By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Protestors gathered Sunday afternoon in Hays, voicing opposition to ICE deportation efforts following the shooting of a&nbsp;Minneapolis woman.

A<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events_invite_off_fb/link_sharing/4516540295296628/?inviter_id=16819363&amp;token=Xi28jlg30kdadUVcKedBQlK0ez-mCwmuptfqMbaCZos&amp;mibextid&amp;__cft__[0]=AZZbzrv45gVwdooUx1M4NNvBhvC-gBtflkyFUdZuZJQICEiCQBumId5kAbtwyaF0DoS7Tupr_W2rB3qZLIyo6kjDEcKLxYNMPZ9wdbZEuoxSAMCPqCPtIddawmC1KAznK97NWSDBzbaHyLLj9rxwVrpywGYr2g4GJPAtffZy1S8wsfHOs4DHy9YJXcCSEkgX8TY&amp;__tn__=H-R"> Facebook event page</a> said the demonstration was organized to oppose cruelty, militarized enforcement and the normalization of violence in communities.

The protest was held in solidarity with events in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where 37-year-old Renee Nicole Macklin Good was shot and killed by a U.S. ICE officer.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/29daa820-ea39-4dfc-82ca-0d9b6c7cda0f">SEE RELATED STORY: Woman killed by ICE agent was mother who had moved from Kansas City to Minneapolis</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d94d8a86-453f-43fb-b84a-6cc0c66d3b2a">SEE RELATED STORY: ICE officer who shot woman in Minneapolis identified in court records</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2802ff35-afaa-467d-a385-f53f0869e47f">SEE RELATED STORY: White House releases phone video from ICE agent before fatal shooting</a>

Janae Morton said she attended the protest because she believes the current state of the country calls on people everywhere to take a stand.

"I think in western Kansas, a lot of times we think we're immune to what happens in bigger cities and places across the country, but we're not," Morton said.

Morton described the Minneapolis incident as a murder.

"The federal government murdered a citizen in broad daylight, and they're lying about it. I don't think there's really anything to argue or debate, even if what she did was wrong," she said. "They're federal ICE agents and couldn't detain her. She was a citizen."

Morton said immigration enforcement should be carried out legally and humanely and called for easier pathways to citizenship.

"I don't think ripping people away from their families and throwing them violently out of the only home that most of them have ever known is the right way to handle it," she said.

Allie Baranowski said she attended the rally in support of Rene Good and criticized ICE's deportation tactics.

"They're awful," Baranowski said. "They're taking people out of courtrooms."

She said children are also being picked up at schools.

"They're picking areas where people are going about their normal lives," she said.

Allie Baranowski also criticized ICE for carrying firearms and questioned why agents operate with masks instead of having their faces in open view.

Gary Brinker said he also opposes current deportation practices.

"It's a milestone in what ICE is getting away with and what the federal government is getting away with," Brinker said. "It's one of those points where I hope someday enough people put their foot down to stop it."

Brinker said immigration laws were originally designed to exploit immigrants and that the country benefits from undocumented workers.

"They work for less money, and so we pay lower prices because of them. I think that's one reason prices are going up, because all the people who are replacing [immigrants] want more money, and that's what makes prices go up," he said.

Brinker and Baranowski said they support deporting violent criminals. Morton said it is essential to keep an open mind and avoid being influenced by agendas pushed by either side.

"We need to use common sense. We need to appeal to our own empathy and humanity," she said. "The violence that ICE officers are committing is not right. They need to go through legal channels, do it the appropriate way and not be violent."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768173385761.jpeg" alt="Protesters with signs Sunday on the corner of 27th and Vine streets in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Protesters with signs Sunday on the corner of 27th and Vine streets in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostProtestors gathered Sunday afternoon in Hays, voicing opposition to ICE deportation efforts following the shooting of a&nbsp;Minneapolis woman.A<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events_invite_off_fb/link_sharing/4516540295296628/?inviter_id=16819363&amp;token=Xi28jlg30kdadUVcKedBQlK0ez-mCwmuptfqMbaCZos&amp;mibextid&amp;__cft__[0]=AZZbzrv45gVwdooUx1M4NNvBhvC-gBtflkyFUdZuZJQICEiCQBumId5kAbtwyaF0DoS7Tupr_W2rB3qZLIyo6kjDEcKLxYNMPZ9wdbZEuoxSAMCPqCPtIddawmC1KAznK97NWSDBzbaHyLLj9rxwVrpywGYr2g4GJPAtffZy1S8wsfHOs4DHy9YJXcCSEkgX8TY&amp;__tn__=H-R"> Facebook event page</a> said the demonstration was organized to oppose cruelty, militarized enforcement and the normalization of violence in communities.The protest was held in solidarity with events in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where 37-year-old Renee Nicole Macklin Good was shot and killed by a U.S. ICE officer.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/29daa820-ea39-4dfc-82ca-0d9b6c7cda0f">SEE RELATED STORY: Woman killed by ICE agent was mother who had moved from Kansas City to Minneapolis</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d94d8a86-453f-43fb-b84a-6cc0c66d3b2a">SEE RELATED STORY: ICE officer who shot woman in Minneapolis identified in court records</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2802ff35-afaa-467d-a385-f53f0869e47f">SEE RELATED STORY: White House releases phone video from ICE agent before fatal shooting</a>Janae Morton said she attended the protest because she believes the current state of the country calls on people everywhere to take a stand."I think in western Kansas, a lot of times we think we're immune to what happens in bigger cities and places across the country, but we're not," Morton said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768173549717.jpeg" alt="A protest sign during Sunday's demonstration. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A protest sign during Sunday's demonstration. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768173466872.jpeg" alt="Protesters with signs Sunday on the corner of 27th and Vine streets in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Protesters with signs Sunday on the corner of 27th and Vine streets in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Morton described the Minneapolis incident as a murder."The federal government murdered a citizen in broad daylight, and they're lying about it. I don't think there's really anything to argue or debate, even if what she did was wrong," she said. "They're federal ICE agents and couldn't detain her. She was a citizen."Morton said immigration enforcement should be carried out legally and humanely and called for easier pathways to citizenship."I don't think ripping people away from their families and throwing them violently out of the only home that most of them have ever known is the right way to handle it," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768173521128.jpeg" alt="Protesters with signs Sunday on the corner of 27th and Vine streets in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Protesters with signs Sunday on the corner of 27th and Vine streets in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768173577160.jpeg" alt="Protesters with signs Sunday on the corner of 27th and Vine streets in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Protesters with signs Sunday on the corner of 27th and Vine streets in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Allie Baranowski said she attended the rally in support of Rene Good and criticized ICE's deportation tactics."They're awful," Baranowski said. "They're taking people out of courtrooms."She said children are also being picked up at schools."They're picking areas where people are going about their normal lives," she said.Allie Baranowski also criticized ICE for carrying firearms and questioned why agents operate with masks instead of having their faces in open view.Gary Brinker said he also opposes current deportation practices.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768173632190.jpeg" alt="Protesters with signs on Sunday on the corner of 27th and Vine streets in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Protesters with signs on Sunday on the corner of 27th and Vine streets in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768173658515.jpeg" alt="A protestor with a sign during Sunday's demonstration in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A protestor with a sign during Sunday's demonstration in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"It's a milestone in what ICE is getting away with and what the federal government is getting away with," Brinker said. "It's one of those points where I hope someday enough people put their foot down to stop it."Brinker said immigration laws were originally designed to exploit immigrants and that the country benefits from undocumented workers."They work for less money, and so we pay lower prices because of them. I think that's one reason prices are going up, because all the people who are replacing [immigrants] want more money, and that's what makes prices go up," he said.Brinker and Baranowski said they support deporting violent criminals. Morton said it is essential to keep an open mind and avoid being influenced by agendas pushed by either side."We need to use common sense. We need to appeal to our own empathy and humanity," she said. "The violence that ICE officers are committing is not right. They need to go through legal channels, do it the appropriate way and not be violent."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768173490679.jpeg" alt="A protestor with a sign during Sunday's demonstration in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A protestor with a sign during Sunday's demonstration in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

📷 Hays residents stand with Minneapolis after ICE agent fatally shoots woman

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair&nbsp;<a href="https://google.com/search?q=apnews+">Jerome Powell</a>&nbsp;said Sunday the Department of Justice has served the central bank with subpoenas and threatened it with a criminal indictment over his testimony about the Fed's building renovations.

The move represents an unprecedented escalation in President Donald Trump's battle with the Fed, an independent agency he has repeatedly attacked for not cutting its key interest rate as quickly as Trump prefers. The subpoena relates to his testimony before the Senate Banking Committee in June, Powell said, regarding the Fed's $2.5 billion renovation of two office buildings, a project that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-powell-federal-reserve-building-renovation-2393d9ac9fdb9508f285d0faa5f4de41">Trump criticized as excessive</a>&nbsp;this summer.

In a video statement, Powell said the threat of criminal charges are “pretexts” to undermine the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-powell-trump-independence-5c2ec1a37dc4aca6a59544f8b4513a45">Fed's independence</a>&nbsp;when it comes to setting interest rates.

“This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions—or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation,” Powell said.

The Justice Department in a statement Sunday said it can’t comment on any particular case, but added that Attorney General Pam Bondi “has instructed her US Attorneys to prioritize investigating any abuse of tax payer dollars.”

A spokesperson for U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office didn’t immediately respond Sunday to a text message and phone call seeking comment.

The potential indictment has already drawn concern from one Republican senator, who said he’ll oppose any future nominee to the central bank, including any replacement for Powell, until “this legal matter is fully resolved.”

“If there were any remaining doubt whether advisers within the Trump Administration are actively pushing to end the independence of the Federal Reserve, there should now be none,” said North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, who sits on the Banking Committee, which oversees Fed nominations. “It is now the independence and credibility of the Department of Justice that are in question.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753406431605.png" alt="FILE - President Donald Trump and&nbsp;Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell look over a document of cost figures during a visit to the Federal Reserve, Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Washington.-image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>FILE - President Donald Trump and&nbsp;Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell look over a document of cost figures during a visit to the Federal Reserve, Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Washington.-image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair&nbsp;<a href="https://google.com/search?q=apnews+">Jerome Powell</a>&nbsp;said Sunday the Department of Justice has served the central bank with subpoenas and threatened it with a criminal indictment over his testimony about the Fed's building renovations.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Video message from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell: <a href="https://t.co/5dfrkByGyX">https://t.co/5dfrkByGyX</a> <a href="https://t.co/O4ecNaYaGH">pic.twitter.com/O4ecNaYaGH</a>&mdash; Federal Reserve (@federalreserve) <a href="https://twitter.com/federalreserve/status/2010510130970849338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The move represents an unprecedented escalation in President Donald Trump's battle with the Fed, an independent agency he has repeatedly attacked for not cutting its key interest rate as quickly as Trump prefers. The subpoena relates to his testimony before the Senate Banking Committee in June, Powell said, regarding the Fed's $2.5 billion renovation of two office buildings, a project that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-powell-federal-reserve-building-renovation-2393d9ac9fdb9508f285d0faa5f4de41">Trump criticized as excessive</a>&nbsp;this summer.In a video statement, Powell said the threat of criminal charges are “pretexts” to undermine the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-powell-trump-independence-5c2ec1a37dc4aca6a59544f8b4513a45">Fed's independence</a>&nbsp;when it comes to setting interest rates.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753406454439.png" alt="President Trump and&nbsp;Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell&nbsp; during a meeting at the construction at the Federal Reserve in July-image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and&nbsp;Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell&nbsp; during a meeting at the construction at the Federal Reserve in July-image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>“This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions—or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation,” Powell said.The Justice Department in a statement Sunday said it can’t comment on any particular case, but added that Attorney General Pam Bondi “has instructed her US Attorneys to prioritize investigating any abuse of tax payer dollars.”A spokesperson for U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office didn’t immediately respond Sunday to a text message and phone call seeking comment.The potential indictment has already drawn concern from one Republican senator, who said he’ll oppose any future nominee to the central bank, including any replacement for Powell, until “this legal matter is fully resolved.”“If there were any remaining doubt whether advisers within the Trump Administration are actively pushing to end the independence of the Federal Reserve, there should now be none,” said North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, who sits on the Banking Committee, which oversees Fed nominations. “It is now the independence and credibility of the Department of Justice that are in question.”___

🎥Fed Chair responds to Trump DOJ investigation, indictment threat

SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7p.m. Sunday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Honda Accord driven by Tim S. Martin, 74, Maize,&nbsp;was eastbound on Kansas 96 just east of West Street in the westbound lane. The car struck a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Halie M&nbsp;Weese, 25, Hutchinson, and&nbsp; a 2013 Toyota Camry driven by William L&nbsp;Chesbro, 34,&nbsp;Alamogordo, New Mexico.&nbsp; A 2021 GMC Yukon driven by Dwayne C. Doyle, 39, Wichita, then&nbsp;T-boned the Honda.

Martin was pronounced dead at the scene. Weese, Chesbro and Doyle were not transported for treatment. Two children in the Yukon had minor injuries. Martin was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768214819336.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7p.m. Sunday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Honda Accord driven by Tim S. Martin, 74, Maize,&nbsp;was eastbound on Kansas 96 just east of West Street in the westbound lane. The car struck a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Halie M&nbsp;Weese, 25, Hutchinson, and&nbsp; a 2013 Toyota Camry driven by William L&nbsp;Chesbro, 34,&nbsp;Alamogordo, New Mexico.&nbsp; A 2021 GMC Yukon driven by Dwayne C. Doyle, 39, Wichita, then&nbsp;T-boned the Honda.Martin was pronounced dead at the scene. Weese, Chesbro and Doyle were not transported for treatment. Two children in the Yukon had minor injuries. Martin was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dead in wrong-way, 4-vehicle crash

KANSAS CITY—One person was injured in a fire on Saturday in Kansas City.

Just after 5:30p.m., crews&nbsp;responded to an automatic alarm in the 3000 block of Benton Boulevard, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

On arrival crews discovered a water flow alarm was sounding and found an apartment with a sprinkler activation. Companies forced entry to the apartment and discovered the apartment full of smoke with an active sprinkler. The fire had been controlled by the sprinkler system. The occupant, an elderly woman was treated on scene and transported with burn injuries. 

The sprinkler system was secured and the smoke evacuated. No fire supression activities were needed by KCFD, the sprinkler system worked appropriately. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY—One person was injured in a fire on Saturday in Kansas City.Just after 5:30p.m., crews&nbsp;responded to an automatic alarm in the 3000 block of Benton Boulevard, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.On arrival crews discovered a water flow alarm was sounding and found an apartment with a sprinkler activation. Companies forced entry to the apartment and discovered the apartment full of smoke with an active sprinkler. The fire had been controlled by the sprinkler system. The occupant, an elderly woman was treated on scene and transported with burn injuries. The sprinkler system was secured and the smoke evacuated. No fire supression activities were needed by KCFD, the sprinkler system worked appropriately. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KCFD: Elderly woman hospitalized after apartment fire

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —A series of recent drug arrests lead to taking methamphetamine and fentanyl off the streets in southeast Kansas.

On January 7, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a maroon Mercury Grand Marquis at the intersection of 10th Street and Walnut Street in Independence, Kansas, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

Deputies contacted the driver, identified as Breeanna Conrad of Independence, Kansas, and informed her of the reason for the stop. Deputies developed probable cause to search the vehicle. During the search, deputies located more than six (6) grams of methamphetamine, a small amount of cocaine, marijuana, multiple pills, and drug paraphernalia. 

Conrad was taken into custody and transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections, where she was booked on the following charges:• Distribution of methamphetamine• Possession of cocaine• Possession of marijuana• No proof of vehicle insurance• Improper emerging from an alley, private roadway, or building.

Later on January 3, 2026, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a Saturn passenger vehicle at the exit ramp from U.S. 400 to U.S. 75 Highway, north of Sycamore, Kansas. The vehicle was occupied by three individuals. Deputies contacted the driver, identified as Heather Leach of Independence, Kansas, and informed her of the reason for the stop.

 Deputies developed probable cause to search the vehicle.D uring the search, deputies located more than nine (9) grams of methamphetamine, more than six (6) grams of suspected carfentanil, pills, and drug paraphernalia. Leach, along with Tyler Norton and Noah Daniel, both of Independence, Kansas, were taken into custody.

All three were transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections and booked on the following charges:Heather Leach• Distribution of fentanyl• Possession of methamphetamine• Possession of drug paraphernalia• Failure to stop or yield at a stop sign• No proof of vehicle insuranceTyler Norton• Distribution of fentanyl• Possession of methamphetamine• Possession of drug paraphernaliaNoah Daniel• Possession of methamphetamine• Possession of a depressant• Possession of drug paraphernalia

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —A series of recent drug arrests lead to taking methamphetamine and fentanyl off the streets in southeast Kansas.On January 7, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a maroon Mercury Grand Marquis at the intersection of 10th Street and Walnut Street in Independence, Kansas, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767989235838.png" alt="Conrad photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Conrad photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies contacted the driver, identified as Breeanna Conrad of Independence, Kansas, and informed her of the reason for the stop. Deputies developed probable cause to search the vehicle. During the search, deputies located more than six (6) grams of methamphetamine, a small amount of cocaine, marijuana, multiple pills, and drug paraphernalia. Conrad was taken into custody and transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections, where she was booked on the following charges:• Distribution of methamphetamine• Possession of cocaine• Possession of marijuana• No proof of vehicle insurance• Improper emerging from an alley, private roadway, or building.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767989384517.png" alt="Leach photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Leach photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Later on January 3, 2026, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a Saturn passenger vehicle at the exit ramp from U.S. 400 to U.S. 75 Highway, north of Sycamore, Kansas. The vehicle was occupied by three individuals. Deputies contacted the driver, identified as Heather Leach of Independence, Kansas, and informed her of the reason for the stop.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767989450367.png" alt="Norton photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Norton photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Deputies developed probable cause to search the vehicle.D uring the search, deputies located more than nine (9) grams of methamphetamine, more than six (6) grams of suspected carfentanil, pills, and drug paraphernalia. Leach, along with Tyler Norton and Noah Daniel, both of Independence, Kansas, were taken into custody.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767989508701.png" alt="Norton photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Norton photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>All three were transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections and booked on the following charges:Heather Leach• Distribution of fentanyl• Possession of methamphetamine• Possession of drug paraphernalia• Failure to stop or yield at a stop sign• No proof of vehicle insuranceTyler Norton• Distribution of fentanyl• Possession of methamphetamine• Possession of drug paraphernaliaNoah Daniel• Possession of methamphetamine• Possession of a depressant• Possession of drug paraphernalia

Sheriff: Carfentanil seized during Kansas drug bust

JOHNSON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Saturday in Johnson County.

Deputies responded to the area of Edgerton Road and 167th Street&nbsp; following an iPhone crash notification and an additional 911 call reporting a vehicle in a ditch, according to the Johnson County Sheriff's office.

First responders located the vehicle with significant damage and one occupant, a driver later identified as 36-year-old Bailey Boswell of Meriden, unresponsive inside the vehicle. Johnson County MED-ACT responded and attempted life-saving measures.&nbsp; Boswell was pronounced deceased at 3:58 p.m.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office at 913-715-5400.

JOHNSON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Saturday in Johnson County.Deputies responded to the area of Edgerton Road and 167th Street&nbsp; following an iPhone crash notification and an additional 911 call reporting a vehicle in a ditch, according to the Johnson County Sheriff's office.First responders located the vehicle with significant damage and one occupant, a driver later identified as 36-year-old Bailey Boswell of Meriden, unresponsive inside the vehicle. Johnson County MED-ACT responded and attempted life-saving measures.&nbsp; Boswell was pronounced deceased at 3:58 p.m.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation.Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office at 913-715-5400.

Kansas woman dies after vehicle crash into a ditch

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man is going to prison for the murder of his mother at her Kansas home in 2023.

On Friday, Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 24-year-old Devin Joel to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Last year, Joel pleaded guilty to first degree murder, kidnapping and robbery in the 2023 murder.

In May of 2023, police were dispatched to report of a&nbsp; clubbing in the area of 5700 E. Central in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

First responders located the victim identified 46-year-old Kacey Joel of Wichita, laying in the back yard of a residence with visible injuries.

Officers immediately rendered aid and she was transported to a local area hospital. She sustained significant trauma to her body and later died from her injuries, according to Gupilan.

Eyewitnesses reported that her son, 21-year-old Devin Joel, who lived in California at the time of the crime, was seen running from the scene. Officers quickly were able to locate him after a brief foot pursuit. He made comments that he was going to die by suicide by cop and was yielding a knife when officers confronted him.

 The officers were able to get him to put the knife down and he was taken into custody without incident.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767998608468.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation in May of 2023-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation in May of 2023-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man is going to prison for the murder of his mother at her Kansas home in 2023.On Friday, Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 24-year-old Devin Joel to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768142338212.png" alt="Joel photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Joel photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Last year, Joel pleaded guilty to first degree murder, kidnapping and robbery in the 2023 murder.In May of 2023, police were dispatched to report of a&nbsp; clubbing in the area of 5700 E. Central in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.First responders located the victim identified 46-year-old Kacey Joel of Wichita, laying in the back yard of a residence with visible injuries.Officers immediately rendered aid and she was transported to a local area hospital. She sustained significant trauma to her body and later died from her injuries, according to Gupilan.Eyewitnesses reported that her son, 21-year-old Devin Joel, who lived in California at the time of the crime, was seen running from the scene. Officers quickly were able to locate him after a brief foot pursuit. He made comments that he was going to die by suicide by cop and was yielding a knife when officers confronted him. The officers were able to get him to put the knife down and he was taken into custody without incident.&nbsp;

Prison for killing his mother at her home in Kansas 

WASHINGTON (AP) —'Melania' the movie is set for a January 29, Kennedy Center debut.

Richard Grenell, president of the Kennedy Center, says a documentary film about first lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/melania-trump">Melania Trump</a>&nbsp;will make its premiere later this month, posting a trailer on X.

As the Trumps prepared to return to the White House last year, Amazon Prime Video announced a year ago that it had obtained exclusive licensing rights for a streaming and theatrical release directed by Brett Ratner.

Melania Trump also released&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-memoir-first-lady-0461dbb098a2218d41fbe7960c05a1a5">a self-titled memoir</a>&nbsp;in late 2024.

Some artists have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-center-new-years-eve-canceled-db4bc44f0d95cb40f794f2cb737562a3">canceled scheduled Kennedy Center performances</a>&nbsp;after a newly installed board voted to add President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-kennedy-center-performing-arts-8b7159067174f3a0070b877c149ff0a7">to the facility</a>, prompting Grenell to accuse the performers of making their decisions because of politics.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737381842811.png" alt="Image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>Image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —'Melania' the movie is set for a January 29, Kennedy Center debut.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">The trailer for Melania’s movie is out. <a href="https://t.co/CLyyvrH2TL">pic.twitter.com/CLyyvrH2TL</a>&mdash; Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) <a href="https://twitter.com/RonFilipkowski/status/2001270810606965080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Richard Grenell, president of the Kennedy Center, says a documentary film about first lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/melania-trump">Melania Trump</a>&nbsp;will make its premiere later this month, posting a trailer on X.As the Trumps prepared to return to the White House last year, Amazon Prime Video announced a year ago that it had obtained exclusive licensing rights for a streaming and theatrical release directed by Brett Ratner.Melania Trump also released&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-memoir-first-lady-0461dbb098a2218d41fbe7960c05a1a5">a self-titled memoir</a>&nbsp;in late 2024.Some artists have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-center-new-years-eve-canceled-db4bc44f0d95cb40f794f2cb737562a3">canceled scheduled Kennedy Center performances</a>&nbsp;after a newly installed board voted to add President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-kennedy-center-performing-arts-8b7159067174f3a0070b877c149ff0a7">to the facility</a>, prompting Grenell to accuse the performers of making their decisions because of politics.

🎥See the trailer: 'Melania’ movie set for Kennedy Center debut

Dr. Molly O’Shea has noticed growing skepticism about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/childhood-vaccine-schedule-trump-rfk-hhs-9b8df9e2767c1261aaac4e2331e77fa3">vaccines</a>&nbsp;at both of her Michigan pediatric offices and says this week's unprecedented and confusing changes to federal vaccine guidance will only make things worse.

One of her offices is in a Democratic area, where more of the parents she sees are opting for alternative schedules that spread out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-childhood-vaccines-fact-check-17c0cb6f2f208f11b3474b96d1726945">shots</a>. The other is in a Republican area, where some parents have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-fluoride-kennedy-trump-science-antiscience-legislation-73af8e65f407331e8f31b2909812a004">stopped immunizing</a>&nbsp;their children altogether.

She and other doctors fear the new recommendations and the terminology around them will stoke vaccine hesitancy even more, pose challenges for pediatricians and parents that make it harder for kids to get shots, and ultimately lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-measles-polio-whooping-cough-rubella-af4cd1aef8f408a960601df6372f9c32">more illness and death</a>.

The biggest change was to stop blanket recommendations for protection against six diseases and recommend those vaccines only for at-risk children or through something called “shared clinical decision-making” with a health care provider.

The phrase, experts say, is confusing and dangerous: “It sends a message to a parent that actually there’s only a rarefied group of people who really need the vaccine,” O’Shea said. “It’s creating an environment that puts a sense of uncertainty about the value and necessity or importance of the vaccines in that category.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rfk-gold-standard-science-research-autism-6e4c6bc2534252ab1e7add0942043778">Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>, who helped lead the anti-vaccine movement for years, said in announcing the changes that they better align the U.S. with peer nations “while strengthening transparency and informed consent.”

But doctors say they are sowing doubt — the vaccines have been extensively studied and proven to be safe and effective at shielding kids from nasty diseases — at a time when childhood vaccination rates&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccination-rates-cdc-kindergarten-0d261546a130dc256735d7b1ff8c6a5f">are already falling</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-flu-cases-cdc-subclade-k-29cc5a68eb100585c8e0dbd2ec47b3eb">some of those infectious diseases</a>&nbsp;are spreading.

On Friday, the American Academy of Pediatrics and more than 200 medical, public health and patient advocacy groups sent&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdownloads.aap.org%2FDOFA%2FChildhood%2520Vaccine%2520Schedule%2520Joint%2520Letter%2520Final.pdf&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clungar%40ap.org%7Ca1fb226ec30c4cdff05c08de4fc36b97%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C0%7C639035898073595504%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=o8rZF2%2BTwKkMqKrfe0eboUu%2FPrvyzOuqOuUveQ9lD8o%3D&amp;reserved=0">a letter to Congress</a>&nbsp;about the new childhood immunization schedule.

“We urge you to investigate why the schedule was changed, why credible scientific evidence was ignored, and why the committee charged with advising the HHS Secretary on immunizations did not discuss the schedule changes as a part of their public meeting process," they wrote.

Many don't know what ’shared decision-making' means

O’Shea said she and other pediatricians discuss vaccines with parents at every visit where they are given. But that’s not necessarily “shared clinical decision-making,” which has a particular definition.

On its website, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices says: “Unlike routine, catch-up, and risk-based recommendations, shared clinical decision-making vaccinations are not recommended for everyone in a particular age group or everyone in an identifiable risk group. Rather, shared clinical decision-making recommendations are individually based and informed by a decision process between the health care provider and the patient or parent/guardian.”

In this context, health care providers include primary care physicians, specialists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and pharmacists.

A pair of surveys conducted last year by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania suggested that many people don’t fully understand the concept, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccines-cdc-kennedy-fd6ab0c7303a4a1698b319885a02ef54">came up last year</a>&nbsp;when the federal government changed recommendations around COVID-19 vaccinations.

Only about 2 in 10 U.S. adults knew that one meaning behind shared decision-making is that “taking the vaccine may not be a good idea for everyone but would benefit some.” And only about one-third realized pharmacists count as health care providers to talk with during the process, even though they frequently administer vaccines.

As of this week, vaccines that protect against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rotavirus, RSV, flu and meningococcal disease are no longer universally recommended for kids. RSV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and meningococcal vaccines are recommended for certain high-risk populations; flu, rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and meningococcal vaccines are recommended through shared decision-making — as is the COVID-19 vaccine, although that change was made last year.

Shortly after the federal announcement Monday, Dr. Steven Abelowitz heard from half a dozen parents. “It’s causing concern for us, but more importantly, concern for parents with kids, especially young kids, and confusion,” said Abelowitz, founder of Ocean Pediatrics in Orange County, California.

Though federal recommendations are not mandates — states have the authority to require vaccinations for schoolchildren — they can affect how easy it is for kids to get shots if doctors choose to follow them.

Under the new guidelines, O'Shea said, parents seeking shots in the shared decision-making category might no longer bring their kids in for a quick, vaccine-only appointment with staff. They'd sit down with a health care provider and discuss the vaccine. And it could be tougher to have a flu clinic, where parents drive up and kids get shots without seeing a doctor.

Still, doctors say they won’t let the changes stop them from helping children get the vaccines they need. Leading medical groups are sticking with prior vaccine recommendations. Many parents are, too.

Megan Landry, whose 4-year-old son Zackary is one of O’Shea’s patients, is among them.

“It’s my responsibility as a parent to protect my child’s health and well-being,” she said. “Vaccines are a really effective and well-studied way to do that.”

She plans to keep having the same conversations she’s always had with O’Shea before getting vaccines for Zackary.

“Relying on evidence and trusted medical guidance really helps me to make those decisions,” she said. “And for me, it’s not just a personal choice for my own son but a way to contribute to the health of everybody.”

But for other families, confidence about vaccines is waning as trust in science erodes. O'Shea lamented that parents are getting the message that they can't trust medical experts.

“If I take my car to the mechanic, I don’t go do my own research ahead of time," she said. “I go to a person I trust and I trust them to tell me what’s going on.”

Abelowitz, the California doctor, likened the latest federal move to pouring gasoline on a fire of mistrust that was already burning.

“We’re worried the fire’s out of control,” he said. “Already we’ve seen that with measles and pertussis, there are increased hospitalizations and even increasing deaths. So the way that I look at it — and my colleagues look at it — we’re basically regressing decades.”

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767645053047.jpg" alt="Image courtesy Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURA UNGAR AP Medical WriterDr. Molly O’Shea has noticed growing skepticism about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/childhood-vaccine-schedule-trump-rfk-hhs-9b8df9e2767c1261aaac4e2331e77fa3">vaccines</a>&nbsp;at both of her Michigan pediatric offices and says this week's unprecedented and confusing changes to federal vaccine guidance will only make things worse.One of her offices is in a Democratic area, where more of the parents she sees are opting for alternative schedules that spread out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-childhood-vaccines-fact-check-17c0cb6f2f208f11b3474b96d1726945">shots</a>. The other is in a Republican area, where some parents have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-fluoride-kennedy-trump-science-antiscience-legislation-73af8e65f407331e8f31b2909812a004">stopped immunizing</a>&nbsp;their children altogether.She and other doctors fear the new recommendations and the terminology around them will stoke vaccine hesitancy even more, pose challenges for pediatricians and parents that make it harder for kids to get shots, and ultimately lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-measles-polio-whooping-cough-rubella-af4cd1aef8f408a960601df6372f9c32">more illness and death</a>.The biggest change was to stop blanket recommendations for protection against six diseases and recommend those vaccines only for at-risk children or through something called “shared clinical decision-making” with a health care provider.The phrase, experts say, is confusing and dangerous: “It sends a message to a parent that actually there’s only a rarefied group of people who really need the vaccine,” O’Shea said. “It’s creating an environment that puts a sense of uncertainty about the value and necessity or importance of the vaccines in that category.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rfk-gold-standard-science-research-autism-6e4c6bc2534252ab1e7add0942043778">Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>, who helped lead the anti-vaccine movement for years, said in announcing the changes that they better align the U.S. with peer nations “while strengthening transparency and informed consent.”But doctors say they are sowing doubt — the vaccines have been extensively studied and proven to be safe and effective at shielding kids from nasty diseases — at a time when childhood vaccination rates&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccination-rates-cdc-kindergarten-0d261546a130dc256735d7b1ff8c6a5f">are already falling</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-flu-cases-cdc-subclade-k-29cc5a68eb100585c8e0dbd2ec47b3eb">some of those infectious diseases</a>&nbsp;are spreading.On Friday, the American Academy of Pediatrics and more than 200 medical, public health and patient advocacy groups sent&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdownloads.aap.org%2FDOFA%2FChildhood%2520Vaccine%2520Schedule%2520Joint%2520Letter%2520Final.pdf&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clungar%40ap.org%7Ca1fb226ec30c4cdff05c08de4fc36b97%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C0%7C639035898073595504%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=o8rZF2%2BTwKkMqKrfe0eboUu%2FPrvyzOuqOuUveQ9lD8o%3D&amp;reserved=0">a letter to Congress</a>&nbsp;about the new childhood immunization schedule.“We urge you to investigate why the schedule was changed, why credible scientific evidence was ignored, and why the committee charged with advising the HHS Secretary on immunizations did not discuss the schedule changes as a part of their public meeting process," they wrote.<h2>Many don't know what ’shared decision-making' means</h2>O’Shea said she and other pediatricians discuss vaccines with parents at every visit where they are given. But that’s not necessarily “shared clinical decision-making,” which has a particular definition.On its website, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices says: “Unlike routine, catch-up, and risk-based recommendations, shared clinical decision-making vaccinations are not recommended for everyone in a particular age group or everyone in an identifiable risk group. Rather, shared clinical decision-making recommendations are individually based and informed by a decision process between the health care provider and the patient or parent/guardian.”In this context, health care providers include primary care physicians, specialists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and pharmacists.A pair of surveys conducted last year by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania suggested that many people don’t fully understand the concept, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccines-cdc-kennedy-fd6ab0c7303a4a1698b319885a02ef54">came up last year</a>&nbsp;when the federal government changed recommendations around COVID-19 vaccinations.Only about 2 in 10 U.S. adults knew that one meaning behind shared decision-making is that “taking the vaccine may not be a good idea for everyone but would benefit some.” And only about one-third realized pharmacists count as health care providers to talk with during the process, even though they frequently administer vaccines.As of this week, vaccines that protect against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rotavirus, RSV, flu and meningococcal disease are no longer universally recommended for kids. RSV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and meningococcal vaccines are recommended for certain high-risk populations; flu, rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and meningococcal vaccines are recommended through shared decision-making — as is the COVID-19 vaccine, although that change was made last year.Shortly after the federal announcement Monday, Dr. Steven Abelowitz heard from half a dozen parents. “It’s causing concern for us, but more importantly, concern for parents with kids, especially young kids, and confusion,” said Abelowitz, founder of Ocean Pediatrics in Orange County, California.Though federal recommendations are not mandates — states have the authority to require vaccinations for schoolchildren — they can affect how easy it is for kids to get shots if doctors choose to follow them.Under the new guidelines, O'Shea said, parents seeking shots in the shared decision-making category might no longer bring their kids in for a quick, vaccine-only appointment with staff. They'd sit down with a health care provider and discuss the vaccine. And it could be tougher to have a flu clinic, where parents drive up and kids get shots without seeing a doctor.<h2>Staying the course as challenges mount</h2>Still, doctors say they won’t let the changes stop them from helping children get the vaccines they need. Leading medical groups are sticking with prior vaccine recommendations. Many parents are, too.Megan Landry, whose 4-year-old son Zackary is one of O’Shea’s patients, is among them.“It’s my responsibility as a parent to protect my child’s health and well-being,” she said. “Vaccines are a really effective and well-studied way to do that.”She plans to keep having the same conversations she’s always had with O’Shea before getting vaccines for Zackary.“Relying on evidence and trusted medical guidance really helps me to make those decisions,” she said. “And for me, it’s not just a personal choice for my own son but a way to contribute to the health of everybody.”But for other families, confidence about vaccines is waning as trust in science erodes. O'Shea lamented that parents are getting the message that they can't trust medical experts.“If I take my car to the mechanic, I don’t go do my own research ahead of time," she said. “I go to a person I trust and I trust them to tell me what’s going on.”Abelowitz, the California doctor, likened the latest federal move to pouring gasoline on a fire of mistrust that was already burning.“We’re worried the fire’s out of control,” he said. “Already we’ve seen that with measles and pertussis, there are increased hospitalizations and even increasing deaths. So the way that I look at it — and my colleagues look at it — we’re basically regressing decades.”___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Doctors: Changes to US vaccine recommendations are confusing parents

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman is going to prison for a DUI crash that killed a teen.

&nbsp;On Friday Judge Quinton Pittman sentenced 43-year-old Trisha Greer of Derby to 42 months in prison for the DUI crash that&nbsp; killed 18-year-old Bethany Aillen Callista Leggio in May of 2024, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In October, Greer pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence before Judge Pittman. She originally pleading not guilty in June and was to face a jury trial.

Just after 11p.m. May 14, 2024, Greer was driving without headlights at 55th Street South and Hoover, according to Sheriff's Lt Nathan Gibbs. The vehicle struck and killed 18-year-old Bethany Aillen Callista Leggio who was standing with a group of people at the location.

Greer was booked into jail just after 1a.m. the following morning, according to online jail records.&nbsp; After her time in prison, Greer will have to spend three years on post-release supervision, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768001520905.png" alt="Greer photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Greer photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman is going to prison for a DUI crash that killed a teen.&nbsp;On Friday Judge Quinton Pittman sentenced 43-year-old Trisha Greer of Derby to 42 months in prison for the DUI crash that&nbsp; killed 18-year-old Bethany Aillen Callista Leggio in May of 2024, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In October, Greer pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence before Judge Pittman. She originally pleading not guilty in June and was to face a jury trial.Just after 11p.m. May 14, 2024, Greer was driving without headlights at 55th Street South and Hoover, according to Sheriff's Lt Nathan Gibbs. The vehicle struck and killed 18-year-old Bethany Aillen Callista Leggio who was standing with a group of people at the location.Greer was booked into jail just after 1a.m. the following morning, according to online jail records.&nbsp; After her time in prison, Greer will have to spend three years on post-release supervision, according to the district attorney's office.

Prison for DUI crash that killed a Kansas teen

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflecto</a>r

TOPEKA — The consistent, dramatic decline in Kansas’ wild turkey population prompted the state in 2023 to forbid hunting them in the fall.

Simultaneously, an influx of funding and research is attempting to reverse wild turkey losses.&nbsp;

The latest came recently when the Kansas state chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation approved more than $126,000 for habitat enhancement and hunting education projects. The federation promised an additional $730,000.

The funds will be dispersed across Kansas to boost invasive species removal efforts, a Boy Scout habitat project, turkey ecology and toxicology research at Kansas State University, scholarships, sponsorships and a habitat specialist position. The funding is fueled by volunteers who raise money at banquets and fundraisers, according to a Tuesday news release.

Annie Farrell, the federation’s district biologist for Kansas and three other states, commended the volunteers.

“These volunteers are our boots on the ground, putting their hard-earned dollars back on the landscape to support critical projects that will greatly benefit the wild turkey,” she said. “Thanks to their dedication, it’s going to be a great year for conservation in Kansas.”

The wild turkey encompasses five subspecies, including the Eastern and the Rio Grande, which are found in Kansas along with a hybrid of the two subspecies. Wild turkey can be found in nearly every county in Kansas.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks suspended the fall wild turkey hunting season in 2023 after years of restrictions.

Still, 13,862 turkeys were hunted and harvested in 2025, according to the department’s annual turkey harvest report.

In 2023, K-State received almost $2 million to conduct wild turkey research to deduce the root cause of the more than 40% decline since 2008.

Wild turkey populations were gravely diminished in the early 20th century because of human activity resulting in overhunting and habitat loss, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/wild-turkey" target="_blank">National Audubon Society</a>.

The society’s annual Christmas Bird Count shows a steady increase in observations of wild turkey in Kansas beginning in the 1960s, when they were reintroduced into the state. Observations peaked in 2011 and have since declined to levels comparable to those of more than two decades ago.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768141571245.png" alt=" Rio Grande wild turkey at Choke Canyon State Park, Texas. (Photo by Robert H. Burton/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)" />
 <figcaption> Rio Grande wild turkey at Choke Canyon State Park, Texas. (Photo by Robert H. Burton/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflecto</a>rTOPEKA — The consistent, dramatic decline in Kansas’ wild turkey population prompted the state in 2023 to forbid hunting them in the fall.Simultaneously, an influx of funding and research is attempting to reverse wild turkey losses.&nbsp;The latest came recently when the Kansas state chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation approved more than $126,000 for habitat enhancement and hunting education projects. The federation promised an additional $730,000.The funds will be dispersed across Kansas to boost invasive species removal efforts, a Boy Scout habitat project, turkey ecology and toxicology research at Kansas State University, scholarships, sponsorships and a habitat specialist position. The funding is fueled by volunteers who raise money at banquets and fundraisers, according to a Tuesday news release.Annie Farrell, the federation’s district biologist for Kansas and three other states, commended the volunteers.“These volunteers are our boots on the ground, putting their hard-earned dollars back on the landscape to support critical projects that will greatly benefit the wild turkey,” she said. “Thanks to their dedication, it’s going to be a great year for conservation in Kansas.”The wild turkey encompasses five subspecies, including the Eastern and the Rio Grande, which are found in Kansas along with a hybrid of the two subspecies. Wild turkey can be found in nearly every county in Kansas.The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks suspended the fall wild turkey hunting season in 2023 after years of restrictions.Still, 13,862 turkeys were hunted and harvested in 2025, according to the department’s annual turkey harvest report.In 2023, K-State received almost $2 million to conduct wild turkey research to deduce the root cause of the more than 40% decline since 2008.Wild turkey populations were gravely diminished in the early 20th century because of human activity resulting in overhunting and habitat loss, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/wild-turkey" target="_blank">National Audubon Society</a>.The society’s annual Christmas Bird Count shows a steady increase in observations of wild turkey in Kansas beginning in the 1960s, when they were reintroduced into the state. Observations peaked in 2011 and have since declined to levels comparable to those of more than two decades ago.

Kansas wild turkeys, plagued by years of population decline, subject of conservation funding

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/seung-min-kim">SEUNG MIN KIM</a>

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s new executive order on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-oil-pollution-0485a3d37f474bacb478e1d5160736fd">Venezuelan oil</a>&nbsp;revenue is meant to ensure that the money remains protected from being used in judicial proceedings.

The executive order, made public on Saturday, says that if the funds were to be seized for such use, it could “undermine critical U.S. efforts to ensure economic and political stability in Venezuela.”

The order comes amid caution from top oil company executives that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maduro-venezuela-caracas-us-a3607a328dbecaa30edc69ae6cc238ee">the tumult and instability in Venezuela</a>&nbsp;could make the country less attractive for private investment and rebuilding.

“If we look at the commercial constructs and frameworks in place today in Venezuela, today it’s uninvestable,” said Darren Woods, CEO of ExxonMobil, the largest U.S. oil company, during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-oil-chevron-exxonmobil-conocophillips-0e0619a991e92fd546504f1a613161e7">a meeting convened by Trump</a>&nbsp;with oil executives on Friday.

During the session, Trump tried to assuage the concerns of the oil companies and said the executives would be dealing directly with the U.S., rather than the Venezuelan government.

Venezuela has a history of state asset seizures, ongoing U.S. sanctions and decades of political uncertainty.

Getting U.S. oil companies to invest in Venezuela and help rebuild the country’s infrastructure is a top priority of the Trump administration after the dramatic capture of now-deposed leader Nicolás Maduro.

The White House is framing the effort to “run” Venezuela in economic terms, and Trump has seized tankers carrying Venezuelan oil, has said the U.S. is taking over the sales of 30 million to 50 million barrels of previously sanctioned Venezuelan crude, and plans to control sales worldwide indefinitely.

“I love the Venezuelan people, and am already making Venezuela rich and safe again,” Trump, who is currently in southern Florida, wrote on his social media site on Saturday. “Congratulations and thank you to all of those people who are making this possible!!!”

The order says the oil revenue is property of Venezuela that is being held by the United States for “governmental and diplomatic purposes” and not subject to private claims.

Its legal underpinnings are the National Emergencies Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Trump, in the order, says the possibility that the oil revenues could be caught up in judicial proceedings constitutes an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the U.S.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768093142172.png" alt="President Trump during a meeting on Friday with oil company executives at the White House -image from White House vido" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during a meeting on Friday with oil company executives at the White House -image from White House vido</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/seung-min-kim">SEUNG MIN KIM</a>WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s new executive order on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-oil-pollution-0485a3d37f474bacb478e1d5160736fd">Venezuelan oil</a>&nbsp;revenue is meant to ensure that the money remains protected from being used in judicial proceedings.The executive order, made public on Saturday, says that if the funds were to be seized for such use, it could “undermine critical U.S. efforts to ensure economic and political stability in Venezuela.”The order comes amid caution from top oil company executives that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maduro-venezuela-caracas-us-a3607a328dbecaa30edc69ae6cc238ee">the tumult and instability in Venezuela</a>&nbsp;could make the country less attractive for private investment and rebuilding.“If we look at the commercial constructs and frameworks in place today in Venezuela, today it’s uninvestable,” said Darren Woods, CEO of ExxonMobil, the largest U.S. oil company, during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-oil-chevron-exxonmobil-conocophillips-0e0619a991e92fd546504f1a613161e7">a meeting convened by Trump</a>&nbsp;with oil executives on Friday.During the session, Trump tried to assuage the concerns of the oil companies and said the executives would be dealing directly with the U.S., rather than the Venezuelan government.Venezuela has a history of state asset seizures, ongoing U.S. sanctions and decades of political uncertainty.Getting U.S. oil companies to invest in Venezuela and help rebuild the country’s infrastructure is a top priority of the Trump administration after the dramatic capture of now-deposed leader Nicolás Maduro.The White House is framing the effort to “run” Venezuela in economic terms, and Trump has seized tankers carrying Venezuelan oil, has said the U.S. is taking over the sales of 30 million to 50 million barrels of previously sanctioned Venezuelan crude, and plans to control sales worldwide indefinitely.“I love the Venezuelan people, and am already making Venezuela rich and safe again,” Trump, who is currently in southern Florida, wrote on his social media site on Saturday. “Congratulations and thank you to all of those people who are making this possible!!!”The order says the oil revenue is property of Venezuela that is being held by the United States for “governmental and diplomatic purposes” and not subject to private claims.Its legal underpinnings are the National Emergencies Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Trump, in the order, says the possibility that the oil revenues could be caught up in judicial proceedings constitutes an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the U.S.

Trump signs executive order meant to protect the money from Venezuelan oil

CRAWFORD COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating another deadly shooting involving a Kansas teen.

Just before 9p.m. Friday, police along with first responder units from Pittsburg Fire Department and Crawford County EMS, were dispatched to a shooting at Schlanger Park, 725 E 6th Street in Pittsburg, according to a media release. First responders found that an adult male had been shot and had subsequently died as a result of his injuries.  

The victim, who was identified as 18-year-old Adam Basauri, of Girard, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Basauri’s body was sent to Kansas City for an autopsy.

The scene was secured and investigators with the Pittsburg Police Department responded to assist with the investigation.  Witnesses on scene advised the suspect had fled the scene in a vehicle.  Witnesses were transported to the police department to be interviewed while the search for the suspect was ongoing. 

 At approximately 9:46 p.m. the suspect and suspect’s vehicle were located in Arma, Kansas, by deputies with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office. 

 The suspect, who was identified as a 17-year-old juvenile, was taken into custody and transported to the Pittsburg Police Department for questioning.  The juvenile suspect’s vehicle was secured and towed to the Pittsburg Police Department to be processed.      

After interviewing the witnesses’ investigators were able to determine that a brief altercation took place between Basauri and the juvenile suspect. During the altercation, the suspect shot Basauri.

As a result, the 17-year-old juvenile, of Pittsburg, was placed under arrest.  Juvenile Intake responded and processed the juvenile suspect.  The juvenile suspect was transported to the Southeast KS Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Girard. He is being held on a requested charge of murder in the second degree.   

CRAWFORD COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating another deadly shooting involving a Kansas teen.Just before 9p.m. Friday, police along with first responder units from Pittsburg Fire Department and Crawford County EMS, were dispatched to a shooting at Schlanger Park, 725 E 6th Street in Pittsburg, according to a media release. First responders found that an adult male had been shot and had subsequently died as a result of his injuries. The victim, who was identified as 18-year-old Adam Basauri, of Girard, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Basauri’s body was sent to Kansas City for an autopsy.The scene was secured and investigators with the Pittsburg Police Department responded to assist with the investigation. Witnesses on scene advised the suspect had fled the scene in a vehicle. Witnesses were transported to the police department to be interviewed while the search for the suspect was ongoing. At approximately 9:46 p.m. the suspect and suspect’s vehicle were located in Arma, Kansas, by deputies with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect, who was identified as a 17-year-old juvenile, was taken into custody and transported to the Pittsburg Police Department for questioning. The juvenile suspect’s vehicle was secured and towed to the Pittsburg Police Department to be processed. After interviewing the witnesses’ investigators were able to determine that a brief altercation took place between Basauri and the juvenile suspect. During the altercation, the suspect shot Basauri.As a result, the 17-year-old juvenile, of Pittsburg, was placed under arrest. Juvenile Intake responded and processed the juvenile suspect. The juvenile suspect was transported to the Southeast KS Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Girard. He is being held on a requested charge of murder in the second degree.

17-year-old accused in deadly Kansas shooting

An Idaho company is recalling over 38,000 cases of tater tots sold in 26 states over possible contamination with bits of plastic, according to federal health officials.

The Food and Drug Administration reports that McCain Foods USA Inc. is voluntarily recalling around&nbsp;<a href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/?Event=98088" target="_blank">38,853 cases of tater tots</a>, including the Ore-Ida Tater Tots and Sysco Imperial Potato Tater Barrel products.

The products, packaged in clear, unlabeled poly bags per case, are reportedly contaminated with “clear hard plastic fragments” and were distributed in 26 states across the nation.

The states affected by the recall are Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana,&nbsp; New Mexico, North Dakota, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.

According to the FDA, the recalled products include the following details:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768137938787.png" alt="Tater tot-photo Sysco" />
 <figcaption>Tater tot-photo Sysco</figcaption>
 </figure>An Idaho company is recalling over 38,000 cases of tater tots sold in 26 states over possible contamination with bits of plastic, according to federal health officials.The Food and Drug Administration reports that McCain Foods USA Inc. is voluntarily recalling around&nbsp;<a href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/?Event=98088" target="_blank">38,853 cases of tater tots</a>, including the Ore-Ida Tater Tots and Sysco Imperial Potato Tater Barrel products.The products, packaged in clear, unlabeled poly bags per case, are reportedly contaminated with “clear hard plastic fragments” and were distributed in 26 states across the nation.The states affected by the recall are Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana,&nbsp; New Mexico, North Dakota, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.According to the FDA, the recalled products include the following details:<ul>
 <li>Ore-Ida Tater TotsTotal recalled cases – 21,256.Item number – OIF00215A.Net weight – 30 poundsUPC – 1 00 72714 00215 8Batch codes – 1005479808, 1005477924, 1005478883, 1005480444, 1005480875, 1005481627, 1005481770</li><li>Total recalled cases – 21,256.</li><li>Item number – OIF00215A.</li><li>Net weight – 30 pounds</li><li>UPC – 1 00 72714 00215 8</li><li>Batch codes – 1005479808, 1005477924, 1005478883, 1005480444, 1005480875, 1005481627, 1005481770</li><li>Sysco Imperial Potato Tater BarrelTotal recalled cases – 17,597Item number – 1000006067Weight – 6/5 poundsUPC – 1 07 34730 62740 0Batch codes – 1005482717, 1005483735, 1005484702, 1005485462, 1005485660</li><li>Total recalled cases – 17,597</li><li>Item number – 1000006067</li><li>Weight – 6/5 pounds</li><li>UPC – 1 07 34730 62740 0</li><li>Batch codes – 1005482717, 1005483735, 1005484702, 1005485462, 1005485660</li>
 </ul>

Frozen tater tots sold in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska recalled

RENO COUNTY—Two pets died in a house fire on Saturday in Hutchinson.

Just before 7p.m. crews responded to a reported fire at a home in the 1000 block of North Plum, according to a media release.

First arriving crews found minimal smoke visible from the exterior of a single-story duplex. Once inside the residence, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and active fire in the kitchen.

During the search, crews located two dogs inside the home and removed them; however, both animals were pronounced deceased. All occupants had safely exited prior to firefighters’ arrival.

The fire was brought under control quickly, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768097167324.jpeg" alt="Photo Hutchinson Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo Hutchinson Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY—Two pets died in a house fire on Saturday in Hutchinson.Just before 7p.m. crews responded to a reported fire at a home in the 1000 block of North Plum, according to a media release.First arriving crews found minimal smoke visible from the exterior of a single-story duplex. Once inside the residence, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and active fire in the kitchen.During the search, crews located two dogs inside the home and removed them; however, both animals were pronounced deceased. All occupants had safely exited prior to firefighters’ arrival.The fire was brought under control quickly, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Two pets died in Kansas duplex fire

The outcome of the case, which will determine what regulations remain in place under Missouri’s voter-approved abortion rights amendment, could influence decisions about abortion law around the country

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

A trial litigating the parameters of&nbsp;<a href="https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Missourians-for-Constitutional-Freedom-Amendment.pdf" target="_blank">Missouri’s new reproductive rights amendment</a>&nbsp;begins Monday in Kansas City. The outcome will reach far beyond the state’s borders.

The trial, which will include testimony from abortion providers, Planned Parenthood leadership and anti-abortion doctors, will give an unusually detailed look at the inner-workings of abortion in Missouri, highlighting how just one or two restrictions on the procedure can greatly weaken access in a state where few providers remain.

Over the course of two weeks, the details of Missouri’s numerous abortion regulations will be under a microscope as those in favor of abortion rights argue that nearly every restriction is unconstitutional under the reproductive rights amendment and the state argues the regulations are necessary protections.&nbsp;

The outcome of Missouri’s reproductive rights amendment case —&nbsp;which will either greatly broaden access to abortion in ways not seen in decades, or will hamper access for nearly everyone in Missouri —&nbsp;will reverberate far beyond the Show-Me State, said Rebecca Reingold, an associate director at the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law.&nbsp;

This is particularly true, she said, of states also in the process of litigating abortion access like Arizona, Michigan and Ohio.

“There is little doubt that advocates and decision-makers in other states navigating similar legal challenges are closely monitoring the litigation over Missouri’s abortion regulations,” Reingold said. “ … While state court judges are certainly not bound to follow the decisions of their peers in other states, these decisions can serve as persuasive legal authority, particularly in cases involving novel legal questions or where the relevant legal standards are evolving.”&nbsp;

The result of Missouri’s lawsuit will also greatly affect the landscape of abortion access in the Midwest and the South.&nbsp;

“Missouri also neighbors states with some of the harshest abortion bans in the country,” she said. “That means that the outcome of this litigation will be felt beyond the state’s geographic borders, affecting access to care not only for Missourians, but also people living in neighboring states.”

The case originated with a lawsuit filed by Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri the day after the November 2024 election in which voters narrowly approved broad abortion access, becoming the first state to overturn a near-total abortion ban through a vote of the people.

Amy Myrick, a senior attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights, said Missouri is a harbinger for other states attempting to secure abortion protections through constitutional changes.

“Missouri is a test case for what happens when the people have spoken and passed the constitutional amendment with the strongest possible protections, but the state still decides to stand in their way, and the courts have to decide what to do,” she said.&nbsp;

Hypothetically, Myrick said, this should be an open and shut case because Missouri’s reproductive rights amendment was written with some of the strongest protections of any amendment in the country. The amendment prohibits the government from regulating abortion prior to the point of fetal viability unless “such action is justified by a compelling governmental interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”&nbsp;

“So if courts start upholding restrictions against these kinds of protections,” Myrick said. ‘That’s a really bad sign.”

Right now, most of the targeted regulation of abortion provider laws, known as&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/05/abortion-lawsuit-planned-parenthood-amendment-3-missouri-jackson-county/">TRAP laws, have been temporarily enjoined</a>&nbsp;— or paused — until a permanent decision could be made at trial.

This includes required distribution of&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/living/families/womenshealth/pregnancyassistance/pdf/Mo.InformedConsentBooklet-Revisedpgs.12-15August2019jkOGCReviewed.pdf" target="_blank">Missouri’s informed consent booklet&nbsp;</a>prior to an abortion; a 72-hour waiting period between an initial appointment and an abortion; and abortion facility licensing requirements. The injunction allowed Planned Parenthood to begin offering in-clinic abortions last February.&nbsp;

Between then and October,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/05/missouri-abortion-legal-access-hinges-courts-rebuilding/">80 in-clinic abortion procedures&nbsp;</a>took place in Missouri across Planned Parenthood clinics in Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis, according to data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. In 2023 and 2024, there were no elective abortions performed in Missouri. A few decades ago, prior to the passage of most of Missouri’s abortion restrictions and 2022 ban, thousands of abortions were performed in the state each year. Current data shows&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/monthly-abortion-provision-study" target="_blank">several thousand Missourians still accessed abortion in 2024,</a>&nbsp;but had to travel to Kansas or Illinois to do so.

Zhang did not enjoin two regulations that Planned Parenthood says are preventing providers from prescribing medication abortion:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/11/laws-regulations-medication-abortion-mifepristone-misoprostol-missouri/">&nbsp;a complication plan approved by the state as well as supplemental insurance requirement.</a>&nbsp;For this reason, Missouri doctors remain unable to prescribe the medications mifepristone and misoprostol to patients to end first trimester pregnancies. Medication abortion is the most common method to end a pregnancy in the United States,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.guttmacher.org/2024/03/medication-abortion-accounted-63-all-us-abortions-2023-increase-53-2020&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjlk7_1w_6RAxXPOzQIHe5SMDsQFnoECBkQAQ&amp;usg=AOvVaw1P-Hlu8nsnKIuYZVfc4aV8" target="_blank">used in about two-thirds of abortions.</a>

Anti-abortion advocates contend repealing these regulations could put women’s safety at risk.&nbsp;

“Like Michigan and Ohio before them, the amendment was the first step, opening the door for the abortion lobby to tear down all of the health and safety standards for women’s protections that the Missouri legislature required over the years,” said Katie Glenn Daniel, director of legal affairs and policy counsel at SBA Pro-Life America.

Myrick said attempts to tie regulations to health and safety claims are nothing new.&nbsp;

“Every single one of these restrictions is about hostility to abortion, making it harder to access abortion,” she said. “Even something like a complication plan can be a shutdown law if it’s impossible to comply with. So there’s no way this is about health or safety.”

She said Missouri anti-abortion leaders have long been creative, spearheading many of the national fights against mifepristone in particular.&nbsp;

In November, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/20/missouri-challenges-fda-approval-generic-mifepristone-limit-medication-abortion/">sued over the latest approval of a generic version of mifepristone</a>, asking the federal government to overturn the approval and to reinstate in-person dispensing laws for the medication, which can currently be prescribed in some states during telehealth appointments and then mailed to patients.

Last summer, Hanaway’s predecessor,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-ag-sues-planned-parenthood-claims-it-misled-patients-over-safety-of-abortion-pill/">Andrew Bailey, sued Planned Parenthood</a>&nbsp;over its claims that mifepristone is safer to take than over-the-counter medications like Tylenol, penicillin and Viagra.&nbsp;

And Missouri is now the lead plaintiff in a federal lawsuit&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/01/federal-lawsuit-limit-access-abortion-pill-mifepristone-texas-missouri/">seeking to limit the availability of medication abortion.</a>&nbsp;The case originated in Texas and moved all the way up to the United States Supreme Court before the nation’s highest court said the original plaintiffs didn’t have the jurisdiction to sue.

Sarah Wetter, senior associate with the O’Neill Institute at Georgetown Law, said the transfer of the federal case to Missouri makes the state litigation beginning Monday “all the more threatening” as the Missouri Attorney General’s Office also prepares to argue against mifepristone at the federal courthouse in St. Louis.

“Turning back the clock to pre-2016 rules would limit mifepristone access to patients up to 7 (rather than 10) weeks gestation, require more in-person visits, and otherwise prohibit telemedicine abortion,” Wetter said.

Many high-ranking Missouri politicians have shown repeatedly that abortion remains among their highest priorities, with few saying they’ll back down if the abortion rights amendment is fully implemented following the trial. A prime example of this is the Republican supermajority’s success in putting a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/04/missouri-appeals-court-rejects-abortion-ban-ballot-language/">proposed abortion ban on this year’s November ballot.</a>&nbsp;Plans are already underway to continue attempting to limit access to the procedure, whether the abortion ban amendment passes or fails later this year.

Politics are supposed to be left out of the courtroom, said Michael Wolff, a former chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court and dean emeritus at the St. Louis University School of Law. He’s curious if that will be the case next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746190042115.png" alt="An abortion procedure room pictured on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Planned Parenthood in Columbia, Missouri (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>An abortion procedure room pictured on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Planned Parenthood in Columbia, Missouri (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The outcome of the case, which will determine what regulations remain in place under Missouri’s voter-approved abortion rights amendment, could influence decisions about abortion law around the country</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>A trial litigating the parameters of&nbsp;<a href="https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Missourians-for-Constitutional-Freedom-Amendment.pdf" target="_blank">Missouri’s new reproductive rights amendment</a>&nbsp;begins Monday in Kansas City. The outcome will reach far beyond the state’s borders.The trial, which will include testimony from abortion providers, Planned Parenthood leadership and anti-abortion doctors, will give an unusually detailed look at the inner-workings of abortion in Missouri, highlighting how just one or two restrictions on the procedure can greatly weaken access in a state where few providers remain.Over the course of two weeks, the details of Missouri’s numerous abortion regulations will be under a microscope as those in favor of abortion rights argue that nearly every restriction is unconstitutional under the reproductive rights amendment and the state argues the regulations are necessary protections.&nbsp;The outcome of Missouri’s reproductive rights amendment case —&nbsp;which will either greatly broaden access to abortion in ways not seen in decades, or will hamper access for nearly everyone in Missouri —&nbsp;will reverberate far beyond the Show-Me State, said Rebecca Reingold, an associate director at the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law.&nbsp;This is particularly true, she said, of states also in the process of litigating abortion access like Arizona, Michigan and Ohio.“There is little doubt that advocates and decision-makers in other states navigating similar legal challenges are closely monitoring the litigation over Missouri’s abortion regulations,” Reingold said. “ … While state court judges are certainly not bound to follow the decisions of their peers in other states, these decisions can serve as persuasive legal authority, particularly in cases involving novel legal questions or where the relevant legal standards are evolving.”&nbsp;The result of Missouri’s lawsuit will also greatly affect the landscape of abortion access in the Midwest and the South.&nbsp;“Missouri also neighbors states with some of the harshest abortion bans in the country,” she said. “That means that the outcome of this litigation will be felt beyond the state’s geographic borders, affecting access to care not only for Missourians, but also people living in neighboring states.”The case originated with a lawsuit filed by Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri the day after the November 2024 election in which voters narrowly approved broad abortion access, becoming the first state to overturn a near-total abortion ban through a vote of the people.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768061679561.png" alt="Maggie Olivia, a senior policy manager with Abortion Action Missouri, embraces abortion-rights supporters after the race is called in favor of Amendment 3 on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in St. Louis (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Maggie Olivia, a senior policy manager with Abortion Action Missouri, embraces abortion-rights supporters after the race is called in favor of Amendment 3 on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in St. Louis (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>Amy Myrick, a senior attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights, said Missouri is a harbinger for other states attempting to secure abortion protections through constitutional changes.“Missouri is a test case for what happens when the people have spoken and passed the constitutional amendment with the strongest possible protections, but the state still decides to stand in their way, and the courts have to decide what to do,” she said.&nbsp;Hypothetically, Myrick said, this should be an open and shut case because Missouri’s reproductive rights amendment was written with some of the strongest protections of any amendment in the country. The amendment prohibits the government from regulating abortion prior to the point of fetal viability unless “such action is justified by a compelling governmental interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”&nbsp;“So if courts start upholding restrictions against these kinds of protections,” Myrick said. ‘That’s a really bad sign.”Right now, most of the targeted regulation of abortion provider laws, known as&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/05/abortion-lawsuit-planned-parenthood-amendment-3-missouri-jackson-county/">TRAP laws, have been temporarily enjoined</a>&nbsp;— or paused — until a permanent decision could be made at trial.This includes required distribution of&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/living/families/womenshealth/pregnancyassistance/pdf/Mo.InformedConsentBooklet-Revisedpgs.12-15August2019jkOGCReviewed.pdf" target="_blank">Missouri’s informed consent booklet&nbsp;</a>prior to an abortion; a 72-hour waiting period between an initial appointment and an abortion; and abortion facility licensing requirements. The injunction allowed Planned Parenthood to begin offering in-clinic abortions last February.&nbsp;Between then and October,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/05/missouri-abortion-legal-access-hinges-courts-rebuilding/">80 in-clinic abortion procedures&nbsp;</a>took place in Missouri across Planned Parenthood clinics in Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis, according to data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. In 2023 and 2024, there were no elective abortions performed in Missouri. A few decades ago, prior to the passage of most of Missouri’s abortion restrictions and 2022 ban, thousands of abortions were performed in the state each year. Current data shows&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/monthly-abortion-provision-study" target="_blank">several thousand Missourians still accessed abortion in 2024,</a>&nbsp;but had to travel to Kansas or Illinois to do so.Zhang did not enjoin two regulations that Planned Parenthood says are preventing providers from prescribing medication abortion:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/11/laws-regulations-medication-abortion-mifepristone-misoprostol-missouri/">&nbsp;a complication plan approved by the state as well as supplemental insurance requirement.</a>&nbsp;For this reason, Missouri doctors remain unable to prescribe the medications mifepristone and misoprostol to patients to end first trimester pregnancies. Medication abortion is the most common method to end a pregnancy in the United States,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.guttmacher.org/2024/03/medication-abortion-accounted-63-all-us-abortions-2023-increase-53-2020&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjlk7_1w_6RAxXPOzQIHe5SMDsQFnoECBkQAQ&amp;usg=AOvVaw1P-Hlu8nsnKIuYZVfc4aV8" target="_blank">used in about two-thirds of abortions.</a>Anti-abortion advocates contend repealing these regulations could put women’s safety at risk.&nbsp;“Like Michigan and Ohio before them, the amendment was the first step, opening the door for the abortion lobby to tear down all of the health and safety standards for women’s protections that the Missouri legislature required over the years,” said Katie Glenn Daniel, director of legal affairs and policy counsel at SBA Pro-Life America.Myrick said attempts to tie regulations to health and safety claims are nothing new.&nbsp;“Every single one of these restrictions is about hostility to abortion, making it harder to access abortion,” she said. “Even something like a complication plan can be a shutdown law if it’s impossible to comply with. So there’s no way this is about health or safety.”She said Missouri anti-abortion leaders have long been creative, spearheading many of the national fights against mifepristone in particular.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768061627695.png" alt="Stickers saying “repeal and replace Amendment 3,” the name of the 2024 reproductive rights amendment, are distributed during Missouri Right to Life advocacy day at the Missouri State Capitol in March 2025 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Stickers saying “repeal and replace Amendment 3,” the name of the 2024 reproductive rights amendment, are distributed during Missouri Right to Life advocacy day at the Missouri State Capitol in March 2025 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>In November, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/20/missouri-challenges-fda-approval-generic-mifepristone-limit-medication-abortion/">sued over the latest approval of a generic version of mifepristone</a>, asking the federal government to overturn the approval and to reinstate in-person dispensing laws for the medication, which can currently be prescribed in some states during telehealth appointments and then mailed to patients.Last summer, Hanaway’s predecessor,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-ag-sues-planned-parenthood-claims-it-misled-patients-over-safety-of-abortion-pill/">Andrew Bailey, sued Planned Parenthood</a>&nbsp;over its claims that mifepristone is safer to take than over-the-counter medications like Tylenol, penicillin and Viagra.&nbsp;And Missouri is now the lead plaintiff in a federal lawsuit&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/01/federal-lawsuit-limit-access-abortion-pill-mifepristone-texas-missouri/">seeking to limit the availability of medication abortion.</a>&nbsp;The case originated in Texas and moved all the way up to the United States Supreme Court before the nation’s highest court said the original plaintiffs didn’t have the jurisdiction to sue.Sarah Wetter, senior associate with the O’Neill Institute at Georgetown Law, said the transfer of the federal case to Missouri makes the state litigation beginning Monday “all the more threatening” as the Missouri Attorney General’s Office also prepares to argue against mifepristone at the federal courthouse in St. Louis.“Turning back the clock to pre-2016 rules would limit mifepristone access to patients up to 7 (rather than 10) weeks gestation, require more in-person visits, and otherwise prohibit telemedicine abortion,” Wetter said.Many high-ranking Missouri politicians have shown repeatedly that abortion remains among their highest priorities, with few saying they’ll back down if the abortion rights amendment is fully implemented following the trial. A prime example of this is the Republican supermajority’s success in putting a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/04/missouri-appeals-court-rejects-abortion-ban-ballot-language/">proposed abortion ban on this year’s November ballot.</a>&nbsp;Plans are already underway to continue attempting to limit access to the procedure, whether the abortion ban amendment passes or fails later this year.Politics are supposed to be left out of the courtroom, said Michael Wolff, a former chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court and dean emeritus at the St. Louis University School of Law. He’s curious if that will be the case next week.“The courts, in my experience in Missouri, have always been solicitous of what the voters were voting on,” he said.Wolff, who advised in the drafting of the abortion rights amendment, said any arguments by the state that abortion regulations are necessary because Missouri voters didn’t realize the scope of what they were voting on should be heeded cautiously.“Haven’t these political issues, these questions about the desirability of this law, already been litigated when they had to campaign where the voters approved (abortion)?” Wolff said. “ … It’s not a matter for the courts to decide whether the voters were dumb&nbsp;or or&nbsp;smart when they did this.”&nbsp;