OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement and school district officials investigating an alleged school threat have made an arrest.

On Saturday, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office has become aware of a threat made on social media against the USD 421 Lyndon School District, which was posted on social media, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

During the course of the investigation, a suspect was identified and taken into custody&nbsp;

The sheriff's office assured the public that law enforcement and the school district take all threats very seriously. The sheriff's office is&nbsp; working closely with the school district to ensure a thorough investigation.

According to a statement from the school district, "We were made aware of the threat through some vigilant parents who reported the threat to us and reported the threat to the Osage County Sheriff."&nbsp; 

"The sheriff’s department immediately began to investigate the threat and by Saturday evening they had tracked down a suspect and made an arrest." The district is in school on a regular schedule on Monday. They will have some additional law enforcement at the schools and will be extra vigilant in safety measures. The district will also have additional counselors at the school Monday in case any students or staff may need their help. We will continue to communicate as needed. Please call your child’s school if you have questions.

"We do not believe there is any immediate danger at this time, but we ask the public to remain vigilant and report any relevant information to the Osage County Sheriff’s Office."

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement and school district officials investigating an alleged school threat have made an arrest.On Saturday, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office has become aware of a threat made on social media against the USD 421 Lyndon School District, which was posted on social media, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.During the course of the investigation, a suspect was identified and taken into custody&nbsp;The sheriff's office assured the public that law enforcement and the school district take all threats very seriously. The sheriff's office is&nbsp; working closely with the school district to ensure a thorough investigation.According to a statement from the school district, "We were made aware of the threat through some vigilant parents who reported the threat to us and reported the threat to the Osage County Sheriff."&nbsp; "The sheriff’s department immediately began to investigate the threat and by Saturday evening they had tracked down a suspect and made an arrest." The district is in school on a regular schedule on Monday. They will have some additional law enforcement at the schools and will be extra vigilant in safety measures. The district will also have additional counselors at the school Monday in case any students or staff may need their help. We will continue to communicate as needed. Please call your child’s school if you have questions."We do not believe there is any immediate danger at this time, but we ask the public to remain vigilant and report any relevant information to the Osage County Sheriff’s Office."

Sheriff: Suspect in custody for threat against Kan. school district

KANSAS CITY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a fatal fire at a church in Kansas City.

Just before 2:30a.m. Saturday, crews responded to a reported building fire in the 2400 block of Chestnut in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. 

On arrival crews reported smoke and fire showing from what was believed to be a vacant church and initiated interior operations using two handlines.&nbsp; The fire was brought under control quickly. During the search of the structure a fatality victim was discovered. KCPD Bomb and Arson along with their Detective and Crime scene investigative unit was called to the scene. 

Kansas City Police are investigating the cause of the fire and the cause of death.

Bomb and Arson were initially called due to the type of structure, a church as standard protocol. Police have not released any addition details.

KANSAS CITY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a fatal fire at a church in Kansas City.Just before 2:30a.m. Saturday, crews responded to a reported building fire in the 2400 block of Chestnut in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. On arrival crews reported smoke and fire showing from what was believed to be a vacant church and initiated interior operations using two handlines.&nbsp; The fire was brought under control quickly. During the search of the structure a fatality victim was discovered. KCPD Bomb and Arson along with their Detective and Crime scene investigative unit was called to the scene. Kansas City Police are investigating the cause of the fire and the cause of death.Bomb and Arson were initially called due to the type of structure, a church as standard protocol. Police have not released any addition details.

Body found in Kansas City church after fire

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on drug allegations.

On&nbsp;January 27, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant in the 1000 Block of SW Boswell Avenue in Topeka related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.

While conducting the search warrant, officers located methamphetamine, fentanyl, marijuana, firearms and drug paraphernalia. As a result, Steven Harrison, 54, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Distribution of fentanyl within 1000 ft of a school, kDistribution of methamphetamine within 1000 ft of a school, Distribution or possession with intent of drug paraphernalia within 1000 ft of a school, Possession of marijuana, Drug Tax Stamp and Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738166674219.png" alt="Harrison photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Harrison photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on drug allegations.On&nbsp;January 27, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant in the 1000 Block of SW Boswell Avenue in Topeka related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.While conducting the search warrant, officers located methamphetamine, fentanyl, marijuana, firearms and drug paraphernalia. As a result, Steven Harrison, 54, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Distribution of fentanyl within 1000 ft of a school, kDistribution of methamphetamine within 1000 ft of a school, Distribution or possession with intent of drug paraphernalia within 1000 ft of a school, Possession of marijuana, Drug Tax Stamp and Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.

Kansas felon accused of selling fentanyl near a school

KANSAS&nbsp; CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a woman on multiple allegations after a high-speed chase with a stolen car.

Just after 5a.m. Friday, sheriff's&nbsp;deputies were notified of a stolen vehicle in Harrisonville, according to a media release from the Cass County Sheriff.&nbsp; Deputies located the vehicle traveling northbound on Interstate 49 near 163rd Street in Belton. 

When deputies activated their emergency lights and siren to stop the vehicle, the driver accelerated and attempted to flee. Less than a minute later, the vehicle struck a concrete divider near the 155th Street exit in Belton and the driver was placed into custody.

The suspect has been identified as 42-year-old Candida Delaney of Kansas City, Missouri. 

Delaney has a warrant from the Claycomo Police Department and four warrants from the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. Charges from this incident are still pending while she’s in custody. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeltonPD?__cft__[0]=AZUDLzanFD_ucRPMF421oUXQ68jCKF7bVehEtfN4Hdi5uwoL_VYYCA8hEWIDHSw-LJE5QAyCPVvbTAi_dYPuhnbst-UvPCGjROKaT9bucdDc0sBLMYWBDssXBRQZY9-dKCaZqblVnPttk4WYm6JTPvhC7JmzICmUFmyRYU2YWryNspEqrx3fgp-x9KNDRMxiIzw&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Belton Missouri Police Department</a> assisted with this pursuit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738424169442.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS&nbsp; CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a woman on multiple allegations after a high-speed chase with a stolen car.Just after 5a.m. Friday, sheriff's&nbsp;deputies were notified of a stolen vehicle in Harrisonville, according to a media release from the Cass County Sheriff.&nbsp; Deputies located the vehicle traveling northbound on Interstate 49 near 163rd Street in Belton. When deputies activated their emergency lights and siren to stop the vehicle, the driver accelerated and attempted to flee. Less than a minute later, the vehicle struck a concrete divider near the 155th Street exit in Belton and the driver was placed into custody.The suspect has been identified as 42-year-old Candida Delaney of Kansas City, Missouri. Delaney has a warrant from the Claycomo Police Department and four warrants from the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. Charges from this incident are still pending while she’s in custody. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeltonPD?__cft__[0]=AZUDLzanFD_ucRPMF421oUXQ68jCKF7bVehEtfN4Hdi5uwoL_VYYCA8hEWIDHSw-LJE5QAyCPVvbTAi_dYPuhnbst-UvPCGjROKaT9bucdDc0sBLMYWBDssXBRQZY9-dKCaZqblVnPttk4WYm6JTPvhC7JmzICmUFmyRYU2YWryNspEqrx3fgp-x9KNDRMxiIzw&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Belton Missouri Police Department</a> assisted with this pursuit.

Wanted KC woman arrested after stolen car crash during chase

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/suzanneking/">SUZANNE KING</a>&nbsp;

Regulators recently warned officials at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs that “deficient practices” at its laboratory, including lax testing procedures and insufficient training, could endanger patients.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services informed hospital officials that they had found the lab to be in “immediate jeopardy,” the most severe level of noncompliance in health regulation.

The state’s Dec. 20 letter said the finding was based on a “complaint survey” completed on Dec. 17. This survey, or inspection, included an onsite visit Dec. 10-11, a phone interview Dec. 16-17 and additional documentation, the state’s report said.

Citing federal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-G/part-493" target="_blank">regulations</a>, the letter said a finding of immediate jeopardy was made because the lab’s noncompliance “has already caused, is causing, or is likely to cause, at any time, serious injury or harm, or death, to individuals served by the laboratory or to the health and safety of the general public.”

In a written statement, the hospital acknowledged the finding and said it had submitted a corrective action plan to the state.

“We take survey findings very seriously and have taken proactive steps to implement changes addressing issues identified by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services,” the hospital said.

The hospital’s statement said the hospital is fully operational with “comprehensive laboratory services.”

“No St. Mary’s patients were ever identified as being harmed throughout the survey process,” the statement said.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) conducts surveys of health care facilities in the state on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

In this case, said Sami Jo Freeman, a DHSS spokeswoman, CMS identified concerns and directed the state agency to perform a complaint investigation into the laboratory, which led to the immediate jeopardy findings.

Freeman confirmed that St. Mary’s officials had responded to the state report in writing.

“Their response has been forwarded to, and is currently under review by, CMS, who will decide if the response is adequate and decide the next steps,” Freeman said in an email.

<a href="https://stmaryskc.com/" target="_blank">St. Mary’s</a>, an 80-bed hospital owned by the for-profit chain&nbsp;<a href="https://www.primehealthcare.com/" target="_blank">Prime Healthcare</a>, said the immediate jeopardy finding was related to blood bank processes and based on inspections conducted in October 2023, a month before the hospital shifted blood bank services to St. Joseph Medical Center, another Kansas City-area hospital owned by Prime.

St. Mary’s statement said blood bank services “will continue to be provided to St. Mary’s patients uninterrupted through this partnership.”

A hospital spokeswoman did not explain why the blood bank process had been shifted to St. Joseph Medical Center in 2023.

She also didn’t answer questions about more recent issues raised in the state’s December report. The report said the laboratory “failed to provide blood bank procedures for all blood bank processes that started October 2023.”

The hospital spokeswoman also declined to respond to questions about concerns raised in the report that did not involve blood bank services.

A finding of immediate jeopardy could result in fines, onsite monitoring and the loss of Medicare accreditation. Such a finding is relatively uncommon. One&nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30896558/" target="_blank">study</a>&nbsp;from 2021 found that less than 3% of hospital citations reached that most serious level.

In 2022, St. Mary’s Hospital faced another immediate jeopardy finding, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hospitalinspections.org/report-detail/QS8111" target="_blank">database</a>&nbsp;of inspection reports. That time regulators raised concerns about physical force used against patients in the hospital’s emergency department. The immediate jeopardy finding was removed after the hospital implemented an action plan, which included the dismissal of an employee directly involved, executives spending more time in the department and staff education.

The state’s December report cited a range of problems with St. Mary’s laboratory, many of them relating to testing procedures, documentation, quality control and training.

Overall, the report said, the lab’s director “failed to provide overall management and direction of the laboratory.”

This included failure to “ensure overall operation” of the lab’s blood bank; failure to properly train staff before they performed patient testing; a lack of remedial actions when “significant deviations” were identified; and quality control lapses, such as a failure to ensure that follow-up crossmatch testing was performed.

The lapses, regulators said, could lead to inaccurate patient test results, which could cause issues or delays of patient diagnosis and treatment. The failures, the report said, “have a significant potential to cause patient harm.”

The position of lab director is currently&nbsp;<a href="https://careers-primehealthcare.icims.com/jobs/187441/laboratory-director/job" target="_blank">posted</a>&nbsp;as an open job on the hospital’s website. It isn’t clear who was director during the period of time covered by the inspection.

The state also called out the lab’s failure to maintain analytic systems, including a lack of laboratory procedures and a failure to perform and document quality control measures.

For example, the report found that the lab didn’t document the inspection of whole blood before issuing it. In one case in November, the report said, blood was given to a patient “without units being labeled and proper procedure was not followed.”

The report said the lab also did not perform alarm inspections on a blood bank refrigerator, and lacked or failed to document certain test control procedures.

The state called out problems with the lab’s procedures for urinalysis, saying the machine used in tests, a urinalysis centrifuge, was operating at the incorrect speed. In another instance involving a test for vitamin B12 levels, a test control was not within acceptable limits for several hours, the state said.

This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/01/22/st-marys-medical-center-called-out-for-deficient-practices/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738530332436.png" alt=" St. Mary’s Medical Center officials said they are correcting problems called out by regulators (Suzanne King/The Beacon)." />
 <figcaption> St. Mary’s Medical Center officials said they are correcting problems called out by regulators (Suzanne King/The Beacon).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/suzanneking/">SUZANNE KING</a>&nbsp;Regulators recently warned officials at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs that “deficient practices” at its laboratory, including lax testing procedures and insufficient training, could endanger patients.The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services informed hospital officials that they had found the lab to be in “immediate jeopardy,” the most severe level of noncompliance in health regulation.The state’s Dec. 20 letter said the finding was based on a “complaint survey” completed on Dec. 17. This survey, or inspection, included an onsite visit Dec. 10-11, a phone interview Dec. 16-17 and additional documentation, the state’s report said.Citing federal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-G/part-493" target="_blank">regulations</a>, the letter said a finding of immediate jeopardy was made because the lab’s noncompliance “has already caused, is causing, or is likely to cause, at any time, serious injury or harm, or death, to individuals served by the laboratory or to the health and safety of the general public.”In a written statement, the hospital acknowledged the finding and said it had submitted a corrective action plan to the state.“We take survey findings very seriously and have taken proactive steps to implement changes addressing issues identified by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services,” the hospital said.The hospital’s statement said the hospital is fully operational with “comprehensive laboratory services.”“No St. Mary’s patients were ever identified as being harmed throughout the survey process,” the statement said.The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) conducts surveys of health care facilities in the state on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).In this case, said Sami Jo Freeman, a DHSS spokeswoman, CMS identified concerns and directed the state agency to perform a complaint investigation into the laboratory, which led to the immediate jeopardy findings.Freeman confirmed that St. Mary’s officials had responded to the state report in writing.“Their response has been forwarded to, and is currently under review by, CMS, who will decide if the response is adequate and decide the next steps,” Freeman said in an email.<a href="https://stmaryskc.com/" target="_blank">St. Mary’s</a>, an 80-bed hospital owned by the for-profit chain&nbsp;<a href="https://www.primehealthcare.com/" target="_blank">Prime Healthcare</a>, said the immediate jeopardy finding was related to blood bank processes and based on inspections conducted in October 2023, a month before the hospital shifted blood bank services to St. Joseph Medical Center, another Kansas City-area hospital owned by Prime.St. Mary’s statement said blood bank services “will continue to be provided to St. Mary’s patients uninterrupted through this partnership.”A hospital spokeswoman did not explain why the blood bank process had been shifted to St. Joseph Medical Center in 2023.She also didn’t answer questions about more recent issues raised in the state’s December report. The report said the laboratory “failed to provide blood bank procedures for all blood bank processes that started October 2023.”The hospital spokeswoman also declined to respond to questions about concerns raised in the report that did not involve blood bank services.A finding of immediate jeopardy could result in fines, onsite monitoring and the loss of Medicare accreditation. Such a finding is relatively uncommon. One&nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30896558/" target="_blank">study</a>&nbsp;from 2021 found that less than 3% of hospital citations reached that most serious level.In 2022, St. Mary’s Hospital faced another immediate jeopardy finding, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hospitalinspections.org/report-detail/QS8111" target="_blank">database</a>&nbsp;of inspection reports. That time regulators raised concerns about physical force used against patients in the hospital’s emergency department. The immediate jeopardy finding was removed after the hospital implemented an action plan, which included the dismissal of an employee directly involved, executives spending more time in the department and staff education.The state’s December report cited a range of problems with St. Mary’s laboratory, many of them relating to testing procedures, documentation, quality control and training.Overall, the report said, the lab’s director “failed to provide overall management and direction of the laboratory.”This included failure to “ensure overall operation” of the lab’s blood bank; failure to properly train staff before they performed patient testing; a lack of remedial actions when “significant deviations” were identified; and quality control lapses, such as a failure to ensure that follow-up crossmatch testing was performed.The lapses, regulators said, could lead to inaccurate patient test results, which could cause issues or delays of patient diagnosis and treatment. The failures, the report said, “have a significant potential to cause patient harm.”The position of lab director is currently&nbsp;<a href="https://careers-primehealthcare.icims.com/jobs/187441/laboratory-director/job" target="_blank">posted</a>&nbsp;as an open job on the hospital’s website. It isn’t clear who was director during the period of time covered by the inspection.The state also called out the lab’s failure to maintain analytic systems, including a lack of laboratory procedures and a failure to perform and document quality control measures.For example, the report found that the lab didn’t document the inspection of whole blood before issuing it. In one case in November, the report said, blood was given to a patient “without units being labeled and proper procedure was not followed.”The report said the lab also did not perform alarm inspections on a blood bank refrigerator, and lacked or failed to document certain test control procedures.The state called out problems with the lab’s procedures for urinalysis, saying the machine used in tests, a urinalysis centrifuge, was operating at the incorrect speed. In another instance involving a test for vitamin B12 levels, a test control was not within acceptable limits for several hours, the state said.This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/01/22/st-marys-medical-center-called-out-for-deficient-practices/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<figure>
 <img src="https://thebeaconnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/iconbeacon-150x150.png?crop=1" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://thebeaconnews.org/?republication-pixel=true&amp;post=26615" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Regulators warn Missouri hospital that lab’s ‘deficient practices’ could put patients at risk

Kansas City's quest to become the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls is a week away.&nbsp; On Sunday Kansas City Police helped lead the team on their trip to the airport.

On social media, KCPD wrote,"Off to the Big Easy, they go!"

"Traffic Officers escorted the Chiefs to the airport this afternoon as the team heads south to play for another Lombardi Trophy"

The game will be aired on Fox. at 5:30 p.m. CST on Feb. 9.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738530528478.png" alt="Photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City's quest to become the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls is a week away.&nbsp; On Sunday Kansas City Police helped lead the team on their trip to the airport.On social media, KCPD wrote,"Off to the Big Easy, they go!""Traffic Officers escorted the Chiefs to the airport this afternoon as the team heads south to play for another Lombardi Trophy"The game will be aired on Fox. at 5:30 p.m. CST on Feb. 9.

KCPD escorts Chiefs to the airport for trip to Super Bowl

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

Just after 11p.m. January 30, a sheriff's deputy with the Shawnee County conducted a traffic stop on a white 2006 Dodge Ram pickup truck in the 1300 block of NW Van Buren Street, according to Shawnee County Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.

It was discovered that the driver had a revoked driver’s license and a warrant for his arrest. The driver ran from the deputy and was taken into custody following a brief foot pursuit.

Trever J. Fanshier, 33, of Hoyt, Kan., was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Interference with law enforcement. Fanshier also had a misdemeanor warrant for a probation violation through Shawnee County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738360669392.png" alt="Fanshier-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Fanshier-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 11p.m. January 30, a sheriff's deputy with the Shawnee County conducted a traffic stop on a white 2006 Dodge Ram pickup truck in the 1300 block of NW Van Buren Street, according to Shawnee County Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.It was discovered that the driver had a revoked driver’s license and a warrant for his arrest. The driver ran from the deputy and was taken into custody following a brief foot pursuit.Trever J. Fanshier, 33, of Hoyt, Kan., was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Interference with law enforcement. Fanshier also had a misdemeanor warrant for a probation violation through Shawnee County.

Wanted Kansas drug suspect ran from traffic stop

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Legislation that would cement child support payments for pregnancy-related costs before birth turned into a debate at a hearing Wednesday over whether the bill would establish “fetal personhood” in Kansas law.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2062/" target="_blank">House Bill 2062</a>&nbsp;would guarantee mothers child support payments from the moment of conception. But House Democrats questioned at a judiciary committee hearing the real intent of the bill, and opponents speculated it was an attempt to establish fetal personhood, the idea that a fetus, embryo or fertilized egg has the same legal rights as a born person. Fetal personhood bills have taken many&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2024/07/31/conservatives-push-to-declare-fetuses-as-people-with-far-reaching-consequences/" target="_blank">forms</a>&nbsp;across the country with far-reaching consequences.

The bill would add the following definition to child support-related statutes under the Kansas family law code: “The term ‘unborn child’ means a living individual organism of the species homo sapiens, in utero, at any stage of gestation from fertilization to birth.”

It was written by Kansas Family Voice, an anti-abortion Christian advocacy group that also testified in favor of a gender-affirming care ban for trans youths this week. A nearly identical bill last year died in committee.

This year, eighty-three people submitted written testimony opposed to the bill, and three were in favor.&nbsp;

Pregnancy-related medical costs already can be considered in child support judgments in some cases. Brittany Jones, director of policy and engagement for Kansas Family Voice, told the committee the intent of the bill is to ensure pregnancy-related expenses are always considered.

“This is not a revolutionary bill,” Jones said. “This is not intended to change much of anything besides to make it uniform that courts consider it.”

Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, an Overland Park Democrat said she wasn’t sure of the point of the bill because much of its contents already exist in law.&nbsp;

“In my view, this is creating a new bill that just codifies fetal personhood and, you know, this idea of what an acceptable abortion is,” Vaughn said.&nbsp;

Taylor Morton, a lobbyist with the advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, criticized the bill’s lack of “meaningful structure” for miscarriages, stillbirths, abortions and births that result in adoption. The bill also lacked clarity in how paternity would be determined before birth and protocol for how payments would be distributed given pregnancy complications.

“On the surface, this bill appears to be a means of supporting pregnant people and families, but in reality, it is just an attempt to advance an anti-abortion agenda, and again, further codifying that fetal personhood language into Kansas law,” Morton said.&nbsp;

Such language could give way to laws that criminalize or restrict access to health care during pregnancy, Morton said.&nbsp;

Jeanne Gawdun, a lobbyist for the anti-abortion organization Kansans for Life and one of the bill’s proponents, pointed to Kansas Department of Health and Environment data that showed of the roughly 12,500 children born out of wedlock in Kansas, 8,600 people could apply for child support benefits under the proposed legislation. Assuming 10% of those who applied would qualify for pre-birth child support payments, child support services would take on an additional 867 cases per year.&nbsp;

“Many women facing unexpected pregnancies choose abortion because of financial insecurity or uncertain relationship status,” Gawdun said.&nbsp;

This bill could address the financial aspect, she said.

Research has shown bad timing, concern for existing children and interference with future opportunities are also among the top reasons cited for obtaining an abortion.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738509237585.png" alt="Jeanne Gawdun, a lobbyist for anti-abortion group Kansans for Life, leans to speak with Brittany Jones with Kansas Family Voice on Jan. 29, 2025, during a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee. (Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Jeanne Gawdun, a lobbyist for anti-abortion group Kansans for Life, leans to speak with Brittany Jones with Kansas Family Voice on Jan. 29, 2025, during a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee. (Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Legislation that would cement child support payments for pregnancy-related costs before birth turned into a debate at a hearing Wednesday over whether the bill would establish “fetal personhood” in Kansas law.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2062/" target="_blank">House Bill 2062</a>&nbsp;would guarantee mothers child support payments from the moment of conception. But House Democrats questioned at a judiciary committee hearing the real intent of the bill, and opponents speculated it was an attempt to establish fetal personhood, the idea that a fetus, embryo or fertilized egg has the same legal rights as a born person. Fetal personhood bills have taken many&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2024/07/31/conservatives-push-to-declare-fetuses-as-people-with-far-reaching-consequences/" target="_blank">forms</a>&nbsp;across the country with far-reaching consequences.The bill would add the following definition to child support-related statutes under the Kansas family law code: “The term ‘unborn child’ means a living individual organism of the species homo sapiens, in utero, at any stage of gestation from fertilization to birth.”It was written by Kansas Family Voice, an anti-abortion Christian advocacy group that also testified in favor of a gender-affirming care ban for trans youths this week. A nearly identical bill last year died in committee.This year, eighty-three people submitted written testimony opposed to the bill, and three were in favor.&nbsp;Pregnancy-related medical costs already can be considered in child support judgments in some cases. Brittany Jones, director of policy and engagement for Kansas Family Voice, told the committee the intent of the bill is to ensure pregnancy-related expenses are always considered.“This is not a revolutionary bill,” Jones said. “This is not intended to change much of anything besides to make it uniform that courts consider it.”Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, an Overland Park Democrat said she wasn’t sure of the point of the bill because much of its contents already exist in law.&nbsp;“In my view, this is creating a new bill that just codifies fetal personhood and, you know, this idea of what an acceptable abortion is,” Vaughn said.&nbsp;Taylor Morton, a lobbyist with the advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, criticized the bill’s lack of “meaningful structure” for miscarriages, stillbirths, abortions and births that result in adoption. The bill also lacked clarity in how paternity would be determined before birth and protocol for how payments would be distributed given pregnancy complications.“On the surface, this bill appears to be a means of supporting pregnant people and families, but in reality, it is just an attempt to advance an anti-abortion agenda, and again, further codifying that fetal personhood language into Kansas law,” Morton said.&nbsp;Such language could give way to laws that criminalize or restrict access to health care during pregnancy, Morton said.&nbsp;Jeanne Gawdun, a lobbyist for the anti-abortion organization Kansans for Life and one of the bill’s proponents, pointed to Kansas Department of Health and Environment data that showed of the roughly 12,500 children born out of wedlock in Kansas, 8,600 people could apply for child support benefits under the proposed legislation. Assuming 10% of those who applied would qualify for pre-birth child support payments, child support services would take on an additional 867 cases per year.&nbsp;“Many women facing unexpected pregnancies choose abortion because of financial insecurity or uncertain relationship status,” Gawdun said.&nbsp;This bill could address the financial aspect, she said.Research has shown bad timing, concern for existing children and interference with future opportunities are also among the top reasons cited for obtaining an abortion.

Kansas bill attempts to establish fetal personhood with child support from conception

Punxsutawney Phil handlers said he has seen his shadow and is predicting six more weeks of wintry weather.&nbsp; Click below to watch the famous groundhog.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738500732773.png" alt=" Punxsutawney Phil on Sunday morning- image from the video" />
 <figcaption> Punxsutawney Phil on Sunday morning- image from the video</figcaption>
 </figure>Punxsutawney Phil handlers said he has seen his shadow and is predicting six more weeks of wintry weather.&nbsp; Click below to watch the famous groundhog.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Io374gxgT6E?si=xtOckYSpq8_I_RSf&amp;start=458" 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>

🎥Groundhog Day 2025: Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a triple-homicide in Kansas City.

Just before 1a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4100 block of NW 65th Street, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

First responders were directed to a residence there. Inside that home officers located three adult female shooting victims unresponsive.

Officers summoned EMS to the scene who declared all three deceased at the scene.

Detectives and crime scene personnel are processing the scene for evidence and canvassing for witnesses to get a better idea of what led up to the shooting.

This case is being investigated as a homicide and there are no suspects in custody at this time. Police released no additional details early Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738502088711.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a triple-homicide in Kansas City.Just before 1a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4100 block of NW 65th Street, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.First responders were directed to a residence there. Inside that home officers located three adult female shooting victims unresponsive.Officers summoned EMS to the scene who declared all three deceased at the scene.Detectives and crime scene personnel are processing the scene for evidence and canvassing for witnesses to get a better idea of what led up to the shooting.This case is being investigated as a homicide and there are no suspects in custody at this time. Police released no additional details early Sunday.

Homicide: 3 women found dead in Kansas City home

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces conducted airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia on Saturday, according to a statement from the&nbsp;U.S. Africa Command.

The command’s initial assessment is that multiple ISIS-Somalia operatives were killed in the airstrikes and no civilians were harmed. U.S. Africa Command takes great measures to prevent civilian harm. Protecting civilians remains a vital part of the command’s operations to promote a more secure and stable Africa.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to assess the results of this operation and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the operation will not be released in order to ensure continued operations security.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738433734400.png" alt="Photo released Saturday from U.S. Africa Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo released Saturday from U.S. Africa Command</figcaption>
 </figure>In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces conducted airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia on Saturday, according to a statement from the&nbsp;U.S. Africa Command.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This morning I ordered precision Military air strikes on the Senior ISIS Attack Planner and other terrorists he recruited and led in Somalia. These killers, who we found hiding in caves, threatened the United States and our Allies. The strikes destroyed the caves they live in,…&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1885740103223648412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The command’s initial assessment is that multiple ISIS-Somalia operatives were killed in the airstrikes and no civilians were harmed. U.S. Africa Command takes great measures to prevent civilian harm. Protecting civilians remains a vital part of the command’s operations to promote a more secure and stable Africa.U.S. Africa Command will continue to assess the results of this operation and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the operation will not be released in order to ensure continued operations security.

U.S. forces conduct airstrike targeting ISIS in Somalia

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>&nbsp;

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump plans to implement tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China on Saturday, potentially starting off a trade war that would likely lead to price increases on groceries and numerous other products.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a briefing Friday that Trump will place 25% tariffs on goods coming into the United States from Canada and Mexico, and a 10% tariff on imports from China. Tariffs are paid by businesses bringing goods into the United States from other countries and they often pass on the increase in costs to consumers.

“The tariffs are incoming tomorrow on Canada and the reason for that is because both Canada and Mexico have both allowed an unprecedented invasion of illegal fentanyl that is killing American citizens and also illegal immigrants into our country,” Leavitt said.

Trump hasn’t yet decided if he will later implement tariffs on the European Union, made up of&nbsp;<a href="https://european-union.europa.eu/easy-read_en" target="_blank">27 countries</a>, according to Leavitt.

“I won’t get ahead of the president on tariffs when it comes to the European Union,” she said.

Trump said later Friday from the Oval Office that he wasn’t using the tariffs as a negotiating tool, but as a way to raise revenue for the federal government and bring attention to fentanyl flowing into the country.

“We’re not looking for a concession. We’ll just see what happens,” Trump said.

The new tariffs will be stacked on top of existing tariffs, he said.

Trump said he planned to add additional tariffs at some point on computer chips and “things associated with chips,” oil and gas, steel, aluminum, copper, pharmaceuticals and “all forms of medicine.”

Trump said he will likely implement the oil and gas tariffs on Feb. 18, but didn’t provide dates for the other tariffs.

Trump brushed aside a question about how tariffs would impact prices, saying he was elected to reduce inflation. He said he wasn’t concerned about the stock market’s reaction on Friday afternoon to the impending tariffs.&nbsp;

Many economists, including those at conservative think tanks, like the American Enterprise Institute, have warned against broadly applying tariffs in this way.

Phil Gramm, former Republican chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and nonresident senior fellow at AEI, and Larry Summers, former Treasury Secretary during the Clinton administration,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/opinion/a-letter-to-trump-from-economists-tariffs-policy-protectionism-economy-9a063b69?mod=opinion_lead_pos5" target="_blank">wrote an op-ed published by the Wall Street Journal</a>&nbsp;on Thursday urging Trump not to implement tariffs.

“Our united opposition to non-defense-related tariffs is based not on our faith in free trade but on evidence that tariffs are harmful to the economy,” they wrote.

“Protective tariffs distort domestic production by inducing domestic producers to commit labor and capital to produce goods and services that could have been acquired more cheaply on the international market,” Gramm and Summers wrote. “That labor and capital are in turn diverted from producing goods and services that couldn’t be acquired more cheaply internationally. In the process, productivity, wages and economic growth fall while prices rise. Tariffs and the retaliation they bring also poison our economic and security alliances.”

Leavitt said during the press briefing that only Trump could decide whether he would eventually lift or alter the tariffs, while brushing aside the potential impacts to the U.S. economy.&nbsp;

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service writes on its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/chart-detail?chartId=58394" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;that Canada and Mexico “are the United States’ first and third largest suppliers of agricultural products (averaging $30.9 billion and $25.5 billion in 2017–21, respectively).

“Mexico supplied the United States with 31 percent of imported horticultural products including fruit, vegetables, and alcoholic beverages. Canada is also a source of horticultural products, as well as grains, and meats.”

The Office of the United States Trade Representative writes on its&nbsp;<a href="https://ustr.gov/countries-regions/china-mongolia-taiwan/peoples-republic-china" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;that the U.S. imported $562.9 billion worth of goods from China during 2022.

U.S. agricultural exports to China, which could be impacted by retaliatory tariffs, totaled $36.4 billion during fiscal year 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/record-us-fy-2022-agricultural-exports-china" target="_blank">according to&nbsp;</a>the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.&nbsp;

“U.S. exports have returned to trend growth experienced since the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and in the last 2 years the United States has witnessed record export values to China for soybeans, corn, beef, chicken meat, tree nuts, and sorghum. Cotton exports to China have also rebounded, propelled by strong demand. All these products are major contributors to the U.S. farm economy.”

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>&nbsp;WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump plans to implement tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China on Saturday, potentially starting off a trade war that would likely lead to price increases on groceries and numerous other products.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“We need to protect Americans, and it is my duty as President to ensure the safety of all. I made a promise on my Campaign to stop the flood of illegal aliens and drugs from pouring across our Borders, and Americans overwhelmingly voted in favor of it.” –President Trump <a href="https://t.co/rJ9opLBJzr">pic.twitter.com/rJ9opLBJzr</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1885833185012896054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a briefing Friday that Trump will place 25% tariffs on goods coming into the United States from Canada and Mexico, and a 10% tariff on imports from China. Tariffs are paid by businesses bringing goods into the United States from other countries and they often pass on the increase in costs to consumers.“The tariffs are incoming tomorrow on Canada and the reason for that is because both Canada and Mexico have both allowed an unprecedented invasion of illegal fentanyl that is killing American citizens and also illegal immigrants into our country,” Leavitt said.Trump hasn’t yet decided if he will later implement tariffs on the European Union, made up of&nbsp;<a href="https://european-union.europa.eu/easy-read_en" target="_blank">27 countries</a>, according to Leavitt.“I won’t get ahead of the president on tariffs when it comes to the European Union,” she said.Trump said later Friday from the Oval Office that he wasn’t using the tariffs as a negotiating tool, but as a way to raise revenue for the federal government and bring attention to fentanyl flowing into the country.“We’re not looking for a concession. We’ll just see what happens,” Trump said.The new tariffs will be stacked on top of existing tariffs, he said.Trump said he planned to add additional tariffs at some point on computer chips and “things associated with chips,” oil and gas, steel, aluminum, copper, pharmaceuticals and “all forms of medicine.”Trump said he will likely implement the oil and gas tariffs on Feb. 18, but didn’t provide dates for the other tariffs.Trump brushed aside a question about how tariffs would impact prices, saying he was elected to reduce inflation. He said he wasn’t concerned about the stock market’s reaction on Friday afternoon to the impending tariffs.&nbsp;Many economists, including those at conservative think tanks, like the American Enterprise Institute, have warned against broadly applying tariffs in this way.Phil Gramm, former Republican chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and nonresident senior fellow at AEI, and Larry Summers, former Treasury Secretary during the Clinton administration,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/opinion/a-letter-to-trump-from-economists-tariffs-policy-protectionism-economy-9a063b69?mod=opinion_lead_pos5" target="_blank">wrote an op-ed published by the Wall Street Journal</a>&nbsp;on Thursday urging Trump not to implement tariffs.“Our united opposition to non-defense-related tariffs is based not on our faith in free trade but on evidence that tariffs are harmful to the economy,” they wrote.“Protective tariffs distort domestic production by inducing domestic producers to commit labor and capital to produce goods and services that could have been acquired more cheaply on the international market,” Gramm and Summers wrote. “That labor and capital are in turn diverted from producing goods and services that couldn’t be acquired more cheaply internationally. In the process, productivity, wages and economic growth fall while prices rise. Tariffs and the retaliation they bring also poison our economic and security alliances.”Leavitt said during the press briefing that only Trump could decide whether he would eventually lift or alter the tariffs, while brushing aside the potential impacts to the U.S. economy.&nbsp;The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service writes on its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/chart-detail?chartId=58394" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;that Canada and Mexico “are the United States’ first and third largest suppliers of agricultural products (averaging $30.9 billion and $25.5 billion in 2017–21, respectively).“Mexico supplied the United States with 31 percent of imported horticultural products including fruit, vegetables, and alcoholic beverages. Canada is also a source of horticultural products, as well as grains, and meats.”The Office of the United States Trade Representative writes on its&nbsp;<a href="https://ustr.gov/countries-regions/china-mongolia-taiwan/peoples-republic-china" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;that the U.S. imported $562.9 billion worth of goods from China during 2022.U.S. agricultural exports to China, which could be impacted by retaliatory tariffs, totaled $36.4 billion during fiscal year 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/record-us-fy-2022-agricultural-exports-china" target="_blank">according to&nbsp;</a>the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.&nbsp;“U.S. exports have returned to trend growth experienced since the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and in the last 2 years the United States has witnessed record export values to China for soybeans, corn, beef, chicken meat, tree nuts, and sorghum. Cotton exports to China have also rebounded, propelled by strong demand. All these products are major contributors to the U.S. farm economy.”

White House announces tariffs on products from Canada, Mexico, China

GEARY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a deadly shooting in Junction City and have made an arrest.

Just before 1p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting the 900 block of Kramer Court in Junction City, according to a media release. 

First responders located a victim later identified as 22-year-old Carron D. Carter of Junction City, suffering from a gunshot wound.

He was transported to Stormont Vail Flint Hills, where he was later pronounced deceased. 

&nbsp;An autopsy is scheduled for later this week .Following an investigation, officers arrested Jonathan M. Lee, a 27-year-old male from Fort Riley, in connection with the incident. 

Lee was transported to the Geary County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond on requested charge of First-Degree Murder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738460887904.png" alt="Lee-photo Geary County" />
 <figcaption>Lee-photo Geary County</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a deadly shooting in Junction City and have made an arrest.Just before 1p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting the 900 block of Kramer Court in Junction City, according to a media release. First responders located a victim later identified as 22-year-old Carron D. Carter of Junction City, suffering from a gunshot wound.He was transported to Stormont Vail Flint Hills, where he was later pronounced deceased. &nbsp;An autopsy is scheduled for later this week .Following an investigation, officers arrested Jonathan M. Lee, a 27-year-old male from Fort Riley, in connection with the incident. Lee was transported to the Geary County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond on requested charge of First-Degree Murder..

Suspect accused of killing 22-year-old in Junction City

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegaions.

Just before midnight January 25, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2000 Toyota Corolla on U.S. Hwy 75, near 118th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

&nbsp; During the traffic stop, a Police Service Dog (PSD) Duke was deployed to conduct a free-air sniff of the vehicle.&nbsp; Duke alerted and indicated to the odor of illegal narcotics in the vehicle.&nbsp; During a search of the vehicle, methamphetamine, THC, &amp; drug paraphernalia were located.

The driver, Kaley Rae Lindberg, 32, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and violations of driver’s license restrictions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738165796421.png" alt="Lindberg photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Lindberg photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegaions.Just before midnight January 25, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2000 Toyota Corolla on U.S. Hwy 75, near 118th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp; During the traffic stop, a Police Service Dog (PSD) Duke was deployed to conduct a free-air sniff of the vehicle.&nbsp; Duke alerted and indicated to the odor of illegal narcotics in the vehicle.&nbsp; During a search of the vehicle, methamphetamine, THC, &amp; drug paraphernalia were located.The driver, Kaley Rae Lindberg, 32, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and violations of driver’s license restrictions.

Sheriff's K9 helped catch Kansas woman transporting drugs

Investigators are seeking clues into this week's deadly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-aircraft-crash-9d79051a9e535bd855df5a4e5553b2e9">midair collision</a>&nbsp;the deadliest aviation disaster in the U.S. almost a quarter century.&nbsp; The U.S. Department of Transportation and National Transportation Safety Board provided updates on Saturday afternoon.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-crash-62adba7fb1f546b4cf1716e42b86482b">The collision</a>&nbsp;between an American Airlines passenger jet and an Army helicopter at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport near Washington, D.C, late Wednesday killed 67 people, including more than a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dc-helicopter-jet-crash-figure-skaters-391a4c7bd0e617a08d9532a8faab206b">dozen figure skaters</a>.

Investigators are seeking clues into this week's deadly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-aircraft-crash-9d79051a9e535bd855df5a4e5553b2e9">midair collision</a>&nbsp;the deadliest aviation disaster in the U.S. almost a quarter century.&nbsp; The U.S. Department of Transportation and National Transportation Safety Board provided updates on Saturday afternoon.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6WzoEb0m8x4?si=jr_VkfzkxoEajZEA&amp;start=30" 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><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My update on the crashes near Reagan National Airport and in Philadelphia: <a href="https://t.co/WZgDtcuHJ4">pic.twitter.com/WZgDtcuHJ4</a>&mdash; Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDuffy/status/1885796425436389862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-crash-62adba7fb1f546b4cf1716e42b86482b">The collision</a>&nbsp;between an American Airlines passenger jet and an Army helicopter at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport near Washington, D.C, late Wednesday killed 67 people, including more than a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dc-helicopter-jet-crash-figure-skaters-391a4c7bd0e617a08d9532a8faab206b">dozen figure skaters</a>.

🎥 NTSB and USDOT update investigation of deadly mid-air collision

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement continue asking for the public’s assistance in locating 39-year-old Jason Keith, a homeless man believed to have stolen a firearm from a Kansas City, Kansas retailer, according to a media release from the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.

On January 10, video surveillance at the Bass Pro Shop, 10300 Cabela Drive in Kansas City, Kansas, captured Keith taking a firearm and walking out of the store with it concealed in a tan, backpack-style rifle bag.

 He then boarded a Metro Bus and was last seen in the area or 12th and Main Street in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Keith is described as a white male, blue eyes, 5-foot-9 and 135 pounds. He was wearing a green utility jacket, black hooded sweatshirt, blue pants, a beanie, and neon-colored athletic shoes with black laces on the left shoe and yellow laces on the right shoe. 

While Keith is believed to be homeless, his last known address was in Peculiar, Missouri.

If you believe you have seen Keith, or know of his whereabouts, please call 911 or the CrimeStoppers Tips Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736686363226.png" alt="Photos KCK Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCK Police</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement continue asking for the public’s assistance in locating 39-year-old Jason Keith, a homeless man believed to have stolen a firearm from a Kansas City, Kansas retailer, according to a media release from the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.On January 10, video surveillance at the Bass Pro Shop, 10300 Cabela Drive in Kansas City, Kansas, captured Keith taking a firearm and walking out of the store with it concealed in a tan, backpack-style rifle bag. He then boarded a Metro Bus and was last seen in the area or 12th and Main Street in Kansas City, Missouri. Keith is described as a white male, blue eyes, 5-foot-9 and 135 pounds. He was wearing a green utility jacket, black hooded sweatshirt, blue pants, a beanie, and neon-colored athletic shoes with black laces on the left shoe and yellow laces on the right shoe. While Keith is believed to be homeless, his last known address was in Peculiar, Missouri.If you believe you have seen Keith, or know of his whereabouts, please call 911 or the CrimeStoppers Tips Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

Search continues for suspect who stole firearm from Bass Pro Shop

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

A Jackson County judge previously allowed certain regulations, such as mandatory pelvic exams for medical abortion, to remain in place

Nearly two months after<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/05/abortion-lawsuit-planned-parenthood-amendment-3-missouri-jackson-county/">&nbsp;a voter-approved constitutional amendment legalizing abortion</a>&nbsp;went into effect, the procedure remains inaccessible in Missouri.&nbsp;

On Friday, a Jackson County judge heard arguments over whether to grant an injunction requested by Planned Parenthood that would permit the organization to offer abortion services almost immediately.&nbsp;

Last month, Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/20/missouri-amendment-3-abortion-regulations-trap-laws/">struck down a number of “targeted regulation of abortion provider” statutes,</a>&nbsp;better known as TRAP laws.&nbsp;

Laws mandating a 72-hour waiting period for an abortion and a requirement that physicians performing the procedure have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals were put on hold.&nbsp;

But other regulations the judge allowed to remain — such as state licensing requirements and a mandate to receive a pelvic exam before being prescribed the pill used in medication abortion — have left clinics unable to perform the procedure in Missouri.

On Friday afternoon, Zhang again listened to arguments from Planned Parenthood and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office during the hearing in downtown Kansas City.&nbsp;

“We have still not been able to restore abortion access in Missouri,” Eleanor Spottswood, an attorney with Planned Parenthood, argued Friday.

Zhang asked how Planned Parenthood clinics would be regulated if she were to strike down the current licensing requirements from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Spottswood said that like other outpatient practices, the facility would not require a license, but the providers would need to meet their own professional licensing requirements through the Missouri Board of Healing Arts.&nbsp;

Planned Parenthood is currently held to a much higher threshold of regulations, she said.

Pottswood said if the judge strikes down the remaining TRAP laws, it’s Planned Parenthood’s intention to offer medication abortions at all nine clinics across the state within a week The organization hopes it can hire and train the necessary staff to also begin performing surgical abortions at its clinics in St. Louis and Kansas City.&nbsp;

The state previously 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 a temporary ruling.

Much of Friday’s hearing revolved around pelvic exams, which Planned Parenthood’s attorneys maintained are “invasive and unnecessary” ahead of prescribing abortion medication. Instead, Pottswood said, the clinics use other methods to determine if the pregnancy is at risk of being ectopic, meaning the fertilized egg has implanted itself outside the uterus.&nbsp;

Taking abortion medication to end an ectopic pregnancy can be dangerous.

Missouri Solicitor General Joshua Divine argued that pelvic exams ahead of any procedure are “routine care,” and should remain in place.&nbsp;

Zhang asked if hospitals can perform abortions following passage of Amendment 3 last year, seemingly attempting to determine whether the current pelvic exam law is discriminatory against abortion clinics or if it would also be required at hospitals.&nbsp;

Pottswood said they presumably can, but a question remains of whether any will. Divine agreed that while he believes hospitals can now provide abortions, it is “very, very rare” that they do so in Missouri … so there’s not much need to regulate.”

Without a broader injunction, Pottswood argued, “the state will enforce the law in the most obstructive way possible” and “treat abortion providers differently and worse than other providers.”&nbsp;

This interferes with patients rights, she said, which is in violation of&nbsp;<a href="https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Missourians-for-Constitutional-Freedom-Amendment.pdf" target="_blank">Amendment 3, which states in part&nbsp;</a>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;

A decade ago, more than 5,000 abortions were performed in Missouri, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. By 2020, when abortions were still legal, that number fell to 167, a drop that abortion providers attributed to the state’s growing list of regulations.

Divine questioned why the Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis hadn’t reapplied for a license, since they were the only clinic in the state that still met licensing requirements when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022. He called the lack of access a “purely self-inflicted injury.”

Missouri’s trigger law banning all abortions with limited exceptions for medical emergencies went into effect the same day, ending the procedure at the St. Louis clinic.

Assuming that the state would grant the license, Pottswood said by limiting patients’ choices to one clinic in the state, “the licensing law inserts the state between the patient and the provider.”

The hearing, which lasted four hours, also discussed the state’s continued objection to the Jackson County prosecutor, formerly Jean Peters Baker and currently Melesa Johnson, being named as the defendants representing all county prosecutors in the case.&nbsp;

The attorney general’s office argues Johnson, who was endorsed by the advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood, does not appropriately represent all statewide prosecutors.

Zhang previously denied the state’s request to remove the Jackson County prosecutor as a representative for the defendant class and move the case to Cole County, where last summer a judge attempted to strike the abortion-rights amendment from the ballot.&nbsp;

On Friday, the prosecutors from Wright, Texas, Franklin and Saline counties showed up in court to continue to object, arguing that because there isn’t a Planned Parenthood clinic in any of their counties, all county prosecutors shouldn’t necessarily be a party in the case.&nbsp;

Zhang said her concern centers around the possibility that residents in any county could be prescribed abortion medication at a clinic before returning to their home counties. She also noted that three of the four counties have emergency rooms where women experiencing any abortion complications could be admitted.

“There could be a risk of prosecution across the state because of telemedicine,” she said.

No specific examples of what cases could be prosecuted were entertained. Tyrrell added that if he did prosecute an abortion case, he was confident he’d quickly find himself again sitting across from Planned Parenthood in a courtroom.

“I won’t swear I won’t and I won’t swear I will prosecute,” Wright County ProsecutorJohn Tyrrell told Zhang. “ … but the likelihood is very, very low.”

Zhang gave both parties one week to file additional briefings. Her decision is expected after that. The bench trial, at which point the judge will make a permanent ruling, has been set for January 2026.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738417012018.png" alt="A recovery room at the Planned Parenthood Great Plains office is pictured on June 21, 2024, in Overland Park, Kansas (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>A recovery room at the Planned Parenthood Great Plains office is pictured on June 21, 2024, in Overland Park, Kansas (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>A Jackson County judge previously allowed certain regulations, such as mandatory pelvic exams for medical abortion, to remain in place</h2>Nearly two months after<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/05/abortion-lawsuit-planned-parenthood-amendment-3-missouri-jackson-county/">&nbsp;a voter-approved constitutional amendment legalizing abortion</a>&nbsp;went into effect, the procedure remains inaccessible in Missouri.&nbsp;On Friday, a Jackson County judge heard arguments over whether to grant an injunction requested by Planned Parenthood that would permit the organization to offer abortion services almost immediately.&nbsp;Last month, Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/20/missouri-amendment-3-abortion-regulations-trap-laws/">struck down a number of “targeted regulation of abortion provider” statutes,</a>&nbsp;better known as TRAP laws.&nbsp;Laws mandating a 72-hour waiting period for an abortion and a requirement that physicians performing the procedure have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals were put on hold.&nbsp;But other regulations the judge allowed to remain — such as state licensing requirements and a mandate to receive a pelvic exam before being prescribed the pill used in medication abortion — have left clinics unable to perform the procedure in Missouri.On Friday afternoon, Zhang again listened to arguments from Planned Parenthood and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office during the hearing in downtown Kansas City.&nbsp;“We have still not been able to restore abortion access in Missouri,” Eleanor Spottswood, an attorney with Planned Parenthood, argued Friday.Zhang asked how Planned Parenthood clinics would be regulated if she were to strike down the current licensing requirements from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Spottswood said that like other outpatient practices, the facility would not require a license, but the providers would need to meet their own professional licensing requirements through the Missouri Board of Healing Arts.&nbsp;Planned Parenthood is currently held to a much higher threshold of regulations, she said.Pottswood said if the judge strikes down the remaining TRAP laws, it’s Planned Parenthood’s intention to offer medication abortions at all nine clinics across the state within a week The organization hopes it can hire and train the necessary staff to also begin performing surgical abortions at its clinics in St. Louis and Kansas City.&nbsp;The state previously 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 a temporary ruling.Much of Friday’s hearing revolved around pelvic exams, which Planned Parenthood’s attorneys maintained are “invasive and unnecessary” ahead of prescribing abortion medication. Instead, Pottswood said, the clinics use other methods to determine if the pregnancy is at risk of being ectopic, meaning the fertilized egg has implanted itself outside the uterus.&nbsp;Taking abortion medication to end an ectopic pregnancy can be dangerous.Missouri Solicitor General Joshua Divine argued that pelvic exams ahead of any procedure are “routine care,” and should remain in place.&nbsp;Zhang asked if hospitals can perform abortions following passage of Amendment 3 last year, seemingly attempting to determine whether the current pelvic exam law is discriminatory against abortion clinics or if it would also be required at hospitals.&nbsp;Pottswood said they presumably can, but a question remains of whether any will. Divine agreed that while he believes hospitals can now provide abortions, it is “very, very rare” that they do so in Missouri … so there’s not much need to regulate.”Without a broader injunction, Pottswood argued, “the state will enforce the law in the most obstructive way possible” and “treat abortion providers differently and worse than other providers.”&nbsp;This interferes with patients rights, she said, which is in violation of&nbsp;<a href="https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Missourians-for-Constitutional-Freedom-Amendment.pdf" target="_blank">Amendment 3, which states in part&nbsp;</a>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;A decade ago, more than 5,000 abortions were performed in Missouri, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. By 2020, when abortions were still legal, that number fell to 167, a drop that abortion providers attributed to the state’s growing list of regulations.Divine questioned why the Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis hadn’t reapplied for a license, since they were the only clinic in the state that still met licensing requirements when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022. He called the lack of access a “purely self-inflicted injury.”Missouri’s trigger law banning all abortions with limited exceptions for medical emergencies went into effect the same day, ending the procedure at the St. Louis clinic.Assuming that the state would grant the license, Pottswood said by limiting patients’ choices to one clinic in the state, “the licensing law inserts the state between the patient and the provider.”The hearing, which lasted four hours, also discussed the state’s continued objection to the Jackson County prosecutor, formerly Jean Peters Baker and currently Melesa Johnson, being named as the defendants representing all county prosecutors in the case.&nbsp;The attorney general’s office argues Johnson, who was endorsed by the advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood, does not appropriately represent all statewide prosecutors.Zhang previously denied the state’s request to remove the Jackson County prosecutor as a representative for the defendant class and move the case to Cole County, where last summer a judge attempted to strike the abortion-rights amendment from the ballot.&nbsp;On Friday, the prosecutors from Wright, Texas, Franklin and Saline counties showed up in court to continue to object, arguing that because there isn’t a Planned Parenthood clinic in any of their counties, all county prosecutors shouldn’t necessarily be a party in the case.&nbsp;Zhang said her concern centers around the possibility that residents in any county could be prescribed abortion medication at a clinic before returning to their home counties. She also noted that three of the four counties have emergency rooms where women experiencing any abortion complications could be admitted.“There could be a risk of prosecution across the state because of telemedicine,” she said.No specific examples of what cases could be prosecuted were entertained. Tyrrell added that if he did prosecute an abortion case, he was confident he’d quickly find himself again sitting across from Planned Parenthood in a courtroom.“I won’t swear I won’t and I won’t swear I will prosecute,” Wright County ProsecutorJohn Tyrrell told Zhang. “ … but the likelihood is very, very low.”Zhang gave both parties one week to file additional briefings. Her decision is expected after that. The bench trial, at which point the judge will make a permanent ruling, has been set for January 2026.

Planned Parenthood asks judge to block remaining Missouri abortion regulations

MILLER COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just after 1p.m. Friday in Miller County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford F150 driven by a 74-year-old Iberia man was eastbound on Route BB just before Hackberry Road. The driver failed to negotiate a curve.&nbsp; The pickup traveled off the right side of the road, struck a tree and overturned.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. A 65-year-old female passenger was pronounced dead at Lake Regional Hospital. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol no longer releases the identity of accident victims.

MILLER COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just after 1p.m. Friday in Miller County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford F150 driven by a 74-year-old Iberia man was eastbound on Route BB just before Hackberry Road. The driver failed to negotiate a curve.&nbsp; The pickup traveled off the right side of the road, struck a tree and overturned.The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. A 65-year-old female passenger was pronounced dead at Lake Regional Hospital. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.The Missouri State Highway Patrol no longer releases the identity of accident victims.

Mo. man and woman dead after pickup strikes a tree, overturns

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 9p.m. Friday in Pottawatomie County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a westbound train in the&nbsp;100 Block of North 1st Street in Saint Marys struck a pedestrian identified as&nbsp; 45-year-old Virginia Marie Enockson of St. Marys. She was standing on the tracks facing southbound at the time of the incident.

Enockson was pronounced dead at the scene and was later transported to&nbsp; Piper Funeral Home.&nbsp;&nbsp;

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 9p.m. Friday in Pottawatomie County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a westbound train in the&nbsp;100 Block of North 1st Street in Saint Marys struck a pedestrian identified as&nbsp; 45-year-old Virginia Marie Enockson of St. Marys. She was standing on the tracks facing southbound at the time of the incident.Enockson was pronounced dead at the scene and was later transported to&nbsp; Piper Funeral Home.&nbsp;&nbsp;