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Kansas daily brief

Kansas and US news for busy people - Jan 26, 2026 edition

Greg Loving

26 Jan 2026 • 2 min read

Johnson County businessman Philip Sarnecki, a candidate for the Republican Party's nomination for governor, criticizes Senate President Ty Masterson, right, who is also seeking the GOP nomination for governor, and House Speaker Dan Hawkins for failing to draw new congressional maps that would make it difficult for Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids to hang onto her seat. Hawkins and Masterson are pictured during a Jan. 8, 2026, legislative hearing. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

🌾Kansas

GOP gubernatorial candidate Philip Sarnecki criticized the Kansas Legislature for abandoning a congressional redistricting effort that would have targeted Rep. Sharice Davids' seat by splitting Johnson County among GOP-majority districts.
Lawrence wastewater detected high levels of six respiratory viruses simultaneously—COVID-19, flu A and B, RSV, metapneumovirus, and norovirus—with an unusually early influenza B spike.
Wichita Public Schools and at least 10 other Kansas districts canceled classes Monday due to winter weather and dangerously low wind chills.
Missing Emporia teacher Rebecca Rauber, 28, was found dead from apparent hypothermia after disappearing Friday night without her belongings and being discovered Sunday in a wooded area 300 yards from where she was last seen.
The Kansas Legislature introduced nursing board reform bills limiting the board's authority over nonpractice violations, requiring Senate confirmation for board members, and establishing an impaired provider program.

🇺🇸 US

Minneapolis Shooting: Border Patrol officer fatally shot Alex Pretti; bystander footage contradicts official report of events, prompting Trump to say he's "reviewing everything."
Government Shutdown Threat: Senate Democrats blocking Homeland Security funding over Minneapolis shooting, threatening partial shutdown Friday when funding for 75% of federal discretionary spending expires.
Taipei 101 Climb: Free solo climber Alex Honnold scaled Taiwan's 1,667-foot Taipei 101 skyscraper without safety equipment.
Canada-China Tariff Threat: Trump threatens 100% tariffs if Canada pursues China free trade deal; Canada signed limited EV agreement with Beijing last week.
Chinese General Investigation: Gen. Zhang Youxia, China's most senior general and Xi Jinping's trusted military ally, under investigation for allegedly leaking nuclear weapons secrets to U.S. and accepting massive bribes.
Gold Surge: Gold prices break $5,000 for first time amid government shutdown fears and geopolitical tensions.

Weather

January 26 2020: Basketball star Kobe Bryant dies in helicopter crash