By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Ellis County Ministerial Alliance has expanded the days of operation for the Hays warming shelter this year, and is seeking more volunteers.

The Hearth is an evening emergency shelter in the basement of the First Baptist Church,&nbsp;1111 Fort St., Hays.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/06ba5bf2-f6a0-468e-bea8-f3242ad2fb48">Last winter, the shelter only operated when temperatures dipped below 20 degrees.</a>

Ben Houchen, local pastor, said the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance, which sponsors the shelter, struggled to communicate to those who needed it when the shelter would be open.

This winter, volunteers have committed to opening the shelter every night between Dec. 1 and Feb. 28. The shelter will be open in March on any night the temperature falls below 30 degrees or the forecast calls for bad weather.

Shelter guests must check in between 8 and 10 p.m. If no guests check in by 10 p.m., the shelter will close for the night. The shelter is open until 7 a.m.

Shelter guests can't be under the influence of a substance the night they stay in the shelter and must follow a list of rules.

On about 80% of nights the shelter was open last winter, it was used. The shelter averaged two people per night, Houchen said.

This winter, several nights, the shelter has had an additional person or two and even a family for several days.

Houchen said two unhoused people died in Kansas last winter because of extreme cold. He said Hays prevented that from happening here.

"We have a larger homelessness problem in Hays than I think most people recognize," Houchen said.

"We are working with some other people who are living in their cars or are having housing issues and making them aware of this, so they are able to stay there too," he said.

Houchen said, to his knowledge, there is no other emergency homeless shelter between Salina and Denver in northwest Kansas or eastern Colorado.

<a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/">First Call for Help</a> has the First Step Housing program. That transitional housing program is for women and families only, and you must be an Ellis County resident.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a6d30938-96b9-4e1c-97b6-f5fbe142e580">SEE RELATED STORY: First Step Housing helps women start over</a>

"It's dangerous to live outside," Houchen said. "Not everyone who encounters a person living on the street is kind. Not every situation you meet is good."

Houchen said the shelter provides a night of safety.

Once the guests enter the shelter for the night, they can't leave until morning. He said this rule is in place to protect both the shelter guests and the volunteers.

The church is also equipped with a defibrillator and volunteers can call an ambulance if a guest has any health problems.

The shelter does not provide hot meals, but it offers a meal kit with a bowl of instant oatmeal and a snack bar. Other food is offered to shelter guests, as available in the pantry.

The shelter has received a grant to install a shower and has received a donated washer and dryer. Both projects are underway.

Finding volunteers has been the shelter's most significant challenge, Houchen said.

Many people are willing to help with food insecurity, but some still perceive homelessness as a personal failing, he said.

"There seems to be for some people this mentality or feeling that you're homeless, if you're unhoused, if you're living in your car, you did something to get yourself there and that there's some kind of moral deficiency that has placed you in that position," Houchen said.

"[We're] trying to educate people and help them understand that's not what the problem is for the vast, vast majority of people who are experiencing a housing crisis."

Even if someone has made a mistake that has led to their homelessness, Houchen said they still need safety and warmth.

Houchen said the shelter needs volunteers who can spend the night, especially those who can commit to at least one night per week.&nbsp;

Between now and the end of February, that is only eight nights, he said.

The first step to becoming a volunteer is to visit <a href="https://www.ourecma.com/the-hearth">The Hearth website.</a>&nbsp;You must be older than 18.

You will need to complete an online general Red Cross training. A link is available on The Hearth website. Once the training is complete, you need to email your training certificate to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hayshearth@gmail.com">hayshearth@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;and register to volunteer through the website.

The shelter offers onsite training to volunteers on their first night, or they can complete it in advance. Volunteers always serve in pairs.

The shelter's expenses are funded through grants and donations.

<a href="https://www.ourecma.com/the-hearth">Learn more about The Hearth on its website.</a>&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ecmaone">You can also follow the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance on Facebook.</a>

Hays emergency warming shelter expands days, needs volunteers

By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas Outdoors

The first year I trapped beavers in Kansas was a terribly dry year, yet I found a rogue stretch of river just north of where I live that still held water; lots of water! There were holes in this stretch too deep for me to wade into with chest waders, yet from there the river turned east, and was bone dry as far as the eye could see. In this deep portion was a colony of beavers and that morning I had just caught the first one.

When I watch hunting shows where a hunter harvests a big animal high up in the mountains, I often wonder if he had considered all the extra work it’s was gonna’ take to get it packed out of there. Along those same lines, I don’t know what I was thinking when I set that trap. It was a challenge just to get to, let along tote anything out that I might catch. So, picture this; my wife (who is at least a head shorter) and I standing in the middle of the dry river bed, she about 6 feet in front of me, with an 8-foot tree limb between us on our shoulders. Trussed up with a rope and dangling precariously from that limb hung a 50-pound beaver. This was my wife’s idea and at first I had scoffed. But aside from the fact that we must have looked like 2 natives hauling a dead monkey from the jungle for dinner, it worked pretty well.

Telling you we were 300 yards from our pickup doesn’t begin to give you the whole picture. For starters, the first 50 yards included a short trek along the dry river bed then straight up a deer trail to the bank 10 feet above. After a much-needed break, we followed that same deer trail through an obstacle course of briars and downed tree limbs for another 50 yards to the edge of an alfalfa field, took another breather and then untrussed the beaver and literally drug it and ourselves the final 200 yards through the alfalfa to the truck.

River beavers usually dig large den holes into the bank with the entrance below the water line. Wading along the river can often locate the dens, but this wasn’t an option here since the water was so deep. The only way to catch these beavers was to place traps to take advantage of the creature’s movements and social behaviors. Beavers are very territorial and mark their boundaries by building mounds of mud and debris on the bank called castor mounds. They scent these mounds with secretion from glands at the base of their tail called “castor glands.” Other beavers that travel through the area stop and place their scent on these mounds too, so the resident adults are always checking these to see if any intruders are present. I found one of those mounds that didn’t appear to be used anymore, and “spiced” it up with some lure to make the residents believe they needed to check it again, and one of them soon found himself dangling from the tree limb between Joyce and I.

Trapping, like hunting and fishing, is a harvest. With this stretch of river being one of very few holding water enough for beavers that year their population could easily have grown out of control. The landowner had already complained to me about them dropping trees across his electric fence. I caught 3 beavers from that short stretch of river; certainly&nbsp;not enough to hurt there population much, or for my wife’s fur coat, but maybe enough to keep them out of trouble with their landlord!

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Beaver on a stick

By&nbsp;ZANE IRWIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2025-12-30/whos-running-to-represent-kansas-in-the-u-s-senate-in-2026-heres-a-guide-to-the-candidates">Kansas News Service</a>

Democratic political outsiders are vying to unseat Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall — and end nearly a century of Republican control of the state’s U.S. Senate seats.

A Democrat has not represented Kansas in the U.S. Senate since before the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032138/" target="_blank">original Wizard of Oz</a>&nbsp;film played in theaters.

Ever since Democratic Sen. George McGill left his seat in January of 1939, Kansas Republicans have enjoyed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/states/KS/senators.htm" target="_blank">an 86-year run</a>&nbsp;in the upper chamber of Congress.

Ahead of the 2026 elections, five Democratic candidates&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fec.gov/data/elections/senate/KS/2026/" target="_blank">have filed</a>&nbsp;to challenge first-term Republican Sen. Roger Marshall.

<a href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings" target="_blank">Oddsmakers</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/2026-senate/" target="_blank">favor</a>&nbsp;Republicans to retain their majority in the Senate. But Democrats hope enough&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/12/17/nx-s1-5645003/trump-poll-economy-approval" target="_blank">popular dissatisfaction</a>&nbsp;with the current presidential administration might damage Republicans’ electoral chances in Congress.

Primary elections are on Aug. 4, 2026. Voters will decide the next governor of Kansas — as well as a U.S. senator, state attorney general, state insurance commissioner, secretary of state and state treasurer — on Nov. 3, 2026.

This list will be updated as candidates join or leave the race.

Who's running to represent Kansas in the U.S. Senate in 2026? Here's a guide to the candidates

A new year is here, and many of us are thinking about how to do something meaningful. Resolve to make a difference in 2026 by becoming an American Red Cross volunteer.

“Volunteers are the true heart of the Red Cross, making up 90% of our workforce and powering our humanitarian mission every day. Whether responding to disasters, teaching lifesaving skills, supporting military families, or helping patients in need of blood, their impact is profound,” said Jane Blocher, Executive Director of the Red Cross of Greater Kansas.

In 2026, join a team of changemakers working together to make an impact.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJw8y01uwyAQxfHTwA4LMF9esMjG14gGmImt2nUCNG5vXyWquv299y9RWjSQOUblndd-cqPnS7RSIxnykIp1E2F2oEwmGXRWJZDia3STdSFR0tJAvipNbixBmhCUl6NmRra14Mf6EDusG9Ym_JSSLZ4Sie_z0d3wGvgWl97vjY0Xpmem5_M8h4ol16O14ag3pufnsX19dsTK9JwwHzsKEP84LH3f-I5lBVFxQ2go1hLfcP0DNl60tMFYXuMCP-1-tM6MRLht-D4O-dh56xVxf8VSO6IJrbCgUBgFVkzBO1GI8uiMSeAVf0b9GwAA__-uP2U5">Sign up here</a>&nbsp;and be part of the solution.

<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJxMjzFywyAURE8DHRpAfJAKCje6hgfEx2KCjAzYSm6fsSdFup23-4oNlgMqt1K0wmgjzaxHQzcbQMCkQHkYEfwqJogawHCvVlRGcZqsnkFPPnrJlVuvQkY9homraRKGj5Io3lLAr_Rgu0sZa2Nm9h6CiT6y7_PR9fAuaLZb70cj44XIhcjlPM-hYlhraW0o9Ubk8ir5ee-I9X9m5ThK7c976gkbkUvFwD4WC5jTC2sbtr5nIhe6Y0iOVczoGrIU7Adc_wAZL5K_39JqN_fTjtI6URzdLeNnOKxlp61XxP0tc6ljnBEYOIFMCQdsnoxmIcZ11Ep5ZwR9WfkbAAD__1Hhbx8">BLOOD TRANSPORTATION SPECIALISTS</a>&nbsp;Blood Transportation Specialists bring lifesaving blood and blood products to local hospitals within their region. They choose when they want to help with either scheduled shifts or our on-demand opportunities. As an on-demand volunteer, you can choose shifts that fit your schedule. You’ll receive real-time alerts when hospitals have a critical request for urgently needed blood and be on your way to the distribution site within 30 minutes to two hours. Your time driving could be the difference in helping save a patient’s life.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwszLtuwjAUBuCnsTcj3y-DByTE1LFSu6Hj-LixSBSIDSlvXwV1_f5LjtyghoFiFM466YJVjo4xK5-CzrJAKEUYB4lzaZRXThZhgqE12mCsTyVJrmG4CFmsyp5r74XjShLNW814rXc2Q51wbcyFlEx2JRX2u927PewBneLY-60RdSTyTOR527bDa3n0R8LDsMy7QB9Gos5Pok7fbPxsHzh8na50xlyBrTghNGQ1xzdc_oGoo-TGa0PXOMKr3ZbWieYIPxO-i_s7bX1FnPcxl7aUgIYZEMi0AMOCd5blUgZltU7gBH1G-RcAAP__uj5eFQ">Find more information here.</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJxMyz3y2yAUBPDTQIeGb1BB8W90Dc9DPCwmkpEBW8ntM_akSLfz290UuEENK8UgnHXSzVY5uoWUNQivuEpiTU6hFdYKLwx34MBmQ0uws7E-5ii5hvUmZLYqea69F44rSTTvJeGv8mQHlB1bZ26O0SSXY2a_r-ew06ege9jGODtRP0QuRC7XdU0N09pq71NtdyKXd91fj4HY_s-snmdt4_Uoo2Ancol7rYml-qiNwRGhd0i1Tds4dnpgKsAa7ggdWUnhC7d_QNSP5MZrQ1vY4E8_ax9Ec4T7jt_htNaD9tEQj8-ZS5vzjIYZEMi0AMNm7yxLOa_Kah3BCfoO8m8AAAD__z7acDU">BLOOD DONOR AMBASSADOR</a>&nbsp;If you enjoy connecting with people, consider becoming a Blood Donor Ambassador, a role that makes a real difference in your community. Ambassadors help ensure every blood donor has a positive experience, from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. You’ll greet donors, assist with registration, answer questions, share helpful information and offer refreshments after their donation. Whether you volunteer regularly or occasionally is up to you.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwszMtu4jAUBuCnsXdGvhzfFl6gGSGNNH2ArtBxfEyiJgJiQ8rbV0Hdfv-lJGkJcOCUlHde--iM52MyplKIKlspDWEOKshSZcTgh6A8AJ-Si9aFXLOWgMNZ6epMCRJCUF4azUC2qdDXdBcLTjOtTfiYsy2-5iq-t3t3hz3gcxp7vzVmjkyfmD5t23Z4XR_9kekwXJddsA8jM6cnM38vf-CDoPwX_z75QmVCsdJM2EhMJb3h_AvMHLW0ASxf04ivdru2zkASXmZ6F_d33vpKtOxjqV2tkaywqEiAQiti8E6UWgfjADJ6xZ9J_wQAAP__bRddhg">Learn more here.</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsyz1ywyAQxfHTQIcG0PKhgsKNruFZxGIxkSwbiJXcPmNP2t97_xSkIcCFU1DOOu0mOzq-BqsmGwmcm0YfjQQLxmgpPUVQPiPwEuxkrI85agm4XJXOdkxegvfKyVEzkK0k-ipPsWPZqDbhphhNcjlm8XM-ux3eA9_C2vujsfHC9Mz0fJ7nUCkt9WhtOOqN6fl1bN_3TlSZnlNp2DpVgUsvx110wn1Y-77xnVJBUWkjbCRKCh-4_gMbL1oaD4bXsOJvexytM5CEt40-x2E5dt56JdrfsdQ254mMMKhIgEIjJu-sSDkvowWI6BR_Bf0XAAD___NzZJY">DISASTER ACTION TEAM</a>&nbsp;Every year, the Red Cross responds to over 65,000 emergencies. The vast majority of these are local, personal crises like home fires. These events may not make headlines, but they shatter lives. For more than 60 years, our Disaster Action Team volunteers have been ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — to deliver immediate relief, emotional support, and long-term recovery resources. When disaster strikes, we make sure families never face it alone.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy8tu1DAUxvGncXaO7GPHl0UWgVGQWBQQQtBuKl-OG9OkmbFNM-3To1bd_r7vH0c2oHShw5FrpUFbJXS3jMEHaxJY4MYIEMJKLiJ4J1ALkxLr8qjsoIxPHph04Z5DUiIaJo3hmgkgktUc8TFf6ObyiqVSbb0fok4-0etxaap_G7p1XFo7VyImAjOB-TiOvmAMZa-138sDgfl5X_89NcRCYI65utqwUBda3p9oQ7f1S9tWIuZa6tpyJOI0pe3Tt_1c9cT_TNZcv-Bv-evn43pzu7Cb-fr3srzcydPn8PW13n33P7bby1JOYF-7DWN2tOCKriLNcXyH-w8gYgI2GDl0ZVzcSz3vtRHJ0D2s-H7sw751tRXE7S1moFKyONDBcaSSu4FaoxWNKQWhpPRO8-55hP8BAAD__4pWfIc">Learn more&nbsp;</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJxMy72u4yAUBOCnMR0WHP4LijR5jQjMIUZrBwdIvPv2q0S3uN3om5nkmUIZFoKeG23AOC0MWb0w4Jh0Cni0bslGS4CYwCThEHSwpHjtlLYxR2AyLDcOWYtkmbSWGyZgkqyXhH_Kk-6hbNg6NS5GlUyOmf49n0PPn4Jsfh3j6JO4THCd4Hqe59wwLa32Ptd2n-D6rtvrMRDb70zrcdQ2Xo8yCvZ5HftGdkwl0IYbho60JP-F2w9M4gJMWalI82v414_axyQZhvuG3-G81J300RD3z5mBztmhoipwpJIHRZ01mqacF6GljMFw8vbwPwAA___OUGaj">DUTY OFFICER</a>&nbsp;As a Duty Officer, you’ll be the vital link between disaster responders and those in need — dispatching volunteers to scenes like home fires and floods, all from the comfort of your own home. This is a remote, on-call role that keeps our disaster response program running smoothly. You’ll coordinate with field teams, emergency partners and staff to ensure fast, effective help reaches those affected by disaster.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy8tu1DAUxvGncXaO7GPHl0UWgVGQWBQQQtBuKl-OG9OkmbFNM-3To1bd_r7vH0c2oHShw5FrpUFbJXS3jMEHaxJY4MYIEMJKLiJ4J1ALkxLr8qjsoIxPHph04Z5DUiIaJo3hmgkgktUc8TFf6ObyiqVSbb0fok4-0etxaap_G7p1XFo7VyImAjOB-TiOvmAMZa-138sDgfl5X_89NcRCYI65utqwUBda3p9oQ7f1S9tWIuZa6tpyJOI0pe3Tt_1c9cT_TNZcv-Bv-evn43pzu7Cb-fr3srzcydPn8PW13n33P7bby1JOYF-7DWN2tOCKriLNcXyH-w8gYgI2GDl0ZVzcSz3vtRHJ0D2s-H7sw751tRXE7S1moFKyONDBcaSSu4FaoxWNKQWhpPRO8-55hP8BAAD__4pWfIc">Learn more here</a>.

JOIN US&nbsp;Your time and talents can drive our lifesaving mission forward. Don’t see an opportunity here that speaks to you? One not available in your area? There are lots of other ways to get involved! Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJw8y01uwyAQxfHTwA4LMF9esMjG14gGmImt2nUCNG5vXyWquv299y9RWjSQOUblndd-cqPnS7RSIxnykIp1E2F2oEwmGXRWJZDia3STdSFR0tJAvipNbixBmhCUl6NmRra14Mf6EDusG9Ym_JSSLZ4Sie_z0d3wGvgWl97vjY0Xpmem5_M8h4ol16O14ag3pufnsX19dsTK9JwwHzsKEP84LH3f-I5lBVFxQ2go1hLfcP0DNl60tMFYXuMCP-1-tM6MRLht-D4O-dh56xVxf8VSO6IJrbCgUBgFVkzBO1GI8uiMSeAVf0b9GwAA__-uP2U5">redcross.org/volunteertoday</a>&nbsp;and get started on what will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.&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/eJwsy01uwyAQxfHTmB0WnzOwYJFNrhENMCRWbTkBq25vXyXq9vfevybl2VERnDQCGoxgUTxSU9EGT1A0BgTAEnJ22mOhzNFiFkuC6CHklo1yVG7aNLA1KBeCRmXN5NRYKn8tL7nRsnIfEmPOvmLLTf6crwPm9yDW9DiO52Qvk7lO5nqe59y5lr6PMe_9LjauC8nOK9NgudT0gds_TPZilA_Oi54e9Due-zgmp5juK3-Oc9k3MY7OvL1jZaC1yF560iydJi9jQJC1tWLBuUyoxXcyfwEAAP__xdZWDA">redcross.org</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy0tOwzAUheHV2DNHfj8GHlRIXQAbqK7t68aQkNYOBFg9asX0O-cvkRvUkClG4ayTLljl6ByVQ1tUkilLUbVXBoIWNRdeFGTDPW3RBmN9qklyDfkiZLWqeK69F44rSTQfreB7u7MV2oJ9MBdSMsXVVNn3cd_t9BjoEud9vxF1IvJM5Pk4jumlf_6-bm9wWrG3DB8wbf1KVywNWMcFYSBrJT7h8g9EnSQ3Xhva4ww_47aNnWiOcF3weZzyttKxd8T1EXNpaw1omAGBTAswLHhnWak1K6t1AifoV5R_AQAA__9Ri1mb">CruzRojaAmericana.org</a>, or follow us on social media.

Resolve to make a difference in 2026; Help people in need as a Red Cross volunteer

By BILL FIANDER Insight Kansas

It’s a New Years question etched in dichotomous reflection as we find ourselves thinking back and looking ahead at the same time. A conundrum summed up by When Harry Met Sally’s Harry Burns (aka Billy Crystal) “Does that mean we should forget old acquaintances? Or does it mean that if we happened to forget them, we should remember them, which is not possible because we already forgot ‘em?”

As we reflect on Kansas political affairs circa 2025, these four notable “acquaintances” caught my eye as maybe something we should have forgotten.

· Property Tax Cuts (cough) – The Kansas Legislature leadership had made property tax cuts the first, second, and third priority of the 2025 session. By the end of the session, they had saved a $200,000 homeowner $35 in property taxes and passed the largest income tax cut since Brownback. Furthermore, any future budget savings are dedicated to lowering income taxes until it hits 4%. Gov. Laura Kelly proclaimed this switcheroo the “kiss of death for the Kansas budget”. Meanwhile, a November legislative post audit found substantial underfunding of counties for mandated state services like elections, law enforcement, and motor vehicle registration which Counties primarily funded with…you guessed it…property taxes.

· Gerrymander Fever – Was there a more undemocratic contagion threatening the sovereignty of states than the presidentially induced re-districting for partisan control of the U.S. House? Kansas statehouse legislative leaders – Ty Masterson and Dan Hawkins – caught the fever boldly proclaiming their desire to gerrymander Kansas’ only Democratic congressional representative (Sharice Davids) out of existence in a special session. The fever was broken by a handful of inoculated GOP House members only to be petulantly banished by Hawkins to the political equivalent of Siberia. But Masterson, a GOP candidate for governor, has vowed to rally a veto-proof supermajority in 2026. Gov. Kelly says its unpopular with Kansans.

· Town Hall Flex – The federal government wasn’t the only thing shut down in 2025. In March, videos surfaced of U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall ending his own town hall early in Oakley after calling the crowd “one of the rudest audiences I’ve ever had” and being pressed on health care for veterans in light of massive DOGE cuts. Sen. Marshall didn’t answer. He walked out. Town halls are not political rallies. It’s one of the few&nbsp;chances our elected officials in Washington get to face the people they serve. Listening is their job. Contrast this with Kelly’s People’s Budget listening tour which drew mockery from Speaker Hawkins. Marshall is up for re-election in 2026. Hawkins is running for Insurance Commissioner.

· Farm Blues – It’s been a rough 2025 for the Kansas farmer. First, DOGE put USAID and Food for Peace through the woodchipper, decimating wheat farmer exports without warning. Thanks to Sen. Moran, Food for Peace was re-appropriated $1.2 billion in 2026. Secondly, farmers became entangled in President Trump’s tariff/trade wars. China finally resumed soybean and sorghum commitments late this fall which is important to Kansas as the leading sorghum-producing state ($1.1 billion in exports). A $12 billion federal bridge payment for farmers softened these self-inflicted “market disruptions” but stands as a conspicuous indictment of federal ag policies and the first of more bailouts.

Let’s raise a cup of kindness to these “acquaintances” and in the words of Sally Albright (aka Meg Ryan), “…remember that we forgot them.” Or would like to.

Michael Smith is a professor of political science at Emporia State University.

Insight Kansas: Remembering a forgetful year in Kansas politics

<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

Equity Bancshares completes merger with Frontier Holdings LLC

Every day, people you know are seeing phony business opportunities, work-at-home scams, shady employment agencies, and scammy multi-level marketing schemes. 

Job seekers don’t have the time or resources to waste on fake opportunities, but there are some ways to spot these scams. 

Watch this video as Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson explains.

Protecting American workers from these kinds of practices is a priority for the FTC — in fact, that’s why the Chairman launched a Labor Task Force to keep the agency’s focus on these issues. And reports to the FTC show that these scams are alive and well. 

Check out&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2Fapp%2Fprofile%2Ffederal.trade.commission%2Fviz%2Fshared%2F6WNZ8JQQK&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2025%2F09%2Fhow-spot-job-scam%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">this&nbsp;dashboard</a>&nbsp;to see what reports and losses look like. And if you spot a job scam, tell the FTC:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🎥 Federal Trade Commission: How to spot a job scam

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

With Kansas farmers facing rising financial pressures, Kansas State University is hosting a series of Agricultural Profitability Conferences across the state, beginning in December and continuing through early February.

The Cottonwood Extension District along with several other districts is hosting one of these conferences in Hays at the Agricultural Research Center, 1232 240th Avenue on Thursday, January 15th, says Stacy Campbell, Agricultural Agent for the Cottonwood District. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. and the conference concludes at 3:00 p.m.

The conferences, Making ‘Cents’ of a Shifting Ag Economy, are organized by K-State’s Department of Agricultural Economics, offering insights into economic trends, farm policy, land values and strategies to maintain profitability during difficult times.

"The goal of this is to help crop producers deal with the struggling economy,” said department head Allen Featherstone. “In 2021, only 4.4% of Kansas farmers had a negative net farm income. But in 2024, that number jumped to 28.5%. Many producers are feeling the strain.”

The conferences will focus on preparing farmers to navigate economic downturns, manage input costs, and take advantage of new opportunities.

“We want to help producers think through what they can do now to position themselves for when profitability improves,” Featherstone said.

K-State farm economist Robin Reid, one of the conference presenters, said this year’s topics include updates on agricultural policy, farm bill changes, and land values. Reid will be joined by Jenny Ifft, Extension Agricultural Policy specialist, to discuss provisions in the recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

“A lot of the elements we typically think of in a farm bill were in that act — enhancements to crop insurance, Agricultural Risk Coverage, Price Loss Coverage, and more,” Reid said. “While the changes are smaller in scope than past farm bills, they will be very beneficial to farmers.”

Reid added that the conferences will also discuss stress and mental health, as well as farm succession and retirement planning.

“There’s a generation of baby boomer farmers out there who may be thinking: ‘Do I want to go through a couple more years of low commodity prices?’” Reid said. “This may be the time to bring in the next generation and teach them how to manage through a down economy.”

She emphasized that despite the challenges, there are still opportunities for farmers.

“There will be marketing opportunities ahead, or possibilities to try new crops or diversifying operations. We don’t want these events to feel like it’s all doom and gloom,” she said. “We are promoting these as profitability conferences, and that’s our focus.”

Each event will include time for open discussion, giving attendees a chance to ask questions and share experiences with fellow producers and experts.

“Interaction during difficult times is important,” Featherstone said. “It helps farmers understand they’re not alone and that others have weathered downturns before.”

Reid noted that conference panels will include K-State economists, Farm Service Agency personnel and others who can provide practical advice

A $10 registration fee will be collected at the door. RSVP is requested for the meal count by Monday, January 12th. Scan the QR code or call 785-628-9430 to register by January 12th.

CAMPBELL: Making ‘cents’ of a shifting ag economy – Jan. 15 in Hays

&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

The Hays Eagle Media Center will be closed today and New Year's Day.

Happy New Year! Thank you for listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post!

Hays Eagle Media Center closed today, New Year's Day

A workshop is coming up for those interested in volunteering to staff a Red Cross shelter in times of emergencies.

The free “American Red Cross Shelter Fundamentals Training” will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at Hays First Baptist Church, 1111 Fort St. Registration is due by midnight Wednesday, Jan. 7, at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.train.org/ks">www.train.org/ks</a>. Those registering will need to create an account and then enter course No. 1132663.

“Shelter Fundamentals is a basic level course that introduces the roles and responsibilities for opening, operating, and closing a shelter during a disaster,” a news release said. “The course focuses on what new shelter workers need to know to work in a shelter.”

The workshop is being presented by the American Red Cross of Kansas and Oklahoma and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. It will be taught by trained Red Cross volunteers.

“Participants will learn the fundamentals of operating a Red Cross shelter and will participate in a hands-on simulation to support the learning objectives,” the news release said.

“This course will enable our partners to help us carry out our mission of alleviating human suffering in the face of disaster in their communities.”

More information is available from Lyle Pantle, Ellis County Assistant Fire Chief and Emergency Manager, at (785) 621-1780 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lpantle@ellisco.net">lpantle@ellisco.net</a>.

Red Cross shelter training workshop to be offered in Hays

Due to the observance of the New Years holiday, the refuse/recycling collection schedules will be altered as follows: &nbsp;Wednesday and Thursday routes will both be collected on Wednesday, December 31. 

There are no anticipated changes to Monday, Tuesday or Friday routes.

It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recyclables will be encountered around the holidays. Please be sure to set your bags out by 7:00 a.m. on the collection day and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule.

City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Holiday week to alter refuse/recycling collection in Hays

The Board of Ellis County Commissioners will hold a special meeting on Tuesday to have an executive session. The purpose of the executive session is for non-elected personnel matters for interviews.

Ellis County Commission to hold special meeting

Make your nomination below to help us recognize an Ellis County Child Care Provider.

Nominate a Child Care Champion

The Dec. 30 (Tuesday) Hays City Commission work session has been canceled.

Hays City Commission work session canceled this week

City of Hays offices will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in observance of the New Year's Day holiday.

City of Hays offices closed on New Year's day holiday

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;

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KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced charges against a man in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in northeast Kansas City over the Christmas weekend.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2790/Ryan-Hawk-Complaint--PC">Ryan J. Hawk</a>, 29,&nbsp;faces 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and 1st Degree Tampering with a Motor Vehicle.&nbsp;

According to court records, Kansas City police responded to a residence on Dec. 27 regarding a shooting and located the victim lying face down on the sidewalk. Police observed an apparent gunshot wound to the victim’s lower back. He was pronounced deceased at a local hospital.&nbsp;

Detectives recovered eight shell casings near the front door of the residence and a shattered front window.&nbsp;

In an interview with detectives, the defendant said he was at the residence and the victim, who he said had a history of threatening behavior, was present. He said the victim broke the front window and then ran away toward his vehicle. As the victim’s back was turned, Hawk fired multiple rounds at the victim. Hawk then took the victim’s vehicle and fled.&nbsp;

A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond at $250,000 cash-only.&nbsp;

KC man accused in killing on Christmas weekend

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just before 10:30.m. on Saturday an officer on patrol stopped a Saturn Ion in the 600 block South 7th Street in Atchison for a traffic violation, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 During the stop the driver, 25-year-old Carly Helton, was found to be in possession of controlled substances.&nbsp; &nbsp;In addition to drug and traffic charges she was also accused of interference with law enforcement for providing false information as to her identity.

She was booked into the Atchison County Jail on requested charges of driving while suspended, misuse of state tag, interference with law enforcement, and possession of cocaine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

Police: Drug suspect gave Kan. officers a fake name

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting in Topeka.

Just after 2p.m. Saturday, police responded to the 800 block of SW Tyler for a possible shooting. EMS transported one victim to an area hospital for treatment of potentially life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; 

Police have not reported an arrest of any additional details.

Police: One hospitalized after Kansas shooting

A number of member of Congress from both major parties have announced they are heading for the exits, either because they are seeking higher office, are not running again or are leaving early before the 2026 elections.

Midterms are historically tough on the party of the sitting president. With Republicans holding a razor-thin margin in the House, tracking Republicans who are set to leave, including some of President Donald Trump's top Capitol Hill allies, can provide a window into what work the party has ahead of it in angling to maintain control.

For Democrats, retirement announcements by Republicans are a window of opportunity.

Congressional retirements can be a key barometer before the midterm elections, an indicator of how much churn could be coming to Capitol Hill in the coming cycle.

Here's where things stand in the House ahead of 2026, with the members who have announced they're not planning to return:

Wyoming’s lone U.S. representative, Hageman became the first to announce to launch her Senate campaign after Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis announced her retirement. Hageman — who within hours had Trump's endorsement — is best known for beating Republican Rep. Liz Cheney by a wide margin in 2022.

Among 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump after the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, Newhouse withstood a challenge from a Trump-backed opponent last year en route to his sixth term. His departure now only leaves one House GOP backer of impeachment who could be returning after the 2026 midterms: Rep. David Valadao of California, who is running for reelection.

He was first elected to the House in 2012. His district is among those redrawn as more friendly to Republicans in a rare mid-decade effort recently upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court for use in the 2026 midterm elections. Veasey said he would pursue a judicial position in Tarrant County; he has since dropped out of that race.

Crockett, one of Congress’ most outspoken Democrats, a frequent target of GOP attacks and a Trump target,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-senate-race-colin-allred-jasmine-crockett-5849d3ca44a733ce016300070788eec3">jumped into the race</a>&nbsp;on the final day of qualifying in Texas, hours after former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-us-senate-cornyn-allred-8d219b9bd7adceec7c82509693561e12">Rep. Colin Allred</a>&nbsp;ended his own campaign for the Democratic nomination in favor of attempting a House comeback bid. Crockett is seeking the Senate seat held by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/john-cornyn">Republican John Cornyn</a>, who is running for reelection in the GOP-dominated state.

Doggett, who has represented an Austin-based district for more than three decades, said that he would be departing the House after the end of his current term, citing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-redistricting-texas-trump-02b07b477b153f23ed5c387f2f9ae0c4">U.S. Supreme Court’s decision</a>&nbsp;upholding the state’s new district map merging two Austin-area districts favorable to Democrats. In 2024, Doggett was the first sitting lawmaker in the party to publicly call for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;to step down as the party’s nominee for president, citing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debate-trump-biden-presidential-campaign-44e71c900a1c4af2bed93041fdfe923d">Biden’s debate performance</a>&nbsp;against Trump failing to “effectively defend his many accomplishments.”

In his announcement, Nehls shared he would be retiring from Congress after three terms and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/troy-nehls-retiring-congress-texas-2bb5c018388359472c3a774c1a06724e">endorsed his twin brother Trever</a>&nbsp;to succeed him. Nehls was first elected to represent the district southwest of Houston in 2020, and was a staunch ally of Trump’s. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-government-and-politics-capitol-siege-7d6e299976b5579eab77d26eb5b0b60b">was tapped</a>&nbsp;by then-House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy to sit on a select committee probing the Capitol riot, though McCarthy later pulled all his picks when Democrats refused to seat some of his choices.

Greene’s transformation from Trump loyalist to one of his harshest critics culminated in her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marjorie-taylor-green-congress-resigns-trump-maga-5f42d4893343babc8e87da1491a0de2b">surprise announcement</a>&nbsp;that she would end her congressional career in January 2026. Greene’s resignation followed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-marjorie-taylor-greene-republicans-maga-feud-f4b0dffe06440dfed16d336d08a05422">public falling-out with Trump</a>&nbsp;in recent months, as the congresswoman criticized him for his stance on files related to Jeffrey Epstein, along with foreign policy and health care. First elected to represent a deeply conservative seat in northwest Georgia in 2020, she spent her first few terms closely tied to the “Make America Great Again” movement.

A former presidential candidate, Swalwell joined a crowded race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. Swalwell, who also served as a House manager in Trump’s second impeachment trial, has represented a northern district that falls east of San Francisco since 2013. His current district’s boundary lines&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-redistricting-prop-50-gavin-newsom-839193bfc2a817086acca7365315f26f">will change slightly due to mid cycle redistricting</a>&nbsp;approved by voters last month, but remains heavily Democratic.

Velázquez is the second-longest serving member of the New York U.S. House delegation (and only by a technicality; fellow retiring representative Jerry Nadler was also first elected in 1992 but took his seat a few months early due to his predecessor’s death). The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nydia-velazquez-congress-new-york-retirement-reelection-1f06b2a22ac252a7fdbda0af41d438f9">first Puerto Rican woman to serve in Congress</a>, Velázquez has represented a heavily Democratic district that includes northeast Brooklyn and western Queens. She has a reputation for mentoring progressive lawmakers, and most recently was among the early backers of New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist. She cited the need for generational change in her announcement.

Despite already receiving Trump’s endorsement for his reelection campaign, Arrington announced shortly after the 2025 general election that he would be retiring from Congress. Arrington, a fiscal hawk, is the chair of the House Budget Committee and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-big-beautiful-gop-taxes-ced365c347de9320eef2ccb8df16dda2">played a key role</a>&nbsp;in passing Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a large-scale tax and spending bill. He was first elected to a sprawling conservative Texas district that contains Lubbock and Abilene in 2016.

A fixture in New Jersey politics, Watson Coleman announced her sixth term would be her last. The first Black woman elected to represent New Jersey in the U.S. House, Watson Coleman has served the district around the state capital of Trenton and the tony college town of Princeton sine 2014, after spending almost two decades representing part of the region in the state legislature. Her seat votes reliably Democratic.

Dates of announcement: Nov. 7 and Dec. 19

Reason: Running for governor, then retiring

Stefanik made her challenge to Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul official shortly after the 2025 general election but ultimately announced that she would neither run for governor nor return to the House, bowing out of what was expected to be a bruising Republican gubernatorial primary. Elected to represent a conservative upstate New York district in 2014, Stefanik&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elise-stefanik-liz-cheney-house-republicans-b22be9dc6cdd3be5cbb5adf2587c3a20">rose to be the third-ranking</a>&nbsp;House Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ny-state-wire-donald-trump-election-2020-government-and-politics-1d5f980f186ddcf1680fbc720a9fc70a">shedding her earlier reputation as a moderate</a>&nbsp;as she embraced Trump. Nominated to serve as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations in 2025, her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elise-stefanik-united-nations-ambassador-trump-96ef705d7498f080f9f399416b647f99">nomination was withdrawn</a>&nbsp;over concerns about Republicans’ narrow House majority. Since then, she has more openly discussed her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-republicans-troubles-midterms-trump-7a4a88479807ea15a8050129dbe19c0d">displeasure with the Republican conference</a>, and specifically House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Garcia turned in nominating petitions for the 2026 primary in October but confirmed right when the filing period ended that he would not seek a fifth term in his western Chicago seat. His late announcement left only one other candidate who had submitted the necessary paperwork: his chief of staff. The eyebrow-raising maneuver led&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chuy-garcia-illinois-democrat-038871c38ed3ca7353ec125a407aaead">the House to reprimand Garcia</a>&nbsp;last month. Garcia cited the health of himself and his wife, who has multiple sclerosis, as among the reasons for why he would not seek reelection.

The first female House speaker said her career in Congress would come to an end after nearly 40 years in office. Pelosi represented San Francisco but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pelosi-reelection-announcement-fd95c18815fdabdaabaf26b8c2f0bafc">made her mark on the national stage</a>, ushering through impactful legislation like the Affordable Care Act and keeping an unruly Democratic caucus in line throughout the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/nancy-pelosi-photo-gallery-89f4946616c6b87e118397ef17608886">Obama, Trump and Biden administrations.</a>&nbsp;She played key roles in both impeaching Trump and encouraging Biden to end his 2024 reelection campaign.

After a half-decade of narrow reelections, Golden announced he would be stepping down from one of the most competitive districts in the country. He cited incivility in Congress and threats against his family in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bangordailynews.com/2025/11/05/opinion/opinion-contributor/jared-golden-why-i-wont-seek-reelection-column/">story in the Bangor Daily News</a>&nbsp;announcing his retirement. Golden, first elected in 2018, is one of the most moderate Democrats in Congress and has shown his willingness to break with his party on issues&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-elections-international-news-politics-0756fda2b5143891c5da1c6897001cee">ranging from impeaching Trump</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-votes-to-reopen-government-continue-bipartisan-negotiations-on-renewing-aca-tax-credits">reopening the government</a>&nbsp;during this fall’s shutdown.

Iowa’s congressional delegation is reshuffling in light of surprise announcements from Gov. Kim Reynolds and Sen. Joni Ernst that neither was seeking reelection in 2026. Between Reynolds’ April announcement and Feenstra’s official announcement, the representative&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-governor-race-2026-randy-feenstra-election-a8f4d14ff0034a060a2c50ea4c67931b">announced millions of dollars in fundraising</a>. Feenstra has represented the state’s northwest quadrant since 2021, after he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-iowa-us-news-ap-top-news-steve-king-35e758667dc25e37a79d6db9996fd305">toppled controversial incumbent Rep. Steve King</a>&nbsp;in the primary. Feenstra’s district is among the most conservative in the state, though Democrats have a few other races they’re eying.

The six-term representative&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seth-moulton-massachusetts-senate-2026-edward-markey-8334d0d2cd329ab9ef58143a368832f5">cited the need for generational change</a>&nbsp;in announcing his challenge to Sen. Ed Markey. Moulton currently represents the northeastern corner of Massachusetts, and has drawn nominal opposition in his heavily Democratic district. Markey beat back a similar challenge from Rep. Joe Kennedy in 2020.

Hunt drew ire from Senate Republican leadership for taking on Cornyn in what party leaders fear will become an expensive, messy primary. Cornyn’s cool relationship with Trump has drawn another candidate beyond the two-term Houston-area congressman, controversial Texas attorney general Ken Paxton. Both are running on their relationship to Trump. Hunt’s runs deep: He was the first Republican to endorse him after the former president’s 2022 comeback campaign announcement, and he gave&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/rnc-day-1-trump-biden-election-updates#00000190-b8d7-d267-ab98-b8f77f140000">a prime-time speech</a>&nbsp;on opening night of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. He also campaigned 17 times for Trump in 2024, more than any other Republican surrogate.

Schweikert&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-governor-schweikert-hobbs-76855d0a00c931f78e49ed13b160d4e7">cited the dysfunction in the Congress</a>&nbsp;as motivation for seeking the governorship. First elected to the House in 2010, Schweikert has in recent years won incredibly narrow reelection campaigns in his suburban Phoenix district. Democrats are again targeting his seat in 2026. A budget hawk, Schweikert has consistently backed Trump’s agenda. Still, according to his campaign consultant, he hopped into a Republican field against the White House’s wishes that already included two Trump-backed candidates, housing developer Karrin Taylor Robson and House Freedom Caucus member U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs. The winner will take on Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs.

Tiffany announced he would join one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-governor-tom-tiffany-trump-ce8cac8802ca1b1118637c28dfb07d6d">most competitive governor’s races</a>&nbsp;in the country after serving three terms in Congress. The office held by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has been hotly contested in the last few cycles. The Trump loyalist received the president’s endorsement in all of his previous campaigns for the House, but Trump has not yet made an endorsement in the Republican primary. Tiffany’s district, which includes a large swath of the state’s rural north, consistently supports Republicans.

McCaul offered an ominous warning about Russian aggression when he announced his retirement&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccaul-ukraine-texas-trump-russia-poland-nato-bbe5fa808569842178879549d6ec2d9c">in an interview earlier this year</a>. A former anti-terrorism prosecutor and past chairman of the House Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs committees, McCaul, is part of an older generation of foreign policy hawks who’ve tried to counter a younger crop of Republicans who are more skeptical about U.S. intervention elsewhere in the world. McCaul was first elected in 2004. His district, which stretches from Houston to Austin, consistently backs Republican candidates.

The Houston-area congressman announced his second term would be his last, marking yet another departure for the Texas GOP congressional delegation. Luttrell cited a desire to spend more time in Texas,&nbsp;<a href="https://luttrell.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-morgan-luttrell">describing this summer’s deadly</a>&nbsp;central Texas flooding as a “moment of clarity.” His current district’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-8-20-2025">boundary lines will change slightly</a>&nbsp;due to mid cycle redistricting but remains heavily Republican.

Hinson is vacating a seat in Iowa’s northeastern corner to seek the seat held by Sen. Joni Ernst. Ernst’s surprise retirement came after she drew&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ernst-hegseth-nominee-trump-vetting-assault-pentagon-138c79c9199c8525d43b77417674d81e">heavy criticism for her hesitation</a>&nbsp;on one of Trump’s cabinet picks; in a radio interview that served as her official campaign announcement,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2026-iowa-senate-ernst-5f1fcb82ed73f83a8342683efed847f0">Hinson said</a>&nbsp;she was running to be “President Trump’s top ally in the United States Senate.” Hinson flipped her district in 2020 and won her relatively split district by larger margins in 2022 and 2024. Democrats had already indicated they put her district on its list of potential pickups.

Tracking the retirement announcements of members of Congress

Abortion bans, restrictions in nearby states continues driving demand in Kansas

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The number of abortions performed in Kansas during 2024 surpassed 19,000 for the second consecutive year in wake of judicial and political decisions in other states restricting access to the medical procedure.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported clinics and hospitals in Kansas conducted a record 19,811 abortions in 2024, up from 19,467 in 2023, 12,319 in 2022 and 7,849 in 2021. Of the 2024 total, 4,763 were provided to residents of Kansas. Demand for abortion among Kansans increased 9.3% from 4,356 in 2023 and was above the 3,844 reported in 2022 and 3,937 in 2021.

In 2024, 15,048 abortions in Kansas were provided to out-of-state residents. That was a slight decline from the 15,111 nonresident abortions in 2023 and a significant increase from 8,475 in 2022 and 3,912 in 2021 among people living outside Kansas.

Three-fourths of abortions in Kansas the past two years were for patients residing in other states, primarily Texas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Here was a state-by-state breakdown in terms of Kansas abortions in 2024 for nonresidents: Texas, 6,736; Missouri, 3,760; Oklahoma, 3,141; Arkansas, 851; Louisiana, 206; and Nebraska, 138.

In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide for nearly 50 years. Reversing that precedent returned authority to prohibit or regulate the procedure to individual states.

The Kansas Supreme Court had issued a decision in 2019 that found the Kansas Constitution guaranteed individuals bodily autonomy in health care decisions, including a woman’s right to end a pregnancy. The state court’s decision preserved abortion rights in Kansas after the U.S. Supreme Court severed federal constitutional protections.

In Missouri, abortion was legal only in cases of medical emergency from 2022 to 2024. However, Missouri voters in 2024 approved a constitutional amendment restoring broader reproductive freedoms. Other states in the Midwest responded to the U.S. Supreme Court by imposing bans on abortion, including Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana. Oklahoma has allowed abortions only to preserve the life of a pregnant person. Nebraska enforces a 12-week abortion ban.

Mackenzie Ayers, a spokeswoman for the anti-abortion organization Kansans for Life, said the state health department should have more promptly released information on 2024 abortions in Kansas. The state’s latest report was posted online at the end of December 2025 as part of a larger annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/53419/Kansas-Annual-Summary-of-Vital-Statistics-2024-PDF" target="_blank">summary of vital statistics on Kansas</a>.

“By waiting until the final hours of the year to release Kansas’ 2024 abortion statistics, Gov. Laura Kelly has made it clear she hoped these numbers would go unnoticed,” Ayers said.

Ayers said Kansans for Life believed young females were obtaining abortions in Kansas without parental consent. She said the organization would be “pursuing every legal option to restore some form of informed consent protections for women in 2026 and continue to sound the alarms about parental consent laws being potentially ignored.”

Janet Stanek, secretary of the state Department of Health and Environment, said the latest annual report provided an overview of information on the health status of Kansans.

“Public health statistics are essential to governmental agencies, businesses, industries and citizens for effective health policy decisions and program planning. KDHE is committed to ensuring accessibility,” Stanek’s report said.

KDHE’s report said 85.8% of all abortions performed in the state during 2024 were for unmarried women. KDHE said 77.1% of Kansas resident abortions in 2024 occurred prior to nine weeks of gestational age. Nearly 93% were prior to the 13th week of gestation and 2.8% came after 16 weeks gestation, the state health department said.

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