(Radio Iowa) - Two influential conservative groups are urging Iowa lawmakers to cut state and local taxes. Iowans for Tax Relief president Chris Hagenow says it's time to force city and county officials to cut or at least freeze property taxes. Iowans for Tax Relief is proposing that yearly incrases in city budgets be limited to two percent in the future.

Americans for Prosperity is calling on legislators to chip away at the state income tax until it's completely eliminated. Governor Kim Reynolds has not shared details about her tax proposals for the 2025 legislative session, but she has previously said her goal is to completely eliminate the state income tax by the end of her current term as governor.

(Radio Iowa) - Two influential conservative groups are urging Iowa lawmakers to cut state and local taxes. Iowans for Tax Relief president Chris Hagenow says it's time to force city and county officials to cut or at least freeze property taxes. Iowans for Tax Relief is proposing that yearly incrases in city budgets be limited to two percent in the future.Americans for Prosperity is calling on legislators to chip away at the state income tax until it's completely eliminated. Governor Kim Reynolds has not shared details about her tax proposals for the 2025 legislative session, but she has previously said her goal is to completely eliminate the state income tax by the end of her current term as governor.

Two conservative groups urge Iowa lawmakers to pass more tax cuts

(Radio Iowa) - A loan officer who works with credit unions throughout the Midwest says some veterans forego the home-buying assistance they earned. 

Kris Fish Kuhlmann -- a V-A Loan Specialist with the Iowa-based Premier Lending Alliance -- says veterans are eligible to purchase a home with 100 percent financing -- so they're not required to have a down payment. Kuhlmann was at the Algona V-F-W this past Saturday to meet with veterans. 

About 11 percent of new mortgages in the U-S are from the U-S Department of Veterans Affairs. According to the U-S Census Bureau, about nine percent of Iowa homes are occupied by veterans. Nationally, about 80 percent of veterans own their home.

(Radio Iowa) - A loan officer who works with credit unions throughout the Midwest says some veterans forego the home-buying assistance they earned. Kris Fish Kuhlmann -- a V-A Loan Specialist with the Iowa-based Premier Lending Alliance -- says veterans are eligible to purchase a home with 100 percent financing -- so they're not required to have a down payment. Kuhlmann was at the Algona V-F-W this past Saturday to meet with veterans. About 11 percent of new mortgages in the U-S are from the U-S Department of Veterans Affairs. According to the U-S Census Bureau, about nine percent of Iowa homes are occupied by veterans. Nationally, about 80 percent of veterans own their home.

Reminding veterans they are eligible for mortgage assistance

Homelessness is a growing problem nationally.

St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster says he has heard plenty
of concern about the homeless population. Luster says the issue isn’t really a
policing issue.

“Kind of always start off by saying, if we could have arrested
our way out of it, we would have done it a long time ago,” Luster tells host
Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline, “You can’t do that and that wouldn’t be the
right thing to do anyways.”

Still, police can play a role, according to Luster, who adds
the St. Joseph Police Department has taken a step toward attacking the problem
by designating a Homeless Liaison Officer. Luster has also applied for a grant
to pay for a social worker within the St. Joseph Police Department to address
the problem.

Luster says it is unlikely homelessness can ever be
eliminated.

“But if we can have better outcomes and have fewer out there,
I think that’s a positive thing for those people,” says Luster. “I think it’s a
very positive thing for this city.”

Luster says Homeless Liaison Officer Cameron Shoemaker is
already establishing relationships with the homeless as well as service
providers to meet their needs, such as providing mental health services and
addiction treatment.

“We have a vision that eventually we will have our own
homeless outreach team, which is this boots on the ground, 40-hour week, four
or five people, specialists in their own areas, are out here, boots on the
ground, communicating daily, building those relationships and really trying to
get the proper resources in a timely manner to this population that’s very
difficult to manage sometimes,” according to Luster.

Luster says St. Joseph city officials have been reviewing the
work of Sarasota in dealing with homelessness in that Florida city. Sarasota
does have an outreach team of police officers and social workers who regularly
work with its homeless population. Sarasota also has established a Community
Care Court, specifically assigned to handle crimes arising from homelessness.
It seeks treatment rather than incarceration.

Luster wants to create a similar long-term plan to address
homelessness in St. Joseph.

“That really wasn’t on my radar when I took over as chief in
St. Joe and it’s just one thing I continually heard about,” Luster says. “Obviously,
it was a big concern to this community. I want to make sure we’re doing what we
can to help address it.”

You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostHomelessness is a growing problem nationally.St. Joseph is no different.St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster says he has heard plenty
of concern about the homeless population. Luster says the issue isn’t really a
policing issue.“Kind of always start off by saying, if we could have arrested
our way out of it, we would have done it a long time ago,” Luster tells host
Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline, “You can’t do that and that wouldn’t be the
right thing to do anyways.”Still, police can play a role, according to Luster, who adds
the St. Joseph Police Department has taken a step toward attacking the problem
by designating a Homeless Liaison Officer. Luster has also applied for a grant
to pay for a social worker within the St. Joseph Police Department to address
the problem.Luster says it is unlikely homelessness can ever be
eliminated.“But if we can have better outcomes and have fewer out there,
I think that’s a positive thing for those people,” says Luster. “I think it’s a
very positive thing for this city.”Luster says Homeless Liaison Officer Cameron Shoemaker is
already establishing relationships with the homeless as well as service
providers to meet their needs, such as providing mental health services and
addiction treatment.“We have a vision that eventually we will have our own
homeless outreach team, which is this boots on the ground, 40-hour week, four
or five people, specialists in their own areas, are out here, boots on the
ground, communicating daily, building those relationships and really trying to
get the proper resources in a timely manner to this population that’s very
difficult to manage sometimes,” according to Luster.Luster says St. Joseph city officials have been reviewing the
work of Sarasota in dealing with homelessness in that Florida city. Sarasota
does have an outreach team of police officers and social workers who regularly
work with its homeless population. Sarasota also has established a Community
Care Court, specifically assigned to handle crimes arising from homelessness.
It seeks treatment rather than incarceration.Luster wants to create a similar long-term plan to address
homelessness in St. Joseph.“That really wasn’t on my radar when I took over as chief in
St. Joe and it’s just one thing I continually heard about,” Luster says. “Obviously,
it was a big concern to this community. I want to make sure we’re doing what we
can to help address it.”You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Police chief says St. Joseph needs long-term approach to homelessness

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 head or more totaled 12 million head on December 1, 2024. 

That inventory level was slightly below December 1, 2023. Placements in feedlots during November totaled 1.8 million head, four percent below the same time in 2023. Net placements totaled 1.74 million head. 

During November, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 495,000 ahead, 600-699 pounds were 420,000 head, 700-799 pounds totaled 375,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 276,000 head, 900-999 pounds totaled 145,000 head, and 1,000 pounds or greater reached 85,000 head. 

Marketings of fed cattle during November totaled 1.73 million head, one percent below November 2023. Other disappearances totaled 55,000 ahead during November, which was two percent higher than in 2023.

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 head or more totaled 12 million head on December 1, 2024. That inventory level was slightly below December 1, 2023. Placements in feedlots during November totaled 1.8 million head, four percent below the same time in 2023. Net placements totaled 1.74 million head. During November, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 495,000 ahead, 600-699 pounds were 420,000 head, 700-799 pounds totaled 375,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 276,000 head, 900-999 pounds totaled 145,000 head, and 1,000 pounds or greater reached 85,000 head. Marketings of fed cattle during November totaled 1.73 million head, one percent below November 2023. Other disappearances totaled 55,000 ahead during November, which was two percent higher than in 2023.-NAFB

U.S. cattle on feed down slightly

In a major win for the nation’s corn growers, a USMCA dispute panel ruled that Mexico violated its commitments under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. 

The violation took place in early 2023 when Mexico issued a decree that banned genetically modified corn imports. 

“This is an incredible development for the nation’s corn growers and rural communities,” says Kenneth Hartman, Jr., president of the National Corn Growers Association. “The outcome is a direct result of advocacy efforts of corn grower leaders from across the country.” 

The U.S. Grains Council also hailed the good news. 

“Mexico has always been a powerful partner to U.S. corn growers and exporters, so when the country tried banning GM imports, it would have severely affected our industry,” says Ryan LeGrand, USGC President and CEO. “The Council worked to help ensure the dispute result was fair, and we look forward to continuing our work with our top U.S. grains-in-all-forms customer.”

In a major win for the nation’s corn growers, a USMCA dispute panel ruled that Mexico violated its commitments under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The violation took place in early 2023 when Mexico issued a decree that banned genetically modified corn imports. “This is an incredible development for the nation’s corn growers and rural communities,” says Kenneth Hartman, Jr., president of the National Corn Growers Association. “The outcome is a direct result of advocacy efforts of corn grower leaders from across the country.” The U.S. Grains Council also hailed the good news. “Mexico has always been a powerful partner to U.S. corn growers and exporters, so when the country tried banning GM imports, it would have severely affected our industry,” says Ryan LeGrand, USGC President and CEO. “The Council worked to help ensure the dispute result was fair, and we look forward to continuing our work with our top U.S. grains-in-all-forms customer.”-NAFB

Groups react to USMCA panel decision

On Monday, the 5th U.S. Circuit Appeals Court lifted a federal district court’s earlier order, which had previously halted the January 1, 2025 deadline for small businesses to file their beneficial ownership information with the Treasury Department. 

The Corporate Transparency Act passed by Congress in 2021 requires the paperwork to be filed by the Treasury’s Finanicial Crimes Enforcement Network. The CTA requires that owners and part-owners of an estimated 32.6 million small businesses, including 230,000 farms, must register their personal information with FinCEN. 

The American Farm Bureau estimates that this appeals court ruling now puts tens of thousands of farms back on the legal deadline to register their businesses with the federal government. Of the 230,000 farms that are likely required to file, only 11 percent had done so as of October.

 Farmers are encouraged to contact an accountant or an attorney if they are unsure about whether they are required to file the information.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Monday, the 5th U.S. Circuit Appeals Court lifted a federal district court’s earlier order, which had previously halted the January 1, 2025 deadline for small businesses to file their beneficial ownership information with the Treasury Department. The Corporate Transparency Act passed by Congress in 2021 requires the paperwork to be filed by the Treasury’s Finanicial Crimes Enforcement Network. The CTA requires that owners and part-owners of an estimated 32.6 million small businesses, including 230,000 farms, must register their personal information with FinCEN. The American Farm Bureau estimates that this appeals court ruling now puts tens of thousands of farms back on the legal deadline to register their businesses with the federal government. Of the 230,000 farms that are likely required to file, only 11 percent had done so as of October. Farmers are encouraged to contact an accountant or an attorney if they are unsure about whether they are required to file the information.&nbsp;&nbsp;-NAFB

Court reinstates beneficial ownership requirement

The Kansas City Chiefs delivered a present to all of Chiefs Kingdom on Christmas day, bringing a first round bye and home field advantage through the playoffs home after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-10 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.

The Chiefs jumped out to a 13-0 lead through the first quarter, quarterback Patrick Mahomes connecting with rookie Xavier Worthy for a seven yard touchdown pass on Kansas City's first offensive drive, then one drive later finding Justin Watson with an 11 yard strike to extend the lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Going into halftime however, the Chiefs lead was just one score, the Steelers scoring the lone touchdown of the second quarter driving down the field in 11 plays before quarterback Russell Wilson rushed for a one yard score, both teams going to the locker rooms with Kanas City leading 13-7.&nbsp;

The Chiefs and Steelers exchanged field goals in the third quarter, a 32 yard field goal by Harrison Butker and a 36 yard field goal from Chris Boswell, before Kansas City began to run away with the game in the fourth quarter, first getting a two yard rushing touchdown by Kareem Hunt.&nbsp;

Following the touchdown by Hunt, the Chiefs defense forced a fumble by Steelers tight end Pat Friermuth, setting up a drive that made Chiefs history, Mahomes delivering what would ultimately be the touchdown to put the game away, finding tight end Travis Kelce for a 12 yard touchdown pass, the score making Kelce the player with the most receiving touchdowns in history for Kansas City, passing legendary tight end Tony Gonzalez

Kelce did receive an unsportsmanlike penalty following the touchdown, doing his best impression of Gonzalez and dunking the ball over the goalpost, forcing Butker into his second 48 yard extra point of the day, the first coming following the Worthy touchdown, but after missing the first, Butker knocked through the second for the 29-10 lead.&nbsp;

Kelce said following the game it was showing Gonzalez some love and called it a tribute to who he was for the Chiefs and who he's been for football overall.&nbsp;

"We know how iconic it was that he would dunk the ball over the goalpost all the time, I gave it my best effort, I don't know if I did it quite like him but i gave it a run," Kelce told reporters during the postgame press conference.&nbsp;

The Chiefs offense seems to be turning it on at the right time ahead of the playoffs, putting together one of their best performances of the season.&nbsp; Mahomes was 29 of 38 passing for 320 yards with three touchdowns.&nbsp; Hunt rushed nine times for 20 yards and one touchdown, while Isiah Pacheco rushed six times for 18 yards.&nbsp;

Kelce (eight catches, 84 yards, one touchdown) and Worthy (eight catches, 79 yards, one touchdown) were the leading receivers.&nbsp; The Chiefs defense recorded three takeaways, with fumbles being recovered by Deon Bush and Nick Bolton, and an interception in the endzone by Justin Reid.&nbsp;

Kansas City is now 14-1 on the season, and is still one of only four teams in the NFL to not score 30 or more points.&nbsp; They will wrap up the season next week on Sunday against the Denver Broncos on the road, kickoff time has yet to be determined.&nbsp;

With the playoffs on the horizon, and a first round bye clinched, there is a likely chance head coach Andy Reid will rest his starters in the AFC West clash, getting them rested for the playoffs following a rough stretch of three games in 11 days.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735175096524.jpeg" alt="Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, as Santa Clause, celebrates Kansas City clinching a first round bye after a 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day/ Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, as Santa Clause, celebrates Kansas City clinching a first round bye after a 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day/ Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs delivered a present to all of Chiefs Kingdom on Christmas day, bringing a first round bye and home field advantage through the playoffs home after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-10 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.The Chiefs jumped out to a 13-0 lead through the first quarter, quarterback Patrick Mahomes connecting with rookie Xavier Worthy for a seven yard touchdown pass on Kansas City's first offensive drive, then one drive later finding Justin Watson with an 11 yard strike to extend the lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;Going into halftime however, the Chiefs lead was just one score, the Steelers scoring the lone touchdown of the second quarter driving down the field in 11 plays before quarterback Russell Wilson rushed for a one yard score, both teams going to the locker rooms with Kanas City leading 13-7.&nbsp;The Chiefs and Steelers exchanged field goals in the third quarter, a 32 yard field goal by Harrison Butker and a 36 yard field goal from Chris Boswell, before Kansas City began to run away with the game in the fourth quarter, first getting a two yard rushing touchdown by Kareem Hunt.&nbsp;Following the touchdown by Hunt, the Chiefs defense forced a fumble by Steelers tight end Pat Friermuth, setting up a drive that made Chiefs history, Mahomes delivering what would ultimately be the touchdown to put the game away, finding tight end Travis Kelce for a 12 yard touchdown pass, the score making Kelce the player with the most receiving touchdowns in history for Kansas City, passing legendary tight end Tony Gonzalez<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">HOLIDAY TOUCHDOWN FOR TRAVIS‼️ <a href="https://t.co/sqgtsd0r1K">pic.twitter.com/sqgtsd0r1K</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1872016012171755779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kelce did receive an unsportsmanlike penalty following the touchdown, doing his best impression of Gonzalez and dunking the ball over the goalpost, forcing Butker into his second 48 yard extra point of the day, the first coming following the Worthy touchdown, but after missing the first, Butker knocked through the second for the 29-10 lead.&nbsp;Kelce said following the game it was showing Gonzalez some love and called it a tribute to who he was for the Chiefs and who he's been for football overall.&nbsp;"We know how iconic it was that he would dunk the ball over the goalpost all the time, I gave it my best effort, I don't know if I did it quite like him but i gave it a run," Kelce told reporters during the postgame press conference.&nbsp;The Chiefs offense seems to be turning it on at the right time ahead of the playoffs, putting together one of their best performances of the season.&nbsp; Mahomes was 29 of 38 passing for 320 yards with three touchdowns.&nbsp; Hunt rushed nine times for 20 yards and one touchdown, while Isiah Pacheco rushed six times for 18 yards.&nbsp;Kelce (eight catches, 84 yards, one touchdown) and Worthy (eight catches, 79 yards, one touchdown) were the leading receivers.&nbsp; The Chiefs defense recorded three takeaways, with fumbles being recovered by Deon Bush and Nick Bolton, and an interception in the endzone by Justin Reid.&nbsp;Kansas City is now 14-1 on the season, and is still one of only four teams in the NFL to not score 30 or more points.&nbsp; They will wrap up the season next week on Sunday against the Denver Broncos on the road, kickoff time has yet to be determined.&nbsp;With the playoffs on the horizon, and a first round bye clinched, there is a likely chance head coach Andy Reid will rest his starters in the AFC West clash, getting them rested for the playoffs following a rough stretch of three games in 11 days.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Merry Christmas Kingdom: Chiefs clinch first round bye with win over Steelers

FINNEY COUNTY —"Looks like Santa got caught in the fast lane," according to a social media report from the Kansas Highway Patrol."

"Technical Trooper Bradley stopped this certainly jolly driver this holiday season traveling 130mph."

"While Santa flies safely across the sky, we’re on the ground ensuring everyone’s safety this holiday season. Slow down, obey speed limits, drive sober and enjoy the ride. Let’s make sure the holidays are merry and bright for all."&nbsp; The ticket cost 'Santa' $828.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734973034345.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —"Looks like Santa got caught in the fast lane," according to a social media report from the Kansas Highway Patrol."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734973014100.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Technical Trooper Bradley stopped this certainly jolly driver this holiday season traveling 130mph.""While Santa flies safely across the sky, we’re on the ground ensuring everyone’s safety this holiday season. Slow down, obey speed limits, drive sober and enjoy the ride. Let’s make sure the holidays are merry and bright for all."&nbsp; The ticket cost 'Santa' $828.

KHP: Santa got caught in the fast lane doing 130mph

President Biden and the First Lady made a holiday visit to patients and families at Children’s National Hospital on Friday.&nbsp; Click below to watch.

President Biden and the First Lady made a holiday visit to patients and families at Children’s National Hospital on Friday.&nbsp; Click below to watch.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OOWwyIm7OM4?si=L-VP2nm1YfqJm-qw&amp;start=6" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchildrens.national%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0pfErqkoDsVruqiMGWac8Zv4rtCzg9utdkReGq5rgWQQX3baGpFQmYEKKwpdUf43l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="748" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The People&#39;s House is ready for St. Nick. <a href="https://t.co/UE8MmsRHfr">pic.twitter.com/UE8MmsRHfr</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1871556433457693040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 Bidens make holiday visit to Children's National Hospital

(Radio Iowa) - Leaders in the Iowa Medical Society say there's an acute shortage of doctors in Iowa and now is the time to take steps to start attracting younger doctors to complete their training in the state. 

Iowa Medical Society board of directors president Christina Taylor says there are about 58-hundred practicing physicians in Iowa today. Dr. Taylor says that is down nearly 200 from last year, and more than 70 counties are considered health care deserts where there aren't enough providers for patients to be seen. Iowa ranks 44th among the states in the number of physicians per capita. Dr. Taylor says making gains in that ranking won't be easy because it takes a decade or longer to complete medical training.

Iowa is projected to be short about 16-hundred physicians by 2030 and the Iowa Medical Society hosted a summit earlier this month to discuss the looming workforce shortage.

(Radio Iowa) - Leaders in the Iowa Medical Society say there's an acute shortage of doctors in Iowa and now is the time to take steps to start attracting younger doctors to complete their training in the state. Iowa Medical Society board of directors president Christina Taylor says there are about 58-hundred practicing physicians in Iowa today. Dr. Taylor says that is down nearly 200 from last year, and more than 70 counties are considered health care deserts where there aren't enough providers for patients to be seen. Iowa ranks 44th among the states in the number of physicians per capita. Dr. Taylor says making gains in that ranking won't be easy because it takes a decade or longer to complete medical training.Iowa is projected to be short about 16-hundred physicians by 2030 and the Iowa Medical Society hosted a summit earlier this month to discuss the looming workforce shortage.

Iowa's Doctor Shortage Continues

(Radio Iowa) - You might notice changes in a loved ones' cognitive abilities this holiday that warrant further investigation. 

Iowa Alzheimer's Association spokeswoman Lauren Livingston says it's an uncomfortable topic at any time of the year, but there are often clear signs a person may be developing one of the most common forms of dementia. She says forgetting things they have known their whole life, like how to use the microwave or how to get home from the grocery store, things like that that would be very unusual for someone to forget. 

The association estimates 62-thousand Iowans are living with Alzheimer's and Livingston says many will show similar symptoms of a failing memory. The Alzheimer’s Association Helpline at 800-272-3900 is staffed around the clock every day, including holidays.

(Radio Iowa) - You might notice changes in a loved ones' cognitive abilities this holiday that warrant further investigation. Iowa Alzheimer's Association spokeswoman Lauren Livingston says it's an uncomfortable topic at any time of the year, but there are often clear signs a person may be developing one of the most common forms of dementia. She says forgetting things they have known their whole life, like how to use the microwave or how to get home from the grocery store, things like that that would be very unusual for someone to forget. The association estimates 62-thousand Iowans are living with Alzheimer's and Livingston says many will show similar symptoms of a failing memory. The Alzheimer’s Association Helpline at 800-272-3900 is staffed around the clock every day, including holidays.

Be Aware Of Cognitive Changes In Loved Ones This Holiday

State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer will enter the upcoming Missouri
legislative session in a major leadership position.

Luetkemeyer, who represents Platte and Buchanan Counties in
the Missouri Senate, has been elected by the Republican Caucus to be the
Majority Floor Leader next year.

In the role, Luetkemeyer will decide what legislation reaches
the Senate floor for debate.

“And oftentimes the Floor Leader is at the center of
negotiations on legislation before it passes the Senate and gets over to the
House,” Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “I’m looking forward to working
with all my Republican colleagues to help them get their individual priorities
for their districts done and then also get some of the big conservative things
done that we all want to get done as Republicans.”

Luetkemeyer, A Republican from Parkville, says it’s no secret the
Senate Republican Caucus had its difficulties in the last few sessions in
Jefferson City.

“We’ve had a little bit of dysfunction or discord within the
Republican Caucus in the Senate over the last several years,” Luetkemeyer
concedes. “The commitment that I made to all of my caucus members whenever I
ran for this position; my number one priority is not even necessarily
legislative. My number one priority is Senate functionality.”

Returning and newly elected Republican senators voted for
Luetkemeyer during a meeting held at the state Capitol in preparation for the
upcoming, 2025 legislative session.

Luetkemeyer says dysfunction within the Senate Republican
Caucus has cost conservatives.

“My belief is a united Republican Caucus is much more
effective at passing big, bold conservative ideas than a caucus that’s divided
against itself.”

Luetkemeyer says Republican in-fighting the last few sessions
kept good legislation from passing.

“I think a lot of what we saw in terms of dysfunction in the
Senate, I mean it can be blamed on a whole bunch of different things, but a lot
of it was just a breakdown in communication,” Luetkemeyer says. “People just
flat out stopped talking to each other.”

Luetkemeyer hopes the Republican Caucus can adopt the
traditional practice of working out differences in private, behind closed
doors.

“Not on the floor of the Senate with a microphone in front of
you and a bunch of TV cameras pointed on you,” Luetkemeyer says. “We need to
get back to that kind of a place.”

Luetkemeyer will serve in the number two leadership role in
the Missouri Senate, behind only the President Pro Tem.

The Missouri legislative session begins January 8th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735052777039.jpeg" alt="Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostState Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer will enter the upcoming Missouri
legislative session in a major leadership position.Luetkemeyer, who represents Platte and Buchanan Counties in
the Missouri Senate, has been elected by the Republican Caucus to be the
Majority Floor Leader next year.In the role, Luetkemeyer will decide what legislation reaches
the Senate floor for debate.“And oftentimes the Floor Leader is at the center of
negotiations on legislation before it passes the Senate and gets over to the
House,” Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “I’m looking forward to working
with all my Republican colleagues to help them get their individual priorities
for their districts done and then also get some of the big conservative things
done that we all want to get done as Republicans.”Luetkemeyer, A Republican from Parkville, says it’s no secret the
Senate Republican Caucus had its difficulties in the last few sessions in
Jefferson City.“We’ve had a little bit of dysfunction or discord within the
Republican Caucus in the Senate over the last several years,” Luetkemeyer
concedes. “The commitment that I made to all of my caucus members whenever I
ran for this position; my number one priority is not even necessarily
legislative. My number one priority is Senate functionality.”Returning and newly elected Republican senators voted for
Luetkemeyer during a meeting held at the state Capitol in preparation for the
upcoming, 2025 legislative session.Luetkemeyer says dysfunction within the Senate Republican
Caucus has cost conservatives.“My belief is a united Republican Caucus is much more
effective at passing big, bold conservative ideas than a caucus that’s divided
against itself.”Luetkemeyer says Republican in-fighting the last few sessions
kept good legislation from passing.“I think a lot of what we saw in terms of dysfunction in the
Senate, I mean it can be blamed on a whole bunch of different things, but a lot
of it was just a breakdown in communication,” Luetkemeyer says. “People just
flat out stopped talking to each other.”Luetkemeyer hopes the Republican Caucus can adopt the
traditional practice of working out differences in private, behind closed
doors.“Not on the floor of the Senate with a microphone in front of
you and a bunch of TV cameras pointed on you,” Luetkemeyer says. “We need to
get back to that kind of a place.”Luetkemeyer will serve in the number two leadership role in
the Missouri Senate, behind only the President Pro Tem.The Missouri legislative session begins January 8th.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Sen. Luetkemeyer prepares to take over leadership role in Jeff City

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner marked final preparations for departing Congress with a speech connecting his rise in Kansas politics to a family legacy of resilience and featuring a special request that colleagues aid children suffering extreme malnutrition.

LaTurner, a Republican who served in the Kansas Senate and as state treasurer before entering the U.S. House, declined to seek reelection to a third term in 2024. He was elected in 2020 by 2nd District voters eager to replace troubled GOP U.S. Rep. Steve Watkins.

He said in April the requirements of serving in Congress and running for reelection every two years had “taken a toll.” He has four young children and wanted to “be more present” for them.

“I want to thank my friends both at home and my colleagues here, my supporters who helped me get here, and my family,” LaTurner said. “To my kids, the best title I’ve ever had is dad. And that title is about to get my full attention.”

In remarks offered on the House floor ahead of his January exit, LaTurner requested Congress and the White House approve $300 million in funding for a global health initiative making use of Ready-to-Use&nbsp;Therapeutic Foods or&nbsp;RUTF. It would expand the reach of this U.S.-made, medical-grade, nutrient-dense paste given to children suffering severe malnutrition.

“That increase should be realized. It is the right thing to do,” LaTurner said.

LaTurner said starving children consuming RUFT — at a cost of about $1 per day — had a survival rate near 90%. The nutritional product could be made with ingredients from 28 states, including peanuts, dairy, soy, sugar and micronutrients.

He recalled entering the House in 2021 and speaking with U.S. Rep. Don Young, who became the longest-serving Republican in House history. Young represented Alaska until his death in 2022.

“He told me when he arrived in 1973, it was customary for freshmen members to wait six months before speaking on the House floor,” LaTurner said. “To his surprise, I adopted this tradition. I did so partly out of deference to the dean, but mostly because it showed respect for this institution.”

LaTurner said it was the responsibility of people serving in Congress to preserve “an institution and a system of government that our founders painstakingly designed to safeguard against human nature.”

The departing Republican originally from southeast Kansas said he followed a path carved through sacrifice and tenacity of his family.

LaTurner said his single-parent father worked long hours managing a Sonic restaurant while putting himself through college. His dad became the first in the family to earn a college degree. He was as an educator and mayor of Galena.

His grandmother dropped out of school in the ninth grade because she had only one dress and couldn’t endure ridicule by her classmates. She raised six children and earned a G.E.D. before working as a nurse. LaTurner’s grandfather was the first in the family to graduate high school. He lost sight in one eye while serving in Korea. Unable to pass a physical, he worked odd jobs until he found his calling as a lay judge.

His grandfather’s father was killed in the mines at the age of 41 and left behind a widow and six children. They endured hardships most people cannot fathom, LaTurner said.

“Yet, three short generations later, his great-grandson was called ‘the gentleman from Kansas’ on the floor of the United States House of Representatives,” LaTurner said. “I share these stories because they remind me every day that I did not get here on my own. What a country this is. But it’s not just my story. It’s the American story.”

LaTurner, 36, entered the Kansas Senate in 2012. He was appointed state treasurer by GOP Gov. Sam Brownback. In 2020, he briefly sought the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate before winning the 2nd District House race.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735050524393.png" alt=" U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, R-Kansas, addressed the U.S. House for the final time before leaving Congress in January. He chose not to seek reelection in 2024 in the Second District of Kansas. (Kansas Reflector screen caputure of the U.S. House’s YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption> U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, R-Kansas, addressed the U.S. House for the final time before leaving Congress in January. He chose not to seek reelection in 2024 in the Second District of Kansas. (Kansas Reflector screen caputure of the U.S. House’s YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner marked final preparations for departing Congress with a speech connecting his rise in Kansas politics to a family legacy of resilience and featuring a special request that colleagues aid children suffering extreme malnutrition.LaTurner, a Republican who served in the Kansas Senate and as state treasurer before entering the U.S. House, declined to seek reelection to a third term in 2024. He was elected in 2020 by 2nd District voters eager to replace troubled GOP U.S. Rep. Steve Watkins.He said in April the requirements of serving in Congress and running for reelection every two years had “taken a toll.” He has four young children and wanted to “be more present” for them.“I want to thank my friends both at home and my colleagues here, my supporters who helped me get here, and my family,” LaTurner said. “To my kids, the best title I’ve ever had is dad. And that title is about to get my full attention.”In remarks offered on the House floor ahead of his January exit, LaTurner requested Congress and the White House approve $300 million in funding for a global health initiative making use of Ready-to-Use&nbsp;Therapeutic Foods or&nbsp;RUTF. It would expand the reach of this U.S.-made, medical-grade, nutrient-dense paste given to children suffering severe malnutrition.“That increase should be realized. It is the right thing to do,” LaTurner said.LaTurner said starving children consuming RUFT — at a cost of about $1 per day — had a survival rate near 90%. The nutritional product could be made with ingredients from 28 states, including peanuts, dairy, soy, sugar and micronutrients.He recalled entering the House in 2021 and speaking with U.S. Rep. Don Young, who became the longest-serving Republican in House history. Young represented Alaska until his death in 2022.“He told me when he arrived in 1973, it was customary for freshmen members to wait six months before speaking on the House floor,” LaTurner said. “To his surprise, I adopted this tradition. I did so partly out of deference to the dean, but mostly because it showed respect for this institution.”LaTurner said it was the responsibility of people serving in Congress to preserve “an institution and a system of government that our founders painstakingly designed to safeguard against human nature.”The departing Republican originally from southeast Kansas said he followed a path carved through sacrifice and tenacity of his family.LaTurner said his single-parent father worked long hours managing a Sonic restaurant while putting himself through college. His dad became the first in the family to earn a college degree. He was as an educator and mayor of Galena.His grandmother dropped out of school in the ninth grade because she had only one dress and couldn’t endure ridicule by her classmates. She raised six children and earned a G.E.D. before working as a nurse. LaTurner’s grandfather was the first in the family to graduate high school. He lost sight in one eye while serving in Korea. Unable to pass a physical, he worked odd jobs until he found his calling as a lay judge.His grandfather’s father was killed in the mines at the age of 41 and left behind a widow and six children. They endured hardships most people cannot fathom, LaTurner said.“Yet, three short generations later, his great-grandson was called ‘the gentleman from Kansas’ on the floor of the United States House of Representatives,” LaTurner said. “I share these stories because they remind me every day that I did not get here on my own. What a country this is. But it’s not just my story. It’s the American story.”LaTurner, 36, entered the Kansas Senate in 2012. He was appointed state treasurer by GOP Gov. Sam Brownback. In 2020, he briefly sought the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate before winning the 2nd District House race.

Retiring U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner shares appreciation for family, seeks aid for starving children

(Radio Iowa) - A nurse at the Iowa Poison Control Center says the urban legend about the poinsettia Christmas flower is not true. 

Janna Day says poinsettias have gotten a bad reputation over the years, as a lot of folks think that they are poisonous and that they could hurt you or even kill you. 

Day says studies have that really they're not as toxic as once thought. Day says one study found that a child would have to eat as many as 500 poinsettia leaves to cause an issue.

(Radio Iowa) - A nurse at the Iowa Poison Control Center says the urban legend about the poinsettia Christmas flower is not true. Janna Day says poinsettias have gotten a bad reputation over the years, as a lot of folks think that they are poisonous and that they could hurt you or even kill you. Day says studies have that really they're not as toxic as once thought. Day says one study found that a child would have to eat as many as 500 poinsettia leaves to cause an issue.

Legend That Pointsettias Are Poisonous Is Not True

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>

President Joe Biden commuted the sentences on Monday of 37 death row inmates, citing his conscience as a force behind the decision. He also left the death sentences unchanged for three men charged with hate-motivated mass shootings and terrorism.

Biden, who imposed a moratorium on federal executions during his administration, commuted the death sentences to life sentences without the possibility of parole, saying in a statement that he’s dedicated his career “to reducing violent crime and ensuring a fair and effective justice system.”

“Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for all the families who have suffered unimaginable and irreparable loss,” Biden said.

“But guided by my conscience and my experience as a public defender, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Vice President, and now President, I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level. In good conscience, I cannot stand back and let a new administration resume executions that I halted.”

The three men Biden left on death row Monday include Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, sentenced in 2015 of bombing the Boston Marathon in 2013; Dylann Roof, sentenced in 2017 of fatally shooting nine members of&nbsp;Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in 2015 in Charleston, South Carolina; and Robert Bowers, sentenced in 2023 for the deadly shooting in 2018 that killed 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh.

The president’s commutations Monday come after he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-commutes-sentences-nearly-1500-people-pardons-39-historic-clemency-action" target="_blank">commuted the sentences</a>&nbsp;on Dec. 12 of 1,500&nbsp;people who were placed in home confinement during the coronavirus pandemic. He also granted pardons for 39 individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes.

Biden received&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/shapiro-conahan-says-biden-commuting-kids-for-cash-judges-sentence-absolutely-wrong/" target="_blank">criticism</a>&nbsp;from Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and others for including among the mass commutations a Pennsylvania judge convicted in 2011 of sending children to prison in exchange for millions of dollars in kickbacks from a private jail — a crime that became known in the commonwealth as the “<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/shapiro-conahan-says-biden-commuting-kids-for-cash-judges-sentence-absolutely-wrong/" target="_blank">Cash for Kids</a>” scheme.

Advocates for abolishing the death penalty and some U.S. House Democrats had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-dem-quartet-calls-biden-spare-lives-federal-death-row-inmates" target="_blank">pressured Biden</a>&nbsp;to commute death penalty sentences ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Trump expedited some executions during his first term.

According to the White House, the names of the death row inmates whose sentences were commuted Monday are:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734957421965.png" alt="According to the U.S. Attorney, in 2014, a federal jury in Louisiana decided that Thomas Sanders, 57, should be put to death for the brutal kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Lexis Roberts in the fall of 2010. Sanders drove several days across the country before he murdered the girl in a wooded area in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana. Evidence at trial established that Sanders shot Lexis Roberts four times, cut her throat, and left her body in the woods where a hunter found her body. President Biden commuted his sentence-photo Yavapai County, AZ Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>According to the U.S. Attorney, in 2014, a federal jury in Louisiana decided that Thomas Sanders, 57, should be put to death for the brutal kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Lexis Roberts in the fall of 2010. Sanders drove several days across the country before he murdered the girl in a wooded area in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana. Evidence at trial established that Sanders shot Lexis Roberts four times, cut her throat, and left her body in the woods where a hunter found her body. President Biden commuted his sentence-photo Yavapai County, AZ Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>President Joe Biden commuted the sentences on Monday of 37 death row inmates, citing his conscience as a force behind the decision. He also left the death sentences unchanged for three men charged with hate-motivated mass shootings and terrorism.Biden, who imposed a moratorium on federal executions during his administration, commuted the death sentences to life sentences without the possibility of parole, saying in a statement that he’s dedicated his career “to reducing violent crime and ensuring a fair and effective justice system.”“Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for all the families who have suffered unimaginable and irreparable loss,” Biden said.“But guided by my conscience and my experience as a public defender, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Vice President, and now President, I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level. In good conscience, I cannot stand back and let a new administration resume executions that I halted.”The three men Biden left on death row Monday include Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, sentenced in 2015 of bombing the Boston Marathon in 2013; Dylann Roof, sentenced in 2017 of fatally shooting nine members of&nbsp;Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in 2015 in Charleston, South Carolina; and Robert Bowers, sentenced in 2023 for the deadly shooting in 2018 that killed 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh.The president’s commutations Monday come after he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-commutes-sentences-nearly-1500-people-pardons-39-historic-clemency-action" target="_blank">commuted the sentences</a>&nbsp;on Dec. 12 of 1,500&nbsp;people who were placed in home confinement during the coronavirus pandemic. He also granted pardons for 39 individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes.Biden received&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/shapiro-conahan-says-biden-commuting-kids-for-cash-judges-sentence-absolutely-wrong/" target="_blank">criticism</a>&nbsp;from Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and others for including among the mass commutations a Pennsylvania judge convicted in 2011 of sending children to prison in exchange for millions of dollars in kickbacks from a private jail — a crime that became known in the commonwealth as the “<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/shapiro-conahan-says-biden-commuting-kids-for-cash-judges-sentence-absolutely-wrong/" target="_blank">Cash for Kids</a>” scheme.Advocates for abolishing the death penalty and some U.S. House Democrats had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-dem-quartet-calls-biden-spare-lives-federal-death-row-inmates" target="_blank">pressured Biden</a>&nbsp;to commute death penalty sentences ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Trump expedited some executions during his first term.According to the White House, the names of the death row inmates whose sentences were commuted Monday are:<ul>
 <li>Shannon Wayne Agofsky</li><li>Billie Jerome Allen</li><li>Aquilia Marcivicci Barnette</li><li>Brandon Leon Basham</li><li>Anthony George Battle</li><li>Meier Jason Brown</li><li>Carlos David Caro</li><li>Wesley Paul Coonce, Jr.</li><li>Brandon Michael Council</li><li>Christopher Emory Cramer</li><li>Len Davis</li><li>Joseph Ebron</li><li>Ricky Allen Fackrell</li><li>Edward Leon Fields, Jr.</li><li>Chadrick Evan Fulks</li><li>Marvin Charles Gabrion, II</li><li>Edgar Baltazar Garcia</li><li>Thomas Morocco Hager</li><li>Charles Michael Hall</li><li>Norris G. Holder</li><li>Richard Allen Jackson</li><li>Jurijus Kadamovas</li><li>Daryl Lawrence</li><li>Iouri Mikhel</li><li>Ronald Mikos</li><li>James H. Roane, Jr.</li><li>Julius Omar Robinson</li><li>David Anthony Runyon</li><li>Ricardo Sanchez, Jr.</li><li>Thomas Steven Sanders</li><li>Kaboni Savage</li><li>Mark Isaac Snarr</li><li>Rejon Taylor</li><li>Richard Tipton</li><li>Jorge Avila Torrez</li><li>Daniel Troya</li><li>Alejandro Enrique Ramirez Umaña</li>
 </ul>

Biden commutes nearly all federal death sentences

(Radio Iowa)&nbsp; - The head of the largest food bank in the state says nearly 11 percent of Iowans do not have consistent, reliable access to nutritious food due to their household finances -- and the rising cost of food. 

Food Bank of Iowa C-E-O Michelle Book says food prices are up 25 percent in the past four years. She says there are 345-thousand Iowans who are estimated to be in need food assistance and 100-thousand of them are children. 

The Food Bank of Iowa -- which supplies food pantries in 55 of Iowa's 99 counties -- is spending about one million dollars a month on food, and Book says they will distribute about 230 percent more food this year than they did when she started as the C-E-O in 2016. She is retiring on December 31st.

(Radio Iowa)&nbsp; - The head of the largest food bank in the state says nearly 11 percent of Iowans do not have consistent, reliable access to nutritious food due to their household finances -- and the rising cost of food. Food Bank of Iowa C-E-O Michelle Book says food prices are up 25 percent in the past four years. She says there are 345-thousand Iowans who are estimated to be in need food assistance and 100-thousand of them are children. The Food Bank of Iowa -- which supplies food pantries in 55 of Iowa's 99 counties -- is spending about one million dollars a month on food, and Book says they will distribute about 230 percent more food this year than they did when she started as the C-E-O in 2016. She is retiring on December 31st.

Need For Food Continues Across Iowa

(Radio Iowa) - State officials say the first human case of bird flu has been confirmed in Iowa. 

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services reports the individual was exposed to avian influenza while working with infected poultry in a commercial flock in northwest Iowa. According to the agency, the person had mild symptoms, has received appropriate treatment and is recovering. 

The Centers for Disease Control had confirmed 64 human cases of bird flu in nine states by the end of last week.

(Radio Iowa) - State officials say the first human case of bird flu has been confirmed in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services reports the individual was exposed to avian influenza while working with infected poultry in a commercial flock in northwest Iowa. According to the agency, the person had mild symptoms, has received appropriate treatment and is recovering. The Centers for Disease Control had confirmed 64 human cases of bird flu in nine states by the end of last week.

Iowa reports first human case of bird flu

SANA – U.S. forces conducted precision airstrikes against a missile storage facility and a command-and-control facility operated by Iran-backed Houthis within Houthi-controlled territory in Sana’a, Yemen, on Saturday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

Forces conducted the deliberate strikes to disrupt and degrade Houthi operations, such as attacks against U.S. Navy warships and merchant vessels in the Southern Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden.

During the operation, CENTCOM forces also shot down multiple Houthi one way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAV) and an anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) over the Red Sea.&nbsp;

The operation involved U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy assets, including F/A-18s.

The strike reflects CENTCOM’s ongoing commitment to protect U.S. and coalition personnel, regional partners, and international shipping.

Authorities have not reported if this attack occurred before, after or during the the friendly fire incident involving two U.S. Navy pilots over the Red Sea.

SANA – U.S. forces conducted precision airstrikes against a missile storage facility and a command-and-control facility operated by Iran-backed Houthis within Houthi-controlled territory in Sana’a, Yemen, on Saturday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">CENTCOM Conducts Airstrikes Against Iran-Backed Houthi Missile Storage and Command/Control Facilities in Yemen TAMPA, Fla. - U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted precision airstrikes against a missile storage facility and a command-and-control facility operated by… <a href="https://t.co/YRWWQJIweP">pic.twitter.com/YRWWQJIweP</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1870576182934323203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Forces conducted the deliberate strikes to disrupt and degrade Houthi operations, such as attacks against U.S. Navy warships and merchant vessels in the Southern Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden.During the operation, CENTCOM forces also shot down multiple Houthi one way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAV) and an anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) over the Red Sea.&nbsp;The operation involved U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy assets, including F/A-18s.The strike reflects CENTCOM’s ongoing commitment to protect U.S. and coalition personnel, regional partners, and international shipping.Authorities have not reported if this attack occurred before, after or during the the friendly fire incident involving two U.S. Navy pilots over the Red Sea.

U.S. airstrikes hit terrorist missile storage and command, control facilities

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

The Kansas City Chiefs are one step closer to securing a first round bye in the NFL playoffs after beating the Houston Texans on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium 27-19.&nbsp;

There were questions early in the week about whether Patrick Mahomes, who has a history of ankle injuries, would play at all after he sustained a high ankle sprain late in last week's win over Cleveland. But he was off the injury report by Friday, and he was on the field and leading the Chiefs to a touchdown on their opening possession, following an interception from rookie Jaden Hicks on the Texans opening drive.&nbsp;

Mahomes knew he could run on the ankle he sprained last week. The bigger concern for the Chiefs quarterback was how he would stop, when all the weight and pressure and momentum would land squarely upon it.&nbsp; The solution against Houston was simple: Mahomes didn't stop.

The two-time MVP kept chugging forward until he plowed into the end zone on a 15-yard scramble to cap the Chiefs' 11 play opening drive to take the early lead.&nbsp;

That however, started a back and forth affair.&nbsp; After Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn hit a 33 yard field goal near the end of the first quarter, the Chiefs were forced to punt, leading to a 13 play drive that ended with Houston taking the lead on a 10 yard pass from CJ Stroud to tight end Dalton Schultz

Kansas City took the lead back though heading into the halftime break, first getting a three yard touchdown run from Kareem Hunt.&nbsp; Then, after Trent McDuffie got his second career interception, the Chiefs worked into field goal position, where Harrison Butker hit a 44 yard field goal with 19 seconds remaining, sending Kansas City to the halftime break with a 17-10 lead.&nbsp;

After deferring to the second half, the Chiefs opened up with the first possession but were forced to punt.&nbsp; Houston took advantage and scored, a 30 yard touchdown pass from Stroud to Tank Dell, but on the play disaster struck, and Dell,&nbsp;who had six catches for 98 yards, sustained a devastating knee injury on the play and was taken to the University of Kansas Medical Center, where Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said he would remain overnight.

Fairbairn missed the extra point, leaving the Chiefs up by one point, and after a turnover on downs by Kansas City and a punt from the Texans, Mahomes scored again, this time on a passing touchdown finding Xavier Worthy for an eight yard score, extending the lead to 24-16 with 2:42 remaining in the third quarter.&nbsp;

A 14 play drive from the Texans carried through the remainder of the third and into the fourth quarter, where early in the final frame of regulation Fairbairn was sent out and hit a 38 yard field goal, but Kansas City answered with a 14 play drive of their own, that also ended with a field goal, 27 yards from Butker.&nbsp;

Houston was forced into a three and out on the next drive, and the Chiefs got the ball back on a punt with 3:41 remaining, and would go on to run out the remaining time to leave victorious.&nbsp;

Mahomes was 28 of 41 passing for 160 yards with one touchdown, rushing five times for 33 yards and a score as well.&nbsp; Hunt ran 11 times for 55 yards and a touchdown, while Isiah Pacheco ran nine times for 26 yards.&nbsp; Worthy was the leading receiver with seven catches for 66 yards and a score.&nbsp; Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, in his first game since suffering a shoulder injury in week one of the preseason, caught five passes for 45 yards.

The Chiefs (14-1) can clinch the postseason bye and home-field advantage if Buffalo loses to or ties New England on Sunday. If the Bills win, Kansas City can wrap it up by beating Pittsburgh on Christmas Day — its third game in an 11-day span.

Kickoff between the Chiefs and Steelers will be at noon on Christmas Day.&nbsp; Pregame will be at 11am on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and on Q Country 92.7.&nbsp; The game will also be one of two on the day streamed live on Netflix.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734832567123.jpeg" alt="Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrate after Mahomes' 15 yard touchdown run in the first quarter of Saturday's win over Houston/ Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs " />
 <figcaption>Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrate after Mahomes' 15 yard touchdown run in the first quarter of Saturday's win over Houston/ Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs </figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs are one step closer to securing a first round bye in the NFL playoffs after beating the Houston Texans on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium 27-19.&nbsp;There were questions early in the week about whether Patrick Mahomes, who has a history of ankle injuries, would play at all after he sustained a high ankle sprain late in last week's win over Cleveland. But he was off the injury report by Friday, and he was on the field and leading the Chiefs to a touchdown on their opening possession, following an interception from rookie Jaden Hicks on the Texans opening drive.&nbsp;Mahomes knew he could run on the ankle he sprained last week. The bigger concern for the Chiefs quarterback was how he would stop, when all the weight and pressure and momentum would land squarely upon it.&nbsp; The solution against Houston was simple: Mahomes didn't stop.The two-time MVP kept chugging forward until he plowed into the end zone on a 15-yard scramble to cap the Chiefs' 11 play opening drive to take the early lead.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">PATRICK DOES IT HIMSELF.<a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickMahomes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PatrickMahomes</a> + <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProBowlVote?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ProBowlVote</a> <a href="https://t.co/XmaWNwfCgL">pic.twitter.com/XmaWNwfCgL</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1870534319229321388?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>That however, started a back and forth affair.&nbsp; After Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn hit a 33 yard field goal near the end of the first quarter, the Chiefs were forced to punt, leading to a 13 play drive that ended with Houston taking the lead on a 10 yard pass from CJ Stroud to tight end Dalton SchultzKansas City took the lead back though heading into the halftime break, first getting a three yard touchdown run from Kareem Hunt.&nbsp; Then, after Trent McDuffie got his second career interception, the Chiefs worked into field goal position, where Harrison Butker hit a 44 yard field goal with 19 seconds remaining, sending Kansas City to the halftime break with a 17-10 lead.&nbsp;After deferring to the second half, the Chiefs opened up with the first possession but were forced to punt.&nbsp; Houston took advantage and scored, a 30 yard touchdown pass from Stroud to Tank Dell, but on the play disaster struck, and Dell,&nbsp;who had six catches for 98 yards, sustained a devastating knee injury on the play and was taken to the University of Kansas Medical Center, where Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said he would remain overnight.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Texans</a> WR Tank Dell suffered a dislocated knee cap, sources say, as doctors are working to determine the damage. Surgery is possible, but has not yet happened. Dell’s injury is significant, as coach DeMeco Ryans said. Not clear how significant. <a href="https://t.co/lSdNF7A4Dx">pic.twitter.com/lSdNF7A4Dx</a>&mdash; Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1870607796544418281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Fairbairn missed the extra point, leaving the Chiefs up by one point, and after a turnover on downs by Kansas City and a punt from the Texans, Mahomes scored again, this time on a passing touchdown finding Xavier Worthy for an eight yard score, extending the lead to 24-16 with 2:42 remaining in the third quarter.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">X GON&#39; GIVE IT TO YA<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProBowlVote?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ProBowlVote</a> + <a href="https://twitter.com/XavierWorthy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@XavierWorthy</a> <a href="https://t.co/RsXdDZ8OgJ">pic.twitter.com/RsXdDZ8OgJ</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1870565096012869827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A 14 play drive from the Texans carried through the remainder of the third and into the fourth quarter, where early in the final frame of regulation Fairbairn was sent out and hit a 38 yard field goal, but Kansas City answered with a 14 play drive of their own, that also ended with a field goal, 27 yards from Butker.&nbsp;Houston was forced into a three and out on the next drive, and the Chiefs got the ball back on a punt with 3:41 remaining, and would go on to run out the remaining time to leave victorious.&nbsp;Mahomes was 28 of 41 passing for 160 yards with one touchdown, rushing five times for 33 yards and a score as well.&nbsp; Hunt ran 11 times for 55 yards and a touchdown, while Isiah Pacheco ran nine times for 26 yards.&nbsp; Worthy was the leading receiver with seven catches for 66 yards and a score.&nbsp; Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, in his first game since suffering a shoulder injury in week one of the preseason, caught five passes for 45 yards.The Chiefs (14-1) can clinch the postseason bye and home-field advantage if Buffalo loses to or ties New England on Sunday. If the Bills win, Kansas City can wrap it up by beating Pittsburgh on Christmas Day — its third game in an 11-day span.Kickoff between the Chiefs and Steelers will be at noon on Christmas Day.&nbsp; Pregame will be at 11am on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and on Q Country 92.7.&nbsp; The game will also be one of two on the day streamed live on Netflix.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Same teams. Different matchups. 🎄 See you on Christmas Day for a <a href="https://twitter.com/netflix?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netflix</a> doubleheader! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLonNetflix?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLonNetflix</a> <a href="https://t.co/TLshUTPZeY">pic.twitter.com/TLshUTPZeY</a>&mdash; NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1870630146518274205?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Chiefs move closer to first round bye with 27-19 win over Texans

DAYTON, Ohio – A former Kansas doctor was arrested by federal agents this week and charged with making false statements related to a 1989 rape, according to the United State's Attorney.

 Officials ask anyone with information regarding this or any other similar rape to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

It is alleged that Frederick Louis Tanzer, 66, knowingly made a false statement to FBI agents. His current home on Kenwood Road in&nbsp;Sycamore Township, Ohio and vehicles were searched and Tanzer appeared in federal court in Dayton following his arrest.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Tanzer was recently identified as the prime suspect in the cold-case rape. In recent months, agents collected DNA evidence from a Starbucks cup that Tanzer discarded at a local BMV. The DNA extracted from Tanzer’s coffee cup was confirmed by a forensic laboratory as a match to the DNA the rapist had left at the 1989 crime scene.

It is alleged that Tanzer made several materially false statements to federal investigators when approached today, including denying having seen or interacted with the victim on the date she was raped.

Tanzer is a medical doctor who has lived and practiced medicine in Kansas, Colorado and Ohio.

The affidavit details that on Aug. 1, 1989, the victim was violently raped in her condominium on Creighton Place in Cincinnati after arriving home from work.

Federal law enforcement officials ask the public to consider these circumstances of the rape and to contact the FBI with any similar information:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734724913138.png" alt="Tanzer photo Shelby County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Tanzer photo Shelby County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>DAYTON, Ohio – A former Kansas doctor was arrested by federal agents this week and charged with making false statements related to a 1989 rape, according to the United State's Attorney. Officials ask anyone with information regarding this or any other similar rape to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.It is alleged that Frederick Louis Tanzer, 66, knowingly made a false statement to FBI agents. His current home on Kenwood Road in&nbsp;Sycamore Township, Ohio and vehicles were searched and Tanzer appeared in federal court in Dayton following his arrest.According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Tanzer was recently identified as the prime suspect in the cold-case rape. In recent months, agents collected DNA evidence from a Starbucks cup that Tanzer discarded at a local BMV. The DNA extracted from Tanzer’s coffee cup was confirmed by a forensic laboratory as a match to the DNA the rapist had left at the 1989 crime scene.It is alleged that Tanzer made several materially false statements to federal investigators when approached today, including denying having seen or interacted with the victim on the date she was raped.Tanzer is a medical doctor who has lived and practiced medicine in Kansas, Colorado and Ohio.The affidavit details that on Aug. 1, 1989, the victim was violently raped in her condominium on Creighton Place in Cincinnati after arriving home from work.Federal law enforcement officials ask the public to consider these circumstances of the rape and to contact the FBI with any similar information:<ul>
 <li>When the victim arrived home, she noticed an odor that smelled to her like brewed tea or burnt marijuana.</li><li>The rapist was dressed from head to toe in black Lycra, including black gloves and a face mask. He had a black gym bag with him.</li><li>The assailant held a knife to the victim’s throat.</li><li>The rapist used white surgical tape from the gym bag to wrap around the victim’s eyes and head. He used stockings and panty hose from the victim’s dresser to bind her hands and feet to the headboard and footboard of her bed.</li><li>The rapist cut or tore the victim’s clothing and used Vaseline.</li><li>The rapist assaulted the victim vaginally, orally and anally. In between bouts of sexual conduct, the assailant used a cloth to wipe the victim’s mouth and genital areas.</li><li>The rapist said nothing during the entire encounter. He occasionally took breaks from sexually assaulting the victim while the victim remained tied to her bed.</li><li>The rapist listened to and erased answering machine messages. He looked through papers in the victim’s living room and rummaged through her purse. He unplugged and/or disconnected telephones.</li><li>On the handset of the telephone in the bedroom, the rapist taped a piece of newspaper that had been cut from the paper on the couch in the victim’s living room and wrote, “No police or I’ll be back Mis [sic] [name of victim’s employer]”</li><li>The victim described the rapist as white, with dark brown hair, approximately six feet tall with a thin or athletic build.</li><li>The assault took place over the course of more than five and a half hours.</li>
 </ul>

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