council, contact KDADS Communications Director Cara Sloan-Ramos at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cara.sloanramos@ks.gov">cara.sloanramos@ks.gov</a>.

For more information about the report, contact KHI Director of Strategic Communication and Engagement Theresa Freed at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tfreed@khi.org">tfreed@khi.org</a>&nbsp;or 316-305-5190

The Kansas Health Institute supports effective policymaking through nonpartisan research, education, and engagement. KHI believes evidence-based information, objective analysis, and civil dialogue enable policy leaders to champion a healthier Kansas. Established in 1995 with a multiyear grant from the Kansas Health Foundation, KHI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization based in Topeka<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.khi.org%2Fkansas-health-policy%2F/1/0101019b995764d8-4281a18c-354e-4116-8492-e0110bf5ff4d-000000/-pDkK35hbM_calxvxgd5ivPGf3lYhtIo96-JQkivLIM=439">.</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.khi.org%2Fkansas-health-policy%2F/1/0101019b995764d8-4281a18c-354e-4116-8492-e0110bf5ff4d-000000/-pDkK35hbM_calxvxgd5ivPGf3lYhtIo96-JQkivLIM=439"> Learn more about KHI</a>.

Kansas’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Coordinating Council reports year-3 data

Saline County Emergency Management

Saline County Emergency Management, in partnership with the National Weather Service in Wichita, will host the annual Storm Fury on the Plains, a free public severe weather education presentation, on February 10, 2026.

Storm Fury on the Plains will be held at Peters Science Hall, Room 201, at Kansas Wesleyan University.&nbsp;

Doors open at 6:00 pm and the presentation will begin at 6:30 pm.

This presentation is designed to help residents better understand severe weather common to Kansas, including how thunderstorms develop, what warning signs to watch for, how to stay safe and how to properly report storm information. 

The goal is to give the public practical knowledge applicable to use when severe weather threatens, helping people make informed decisions and respond appropriately when conditions turn dangerous.

Learn to prepare for severe weather: Free public education presentation to occur at KWU in February 

The Salina Symphony is set hold two performances on back-to-back days.

January 24 Family Concert: The Harmony Games

Bring your children and grandchildren to the Salina Symphony on Saturday, January 24, at 1:00 pm at the Stiefel Theatre for this year’s Family Concert, The Harmony Games.

Enjoy an afternoon of music and more with The Harmony Games, a story that tells of four families who, after fighting for as long as anyone could remember, come together through the power of music. Narrated by Maggie Spicer Brown, the program will introduce young concertgoers to the instruments in an orchestra. The concert will also feature the wildly popular music from Wicked.&nbsp;

After the concert ends, the adventure continues at the Symphony Rehearsal Hall. Explore the world of music firsthand at an instrument petting zoo and music-themed crafts and activities designed to be both educational and entertaining. Whether your child is a budding musician or simply curious, there will be something for everyone to enjoy!

Concert tickets are $5 per person and may be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office, by calling 785-827-1998, or online at <a href="https://www.salinasymphony.org/main/">salinasymphony.org</a>.

The instrument petting zoo and activities are available for an additional $5 per student.

The Salina Symphony is dedicated to enriching lives through artistic music performance and education. 

For more information, contact Adrienne Allen at (785) 823-8309 or visit <a href="http://salinasymphony.org">salinasymphony.org</a>.

Celebrate 250 years of the American Spirit with a dynamic symphonic concert featuring five American composers on Sunday, January 25 at 4:00 pm at the Stiefel Theatre.

The concert will open with “Solo” by Jeremy Crosmer and “Four for Gideon” by Michael Schachter.

Crowd favorite Samantha Rose Williams returns to sing Alan Fletcher’s Three American Songs, a recent vocal work for soprano and orchestra, world-premiered by Renée Fleming at the Aspen Music Festival in 2024. 

The collection is inspired by Copland's Old American Songs but with its own gentle, reflective style. The work features American folk tunes like "Wondrous Love," "Slumber, My Darling," and "The Cuckoo," offering a contemporary take on Americana for a nation in search of identity.

Williams will also perform several selections by Florence Price, composed to poems and arranged for orchestra by Segal. Price’s music combines a rich and romantic symphonic idiom with the melodic intimacy and emotional intensity of African-American spirituals.

The evening will conclude with a celebration of American creativity at its most vibrant with West Side Story Symphonic Dances by Leonard Bernstein. Bernstein’s iconic score is a thrilling blend of passion, rhythm, and drama, creating unforgettable melodies and electrifying dance rhythms. From the soaring romance of “Maria” and “Tonight” to the fiery energy of “America” and “Mambo,” the music captures the intensity of love, rivalry, and hope.

Samantha Rose Williams will be the featured guest artist. 

As a crossover singer, Williams has starred in numerous musicals and operas. Her favorite credits include Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, and Madame Haltière in Cendrillon.

Tickets start at $42 and may be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office, by calling 785-827-1998 or online at <a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org">www.salinasymphony.org</a>.

A pre-concert talk will occur at 3:00 pm with Maestro Segal and visiting composers: Crosmer, Fletcher, and Schachter.

Salina Symphony presents Family Concert Jan. 24 & American Songs Jan. 25 at Stiefel Theatre

Law enforcement are investigating a bar burglary in north Salina, where an unknown suspect stole an undetermined amount of money from a gaming machine.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Wednesday morning, employees from Chuck's Bar (600 N Santa Fe Ave) reported that a suspect forced entry and burglarized the gaming machine with cash.

The suspect cut open one of the gaming machines and stole the cash inside.

SPD stated a door latch was damaged.&nbsp;

The investigation is ongoing and SPD is looking into surveillance footage.

Ongoing investigation: Unknown suspect steals cash from gaming machine at north Salina bar

Following is recent booking activity for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/Sheriff-Office/Online-search/Booking-Activities">Saline County Jail</a>, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGES: Failure to appear (2)

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Aggravated sexual battery; Victim is physically powerless; Domestic Battery: rude physical contact; Robbery; Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor; Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for felony case

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner; Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circ; misd; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

Saline County Jail Bookings, January 8

A Salina man voices violent threats at a elementary school staff member and police dispatcher via phone calls before arrest.

According to SPD on Tuesday at 12:30 pm, officers were dispatched to Sunset Elementary School for a man identified as Chad Everett (39), who reportedly threatened a school staff member.

Reportedly, Everett called the school and got in contact with a 29-year old male staff member. SPD stated Everett called the school to make a complaint about a parent.

Throughout the call, Everett suddenly became irate with the staff member and voiced threats of physical violence towards him. SPD stated there is no evidence of the staff member saying anything that would have angered Everett.

Afterwards, officers were contacted by the school and began to locate Everett as they arrived to his house. However, officers were unable to make contact with him.

Consequently, Everett then contacted SPD via phone and spoke with a dispatcher. As the dispatcher was trying to get him connected with an officer, Everett became angry and threatened to attack the dispatcher.

SPD stated Everett also voiced racial slurs at the dispatcher during the call.

Later that same day at around 9:00 pm, officers responded to a home in west Salina where Everett was located.

Officers made contact with Everett this time and took him into custody. As they were placing him in a police vehicle, Everett reportedly kicked the door and struck an officer. He was then booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges:&nbsp;

Criminal Threat, Harassment by Telecommunication Device and Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer.

It was also determined that Everett was under the influence of alcohol.

Salina man voices violent threats at elementary school employee and police dispatcher via phone before arrest

The Project Salina Board invites Salina residents and businesses to support the annual Souper Bowl of Hope campaign, with a community goal of raising enough cash donations to purchase 60,000 cans of soup for local agencies.

The drive will run from Saturday, January 24&nbsp;through Saturday, February 7.

Volunteers will be on site collecting donations at all three Salina Dillons locations during the following dates and times:

January 24&nbsp;— 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 pm

January 31&nbsp;— 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 pm

February 7&nbsp;— 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 pm

While soup donations are appreciated, the Project Salina Board encourages cash donations, which offer greater flexibility and impact. 

A $30 cash donation can purchase up to 50 cans of soup when the need arises, while significantly reducing the transportation and storage demands placed on volunteers and board members.

Churches and businesses hosting their own collections and needing assistance with pickup of soup or cash donations may contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:souperbowlhopesalina@gmail.com">souperbowlhopesalina@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;, and a board member will coordinate a time to collect the donations.

Ways to donate cash to Souper Bowl of Hope

•Mail a check payable to Souper Bowl of Hope to: Souper Bowl of Hope, Attn: Kristina Litchman, PO Box 2861, Salina, KS 67402-2861

•Drop off cash or checks (payable to Souper Bowl of Hope) at Central National Bank, 454 S. Ohio (near Water’s True Value). Please label the envelope “Kristina Litchman, Souper Bowl” and include your name so your donation may be properly credited. Donations may be dropped off via drive-through or inside the bank.

•Donate cash or checks (payable to Souper Bowl of Hope) directly to volunteers at Dillon’s during the collection dates and times listed above.

The Project Salina Board thanks the community for its continued generosity. Donations support local agencies and help provide essential, nutritious food to families across Salina.&nbsp;

For questions regarding the Souper Bowl of Hope, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:souperbowlhopesalina@gmail.com">souperbowlhopesalina@gmail.com</a>

Project Salina encourages community support for 2026 Souper Bowl of Hope

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Battery; Knowing/recklessly causing bodily harm; Disorderly conduct; Unknown circumstance; Criminal threat; Unknown circumstance; Harass by telecom device; Phone call with intent to abuse/threaten/harass

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circ; misd; Failure to appear; Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; Driving while habitual violator

Saline County Jail Bookings, January 7

Salina Area Technical College is inviting businesses, talent acquisitions, employers and job recruiters to personally connect with students who are actively exploring career paths and eager to enter the workforce.

On&nbsp;February 26th, 2026 Salina Area Technical College (2562 Centennial Road) will be hosting a Career Fair from 8:30 am - 10:30 am, with Mock Interviews following&nbsp;from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm.

Connect face-to-face with Salina Tech students&nbsp;who are actively exploring career paths and eager to enter the workforce.&nbsp;

Employers are encouraged to participate in mock interviews - an opportunity to share real-world insight, help students sharpen their skills, and gain early access to top talent.

Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration closes at midnight on February 16th, 2026.

Click <a href="https://fs30.formsite.com/SalinaTech/form39/index">here</a> to register.

Salina Area Technical College inviting employers to level up hiring strategy at Spring Career Fair 

After an activity of showers and thunderstorms to occur late Wednesday night through Thursday, a storm system is expected follow that with light to modest snow accumulations across the region Friday afternoon through night.

The greatest potential for at least a half inch of rain is primarily along and east of I-135.

This is according to the US National Weather Service, but there remains some uncertainty as the weather agency will refine forecast details the next few days.

Stay updated with local weather on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSWichita">US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas</a>&nbsp;Facebook page.

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Chance of snow to occur Friday after upcoming showers and thunderstorms 

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 7 - January 9

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 5 - January 7

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 2 - January 4

Three day weather forecast Salina: New Years Eve & Day, Jan 2.

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 29 - New Years Eve

As Sunday's heavy snow activity has ended in Salina, light snow is expected to continue throughout central Kansas

Original:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b3728be6-8a12-4850-9531-978104a03ede">Be vigilant: Activity of snow has arrived throughout central Kansas</a>

According to the US National Weather Service, moderate to heavy snow has quickly come to an end, and only pockets of light snow are expected over the next couple of hours throughout the region. 

Even with road conditions improving quickly, continue to exercise caution as roads could be slick through tonight.

Areas of snow will remain through the late afternoon for locations generally along and just southeast of the Kansas Turnpike with little if any accumulation anticipated.

  Some locations may see visibility reduced to less than 3 miles at times.  There maybe a few slick spots on bridges and overpasses.

Salina is under a wind advisory until 6:00 pm Sunday.

The Emergency&nbsp;Accident Reporting Plan the Salina Police Department issued earlier on Sunday has been cancelled as well.

Monday's weather in Salina is expected to have a morning wind chill in the single digits to around zero. Afternoon highs are forecasted to be in the low 30s.

&nbsp;For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

UPDATE: Heavy snow ends in Salina, pockets of light snow expected throughout central Kansas

Be aware, take precaution on the roads and prepare, as a fast band of snow has worked its way quickly through Salina and central Kansas.&nbsp;

According to the US National Weather Service, snow will combine with strong winds to reduced visibility to less than a mile at times. Those traveling along I-70 should expect rapid reductions in visibility as they head west.

Those traveling between Wichita and Salina need to be prepared for rapidly deteriorating conditions along I-135 and surrounding roadways. Slick spots on elevated surfaces and visibility under 1/2 mile are anticipated.

The National Weather Service expects the snow to continue until 3:00 pm on Sunday.&nbsp;

Moreover, a cold front will move across the area bringing strong northwest winds. Wind gusts in the 45 to 55 mph range will be common across the region.

Be sure to secure any loose outdoor items.

Salina has been issued to be under a wind advisory until 6:00 pm on Sunday.

SPD implements Emergency Accident Reporting Plan

The Salina Police Department has announced that the Emergency Accident Reporting Plan has been implemented due to severe weather and/or hazardous driving conditions, as the number of motor vehicle accidents exceeds the Department’s ability to respond in a timely manner.

Any non-hit and run, non-personal injury motor vehicle accident that does not require towing, and does not involve alcohol or drugs.

 Exchange personal information with the other driver(s) involved or property owner. 

Complete an Emergency Accident Reporting Plan accident report form as completely as possible and mail or deliver the completed report to the Salina Police Department within 48 hours.

Emergency Accident Reporting Plan forms are available at the Salina Police Department. They are also available online <a href="https://www.salina-ks.gov/media/Police%20Department%20doc/Downloadable%20Forms/Emergency_Accident_Report.pdf">here</a>.

On Monday, it is expected Salina to have a morning wind chill in the single digits to around zero. Afternoon highs on Monday are forecasted to be in the low 30s.

Visit this article periodically to view updates if the snow will continue past 3:00 pm today.

Be vigilant: Activity of snow has arrived throughout central Kansas

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check fo

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 26 - December 28

With Salina under a Dense Fog Advisory until noon on Christmas Eve, the US National Weather Service is advising the public to be cautious on the roads.

Visibility on Wednesday morning has dropped rapidly in many locations across central Kansas, with less than 1/4 of a mile of visibility range.

Dense fog will gradually dissipate from south to north by around midday on Wednesday, with more dense fog developing again this evening and tonight.

The&nbsp;US National Weather Service advises the public to slow down when traveling, and use low beam headlights.

Dense fog advisory for Christmas Eve in central Kansas, US National Weather Service cautions public

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a remarkable rebuke of Republican leadership, the House passed legislation Thursday, 230-196, that would extend&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/%E2%80%9CNo%20matter%20the%20issue,%20if%20the%20House%20puts%20forward%20relatively%20strong,%20bipartisan%20support,%20it%20makes%20it%20easier%20for%20the%20senators%20to%20get%20there.%E2%80%9D">expired health care subsidies</a>&nbsp;for those who get coverage through the Affordable Care Act as renegade GOP lawmakers joined essentially all Democrats in voting for the measure.

Forcing the issue to a vote came about after a handful of Republicans signed on to a so-called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-subsidies-aca-speaker-johnson-1087a9f64168d66b2acf9082af16c253">“discharge petition”</a>&nbsp;to unlock debate, bypassing objections from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">House Speaker Mike Johnson</a>. The bill now goes to the Senate, where pressure is building for a similar bipartisan compromise.

Together, the rare political coalitions are rushing to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-vote-affordable-care-act-obamacare-6ffc1ea9f878c6b3da995589ef8a012c">resolve the standoff</a>&nbsp;over the enhanced tax credits that were put in place during the COVID-19 crisis but expired late last year after no agreement was reached during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-signs-government-funding-bill-ending-shutdown-after-record-43-day-disruption-ap-explains-6f25ef5b692c418cbed5bbdb26b796d7">government shutdown</a>.

“The affordability crisis is not a ‘hoax,’ it is very real — despite what Donald Trump has had to say,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, invoking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-affordability-pennsylvania-speech-6a7884b814f448ab6b17b9d924a356ba">the president's remarks</a>.

“Democrats made clear before the government was shut down that we were in this affordability fight until we win this affordability fight,” he said. “Today we have an opportunity to take a meaningful step forward.”

Ahead of voting, the nonpartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cbo-big-beautiful-bill-trump-republican-deficit-debt-d432b67a965790e4a26de46ea8db1266">Congressional Budget Office</a>&nbsp;estimated that the bill, which would provide a three-year extension of the subsidy, would increase the nation's deficit by about $80.6 billion over the decade. At the same time, it would increase the number of people with health insurance by 100,000 this year, 3 million in 2027, 4 million in 2028 and 1.1 million in 2029, the CBO said.

Growing support for extending ACA subsidies

Johnson, R-La., worked for months to prevent this situation. His office argued Thursday that the federal health care funding from the COVID-19 era is ripe with fraud, pointing to an investigation in Minnesota, and urged a no vote.

On the floor, Republicans argued that the subsidies as structured have contributed to fraud and that the chamber should be focused on lowering health insurance costs for the broader population.

“Only 7% of the population relies on Obamacare marketplace plans. This chamber should be about helping 100% of Americans,” said Rep. Jason Smith, the Republican chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.

While the momentum from the vote shows the growing support for the tax breaks that have helped some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/affordable-care-act-enrollment-subsidies-health-90ad8b27a6693c5aa03a9ca841048479">22 million Americans</a>&nbsp;have access to health insurance, the Senate would be under no requirement to take up the House bill.

Instead, a small group of senators from both parties has been working on an alternative plan that could find support in both chambers and become law. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said that for any plan to find support in his chamber, it will need to have income limits to ensure that the financial aid is focused on those who most need the help. He and other Republicans also want to ensure that beneficiaries would have to at least pay a nominal amount for their coverage.

Finally, Thune said there would need to be some expansion of health savings accounts, which allow people to save money and withdraw it tax-free as long as the money is spent on qualified medical expenses.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., who is part of the negotiations on reforms and subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, said there is agreement on addressing fraud in health care.

“We recognize that we have millions of people in this country who are going to lose — are losing, have lost — their health insurance because they can’t afford the premiums,” Shaheen said. “And so we’re trying to see if we can’t get to some agreement that’s going to help, and the sooner we can do that, the better.”

Trump has pushed Republicans to send money directly to Americans for health savings accounts so they can bypass the federal government and handle insurance on their own. Democrats largely reject this idea as insufficient for covering the high costs of health care.

The action by Republicans to force a vote has been an affront to Johnson and his leadership team, who essentially lost control of what comes to the House floor as the Republican lawmakers joined Democrats for the workaround.

After last year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-signs-government-funding-bill-ending-shutdown-after-record-43-day-disruption-ap-explains-6f25ef5b692c418cbed5bbdb26b796d7">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;failed to resolve the issue, Johnson had discussed allowing more politically vulnerable GOP lawmakers a chance to vote on another health care bill that would temporarily extend the subsidies while also adding changes.

But after days of discussions, Johnson and the GOP leadership sided with the more conservative wing, which has assailed the subsidies as propping up ACA, which they consider a failed government program. He offered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/republican-house-health-care-plan-obamacare-subsidies-208b30670d0486c8d27ceb59c59003e0">modest proposal of health care reforms</a>&nbsp;that was approved, but has stalled.

It was then that rank-and-file lawmakers took matters into their own hands, as many of their constituents faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-subsidies-aca-speaker-johnson-1087a9f64168d66b2acf9082af16c253">soaring health insurance premiums</a>&nbsp;beginning this month.

Republican Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Robert Bresnahan and Ryan Mackenzie, all from Pennsylvania, and Mike Lawler of New York, signed the Democrats’ petition, pushing it to the magic number of 218 needed to force a House vote. All four represent key swing districts whose races will help determine which party takes charge of the House next year.

Trump encourages GOP to take on health care issue

What started as a long shot effort by Democrats to offer a discharge petition has become a political vindication of the Democrats’ government shutdown strategy as they fought to preserve the health care funds.

Democrats are making clear that the higher health insurance costs many Americans are facing will be a political centerpiece of their efforts to retake the majority in the House and Senate in the fall elections.

Trump, during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-house-republicans-meeting-kennedy-center-ad8705ea228a8a4591567fb51f87edb3">lengthy speech</a>&nbsp;this week to House GOP lawmakers, encouraged his party to take control of the health care debate — an issue that has stymied Republicans since he tried, and failed, to repeal Obamacare during his first term.

Associated Press writer Matt Brown contributed to this report.

House approves 3-year extension of expired health care subsidies

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged road rage shooting in Kansas City have identified the man who died as 32-year-old Keithlin Royster, according to KCPD Officer Alanya Gonzalez

Just before 11:30a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting on southbound 71 Highway and Blue River Road.

First responders located a vehicle stopped on the side of the highway and a woman asking for help. At that time, officers observed Royster unresponsive inside of the vehicle suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS responded to the scene and pronounce him deceased at that scene.

Preliminary information indicates this may be a road rage incident. It is believed two unidentified men were occupying an unknown vehicle when shots were fired, striking the victim. It is not currently known where the start of the altercation began, and where exactly the shooting occurred. 

A subject of interest turned himself in to police late Wednesday regarding this incident and he was questioned by detectives for further investigation. Detectives are not currently seeking any additional suspects, and the case has been presented to prosecutors for consideration of applicable charges, according to Gonzalez.

Police: Suspect in deadly KC road-rage killing turns himself in

WASHINGTON (AP) — Jan. 26 marks the official start date of the 2026 tax filing season, when the IRS will begin accepting and processing 2025 tax returns. April 15 is the filing deadline to avoid penalties and interest.

Tax season is the annual period when taxpayers prepare and submit their income tax returns for the previous calendar year to the IRS and most U.S. citizens and permanent residents need to file a tax return if they make more than a certain amount of money for the year.

Tax experts, including the IRS’ independent watchdog, have warned that this year’s filing season could be hampered by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-doge-layoffs-tax-season-0659e4b439400bf66023273f6a532fa0">loss of tens of thousands of tax collection workers</a>&nbsp;who left the agency through planned layoffs and buyouts spurred by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.

IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank Bisignano, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-irs-bessent-bisignano-e58cfaf2c88299e728d9783c8f5476fa">named to the new role in October</a>, said “the IRS workforce remains vigilant and dedicated to their mission to serve the American taxpaying public. At the same time, IRS information systems have been updated to incorporate the new tax laws and are ready to efficiently and effectively process taxpayer returns during the filing season.”

Bisignano is also commissioner of the Social Security Administration.

The IRS will also be responsible for implementing major provisions of Republicans’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-provisions" target="_blank">tax and spending package</a>&nbsp;signed into law last summer. Several provisions in the law retroactively affect the 2025 tax year, likely leading to more questions from taxpayers and requiring the IRS to update tax forms.

“President Trump is committed to the taxpayers of this country and improving upon the successful tax filing season in 2025,” said acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent in a news release. “I am confident in our ability to deliver results and drive growth for businesses and consumers alike.”

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