BOWERS: 2025 Senate Scene Week 10

Several laws, such as the 72-hour waiting period, were temporarily blocked. But Planned Parenthood says enough restrictions remain in place to prevent abortion services from resuming

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/"></a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

A Missouri judge on Friday temporarily struck down several laws that Planned Parenthood clinics have said made access to abortion all but impossible across the state.&nbsp;

Among the laws Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang blocked include a 72-hour waiting period for an abortion and a mandate that physicians performing abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals.

But abortions will not yet restart in the state because licensure requirements remain in place.

Planned Parenthood Great Plains, Planned Parenthood Great Rivers and the ACLU of Missouri in a joint statement Friday evening said the state’s several clinics remain unlicensed.

“As a result of today’s mixed decision,” they wrote. “Missourians continue to be deprived of time-sensitive, essential, and constitutionally protected health care, despite voting in favor of a constitutional right to abortion.”

After more than two years of a near-total abortion ban, Missourians voted to legalize the procedure in November.&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/06/missouri-abortion-access-planned-parenthood-lawsuit-amendment-3/">Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri immediately sued</a>&nbsp;the state in the hopes of invalidating dozens of abortion regulations they believed were now unconstitutional.&nbsp;

On Friday afternoon,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/2416-CV31931.COMP%20HEALTH.Prelim%20Injuction%20ORDER_FINAL.pdf?courtCode=16&amp;di=26642271" target="_blank">Zhang granted some of Planned Parenthood’s requests and denied others</a>. This means that for the time being at least, some of the state’s strictest “targeted regulation of abortion providers,” or TRAP, laws are not enforceable.&nbsp;

Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri did not immediately say how soon they may begin offering abortion as a result of the judge’s order.

State officials, including Attorney General Andrew Bailey, agreed Amendment 3 makes null and void the state’s current ban on abortion, which only allows exceptions for medical emergencies.&nbsp;

But&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/05/abortion-lawsuit-planned-parenthood-amendment-3-missouri-jackson-county/">during a Dec. 4 hearing</a>, Bailey’s office panned Planned Parenthood’s arguments that current TRAP laws cause irreparable harm and are unnecessary.&nbsp;

The state asked that the case be dismissed, arguing that because abortion is still accessible by mail or by leaving the state, Planned Parenthood didn’t have the standing to ask for an emergency injunction.

In her Friday order, Zhang wrote that, “as plaintiffs argue, they and their patients are suffering serious harm, whereas defendants only stand to lose the ability temporarily to enforce some laws that are likely to be held unconstitutional and which further no valid compelling state interest.”

She went on to temporarily strike down the following TRAP laws as unconstitutional:&nbsp;

Zhang kept in place the following TRAP laws:

After the court hearing but before Friday’s decision, a spokeswoman with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said the department continued to view the state’s TRAP laws as constitutional but declined to comment on specific aspects of the lawsuit as the litigation is ongoing.

“Our regulations remain in place,” Sami Jo Freeman, spokeswoman for the department, said on Dec. 11. “We believe those regulations are not overly burdensome and establish necessary safety standards for these procedures. We cannot comment on pending litigation at this time.”

Brian Westbrook, executive director of Coalition Life, said in a statement Friday that his organization will be closely monitoring the licensing process of any abortion clinics in Missouri.

“We are gratified that the court has rightly decided to retain licensing requirements for abortion facilities and doctors who perform abortions,” Westbrook said. “Even while we mourn the loss of protections that are vital to the safety of women and the protection of preborn children.”

<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">On Nov. 5, Missourians narrowly approved Amendment 3</a>, which&nbsp;states, in part, that “the right to reproductive freedom shall not be denied, interfered with, delayed, or otherwise restricted unless the government demonstrates that such action is justifiable by a compelling governmental interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”&nbsp;

The constitutional amendment officially took effect Dec. 6.

Had all the challenged TRAP laws been struck down, Planned Parenthood clinics said they were prepared to immediately begin offering abortions at some of their locations.

“It is unacceptable that tomorrow, just like for the past two weeks, Missourians will have a constitutional right that cannot be realized in their home state,” Emily Wales, president and CEO of Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said in a statement. “We’re relieved the court recognized and enjoined many oppressive laws on the books that serve no purpose except to put abortion out of reach. Unfortunately, a key tool weaponized by anti-abortion politicians — the licensure process — remains in effect, and we are unable to restore care.”

The plaintiffs in a statement said they are evaluating their legal options. A spokesperson for the Missouri Attorney General’s Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Zhang’s order is temporary until a trial litigating the challenged laws takes place. The next case management conference is scheduled for late February in Kansas City.

<a href="https://www.whatsnext4mo.org/home/#CTA" target="_blank">“What’s Next,”&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;an Amendment 3 accountability group made up organizers and activists who previously called for a constitutional amendment with no restrictions on abortion, said the ruling was far from a win.

“‘Ending the ban’ is window dressing as long as restrictions such as facility license requirements designed to keep clinics closed are in effect and access to care is not a reality for abortion seekers and providers,” they wrote. “This is what we warned about and our fears are unfolding exactly how we predicted.”

<h2>Several laws, such as the 72-hour waiting period, were temporarily blocked. But Planned Parenthood says enough restrictions remain in place to prevent abortion services from resuming</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/"></a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A Missouri judge on Friday temporarily struck down several laws that Planned Parenthood clinics have said made access to abortion all but impossible across the state.&nbsp;Among the laws Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang blocked include a 72-hour waiting period for an abortion and a mandate that physicians performing abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals.But abortions will not yet restart in the state because licensure requirements remain in place.Planned Parenthood Great Plains, Planned Parenthood Great Rivers and the ACLU of Missouri in a joint statement Friday evening said the state’s several clinics remain unlicensed.“As a result of today’s mixed decision,” they wrote. “Missourians continue to be deprived of time-sensitive, essential, and constitutionally protected health care, despite voting in favor of a constitutional right to abortion.”After more than two years of a near-total abortion ban, Missourians voted to legalize the procedure in November.&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/06/missouri-abortion-access-planned-parenthood-lawsuit-amendment-3/">Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri immediately sued</a>&nbsp;the state in the hopes of invalidating dozens of abortion regulations they believed were now unconstitutional.&nbsp;On Friday afternoon,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/2416-CV31931.COMP%20HEALTH.Prelim%20Injuction%20ORDER_FINAL.pdf?courtCode=16&amp;di=26642271" target="_blank">Zhang granted some of Planned Parenthood’s requests and denied others</a>. This means that for the time being at least, some of the state’s strictest “targeted regulation of abortion providers,” or TRAP, laws are not enforceable.&nbsp;Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri did not immediately say how soon they may begin offering abortion as a result of the judge’s order.State officials, including Attorney General Andrew Bailey, agreed Amendment 3 makes null and void the state’s current ban on abortion, which only allows exceptions for medical emergencies.&nbsp;But&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/05/abortion-lawsuit-planned-parenthood-amendment-3-missouri-jackson-county/">during a Dec. 4 hearing</a>, Bailey’s office panned Planned Parenthood’s arguments that current TRAP laws cause irreparable harm and are unnecessary.&nbsp;The state asked that the case be dismissed, arguing that because abortion is still accessible by mail or by leaving the state, Planned Parenthood didn’t have the standing to ask for an emergency injunction.In her Friday order, Zhang wrote that, “as plaintiffs argue, they and their patients are suffering serious harm, whereas defendants only stand to lose the ability temporarily to enforce some laws that are likely to be held unconstitutional and which further no valid compelling state interest.”She went on to temporarily strike down the following TRAP laws as unconstitutional:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>A requirement that physicians providing abortions have admitting privileges at hospitals with obstetric or gynecological care within 30 miles or a 15-minute drive.&nbsp;</li><li>A mandatory 72-hour waiting period between an initial abortion consultation and the abortion procedure.</li><li>The state’s informed consent requirement, which includes access to the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/living/families/womenshealth/pregnancyassistance/pdf/Mo.InformedConsentBooklet-Revisedpgs.12-15August2019jkOGCReviewed.pdf" target="_blank">informed consent booklet</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>In cases of medication abortions, a requirement that the medication be administered in the presence of the doctor who prescribed it. Planned Parenthood refers to this as a “telemedicine ban,” which prevents doctors from prescribing a medication in-person but allowing the patient to take the medication at home or in the presence of another medical professional.</li><li>A requirement that before administering medication abortion, providers must have a complication plan in place, which includes access to an on-call OB-GYN who is available at any time, in the case of a complication. Zhang wrote that this law was not helpful to those traveling from rural Missouri to an urban Planned Parenthood clinic, for example.&nbsp;</li><li>A law requiring all fetal tissue removed from the uterus during an abortion be sent to a pathologist.</li>
 </ul>Zhang kept in place the following TRAP laws:<ul>
 <li>A requirement that patients must first see a doctor for an in-person appointment to confirm gestational age before prescribing the pills used in medication abortions.</li><li>A law stating that abortions can only be performed by physicians, and not physicians assistants or other advanced practice clinicians.&nbsp;</li><li>A law allowing the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to place separate regulations and standards that apply to ambulatory surgical centers on abortion clinics, including size requirements for hallways, room and doors.&nbsp;This law also requires clinics to keep a written plan for managing medical emergencies, including a transfer plan for patients to a nearby hospital. Zhang said she was denying the injunction related to these licensure requirements because the statutes “pertain to the actual licensure of the facilities rather than the rights of individuals seeking reproductive care.”</li>
 </ul>After the court hearing but before Friday’s decision, a spokeswoman with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said the department continued to view the state’s TRAP laws as constitutional but declined to comment on specific aspects of the lawsuit as the litigation is ongoing.“Our regulations remain in place,” Sami Jo Freeman, spokeswoman for the department, said on Dec. 11. “We believe those regulations are not overly burdensome and establish necessary safety standards for these procedures. We cannot comment on pending litigation at this time.”Brian Westbrook, executive director of Coalition Life, said in a statement Friday that his organization will be closely monitoring the licensing process of any abortion clinics in Missouri.“We are gratified that the court has rightly decided to retain licensing requirements for abortion facilities and doctors who perform abortions,” Westbrook said. “Even while we mourn the loss of protections that are vital to the safety of women and the protection of preborn children.”<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">On Nov. 5, Missourians narrowly approved Amendment 3</a>, which&nbsp;states, in part, that “the right to reproductive freedom shall not be denied, interfered with, delayed, or otherwise restricted unless the government demonstrates that such action is justifiable by a compelling governmental interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”&nbsp;The constitutional amendment officially took effect Dec. 6.Had all the challenged TRAP laws been struck down, Planned Parenthood clinics said they were prepared to immediately begin offering abortions at some of their locations.“It is unacceptable that tomorrow, just like for the past two weeks, Missourians will have a constitutional right that cannot be realized in their home state,” Emily Wales, president and CEO of Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said in a statement. “We’re relieved the court recognized and enjoined many oppressive laws on the books that serve no purpose except to put abortion out of reach. Unfortunately, a key tool weaponized by anti-abortion politicians — the licensure process — remains in effect, and we are unable to restore care.”The plaintiffs in a statement said they are evaluating their legal options. A spokesperson for the Missouri Attorney General’s Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Zhang’s order is temporary until a trial litigating the challenged laws takes place. The next case management conference is scheduled for late February in Kansas City.<a href="https://www.whatsnext4mo.org/home/#CTA" target="_blank">“What’s Next,”&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;an Amendment 3 accountability group made up organizers and activists who previously called for a constitutional amendment with no restrictions on abortion, said the ruling was far from a win.“‘Ending the ban’ is window dressing as long as restrictions such as facility license requirements designed to keep clinics closed are in effect and access to care is not a reality for abortion seekers and providers,” they wrote. “This is what we warned about and our fears are unfolding exactly how we predicted.”

Missouri judge strikes down abortion ban, but clinics say access remains blocked

Martha Jean Wolf, 87, passed away September 28, 2021, at Great Bend 
Health &amp; Rehab. She was born September 17, 1934, at Pratt to Ershel 
&amp; Maxine (Null) Walters. She married Billy Wolf on February 3, 1951,
 at Raton, New Mexico. He died June 16, 2000.

A Great Bend resident since 1960, Martha was a secretary at Centel 
for 33 years. She was of Methodist faith and a past Eagles member. 
Martha loved to play darts and especially spend time with her family.

Survivors include, her daughter, Yvonne Watkins (Steve Oetken) of 
Great Bend; a granddaughter, Angela Caldwell (Mike); three great 
grandchildren, Alyssa Wilson (Marty), Brandon Watkins and Angel Watkins;
 and six great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her 
parents; her husband, Billy Wolf; longtime companion, Don McEachern; 
twin sister, Beverly Duraso; and a great great granddaughter, Bailey 
Goodheart.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 3, 
2021 at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m.,
 Monday, October 4, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home with Reverend Dick Ogle
 presiding. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. 
Memorials have been designated to Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of
 Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632947797183.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Martha Jean Wolf, 87, passed away September 28, 2021, at Great Bend 
Health &amp; Rehab. She was born September 17, 1934, at Pratt to Ershel 
&amp; Maxine (Null) Walters. She married Billy Wolf on February 3, 1951,
 at Raton, New Mexico. He died June 16, 2000.A Great Bend resident since 1960, Martha was a secretary at Centel 
for 33 years. She was of Methodist faith and a past Eagles member. 
Martha loved to play darts and especially spend time with her family.Survivors include, her daughter, Yvonne Watkins (Steve Oetken) of 
Great Bend; a granddaughter, Angela Caldwell (Mike); three great 
grandchildren, Alyssa Wilson (Marty), Brandon Watkins and Angel Watkins;
 and six great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her 
parents; her husband, Billy Wolf; longtime companion, Don McEachern; 
twin sister, Beverly Duraso; and a great great granddaughter, Bailey 
Goodheart.Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 3, 
2021 at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m.,
 Monday, October 4, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home with Reverend Dick Ogle
 presiding. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. 
Memorials have been designated to Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of
 Bryant Funeral Home.

Martha Jean Wolf

Timothy Clay Null, age 65, of Salina, KS, passed 
away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, August 6, 2021. Tim was born on
 April 12, 1956, in WaKeeney, KS and is the son of Lewis “Jack” Null, 
Peggy Null (Hildebrand), Benjamin Koralek, and Lillian Koralek (Choitz).
 A 1972 graduate of Ellsworth High School, Tim went on to proudly serve 
in the United States Marine Corps. Tim was a lineman for KP&amp;L before
 retiring as a Distribution Systems Operator for Westar Energy.

Tim married the love of his life, Carla J. Null (Kohls) on August 21,
 1976, in Ellsworth, KS. Tim and Carla had two children, Erin and Andrew.

To know Tim, was to love him. Tim’s eyes sparkled with every smile 
and he had an infectious laugh that easily made the day better. Tim 
enjoyed woodworking, sewing, tinkering, being his grandkids biggest 
cheerleader, joking, finishing up that “one last thing” (project he was 
working on), cheering on the Green Bay Packers, and loving his family. 
Tim never knew a stranger and told everyone who would listen about his 
grandkids, who are his pride and joy. Tim devoted his life to his wife, 
children, and grandchildren, whom he adored and cherished. Tim stood 
firm in his faith and lived his life for Jesus.

Tim is survived by his wife, Carla of the home; his daughter, Erin 
(Pinson) and son-in-law Chad of Lyons, KS; his son, Andrew and 
daughter-in-law Miriam of Colorado Springs, CO; and his grandchildren: 
Willow, Blake, Dharma, Mallory, and Eloise. He is also survived by his 
brother, Pat Null (Teresa); sister, Lonnie Soukup (Donald); brother, 
Chant Koralek; brother, Dave Koralek (Marge); brother-in-law, Scott 
Kohls (Barb); sister-in-law/nephew, Angela and Joshua Kohls; many 
nieces, nephews, friends, and co-workers who were very special to him.

Tim was preceded in death by his father, Jack Null; his dad and mom, 
Ben and Lil Koralek; his mother-in-law, Lois Kohls; his brother-in-law, 
Craig Kohls; his brother, Mike Null; and his sister-in-law, Gladys 
Koralek.

Tim’s family would like to invite you to a Celebration of Life 
Service at 2:30 on Friday, August 13, 2021 at the Episcopal Christ 
Cathedral Church Fellowship Hall, located at 138 South 8th, Salina, KS. 
Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to 
Punchin’ Out Parkinson’s of Central Kansas in Tim’s memory, located at 
600 East Elm Street in Salina, KS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628693726515.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Timothy Clay Null, age 65, of Salina, KS, passed 
away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, August 6, 2021. Tim was born on
 April 12, 1956, in WaKeeney, KS and is the son of Lewis “Jack” Null, 
Peggy Null (Hildebrand), Benjamin Koralek, and Lillian Koralek (Choitz).
 A 1972 graduate of Ellsworth High School, Tim went on to proudly serve 
in the United States Marine Corps. Tim was a lineman for KP&amp;L before
 retiring as a Distribution Systems Operator for Westar Energy.Tim married the love of his life, Carla J. Null (Kohls) on August 21,
 1976, in Ellsworth, KS. Tim and Carla had two children, Erin and Andrew.To know Tim, was to love him. Tim’s eyes sparkled with every smile 
and he had an infectious laugh that easily made the day better. Tim 
enjoyed woodworking, sewing, tinkering, being his grandkids biggest 
cheerleader, joking, finishing up that “one last thing” (project he was 
working on), cheering on the Green Bay Packers, and loving his family. 
Tim never knew a stranger and told everyone who would listen about his 
grandkids, who are his pride and joy. Tim devoted his life to his wife, 
children, and grandchildren, whom he adored and cherished. Tim stood 
firm in his faith and lived his life for Jesus.Tim is survived by his wife, Carla of the home; his daughter, Erin 
(Pinson) and son-in-law Chad of Lyons, KS; his son, Andrew and 
daughter-in-law Miriam of Colorado Springs, CO; and his grandchildren: 
Willow, Blake, Dharma, Mallory, and Eloise. He is also survived by his 
brother, Pat Null (Teresa); sister, Lonnie Soukup (Donald); brother, 
Chant Koralek; brother, Dave Koralek (Marge); brother-in-law, Scott 
Kohls (Barb); sister-in-law/nephew, Angela and Joshua Kohls; many 
nieces, nephews, friends, and co-workers who were very special to him.Tim was preceded in death by his father, Jack Null; his dad and mom, 
Ben and Lil Koralek; his mother-in-law, Lois Kohls; his brother-in-law, 
Craig Kohls; his brother, Mike Null; and his sister-in-law, Gladys 
Koralek.Tim’s family would like to invite you to a Celebration of Life 
Service at 2:30 on Friday, August 13, 2021 at the Episcopal Christ 
Cathedral Church Fellowship Hall, located at 138 South 8th, Salina, KS. 
Cremation has taken place.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to 
Punchin’ Out Parkinson’s of Central Kansas in Tim’s memory, located at 
600 East Elm Street in Salina, KS.

Timothy Clay Null

NEW YORK (AP) —Do you own an Amazon smart device? If so, odds are good that the company is already sharing your internet connection with your neighbors unless you’ve specifically told it not to.

On Tuesday, the company launched a program that forces users of many Echo smart speakers and Ring security cameras to automatically share a small portion of their home wireless bandwidth with neighbors. The only way to stop it is to turn it off yourself.

Amazon says the program, called Amazon Sidewalk, is a way to make sure lights, smart locks and other gadgets outside the home and out of reach of a Wi-Fi connection stay working.

But some experts warn that the technology is so new that privacy and security risks remain unclear. And almost no one seems happy that Amazon forced consumers into Amazon Sidewalk — or that many people may not know they can opt out of it.

DID AMAZON TELL CUSTOMERS THIS WAS HAPPENING?

Amazon says it sent emails to customers last month and in November that Sidewalk was coming. The company says you’ll also get a notification when you set up gadgets that work with Sidewalk.

Once you know about it, it’s relatively straightforward, if not exactly simple, to opt out of Sidewalk. Echo users can go into the Alexa app, tap “More” in the lower right hand corner, then tap “Settings,” then “Account Settings,” where they’ll find a section for Amazon Sidewalk and a button to disable it. In the Ring app, go to “Control Center” and then tap “Sidewalk.”

The idea behind Sidewalk is to integrate residential wireless connections into a “mesh network” that can extend coverage to areas home Wi-Fi can’t reach. Amazon’s Echo and Ring devices band together to create a this network by grabbing a slice of bandwidth from each cooperative home network. That can extend the range of devices designed to work with Sidewalk so they’ll stay connected even when away from your home network.

One example of such a device is Tile, a tracking device that can be placed on keys or a dog’s collar. If your dog goes missing in a neighborhood where Sidewalk is working, it might turn up quickly via Tile.

Other products that work with Sidewalk include smart locks that can be controlled by phone and wearable devices that can track people with dementia who may wander. Amazon expects additional devices, including outdoor lights and motion detectors, will work with Sidewalk before long.

Amazon is tapping into a variety of radio technologies, including one called LoRa for its long range and better known for industrial and business applications such as keeping track of cattle roaming through pasturelands.

“The goal here is not to create coverage for a single home,” said Marc Pegulu of chipmaker Semtech, which is partnering with Amazon on the technology. “It’s kind of a shared network, a community shared network.”

Among other things, devices connected to the shared network can supposedly search for the best signal in a way that can preserve their battery life.

Thomas Clausen, a computer science professor at France’s École Polytechnique, says that the network Amazon is creating could be a good thing provided that it’s open and accessible, because it would make it easier and cheaper to use internet-connected devices and sensors and spark new innovations.

“But of course, when a behemoth like Amazon, or Apple or Google or Microsoft, create a platform, they also can end up controlling the platform and that can stifle innovation,” he says.

Hackers could potentially infiltrate home networks via Sidewalk, said Eric Null, a policy manager at digital rights group Access Now. If that happens, Null said hackers could observe everything you do, take over your devices or access your files to steal information.

“It’s only a matter of time before someone’s network gets hacked and data gets breached,” said Null.

William Tong, Connecticut’s attorney general,&nbsp;<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/AG/Press-Releases/2021-Press-Releases/Amazon-Sidewalk-Will-Automatically-Connect-Smart-Home-Devices-to-Shared-Network-on-June-8" target="_blank">warned&nbsp;</a>consumers this week that the program was “uncharted territory” and that people should opt-out of Sidewalk unless they are sure their privacy and security will be protected.

“Wireless networks are already notoriously vulnerable to hacks and breaches,” Tong wrote in a statement. “Families need better information and more time before giving away a portion of their bandwidth to this new system.”

When asked about privacy and security concerns, an Amazon spokesman said he couldn’t respond to “hypothetical situations.” The company didn’t respond to a request to make an executive available for an interview, but said that data that flows through its network has three-layers of encryption that’s meant to to keep hackers from seeing it.

Samir Jain, director of policy at the Center for Democracy and Technology, said Amazon’s efforts to encrypt data was a good step. But Jain said that it’s hard to identify security vulnerabilities until a new technology is deployed in the real world.

Echo devices that share network bandwidth via Sidewalk include the third generation and newer versions of the Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Dot for Kids and the Echo Dot with Clock. The Echo Show 5, 8, 10; the second generation of the Echo Show; Echo Spot; Echo Plus; Echo Studio; Echo Input; Echo Flex.

Sidewalk-enabled Ring devices include the Ring Floodlight Cam; Ring Spotlight Cam Wired; and Ring Spotlight Cam Mount.

Amazon has explained Sidewalk in the context of consumer devices such as cameras and speakers. But it could also one day integrate the technology into its core business: delivering goods.

For example, the company could embed tiny internet-connected devices into cardboard packages to help track them, said Clausen of École Polytechnique.

“Having integration of alarm systems, presence detection of whether or not people are there, will potentially allow Amazon to create more efficient delivery schedules and fewer re-deliveries,” he says. That could be one application Amazon is thinking about, he added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623332419012.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —Do you own an Amazon smart device? If so, odds are good that the company is already sharing your internet connection with your neighbors unless you’ve specifically told it not to.On Tuesday, the company launched a program that forces users of many Echo smart speakers and Ring security cameras to automatically share a small portion of their home wireless bandwidth with neighbors. The only way to stop it is to turn it off yourself.Amazon says the program, called Amazon Sidewalk, is a way to make sure lights, smart locks and other gadgets outside the home and out of reach of a Wi-Fi connection stay working.But some experts warn that the technology is so new that privacy and security risks remain unclear. And almost no one seems happy that Amazon forced consumers into Amazon Sidewalk — or that many people may not know they can opt out of it.DID AMAZON TELL CUSTOMERS THIS WAS HAPPENING?Amazon says it sent emails to customers last month and in November that Sidewalk was coming. The company says you’ll also get a notification when you set up gadgets that work with Sidewalk.HOW CAN I STOP THIS?Once you know about it, it’s relatively straightforward, if not exactly simple, to opt out of Sidewalk. Echo users can go into the Alexa app, tap “More” in the lower right hand corner, then tap “Settings,” then “Account Settings,” where they’ll find a section for Amazon Sidewalk and a button to disable it. In the Ring app, go to “Control Center” and then tap “Sidewalk.”WHY IS AMAZON DOING THIS?The idea behind Sidewalk is to integrate residential wireless connections into a “mesh network” that can extend coverage to areas home Wi-Fi can’t reach. Amazon’s Echo and Ring devices band together to create a this network by grabbing a slice of bandwidth from each cooperative home network. That can extend the range of devices designed to work with Sidewalk so they’ll stay connected even when away from your home network.One example of such a device is Tile, a tracking device that can be placed on keys or a dog’s collar. If your dog goes missing in a neighborhood where Sidewalk is working, it might turn up quickly via Tile.Other products that work with Sidewalk include smart locks that can be controlled by phone and wearable devices that can track people with dementia who may wander. Amazon expects additional devices, including outdoor lights and motion detectors, will work with Sidewalk before long.HOW DOES IT WORK?Amazon is tapping into a variety of radio technologies, including one called LoRa for its long range and better known for industrial and business applications such as keeping track of cattle roaming through pasturelands.“The goal here is not to create coverage for a single home,” said Marc Pegulu of chipmaker Semtech, which is partnering with Amazon on the technology. “It’s kind of a shared network, a community shared network.”Among other things, devices connected to the shared network can supposedly search for the best signal in a way that can preserve their battery life.Thomas Clausen, a computer science professor at France’s École Polytechnique, says that the network Amazon is creating could be a good thing provided that it’s open and accessible, because it would make it easier and cheaper to use internet-connected devices and sensors and spark new innovations.“But of course, when a behemoth like Amazon, or Apple or Google or Microsoft, create a platform, they also can end up controlling the platform and that can stifle innovation,” he says.WHAT ARE THE RISKS?Hackers could potentially infiltrate home networks via Sidewalk, said Eric Null, a policy manager at digital rights group Access Now. If that happens, Null said hackers could observe everything you do, take over your devices or access your files to steal information.“It’s only a matter of time before someone’s network gets hacked and data gets breached,” said Null.William Tong, Connecticut’s attorney general,&nbsp;<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/AG/Press-Releases/2021-Press-Releases/Amazon-Sidewalk-Will-Automatically-Connect-Smart-Home-Devices-to-Shared-Network-on-June-8" target="_blank">warned&nbsp;</a>consumers this week that the program was “uncharted territory” and that people should opt-out of Sidewalk unless they are sure their privacy and security will be protected.“Wireless networks are already notoriously vulnerable to hacks and breaches,” Tong wrote in a statement. “Families need better information and more time before giving away a portion of their bandwidth to this new system.”WHAT DOES AMAZON SAY?When asked about privacy and security concerns, an Amazon spokesman said he couldn’t respond to “hypothetical situations.” The company didn’t respond to a request to make an executive available for an interview, but said that data that flows through its network has three-layers of encryption that’s meant to to keep hackers from seeing it.Samir Jain, director of policy at the Center for Democracy and Technology, said Amazon’s efforts to encrypt data was a good step. But Jain said that it’s hard to identify security vulnerabilities until a new technology is deployed in the real world.WHICH DEVICES WANT TO SHARE MY INTERNET?Echo devices that share network bandwidth via Sidewalk include the third generation and newer versions of the Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Dot for Kids and the Echo Dot with Clock. The Echo Show 5, 8, 10; the second generation of the Echo Show; Echo Spot; Echo Plus; Echo Studio; Echo Input; Echo Flex.Sidewalk-enabled Ring devices include the Ring Floodlight Cam; Ring Spotlight Cam Wired; and Ring Spotlight Cam Mount.DOES AMAZON HAVE BIGGER AMBITIONS?Amazon has explained Sidewalk in the context of consumer devices such as cameras and speakers. But it could also one day integrate the technology into its core business: delivering goods.For example, the company could embed tiny internet-connected devices into cardboard packages to help track them, said Clausen of École Polytechnique.“Having integration of alarm systems, presence detection of whether or not people are there, will potentially allow Amazon to create more efficient delivery schedules and fewer re-deliveries,” he says. That could be one application Amazon is thinking about, he added.

Own an Echo? Amazon may be helping itself to your bandwidth



LUBBOCK, Texas – Fort Hays State moved to 4-1 overall on the season with a 5-3 win over CSU-Pueblo on Sunday morning. Down 1-0, the Tigers rallied for four runs in the fifth to take the lead and then held on in a wild final inning for their third straight win.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5346">Megan Jamison</a>&nbsp;started in the pitching circle for FHSU, getting her first work of the 2020 season. CSU-Pueblo plated a run in the bottom of the first on an RBI double, but Jamison worked out of a jam in the second inning to keep the game tight. With a runner at third, Jamison got a pair of key ground balls to keep the margin at one run.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5344">Hailey Chapman</a>&nbsp;took over in the circle in the third. She held the Thunderwolves scoreless through her first three innings of work, scattering three hits over that stretch.

The Tigers finally broke through offensively in the top of the fifth, thanks to a pair of pinch hitters fueling the rally.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5343">Elise Capra</a>&nbsp;was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. After CSU-Pueblo recorded one out,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5340">Bailey Boxberger</a>&nbsp;delivered a pinch hit single through the left side to get two Tigers aboard.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5357">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;then stepped into the box as a pinch hitter and delivered an RBI double to the right-center gap.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5339">Katie Adler</a>&nbsp;looped an RBI single down the left field line to push the Tigers in front. Then with two outs,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5347">Jeni Mohr</a>&nbsp;delivered a clutch two-RBI single through the right side. FHSU led 4-1 through five innings.

CSU-Pueblo made the lead uncomfortable with an RBI double and RBI single in the sixth, scratching out its first runs against Chapman to make the score 4-3. However,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5358">Kristen Reed</a>&nbsp;gave the Tigers insurance in the seventh with an RBI double to the left center gap to push the lead out to two runs, 5-3, going to the bottom of the seventh.

The last half inning of the game was a wild one. CSU-Pueblo started the frame with a single, but immediately turned null when the next batter hit into a double play. The Tigers were just one out from securing the win, but getting that out was anything but routine.

The third CSU-Pueblo batter of the inning struck a ball right back to Chapman in the circle who knocked it down, but in her haste threw the ball away and CSU-Pueblo instantly had a runner in scoring position at second. The batter following then blooped a single into center field and the runner came flying around to the plate, making what looked like a 5-4 score, still with two outs. CSU-Pueblo had the potential winning run coming up to bat, but a technicality came into play moments after. CSU-Pueblo's coaches forgot to announce the re-entry of their batter who just blooped the single to center field.

Before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=861">Adrian Pilkington</a>&nbsp;drew attention to the omission, she had already brought on&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5348">Michaelanne Nelson</a>&nbsp;to warm up looking to get the last out of the game. While Nelson was warming up, Pilkington became aware of the situation. She then went to the umpire to see if he ever received a re-entry request, which he did not, so he ruled the batter at first base out, which ended the game. Nelson never had to throw a pitch.

Chapman picked up the win by going a complete 5.0 innings in relief of Jamison. She moved to 2-1 on the season with the decision.

The Tigers will return to action next weekend (Feb. 14-16) with five games in Oklahoma, looking to build on their good start to the season.



LUBBOCK, Texas – Fort Hays State moved to 4-1 overall on the season with a 5-3 win over CSU-Pueblo on Sunday morning. Down 1-0, the Tigers rallied for four runs in the fifth to take the lead and then held on in a wild final inning for their third straight win.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5346">Megan Jamison</a>&nbsp;started in the pitching circle for FHSU, getting her first work of the 2020 season. CSU-Pueblo plated a run in the bottom of the first on an RBI double, but Jamison worked out of a jam in the second inning to keep the game tight. With a runner at third, Jamison got a pair of key ground balls to keep the margin at one run.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5344">Hailey Chapman</a>&nbsp;took over in the circle in the third. She held the Thunderwolves scoreless through her first three innings of work, scattering three hits over that stretch.The Tigers finally broke through offensively in the top of the fifth, thanks to a pair of pinch hitters fueling the rally.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5343">Elise Capra</a>&nbsp;was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. After CSU-Pueblo recorded one out,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5340">Bailey Boxberger</a>&nbsp;delivered a pinch hit single through the left side to get two Tigers aboard.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5357">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;then stepped into the box as a pinch hitter and delivered an RBI double to the right-center gap.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5339">Katie Adler</a>&nbsp;looped an RBI single down the left field line to push the Tigers in front. Then with two outs,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5347">Jeni Mohr</a>&nbsp;delivered a clutch two-RBI single through the right side. FHSU led 4-1 through five innings.CSU-Pueblo made the lead uncomfortable with an RBI double and RBI single in the sixth, scratching out its first runs against Chapman to make the score 4-3. However,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5358">Kristen Reed</a>&nbsp;gave the Tigers insurance in the seventh with an RBI double to the left center gap to push the lead out to two runs, 5-3, going to the bottom of the seventh.The last half inning of the game was a wild one. CSU-Pueblo started the frame with a single, but immediately turned null when the next batter hit into a double play. The Tigers were just one out from securing the win, but getting that out was anything but routine.The third CSU-Pueblo batter of the inning struck a ball right back to Chapman in the circle who knocked it down, but in her haste threw the ball away and CSU-Pueblo instantly had a runner in scoring position at second. The batter following then blooped a single into center field and the runner came flying around to the plate, making what looked like a 5-4 score, still with two outs. CSU-Pueblo had the potential winning run coming up to bat, but a technicality came into play moments after. CSU-Pueblo's coaches forgot to announce the re-entry of their batter who just blooped the single to center field.Before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=861">Adrian Pilkington</a>&nbsp;drew attention to the omission, she had already brought on&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5348">Michaelanne Nelson</a>&nbsp;to warm up looking to get the last out of the game. While Nelson was warming up, Pilkington became aware of the situation. She then went to the umpire to see if he ever received a re-entry request, which he did not, so he ruled the batter at first base out, which ended the game. Nelson never had to throw a pitch.Chapman picked up the win by going a complete 5.0 innings in relief of Jamison. She moved to 2-1 on the season with the decision.The Tigers will return to action next weekend (Feb. 14-16) with five games in Oklahoma, looking to build on their good start to the season.

FHSU Sports Information