Missouri attorney general sues Census Bureau over undocumented immigrant count

KMIZ on January 30, 2026

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri attorney general on Friday sued the U.S. Census Bureau over its counting of undocumented immigrant populations for the purpose of drawing U.S. House districts.

Attorney General Catherine Hanaway filed the lawsuit Friday in federal court for the Eastern District of Missouri. Missouri is asking for an injunction to stop factoring in undocumented immigrant populations into congressional district counts.

“This case concerns whether the People still retain the right of self-government — or whether aliens who trespass into the United States can hijack control of our Republic’s system of representation,” Hanaway wrote in the legal filing.

Hanaway argues that the policy violates both the Constitution and principles of representative government. Undocumented immigrants should be treated like foreigners who are visiting the United States for the census — they are not counted.

The same applies to temporary visa holders, she writes.

Missouri census lawsuitDownload

The lawsuit claims that counting undocumented immigrants in the census has distorted representative apportionment, providing more political power to areas with larger undocumented populations.

“Including illegal aliens in the decennial Census and apportionment has unlawfully inflated the representation of States like California and New York,” Hanaway wrote. She claims undocumented immigrants make up about 10% of the population of Los Angeles.

Hanaway is also asking the court for a judgment that undocumented immigrant populations be stripped from the 2020 census count.

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Idaho National Guard to slash tuition assistance by 29% following budget mandate

KIFI on January 30, 2026

Seth Ratliff

UPDATED: 12:48 PM

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho National Guard members will see a significant drop in college financial aid as military leaders move to slash tuition assistance by 29% do comply with statewide budget cuts. The cuts are a direct response to Governor Brad Little’s order to reduce statewide spending by 3% across all agencies.

Major General Timothy J. Donnellan, Idaho adjutant general, warned the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) on Thursday that the reduction threatens recruitment and retention.

Major General Timothy J. Donnellan addresses members of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee.

“Many of our enlistees joined the National Guard (because), one, they want to stay in Idaho, and two, because Idaho offers the state education assistance.” Maj. Gen. Timothy J. Donnellan, Idaho adjutant general and commander of the Idaho National Guard.

“I am concerned if we were to reduce it further, that we would break faith with our soldiers and airmen who have enlisted, and are willing to take that and improve their lives.”

While Major General Donnellan told lawmakers that the Idaho Military Division had been able to absorb the budget cuts, he emphasized that they cannot cut the benefits any further.

The Fiscal Impact

Currently, the state allocates $650,000 for the State Education Assistance Program. According to a state budget analyst, the Idaho Military Division plans to cut $185,900 from the program for fiscal year 2027.

In addition to the tuition cuts, the division will reduce state matching funds for federal FEMA grants and National Guard cooperative agreements, according to a report by the Idaho Capital Sun.

Courtesy: Idaho Public Television

Tuition assistance will be cut by 29% to comply with Governor Brad Little’s order to reduce statewide spending by 3%. Military leaders expressed concerns about the cuts to the Joint Finance Committee on Thursday, stating that by reducing it further, they’d break faith with the members of the Idaho National Guard.

Escalating Budget Tensions

Earlier this week, a JFAC memo directed state agencies to prepare for an additional 2% cuts for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, on top of the initial 3% reduction.

RELATED: Idaho Democrats blast new round of budget cuts amid GOP Tax Plan

The move was quickly condemned by Idaho Democratic leaders, who argue it will “take a chainsaw” to essential services. All state agencies have until the end of the day Friday to submit their plans for the additional budget cuts.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield rejected the order for budget reductions, stating in a letter to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee’s co-chairs. “The public schools budget is more than numbers on a spreadsheet. It represents every one of our students, classrooms, teachers, and communities.”

RELATED: Critchfield rejects budget committee’s request to plan for cuts

State Democrats condemn “balancing the budget” on National Guard families’ shoulders’

Following the announcement of the cuts, Idaho Democratic legislators and veterans Sen. James Ruchti and Rep. Chris Mathias released the following statements in response to state budget cuts reducing tuition assistance for Idaho National Guard soldiers and airmen:

“Idaho Guard members step up to serve, and their families build their lives around the promises the state makes to them. Cutting tuition assistance pulls the rug out from under soldiers and airmen trying to get a degree, start a career, and stay in Idaho. As a veteran, I’m telling my Republican colleagues: don’t break faith with the people who wear the uniform.” – Senate Assistant Democratic Leader James Ruchti.

“Military education benefits made it possible for me and thousands of other Idahoans to earn a degree. Guard members rely on these benefits to balance service, work, and school at the same time. In a year with no recession, no pandemic, and no crisis beyond our control, I’m truly shocked JFAC leadership is choosing to cut a promise made to the people who serve our state and nation. Balancing the budget on military families’ shoulders deserves a hard pass.” – Rep. Chris Mathias.

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Community takes Polar Plunge to raise funds for Special Olympics Utah

KIFI on January 30, 2026

CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 30 JAN 26 13:05 ET

By Mythili Gubbi

Click here for updates on this story

    SANDY, Utah (KSTU) — People from all over jumped into freezing cold water on Thursday, to help raise money for Special Olympics Utah.

The polar plunge at the America First Field in Sandy was one of four events to help make inclusive sports more accessible for athletes. They called in ‘Freezin for a Reason.’

“People are willing to jump into cold water to support the mission of Special Olympics, we’re raising funds and awareness,” said Scott Weaver, President and CEO of Special Olympics Utah.

Christine and Dan do something every year to celebrate their anniversary. This year, they participated in the polar plunge.

“It’s wonderful, I used to work with people with special needs, and it’s a great cause, dear to my heart,” said Christine.

Different organizations participated too, including Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals.

“It means a lot,” said Kyle Schroeder, with Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals. “It’s not only just the funds, but the commitment to show that year round, we are here for you and we are supporting you, we’re making sure that you guys are taken care of.”

It was personal for Alicia Patrick and her son, Phoenix. “Special Olympics means so much to us,” said Patrick. “My son is autistic and they give him joy, belonging, community, friendship and they just mean everything to us.”

“We offer 17 sports, over 120 events throughout the year, all of that is free of charge to our athletes, so the funds raised here help to support the mission and the day-to-day activities offered by Special Olympics Utah,” said Weaver.

“We raise money so that everybody can feel the same joy that he gets to feel everyday,” said Patrick.

The goal is to raise $75,000. They are at about $63,000 and have two more Polar Plunge events to help meet that goal. The one in Ogden is on February 7, and there is another in Cedar City on February 21.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Council to vote on $1.65M police system, landfill design and airport tower work

News-Press NOW on January 30, 2026

TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The St. Joseph City Council is set to vote on advances in software, landfill construction and to finish Phase 3 of the tower work at Rosecrans Memorial Airport.

One notable item on the agenda is updating the Police Sales Tax Fund budget and signing a contract with TBL Systems, Inc. to buy new police software.

The new software will cost $1.65 million. The new computer system will support 911 call handling and dispatch, jail operations, report writing, court interface, digital evidence management and court and state/federal reporting requirements. 

This new system will replace the aging and fragmented systems that the department is currently using. 

Another item on the agenda is the City adjusting its budget and hiring HDR Engineering, Inc. to design and oversee construction work for Cell 9 at the City’s sanitary landfill. 

The new design will shape and level the ground, manage stormwater flow, and improve customer and facility roads. The project supports St. Joseph’s strategic goal of creating a clean and vibrant city.

Council will also seek to approve an extra payment of $108,584 to E.L. Crawford Construction Inc. to finish work on Phase 3 of the Rosecrans Memorial Aviation Complex, specifically the Air Traffic Control Tower.

Additional work on the tower includes moving an existing monument, rearranging data and equipment racks, making electrical grounding improvements, installing a water pressure reducer and adding tint to stairwell windows.

The project will be completely funded by existing grant funds.

The meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 2.

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WATCH: Mizzou men’s basketball prepares for Mississippi State

KMIZ on January 30, 2026

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri men’s basketball team is preparing to host Mississippi State at Mizzou Arena on Saturday.

Hear from Coach Dennis Gates and swingman Mark Mitchell.

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Savannah fire departments earn improved PPC ratings, effective April 2026

News-Press NOW on January 30, 2026

Prajukta Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)– The City of Savannah and the Savannah Rural Fire Departments have announced new public protection classification (PPC) ratings from the Insurance Services Office. 

Beginning April 1, 2026, hydranted areas will receive a Class 4 rating, while unhydranted, water-hauled areas will be rated 5/10. 

According to a news release, these improved ratings are the result of thousands of hours of firefighter training, equipment upgrades, faster and effective emergency responses and strong support from the residents within the fire district. 

“We were notified that our rating had been returned to a four for the hydraneries for the city of Savannah after losing a rating in the summer of 2024,” said David Vincent, Savannah’s Fire Chief.

Vincent explained that regaining the rating took a lot of hard work, but it was worth it for the community.  

He noted that these ratings directly impact how much homeowners and business owners pay for insurance, which is why keeping the number low is so important.  

“The lower the rating, the better it is, so going from a five to a four, we are hoping that it makes a significant change for our taxpayers,” Vicent said.  

Vincent also emphasized that the community recognizes the effort the department put into achieving this milestone.  

He said many people dedicated countless hours to the process, calling it a major accomplishment for everyone involved.  

He specifically pointed to his colleague, Tom Sontheimer, for his dedication to the contribution.  

“He is a volunteer in this department. He spent a lot of his own time to get us back to the rating of where we wanted it to be at,” Vincent said.  

Captain and training officer Tom Sontheimer explained that the entire rating process is guided by a detailed, 69-page document from ISO, which outlines what departments must do to improve their score.  

“It’s very detailed, it revolves around water supplies, number of firemen, equipment and communication center, so there area multitude of fractions that affect how the final rating is determined,” Sontheimer said.  

Sontheimer added that the department feels fortunate to have upgraded equipment that allows them to do their jobs effectively.  

Looking ahead, he said the department’s next goal is to see if it’s possible to move from a four to a three.  

“This would be better for the taxpayers. The reduction in the ratings hopefully benefits the homeowner’s insurance and the commercial property owner’s insurance because that would be our number one goal,” Sontheimer said.  

The City of Savannah and the Savannah Rural Fire Department serve about 10,000 residents across 156 square miles. The department operates four stations and has a roster of 50 members, 48 of whom are volunteers.  

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St. Joseph Museums receives $53,000 grant to support expanded Juneteenth 2026 festivities

News-Press NOW on January 30, 2026

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Museums and local organizations announced a packed slate of events for this year’s Juneteenth festivities with the help of a sizable grant from the state.

The St. Joseph Museums and the Black Archives Museum, in collaboration with the Bartlett Center and community partners, unveiled an official schedule for the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration taking place from May 15 to June 21 in St. Joseph.

Local residents will see an expanded multi‑day lineup this year honoring the legacy of freedom, resilience and African American heritage, including various performances, athletic events, cultural programming and family‑centered events.

This year’s festivities are made possible in part by a $53,430 grant from the Missouri Division of Tourism, awarded to support cultural programming and to attract visitors to St. Joseph.

“The 2026 Juneteenth Celebration arrives at a meaningful moment for our region and our nation. As communities prepare for America 250 and Kansas City hosts the FIFA World Cup, St. Joseph is uniquely positioned to share its rich cultural history with both local residents and global guests,” a statement from the museum reads.

City leaders and museum officials are hopeful that paired together, the two historic events can help position St. Joseph as a welcoming destination for global guests.

2026 Juneteenth Event Schedule

Juneteenth Golf Tournament – May 15, 2026 — 1:30 p.m. Fairview Golf Course – A community-wide tournament kicking off the season’s celebrations.

Juneteenth Play – June 13 and 14, 2026 MWSU Spratt 101 – A Conversation written by local historians Loes Hedge, Gary Wilkinson, and JD Soil about local and national Black history.

Juneteenth Basketball Shoot-Out – June 14, 2026 Bartlett Center – A spirited competition for athletes and spectators alike.

Juneteenth Race – June 19, 2026 — 10 a.m. Bartlett Center – A community race promoting health, unity, and celebration.

Juneteenth Gala – June 19, 2026 — 6 p.m. Bartlett Center – An elegant evening of food, fellowship, and reflection. Featuring a performance by the Tribe Band.

Juneteenth Parade – June 20, 2026 — 10 a.m. From Bode Middle School to the Bartlett Center – A vibrant procession celebrating culture, community, and freedom.

Family Festival & Vendor Fair – June 20, 2026 — 10 a.m. Bartlett Center – Local vendors, food, entertainment (featuring Trilemma), and family activities.

Juneteenth Fashion Show – June 20, 2026 Bartlett Center – A showcase of creativity, culture, and community pride.

Juneteenth Talent Show – June 20, 2026 Bartlett Center – Featuring special guest emcee Kevin Strickland, whose story of resilience and justice has inspired communities across Missouri.

Family Picnic – June 21, 2026 Bartlett Center – A relaxed, free, family-friendly gathering to close the celebration weekend.

For questions or additional information, residents are encouraged to contact the museum at 816‑232‑8471 or sjm@stjosephmuseum.org.

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The Daily Grind Coffee Shop prepares for highly anticipated open

News-Press NOW on January 30, 2026

Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — St. Joseph will soon gain another business in a coffee shop expected to open Tuesday, Feb. 3.

The Daily Grind Coffee Shop will open its doors to the pubic at 5:30 a.m.

Located at 5804 Lake Ave., the shop will feature lattes, frappuccinos, espresso, refreshers and more on its first day of business.

The shop will launch its official menu this weekend.

Owner Nichole Henderson and her family run five businesses and wanted to get into the coffee business.

Henderson believes the drive-thru offers a new style of coffee shop to the South End.

Henderson said they got the name from coffee, but also for the daily grind her family puts into running their businesses. 

“It’s not a franchise, it’s family-owned, it’s local. We believe in St. Joe, we believe in the South End. If we didnt we wouldn’t already have four businesses down here, this being number five. It’s with a smile, it’s more heartfelt,” said Henderson.

Customers who plan to get a cup of coffee can look forward to a special topper on their drink, a tradition Henderson said the shop plans to do monthly.

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Jury finds Boone County daycare operator not guilty in baby’s death

KMIZ on January 30, 2026

Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Boone County jury on Friday found a home daycare operator not guilty of negligence that caused a baby’s death.

The jury went into deliberation around 1 p.m. and came back about two hours later with its not guilty verdict.

Sarah Brown faced three to 10 years in prison. Brown had been running her unlicensed, at-home daycare center for about 30 years, she said Thursday while on the stand. In 2023, a baby in her care, 3-month-old Ayla Gibson, was found dead, face down in a crib.

Brown was charged with first-degree involuntary manslaughter in the girl’s death. The jury could alternatively find Brown guilty of second-degree involuntary manslaughter or innocent.

During closing arguments, Brown’s attorney Richard Hicks asked the jury to make a decision based on the facts.

“Not every tragic event is a crime. Hold the state to the burden. Make sure that the evidence leaves you fully convinced, that’s the rule,” Hicks told the jury.

Friday began with both the prosecuting attorney and her own attorney questioning Brown.

Gibson was at Brown’s daycare from May 23 to 25. During that time, Brown said she had 12 children in her care, and the state attorney clarified that nine of them were less than 7 years old.

Brown said she placed Ayla Gibson in a crib in a secluded room with a pillow that propped the child on her side. Brown also said she checked in on her once between laying her down for a nap and finding the child dead, but she couldn’t remember when that check-in was.

During Thursday’s trial, a Columbia Police Department detective pointed out inconsistencies with Brown’s statements as to when she checked in on Gibson.

The detective testified that Brown claimed she checked in on the baby 15 minutes after putting the baby down for a nap, and Ayla was in the same position as when she was put in the crib. Two other statements claim Brown found the baby face down at varying times after laying her down.

Prosecuting attorney Melissa Buchanan said this inconsistency and lack of attention is negligent.

“An accident based on criminally reckless conduct is still a crime, and you don’t have to mean to kill someone under the law to be held accountable for your reckless actions,” Buchanan told the jury.

During Ayla Gibson’s stay, Brown said she noticed the child had labored breathing and advised the mother, Leah Salisbury, to take her child to the doctor.

Hicks said the Gibson’s illness could have been a factor in her death, which means her death wasn’t negligent. Buchanan said the autopsy shows the child suffocated.

The prosecuting attorney clarified that Salisbury had taken Ayla to the doctor, and after the visit, Salisbury gave Brown a special swaddle to use. Brown said on the stand that she couldn’t figure out the special swaddle and chose to use her own.

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City Council to mull adding new City department aimed at overseeing multiple responsibilities

News-Press NOW on January 30, 2026

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The St. Joseph City Council is considering an ordinance to create a new General Services Department, which will coordinate, oversee and manage key municipal functions.

Currently, functions like capital project management, engineering, procurement and contracting, fleet operations, facilities and building maintenance and risk management are spread across several departments.

According to a news release from the City, the functions have become more complex and would benefit from stronger and clearer coordination and accountability.

The new department would bring together all of the aforementioned responsibilities in one place. It will focus on quality work, consistent project monitoring, smart contracting that gets the most for City dollars and taking care of assets over the long term.

The change continues efforts started in 2025 to streamline the City’s processes, according to the release.

If approved, General Services would serve all City departments from a central office and be led by a full-time director who reports to the city manager and oversees projects and asset management.

The department will start with 13 employees reassigned from several departments and will initially be led by Laurie Thompson, the current human resources programs and risk manager, to ensure a smooth transition.

The City Code will be updated over time as more functions move into the new department.

The City said the General Services Department will support its strategic plan by helping maintain and improve assets, while strengthening teamwork across departments.

City Council will vote on the proposed ordinance at its Monday, Feb. 2 meeting. If approved, Thompson’s salary as the department’s director will be $100,001.

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