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The Little Apple Brief

Local, state, and US news for busy people - Feb 12, 2026 edition

Greg Loving

12 Feb 2026 • 3 min read

Downtown Manhattan KS/Facebook

Manhattan

A warning has been issued regarding a sharp rise in police department spending, signaling potential budgetary challenges for the city. →
Federal officials have placed the Manhattan Housing Authority under strict monitorship following its failure to comply with a mandatory recovery agreement. HUD-appointed monitors will now oversee all operations and financial controls to rectify chronic mismanagement and restore operational integrity. →
The cost of the Airport Road bridge project has risen due to a bid discrepancy from Wilborn Sales during the procurement process. →
Mayor Susan Adamchak announced the official closing on the Sunflower Flats residential project, moving the development into its next phase. →
Expect a mostly cloudy day with a mild high of 61°F, though you'll want a coat tonight as temperatures drop to a chilly 27°F.

🌾Kansas

Student income verification: Senate passed SB 387 (22-18) requiring schools to verify household income for "at-risk" student funding, with rural Republicans and Democrats opposing due to administrative burdens on smaller districts.
Healthcare non-competes banned? SB 504 would prohibit hospitals from blocking doctors and nurses with non-compete agreements, aimed at addressing rural healthcare shortages by letting providers stay in their communities.
Early childhood director confirmed: Christi Smith narrowly confirmed 21-19 to lead Office of Early Childhood after unusual conservative Republican opposition, saved by Democratic and moderate GOP coalition.
Artificial food dyes banned? Committee advanced SB 390 banning Red 40, Yellow 5/6, Blue 1/2, and Green 3 from school meals by 2028-2029, reflecting bipartisan concern over ultra-processed ingredients.
E-cigarette regulation: Senate unanimously (40-0) passed SB 355 requiring state licensing for vape manufacturers and restricting youth-targeted marketing amid concerns over teen vaping rates.

🇺🇸 US

Healthcare Jobs: Nearly all 130,000 jobs added in January were healthcare positions, driven by America's aging population, while government, finance, and transportation sectors cut workers.
Iran Carrier Deployment: Pentagon considers ordering second aircraft carrier to Middle East as Trump weighs military action against Iran; USS George H.W. Bush could deploy within two weeks.
Canada Tariff Vote: House voted 219-211 to rescind Trump's Canada tariffs with six Republicans defecting, though the symbolic rebuke faces certain presidential veto.
Bondi-Jayapal Clash: AG Pam Bondi brought printout labeled "Jayapal Pramila Search History" to congressional hearing, showing Democrat's searches through Epstein files, sparking spying accusations.
Venezuela Oil Push: Energy Secretary Wright visited Caracas to revive Venezuela's oil industry and press for elections within 18 months following Maduro's capture by U.S. commandos.

Weather

February 12 1999: President Bill Clinton acquitted on both articles of impeachment

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