Vice President JD Vance on Friday encouraged anti-abortion activists to “take heart in how far we’ve come” on the quest to limit the practice, listing the Trump administration's accomplishments including an expansion of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-5e11d44fa31c48e68cdebac26774259b">a ban on U.S. foreign aid</a>&nbsp;for groups supporting abortion services.

“There is still much road ahead to travel together,” Vance told attendees at the annual March for Life demonstration, which draws tens of thousands of people annually to Washington. Attendees rallied on the National Mall before heading to the Supreme Court.

Vance, a Republican, has spent years passionately advocating for Americans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jd-vance-childless-cat-ladies-birth-rates-555c0f78ef8dd4c13c88b9e8d5f0024a">have more children</a>. He repeatedly expressed alarm about declining birth rates as he launched his political career in 2021 with a successful bid for the U.S. Senate in Ohio, and as vice president he has continued on that mission.

“I want more babies in the United States of America," Vance said in addressing last year's March for Life.

Earlier this week, Vance and his wife,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usha-vance-attorney-jd-vance-wife-vp-63406da4f6739546391ed7797fc1fef2">second lady Usha Vance</a>, announced in a social media post they are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usha-vance-pregnant-child-boy-vice-president-40098e3b09e0c8c2b3c43470a81cc39b">expecting a son</a>, their fourth child, in late July.

“Let the record show, you have a vice president who practices what he preaches," Vance said on Friday.

Vance cited the Supreme Court's 2022 Dobbs decision, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>, calling it "the most important Supreme Court decision of my lifetime.” He said President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;leadership and appointment of conservative jurists “put a definitive end to the tyranny of judicial rule on the question of human life.”

He also lauded the “historic expansion of the Mexico City policy," the broadening of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-5e11d44fa31c48e68cdebac26774259b">a ban on U.S. foreign aid</a>&nbsp;for groups supporting abortion services, to include assistance going to international and domestic organizations and agencies that promote gender identity as well as diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

“We believe that every country in the world has the duty to protect life," Vance said, to a sea of supporters waving signs reading “Choose Life,” “Make More Babies” and “I am the Pro-Life Generation.”

“It’s not our job as the United States of America to promote radical gender ideology,” he said. "It’s our job to promote families and human flourishing.”

On Thursday, an official said the Trump administration was implementing new rules, halting foreign assistance from going not only to groups that provide abortion as a method of family planning but also to those that advocate “gender ideology” and DEI. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity ahead of the rules’ publication in the Federal Register on Friday.

First established under President Ronald Reagan, a Republican, the policy was rescinded by subsequent Democratic administrations and was reinstated in Trump’s first term.

With its origins in the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that nationally enshrined federal protection for abortion rights, the March for Life developed an entrenched presence among conservatives arguing against abortion. In 2017, Trump addressed the march by video, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to make live remarks. Three years later, he attended the event in person, further cementing its role in conservative politics.

In a video address to this year’s crowd, Trump recounted his administration’s “unprecedented strides to protect innocent life and support the institution of the family like never before,” enumerating his appointment of “judges and justices who believed in interpreting the Constitution as written” and “reflecting on the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.

Since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">the June 2022 Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;that overturned Roe, the march has become more celebratory, with organizers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-florida-state-government-kentucky-6ed9dbcdaae33312f1425ea38b681a7e">relishing a state-by-state fight</a>&nbsp;in legislatures around the country and urging a continued fight until abortion is eliminated.

By MEG KINNARD Associated PressVice President JD Vance on Friday encouraged anti-abortion activists to “take heart in how far we’ve come” on the quest to limit the practice, listing the Trump administration's accomplishments including an expansion of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-5e11d44fa31c48e68cdebac26774259b">a ban on U.S. foreign aid</a>&nbsp;for groups supporting abortion services.“There is still much road ahead to travel together,” Vance told attendees at the annual March for Life demonstration, which draws tens of thousands of people annually to Washington. Attendees rallied on the National Mall before heading to the Supreme Court.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> at the March For Life: &quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/SLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SLOTUS</a> and I announced this week that we&#39;re expecting our 4th, and it will be our 3rd baby boy, so we&#39;ll take whatever prayers you can give — we certainly need them.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/0NWAsCsQLb">pic.twitter.com/0NWAsCsQLb</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2014751902957715919?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> at the March For Life: &quot;All of us in the Trump administration from the President on down, we thank you for your prayers, we thank you for your perseverance, and we thank you that for today, we are ALL marching for life.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/X8ID6xiPaY">pic.twitter.com/X8ID6xiPaY</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2014752695836356709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> delivered, and his Supreme Court Justices delivered, the most important Supreme Court decision of my lifetime — because what the Dobbs decision did was put a definitive end to the tyranny of judicial rule on the question of human life. <a href="https://t.co/F8pcViTZlh">pic.twitter.com/F8pcViTZlh</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2014753301854617692?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Under this administration... you have an ally in the White House!&quot; At the March For Life, <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> touts some of the many pro-life victories achieved in the first year of the Trump Administration: <a href="https://t.co/XPSU9JZKsB">pic.twitter.com/XPSU9JZKsB</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2014756011182100937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a>: &quot;Today, the Far-Left in this country tells our young people that marriage and children are obstacles—that it&#39;s irresponsible, even immoral...to encourage our young people to raise a family... But we here at this march, we know that it&#39;s a lie. We know that life is a gift.… <a href="https://t.co/JT90ktvV9S">pic.twitter.com/JT90ktvV9S</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2014756657281032500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Vance, a Republican, has spent years passionately advocating for Americans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jd-vance-childless-cat-ladies-birth-rates-555c0f78ef8dd4c13c88b9e8d5f0024a">have more children</a>. He repeatedly expressed alarm about declining birth rates as he launched his political career in 2021 with a successful bid for the U.S. Senate in Ohio, and as vice president he has continued on that mission.“I want more babies in the United States of America," Vance said in addressing last year's March for Life.Earlier this week, Vance and his wife,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usha-vance-attorney-jd-vance-wife-vp-63406da4f6739546391ed7797fc1fef2">second lady Usha Vance</a>, announced in a social media post they are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usha-vance-pregnant-child-boy-vice-president-40098e3b09e0c8c2b3c43470a81cc39b">expecting a son</a>, their fourth child, in late July.“Let the record show, you have a vice president who practices what he preaches," Vance said on Friday.Vance cited the Supreme Court's 2022 Dobbs decision, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>, calling it "the most important Supreme Court decision of my lifetime.” He said President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;leadership and appointment of conservative jurists “put a definitive end to the tyranny of judicial rule on the question of human life.”He also lauded the “historic expansion of the Mexico City policy," the broadening of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-5e11d44fa31c48e68cdebac26774259b">a ban on U.S. foreign aid</a>&nbsp;for groups supporting abortion services, to include assistance going to international and domestic organizations and agencies that promote gender identity as well as diversity, equity and inclusion programs.“We believe that every country in the world has the duty to protect life," Vance said, to a sea of supporters waving signs reading “Choose Life,” “Make More Babies” and “I am the Pro-Life Generation.”“It’s not our job as the United States of America to promote radical gender ideology,” he said. "It’s our job to promote families and human flourishing.”On Thursday, an official said the Trump administration was implementing new rules, halting foreign assistance from going not only to groups that provide abortion as a method of family planning but also to those that advocate “gender ideology” and DEI. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity ahead of the rules’ publication in the Federal Register on Friday.First established under President Ronald Reagan, a Republican, the policy was rescinded by subsequent Democratic administrations and was reinstated in Trump’s first term.With its origins in the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that nationally enshrined federal protection for abortion rights, the March for Life developed an entrenched presence among conservatives arguing against abortion. In 2017, Trump addressed the march by video, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to make live remarks. Three years later, he attended the event in person, further cementing its role in conservative politics.In a video address to this year’s crowd, Trump recounted his administration’s “unprecedented strides to protect innocent life and support the institution of the family like never before,” enumerating his appointment of “judges and justices who believed in interpreting the Constitution as written” and “reflecting on the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.Since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">the June 2022 Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;that overturned Roe, the march has become more celebratory, with organizers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-florida-state-government-kentucky-6ed9dbcdaae33312f1425ea38b681a7e">relishing a state-by-state fight</a>&nbsp;in legislatures around the country and urging a continued fight until abortion is eliminated.___

🎥March for Life: Vance touts the Trump admin. record against abortion

DOUGLAS COUNTY – After a nearly 4-hour city-wide search, Lawrence Kansas Police officers arrested a man they suspect went to an apartment, knocked on the door, then shot another man at the entrance, according to a media release from Lawrence Police.

Just before noon Friday, police were called to the Hawks Point apartments on Lynch Court. Responding officers found the victim and others at the scene. They identified a suspect and gained a description of the vehicle he took off in. The victim was reported in critical condition.

The search led them to a home at 4th and Minnesota, where police believe the suspect left the car he was traveling in and took off again.

Officers with the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Douglas County Sheriff’s office assisted in following dozens of leads throughout the city, including a city bus and several other public locations where people may have noticed a police presence. None resulted in finding the suspect.

An officer eventually identified another car associated with the suspect traveling near 6th and Iowa and followed the car while additional officers moved in.

The team conducted a traffic stop as the car turned into a neighborhood near Kasold and Peterson. Three individuals were in the car, including the suspect. All surrendered without incident.

Everyone involved is being questioned. The suspect will ultimately be transported to the Douglas County Correctional Facility as the shooting investigation continues.

DOUGLAS COUNTY – After a nearly 4-hour city-wide search, Lawrence Kansas Police officers arrested a man they suspect went to an apartment, knocked on the door, then shot another man at the entrance, according to a media release from Lawrence Police.Just before noon Friday, police were called to the Hawks Point apartments on Lynch Court. Responding officers found the victim and others at the scene. They identified a suspect and gained a description of the vehicle he took off in. The victim was reported in critical condition.The search led them to a home at 4th and Minnesota, where police believe the suspect left the car he was traveling in and took off again.Officers with the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Douglas County Sheriff’s office assisted in following dozens of leads throughout the city, including a city bus and several other public locations where people may have noticed a police presence. None resulted in finding the suspect.An officer eventually identified another car associated with the suspect traveling near 6th and Iowa and followed the car while additional officers moved in.The team conducted a traffic stop as the car turned into a neighborhood near Kasold and Peterson. Three individuals were in the car, including the suspect. All surrendered without incident.Everyone involved is being questioned. The suspect will ultimately be transported to the Douglas County Correctional Facility as the shooting investigation continues.

Kansas shooting suspect captured after 4-hour, city-wide search 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military said Friday that it has carried out a deadly strike on a vessel accused of trafficking drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, the first known attack since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-maduro-what-to-know-a57528ff315a7f70ed51a1721f5e0bc2">raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro</a>&nbsp;earlier this month.

U.S. Southern Command said on social media that the boat was “engaged in narco-trafficking operations” and that the strike killed two people and left one survivor. It said it notified the Coast Guard to launch search and rescue operations for that person.

A video accompanying the post announcing the latest strike shows a boat moving through the water before exploding in flames. The U.S. military has focused lately on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-oil-tanker-us-military-trump-086d42db3d56f0e952014f97fa30faaf">seizing sanctioned oil tankers</a>&nbsp;with connections to Venezuela since the Trump administration launched&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-explosions-caracas-ca712a67aaefc30b1831f5bf0b50665e">an audacious raid to capture Maduro</a>&nbsp;and bring him to New York to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maduro-venezuela-trump-criminal-case-131f59e517cc8314a53c8dace230d328">face drug trafficking charges</a>.

With the latest military action, there have been 36 known strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats in South American waters since early September that killed at least 117 people, according to announcements from the U.S. military and Trump. The majority of those of strikes have occurred in the Caribbean Sea.

The last reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">boat strikes</a>&nbsp;occurred in late December, when the military said it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">struck five alleged drug-smuggling boats</a>&nbsp;over two days, killing a total of eight people while others jumped overboard. Days later, the Coast Guard suspended its search.

The U.S. conducted a large-scale operation in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, on Jan. 3 that led to the capture of Maduro and his wife, who were then flown to New York to face&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maduro-venezuela-trump-criminal-case-131f59e517cc8314a53c8dace230d328">federal drug trafficking charges.</a>

Maduro, before his capture, said the U.S. military operations were a thinly veiled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-warship-maduro-uss-gerald-ford-21cc3ac03f755a657c0541667246c007">effort to oust him from power</a>.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that the U.S. strikes targeting alleged smugglers are having an enormous impact on slowing drug trafficking routes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.

“We’ve stopped — virtually stopped almost 100% of all drugs coming in by water,” Trump said in remarks on Thursday at the World Economic Forum at Davos.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military said Friday that it has carried out a deadly strike on a vessel accused of trafficking drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, the first known attack since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-maduro-what-to-know-a57528ff315a7f70ed51a1721f5e0bc2">raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro</a>&nbsp;earlier this month.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">On Jan. 23, at the direction of <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a> Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern… <a href="https://t.co/BzeBBapfMQ">pic.twitter.com/BzeBBapfMQ</a>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2014825085425877224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>U.S. Southern Command said on social media that the boat was “engaged in narco-trafficking operations” and that the strike killed two people and left one survivor. It said it notified the Coast Guard to launch search and rescue operations for that person.A video accompanying the post announcing the latest strike shows a boat moving through the water before exploding in flames. The U.S. military has focused lately on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-oil-tanker-us-military-trump-086d42db3d56f0e952014f97fa30faaf">seizing sanctioned oil tankers</a>&nbsp;with connections to Venezuela since the Trump administration launched&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-explosions-caracas-ca712a67aaefc30b1831f5bf0b50665e">an audacious raid to capture Maduro</a>&nbsp;and bring him to New York to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maduro-venezuela-trump-criminal-case-131f59e517cc8314a53c8dace230d328">face drug trafficking charges</a>.With the latest military action, there have been 36 known strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats in South American waters since early September that killed at least 117 people, according to announcements from the U.S. military and Trump. The majority of those of strikes have occurred in the Caribbean Sea.The last reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">boat strikes</a>&nbsp;occurred in late December, when the military said it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">struck five alleged drug-smuggling boats</a>&nbsp;over two days, killing a total of eight people while others jumped overboard. Days later, the Coast Guard suspended its search.The U.S. conducted a large-scale operation in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, on Jan. 3 that led to the capture of Maduro and his wife, who were then flown to New York to face&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maduro-venezuela-trump-criminal-case-131f59e517cc8314a53c8dace230d328">federal drug trafficking charges.</a>Maduro, before his capture, said the U.S. military operations were a thinly veiled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-warship-maduro-uss-gerald-ford-21cc3ac03f755a657c0541667246c007">effort to oust him from power</a>.President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that the U.S. strikes targeting alleged smugglers are having an enormous impact on slowing drug trafficking routes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.“We’ve stopped — virtually stopped almost 100% of all drugs coming in by water,” Trump said in remarks on Thursday at the World Economic Forum at Davos.

🎥US carries out first known strike on drug boat since Maduro’s capture

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City continue working to determine how the victim identified as 41-year-old Adam Copeland died.

Just after&nbsp;9pm Tuesday, police responded to an apartment in the 2500 block of Benton in Kansas City, Missouri, on an EMS call.

The caller saw a person in a neighboring apartment who appeared to be injured and needed medical attention. On arrival officers were led to an apartment inside the building where they located Copeland unresponsive with unknown injuries. Officers called for EMS who responded and rendered aid before ultimately declaring him deceased at the scene.

Based on the preliminary circumstances Detectives are investigating this case as a homicide. They will be working with crime scene investigators to gather evidence and canvass for any witnesses

Detectives will also work with medical examiners to determine cause and manner of death. Copeland has been listed as a sex offender after two convictions in Illinois for unlawful restraint, attempted criminal sexual assault by force, according to the Missouri Sex Offender Registry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769002460203.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City continue working to determine how the victim identified as 41-year-old Adam Copeland died.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769168335935.png" alt="Copeland-photo Sex Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Copeland-photo Sex Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after&nbsp;9pm Tuesday, police responded to an apartment in the 2500 block of Benton in Kansas City, Missouri, on an EMS call.The caller saw a person in a neighboring apartment who appeared to be injured and needed medical attention. On arrival officers were led to an apartment inside the building where they located Copeland unresponsive with unknown injuries. Officers called for EMS who responded and rendered aid before ultimately declaring him deceased at the scene.Based on the preliminary circumstances Detectives are investigating this case as a homicide. They will be working with crime scene investigators to gather evidence and canvass for any witnessesDetectives will also work with medical examiners to determine cause and manner of death. Copeland has been listed as a sex offender after two convictions in Illinois for unlawful restraint, attempted criminal sexual assault by force, according to the Missouri Sex Offender Registry.

Sex offender identified as Kansas City homicide victim

SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan.&nbsp;— The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday updated the ongoing death investigation involving the body recovered from Lake Afton earlier this month.

The Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center has completed its examination related to Ian Alexander Shelton, whose identity was previously confirmed.

On Jan. 13, an autopsy was completed and provisional anatomic diagnoses were released to the Sheriff’s Office. Provisional anatomic diagnoses are preliminary findings based on the physical examination of the body and may be updated pending additional testing.

Based on those findings, the cause of death was determined to be drowning, and the manner of death was ruled an accident. The autopsy did not identify any injuries or anatomic abnormalities. Full toxicology results remain pending.

This case remains an open and active investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768259403835.png" alt="Sedgwick County Sheriff's office" />
 <figcaption>Sedgwick County Sheriff's office</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan.&nbsp;— The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday updated the ongoing death investigation involving the body recovered from Lake Afton earlier this month.The Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center has completed its examination related to Ian Alexander Shelton, whose identity was previously confirmed.On Jan. 13, an autopsy was completed and provisional anatomic diagnoses were released to the Sheriff’s Office. Provisional anatomic diagnoses are preliminary findings based on the physical examination of the body and may be updated pending additional testing.Based on those findings, the cause of death was determined to be drowning, and the manner of death was ruled an accident. The autopsy did not identify any injuries or anatomic abnormalities. Full toxicology results remain pending.This case remains an open and active investigation.

Sheriff: Autopsy determined cause of death of missing Kan. man

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/seth-borenstein">SETH BORENSTEIN</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/tammy-webber">TAMMY WEBBER</a>

Smartphone weather apps that summarize their forecasts with eye-popping numbers and bright icons may be handy during mild weather, but meteorologists say it’s better to listen to human expertise during multi-faceted,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-power-outages-0fe4d9defd16e2beeebd42692f8c12c9">dangerous winter storms</a>&nbsp;like the one blowing through the U.S.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-polar-vortex-snow-ice-freezing-06beb5eef46fba3fc81ac3213e5568e0">multistate storm’s</a>&nbsp;combination of heavy snow, treacherous ice and subzero temperatures shows why it’s best to seek out forecasters who can explain its nuances via local TV or radio newscasts, online livestreams or detailed websites, said meteorologists interviewed by The Associated Press. The data is changing rapidly before and during the storm, and the distance of a few miles can mean the difference between snow, sleet or dangerous freezing rain.

“Weather apps are really bad at storms that have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/freezing-rain-cold-snow-winter-weather-storm-e0cb4200052f586b892f23ef05bec13a">multiple types of precipitation</a>&nbsp;and it really makes messaging hard,” said University of Georgia meteorology professor Marshall Shepherd, a past president of the American Meteorological Society. “Apps don’t understand the details of why snow, sleet or freezing rain happens.”

University of Oklahoma meteorology professor Jason Furtado and other experts said humans are important in these cases, especially those with local expertise.

“For extreme weather events, it is especially important to know there are human forecasters interpreting the data and making the best localized forecasts for your area,” Furtado said. “Unfortunately, many of the weather forecast apps use AI methods to either make the forecast or ‘interpolate’ from larger grids to your hometown, introducing the potential for significant errors.”

But some apps can be useful, especially those that pair National Weather Service data with meteorologists’ expertise, forecasters said. And they are definitely getting used right about now.

The Weather Channel app, which is seeing booming traffic this week, uses numerous models, data sources, weather observers and staff, said James Belanger, vice president of its parent company, which also owns the Weather Channel and weather.com. That level of proficiency matters, he said.

“It’s an all-hands-on-deck kind of approach that we take,” Belanger said, adding that “not all weather apps are created equal.”

Apps get much of their information from the National Weather Service and some companies augment it with proprietary information and the well-regarded European forecast models. Many offer forecasts by ZIP code or geographic areas far from weather stations by using software that focuses broader regional forecasts to where the phone is located.

While there are good apps, especially those displaying National Weather Service warnings and information, many “oversimplify uncertainty and present highly precise-looking numbers that imply more confidence than actually exists,” said Northern Illinois University meteorology professor Victor Gensini. This type of storm is where apps are weakest because they don’t get nuances, he said.

Weather apps are good for forecasting nice warm summer days, but not days like much of the country is facing now, said Steven DiMartino of NY NJ PA Weather. The paid online subscription service touts its human expertise with the slogan “Meteorology Not Modelology.”

“The problem with the weather app is that it just provides data, but not explanation,” DiMartino said. “Anyone can look at data, but you need a meteorologist, you need that human touch to look at it and say, ‘Hmm, that looks like an error; we’re gonna tweak this.’”

Cory Mottice, a National Weather Service meteorologist since 2014, developed the app EverythingWeather, which uses weather service data, as an easy place for the public to find the latest weather forecasts for their area without navigating the agency’s website. He said it’s “just for fun” and not affiliated with the weather service.

The strength of his app, he said, is that the information comes from professional meteorologists at the more than 125 weather service offices. Many apps just use raw computer modeling data – which aren’t always reliable in extreme events — with no human oversight, “which can really lead to some very misleading numbers or graphics depending on what you’re at,” he said.

With his approach, “you have actual meteorologists that are experts in their field at different places all over the country for that specific area, looking at the data, adjusting it, making the forecast as needed,” Mottice said.

Mixing decades of experience, 100 meteorologists and AI

The popular Weather Channel app uses information from many sources, including the weather service and more than 100 weather models, including those from the U.S. and Europe and their own distinct model. They augment it with input from over 100,000 citizens to help forecast weather events, said The Weather Company’s Belanger. And it’s all synthesized by artificial intelligence to come up with a forecast, he said.

That’s more accurate than relying on a single model or provider, he said, because AI is able to learn which models are the most accurate in different conditions to help “create that optimal forecast.”

Even so, humans, including a team of more than 100 meteorologists, always have the final say about what goes on the app, Belanger said.

“One of the things that has been a lesson and a principle that we’ve adopted is that it’s the combination of advancements in technology with the human oversight,” that allows the company to provide the best forecasts — especially in situations like the current winter storm, Belanger said.

Forecasters also warn against another quick fix for weather information: social media, where hype, misinformation and short takes can spread quickly.

While social media can help amplify official sources like the weather service, “it’s also where misinformation spreads fastest,” Gensini wrote in an email.

“Weather is complex, and social media tends to reward confidence and drama, not nuance,” Gensini said. “That mismatch is a real challenge during major events like this.”

Kim Klockow McClain, an extreme weather social scientist at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, said people are “getting misled by hyped forecasts.”

“When people are continually exposed to only worst-case forecasts, research suggests they will lose trust over time,” she said.

Borenstein reported from Washington, Webber from Fenton, Michigan.

The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/standards-for-working-with-outside-groups/" target="_blank">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/discover/Supporting-AP" target="_blank">AP.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769208857847.png" alt="Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/seth-borenstein">SETH BORENSTEIN</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/tammy-webber">TAMMY WEBBER</a>Smartphone weather apps that summarize their forecasts with eye-popping numbers and bright icons may be handy during mild weather, but meteorologists say it’s better to listen to human expertise during multi-faceted,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-power-outages-0fe4d9defd16e2beeebd42692f8c12c9">dangerous winter storms</a>&nbsp;like the one blowing through the U.S.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-polar-vortex-snow-ice-freezing-06beb5eef46fba3fc81ac3213e5568e0">multistate storm’s</a>&nbsp;combination of heavy snow, treacherous ice and subzero temperatures shows why it’s best to seek out forecasters who can explain its nuances via local TV or radio newscasts, online livestreams or detailed websites, said meteorologists interviewed by The Associated Press. The data is changing rapidly before and during the storm, and the distance of a few miles can mean the difference between snow, sleet or dangerous freezing rain.“Weather apps are really bad at storms that have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/freezing-rain-cold-snow-winter-weather-storm-e0cb4200052f586b892f23ef05bec13a">multiple types of precipitation</a>&nbsp;and it really makes messaging hard,” said University of Georgia meteorology professor Marshall Shepherd, a past president of the American Meteorological Society. “Apps don’t understand the details of why snow, sleet or freezing rain happens.”University of Oklahoma meteorology professor Jason Furtado and other experts said humans are important in these cases, especially those with local expertise.“For extreme weather events, it is especially important to know there are human forecasters interpreting the data and making the best localized forecasts for your area,” Furtado said. “Unfortunately, many of the weather forecast apps use AI methods to either make the forecast or ‘interpolate’ from larger grids to your hometown, introducing the potential for significant errors.”But some apps can be useful, especially those that pair National Weather Service data with meteorologists’ expertise, forecasters said. And they are definitely getting used right about now.The Weather Channel app, which is seeing booming traffic this week, uses numerous models, data sources, weather observers and staff, said James Belanger, vice president of its parent company, which also owns the Weather Channel and weather.com. That level of proficiency matters, he said.“It’s an all-hands-on-deck kind of approach that we take,” Belanger said, adding that “not all weather apps are created equal.”<h2>What apps can and can’t do</h2>Apps get much of their information from the National Weather Service and some companies augment it with proprietary information and the well-regarded European forecast models. Many offer forecasts by ZIP code or geographic areas far from weather stations by using software that focuses broader regional forecasts to where the phone is located.While there are good apps, especially those displaying National Weather Service warnings and information, many “oversimplify uncertainty and present highly precise-looking numbers that imply more confidence than actually exists,” said Northern Illinois University meteorology professor Victor Gensini. This type of storm is where apps are weakest because they don’t get nuances, he said.Weather apps are good for forecasting nice warm summer days, but not days like much of the country is facing now, said Steven DiMartino of NY NJ PA Weather. The paid online subscription service touts its human expertise with the slogan “Meteorology Not Modelology.”“The problem with the weather app is that it just provides data, but not explanation,” DiMartino said. “Anyone can look at data, but you need a meteorologist, you need that human touch to look at it and say, ‘Hmm, that looks like an error; we’re gonna tweak this.’”<h2>Seeking quality sources of data</h2>Cory Mottice, a National Weather Service meteorologist since 2014, developed the app EverythingWeather, which uses weather service data, as an easy place for the public to find the latest weather forecasts for their area without navigating the agency’s website. He said it’s “just for fun” and not affiliated with the weather service.The strength of his app, he said, is that the information comes from professional meteorologists at the more than 125 weather service offices. Many apps just use raw computer modeling data – which aren’t always reliable in extreme events — with no human oversight, “which can really lead to some very misleading numbers or graphics depending on what you’re at,” he said.With his approach, “you have actual meteorologists that are experts in their field at different places all over the country for that specific area, looking at the data, adjusting it, making the forecast as needed,” Mottice said.<h2>Mixing decades of experience, 100 meteorologists and AI</h2>The popular Weather Channel app uses information from many sources, including the weather service and more than 100 weather models, including those from the U.S. and Europe and their own distinct model. They augment it with input from over 100,000 citizens to help forecast weather events, said The Weather Company’s Belanger. And it’s all synthesized by artificial intelligence to come up with a forecast, he said.That’s more accurate than relying on a single model or provider, he said, because AI is able to learn which models are the most accurate in different conditions to help “create that optimal forecast.”Even so, humans, including a team of more than 100 meteorologists, always have the final say about what goes on the app, Belanger said.“One of the things that has been a lesson and a principle that we’ve adopted is that it’s the combination of advancements in technology with the human oversight,” that allows the company to provide the best forecasts — especially in situations like the current winter storm, Belanger said.<h2>Be careful with social media</h2>Forecasters also warn against another quick fix for weather information: social media, where hype, misinformation and short takes can spread quickly.While social media can help amplify official sources like the weather service, “it’s also where misinformation spreads fastest,” Gensini wrote in an email.“Weather is complex, and social media tends to reward confidence and drama, not nuance,” Gensini said. “That mismatch is a real challenge during major events like this.”Kim Klockow McClain, an extreme weather social scientist at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, said people are “getting misled by hyped forecasts.”“When people are continually exposed to only worst-case forecasts, research suggests they will lose trust over time,” she said.<h2>__</h2>Borenstein reported from Washington, Webber from Fenton, Michigan.___The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/standards-for-working-with-outside-groups/" target="_blank">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/discover/Supporting-AP" target="_blank">AP.org</a>.

What weather apps sometimes miss about winter storm conditions

KANSAS CITY —One person died in a fire Friday at a home in Kansas City.

Just after 5a.m. Friday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire in the 4400 block of N. Indiana in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. It was reported there were residents in the home.

 On arrival crews reported fire showing from the single story home. One occupant had managed to escape but suffered severe smoke inhalation and was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

 A second occupant, who was physically challenged, was unable to escape and is a fatality at this incident.

 Both the patient and the victim are women and appear to be mid to late 40's. KCFD was able to get the fire under control at 5:25 am. 

KCPD Bomb and Arson will conduct the investigation as part of protocol due to the fatality, KCFD will assist.

KANSAS CITY —One person died in a fire Friday at a home in Kansas City.Just after 5a.m. Friday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire in the 4400 block of N. Indiana in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. It was reported there were residents in the home. On arrival crews reported fire showing from the single story home. One occupant had managed to escape but suffered severe smoke inhalation and was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. A second occupant, who was physically challenged, was unable to escape and is a fatality at this incident. Both the patient and the victim are women and appear to be mid to late 40's. KCFD was able to get the fire under control at 5:25 am. KCPD Bomb and Arson will conduct the investigation as part of protocol due to the fatality, KCFD will assist.

Women dies in fire at home in Kansas City

Most of the complaints against abortion facilities were unsubstantiated, a state health official testified, and were often made by the same groups of protesters who frequently stood outside of the clinics and tried to talk to anyone going inside

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/kelcie-moseley-morris/">Kelcie Moseley-Morris</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">Anna Spoerre</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

KANSAS CITY — A longtime Missouri health regulator testified Thursday that abortion clinics were subjected to heightened scrutiny that had little to do with health or safety concerns, acknowledging under questioning that the extra attention was not tied to a greater risk of noncompliance.

John Langston has worked for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for more than 30 years and appeared as a witness for the state Thursday in a trial over abortion regulations. His responsibilities have included managing regulatory compliance for health care clinics such as ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories and rural health clinics.

When Langston was asked by attorneys for Planned Parenthood if the increased focus on abortion facilities was unrelated to their likelihood of noncompliance with health and safety standards, he paused for several moments, then replied: “I would say that’s true, yes.”&nbsp;

Abortion facilities used to fall under the category of ambulatory surgery centers until the Missouri Legislature voted to designate them as a separate entity for regulation in 2017. Langston was then responsible for inspecting the three Planned Parenthood clinics providing abortions under those new standards.&nbsp;

While approximately 120 ambulatory surgery centers in Missouri are scheduled for unannounced inspection every three to four years, the three abortion facilities were required to be inspected annually.

He testified on day 8 of a 10-day bench trial over Missouri’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/12/missouri-abortion-rights-trial-focuses-on-two-decades-of-state-restrictions/">Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers, or TRAP, laws,</a>&nbsp;one of which is the law that created those separate rules for abortion facilities. The state’s Planned Parenthood affiliates and the ACLU of Missouri sued to strike down the laws, claiming they are now unconstitutional under the state’s reproductive rights amendment approved by voters in 2024.&nbsp;

The licensing requirements law was temporarily blocked by a court order issued by Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang, who is also presiding over the bench trial.

Langston said in a deposition that he asked the department to assign someone else to the abortion facilities regulation because it was taking up an “inordinate” amount of his time.

“It was a no-win situation from both sides,” Langston said.

Most of the complaints against the facilities were unsubstantiated, Langston said, and were often made by the same groups of protesters who frequently stood outside of the clinics and tried to talk to anyone going inside.

That included the inspectors. When the health department staff arrived at the facilities, he said, protesters would take pictures of the car and follow them, and tried to talk to the women especially, thinking they were patients at the clinic.

Dr. Randall Williams was the state health department director at the time, and had<a href="https://amp.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article236773058.html" target="_blank">&nbsp;previously testified publicly</a>&nbsp;that he was a “pro-life” OBGYN who had never performed an abortion. Langston and William Koebel, who took over the abortion facilities inspection responsibilities after Langston, both testified that Williams was heavily involved in any investigation of complaints and any deficiencies found at the clinics.

In 2019, the state threatened to shut down abortions at the St. Louis Planned Parenthood, the last to perform them before the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision in 2022. The<a href="https://health.mo.gov/information/news/pdf/2019-06-21-RHS-License-Denial-Letter.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;letter</a>&nbsp;denying the clinic’s license renewal was signed by Koebel, who said several “deficiencies” forced the state’s hands.

Several of those deficiencies were related to the statutes requiring providers to inform a patient of their fetus’ gestational age before performing an abortion, and requiring fetal tissue to be submitted to a pathologist within 72 hours. Other deficiencies were related to dust and peeling laminate.

Since the law is blocked by court order, Koebel said they have not performed any abortion facility inspections since the ban was overturned. If the judge decides to permanently block it, he said the department will have no authority to investigate complaints of abortion facilities.

The clinic in St. Louis, as well as Columbia and Kansas City, resumed procedural abortions in 2025. Medication abortion remains unavailable.

Of 25 states with TRAP laws on the books, 14 have facility licensing requirements akin to surgical centers, and eight of those, including Missouri, have rules governing the size of hallways and rooms inside the clinic, according to the<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy/explore/targeted-regulation-abortion-providers" target="_blank">&nbsp;Guttmacher Institute.</a>&nbsp;This means that the majority of states with abortion clinics do not have such requirements.&nbsp;

During the first week of the trial, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains Emily Wales was asked if she believes any of the current regulations should stand. She replied: “What we want is for things abortion-specific to be regulated in the same way any non-abortion business would be.”

Many private OBGYN practices take patients who are insured by Medicaid and Medicare. In doing so, they are subject to oversight from the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services. In 2024, Missouri banned Planned Parenthood clinics from receiving any Medicaid reimbursements for low-income patients.

Any practicing OBGYNs in Missouri, including those who perform abortions, must be registered through the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts.

Koebel said abortion facilities would still be subject to regulations under the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, as well as the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, the quality standards for lab testing on humans.

The trial is scheduled to conclude on Monday.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768828924754.png" alt=" The Planned Parenthood Great Plains office in Overland Park, Kansas, is pictured in June 2024 (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> The Planned Parenthood Great Plains office in Overland Park, Kansas, is pictured in June 2024 (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Most of the complaints against abortion facilities were unsubstantiated, a state health official testified, and were often made by the same groups of protesters who frequently stood outside of the clinics and tried to talk to anyone going inside</h2>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/kelcie-moseley-morris/">Kelcie Moseley-Morris</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">Anna Spoerre</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>KANSAS CITY — A longtime Missouri health regulator testified Thursday that abortion clinics were subjected to heightened scrutiny that had little to do with health or safety concerns, acknowledging under questioning that the extra attention was not tied to a greater risk of noncompliance.John Langston has worked for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for more than 30 years and appeared as a witness for the state Thursday in a trial over abortion regulations. His responsibilities have included managing regulatory compliance for health care clinics such as ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories and rural health clinics.When Langston was asked by attorneys for Planned Parenthood if the increased focus on abortion facilities was unrelated to their likelihood of noncompliance with health and safety standards, he paused for several moments, then replied: “I would say that’s true, yes.”&nbsp;Abortion facilities used to fall under the category of ambulatory surgery centers until the Missouri Legislature voted to designate them as a separate entity for regulation in 2017. Langston was then responsible for inspecting the three Planned Parenthood clinics providing abortions under those new standards.&nbsp;While approximately 120 ambulatory surgery centers in Missouri are scheduled for unannounced inspection every three to four years, the three abortion facilities were required to be inspected annually.He testified on day 8 of a 10-day bench trial over Missouri’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/12/missouri-abortion-rights-trial-focuses-on-two-decades-of-state-restrictions/">Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers, or TRAP, laws,</a>&nbsp;one of which is the law that created those separate rules for abortion facilities. The state’s Planned Parenthood affiliates and the ACLU of Missouri sued to strike down the laws, claiming they are now unconstitutional under the state’s reproductive rights amendment approved by voters in 2024.&nbsp;The licensing requirements law was temporarily blocked by a court order issued by Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang, who is also presiding over the bench trial.Langston said in a deposition that he asked the department to assign someone else to the abortion facilities regulation because it was taking up an “inordinate” amount of his time.“It was a no-win situation from both sides,” Langston said.Most of the complaints against the facilities were unsubstantiated, Langston said, and were often made by the same groups of protesters who frequently stood outside of the clinics and tried to talk to anyone going inside.That included the inspectors. When the health department staff arrived at the facilities, he said, protesters would take pictures of the car and follow them, and tried to talk to the women especially, thinking they were patients at the clinic.Dr. Randall Williams was the state health department director at the time, and had<a href="https://amp.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article236773058.html" target="_blank">&nbsp;previously testified publicly</a>&nbsp;that he was a “pro-life” OBGYN who had never performed an abortion. Langston and William Koebel, who took over the abortion facilities inspection responsibilities after Langston, both testified that Williams was heavily involved in any investigation of complaints and any deficiencies found at the clinics.In 2019, the state threatened to shut down abortions at the St. Louis Planned Parenthood, the last to perform them before the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision in 2022. The<a href="https://health.mo.gov/information/news/pdf/2019-06-21-RHS-License-Denial-Letter.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;letter</a>&nbsp;denying the clinic’s license renewal was signed by Koebel, who said several “deficiencies” forced the state’s hands.Several of those deficiencies were related to the statutes requiring providers to inform a patient of their fetus’ gestational age before performing an abortion, and requiring fetal tissue to be submitted to a pathologist within 72 hours. Other deficiencies were related to dust and peeling laminate.Since the law is blocked by court order, Koebel said they have not performed any abortion facility inspections since the ban was overturned. If the judge decides to permanently block it, he said the department will have no authority to investigate complaints of abortion facilities.The clinic in St. Louis, as well as Columbia and Kansas City, resumed procedural abortions in 2025. Medication abortion remains unavailable.Of 25 states with TRAP laws on the books, 14 have facility licensing requirements akin to surgical centers, and eight of those, including Missouri, have rules governing the size of hallways and rooms inside the clinic, according to the<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy/explore/targeted-regulation-abortion-providers" target="_blank">&nbsp;Guttmacher Institute.</a>&nbsp;This means that the majority of states with abortion clinics do not have such requirements.&nbsp;During the first week of the trial, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains Emily Wales was asked if she believes any of the current regulations should stand. She replied: “What we want is for things abortion-specific to be regulated in the same way any non-abortion business would be.”Many private OBGYN practices take patients who are insured by Medicaid and Medicare. In doing so, they are subject to oversight from the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services. In 2024, Missouri banned Planned Parenthood clinics from receiving any Medicaid reimbursements for low-income patients.Any practicing OBGYNs in Missouri, including those who perform abortions, must be registered through the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts.Koebel said abortion facilities would still be subject to regulations under the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, as well as the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, the quality standards for lab testing on humans.The trial is scheduled to conclude on Monday.&nbsp;

Abortion trial: Mo. regulator says clinics faced heightened scrutiny unrelated to safety

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Colorado man is going to prison for for a crash that killed an 82-year-old Kansas woman.

On Thursday, Judge Seth Rundell sentenced 26-year-old Austin Hedges to 31 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. His time in prison will be folowed by 24 months of post release supervision.

In November Hedges pleaded guilty to charges of reckless involuntary manslaughter in the death of Kathy Knorr, according to the District Attorney's office.

On March 16, 2024, a vehicle driven by Hedges was northbound on Rock Road in Wichita and struck a vehicle driven by Knorr who was turning from Killarney Court onto southbound Rock Road, according to Wichita Police.

EMS transported Knorr to a local hospital. She died on March 30.&nbsp; The Weld County Colorado Sheriff arrested Hedges on April 19 and he was returned to Kansas to face charges.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762796790240.png" alt="Kathy Knorr photo Corzine Memorial Group" />
 <figcaption>Kathy Knorr photo Corzine Memorial Group</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Colorado man is going to prison for for a crash that killed an 82-year-old Kansas woman.On Thursday, Judge Seth Rundell sentenced 26-year-old Austin Hedges to 31 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. His time in prison will be folowed by 24 months of post release supervision.In November Hedges pleaded guilty to charges of reckless involuntary manslaughter in the death of Kathy Knorr, according to the District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769166983378.png" alt="Hedges photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Hedges photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>On March 16, 2024, a vehicle driven by Hedges was northbound on Rock Road in Wichita and struck a vehicle driven by Knorr who was turning from Killarney Court onto southbound Rock Road, according to Wichita Police.EMS transported Knorr to a local hospital. She died on March 30.&nbsp; The Weld County Colorado Sheriff arrested Hedges on April 19 and he was returned to Kansas to face charges.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Prison for crash that killed 82-year-old Kansas woman

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflecto</a>r

TOPEKA — A Senate committee endorsed a proposed constitutional amendment that would cap annual increases to appraised property values at 3%, and roll back the clock to 2022 assessments.

Republicans on the Senate tax committee said during debate Wednesday that the cap was just part of the solution for easing the property tax burden on homeowners.

“We all know that this constitutional amendment will not lower property tax, right? said&nbsp; Sen. Stephen Owens, R-Hesston. “And I want to be clear, we put that out there, will not lower it. May slow the growth, but it will not lower it.”

Owens said he hopes the committee also will look at ways to limit mill levies that local governments can assess.

The committee is considering a variety of measures to address property taxes, including legislation that would provide a tax refund when a house sells for below the appraised value.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1616/" target="_blank">Senate Concurrent Resolution 1616</a>&nbsp;would require county appraisals in 2027 to be no more than 3% higher than the values as assessed in 2022, and it would limit year-to-year increases after that to 3%. If two-thirds of the full Senate and House were to approve the resolution, voters in the August primary would have the opportunity to rewrite the state constitution with the 3% cap.

Sen. Jeff Klemp, R-Lansing, noted that by going back to 2022 appraisals, the amendment would provide some immediate relief in lowering property tax bills.

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/14/kansas-republicans-home-assessed-value-cap-may-or-may-not-reduce-property-taxes/">During an earlier hearing</a>&nbsp;on the proposed constitutional amendment, opponents complained that it would have the effect of shifting the burden of funding local government services to other taxes.

“I did spend several hours yesterday evening on the phone with several county commissioners across the state taking a look,” said Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, who chairs the tax committee. “They all understand that we have to move on property taxes. So, may not be an agreement on the movement, but they understand this is part of the puzzle.”

After advancing SCR 1616 on Wednesday, the committee heard testimony on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb319/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 319</a>, which would allow residential, commercial and industrial property owners to apply for a tax rebate if property sells for less than the appraised value.

Sen. Mike Thompson, R-Shawnee, introduced the bill. He told the committee he was upset that the Johnson County appraiser compared his 24-year-old home to newly built homes and one directly on a golf course to determine its value. He blamed the unfair comparisons for a 6.5% increase in his appraisal last year.

“We’ve been, basically, in my personal experience, overpaying tax, what I believe to be overpaying tax, for quite some time on the property based on the assigned value, based on the comparables,” Thompson said.

He said he understands the job of appraisers is difficult but that he thinks the bill will force them “to get as close as they can.”

Under the bill, property owners could seek a refund for property taxes paid in excess of the actual sale price for the year of the sale, as well as the past four years.

The committee received written testimony from eight proponents, including the Kansas Chamber and individual taxpayers. The Kansas Association of Counties and League of Kansas Municipalities opposed the bill.

Jay Hall, with the Kansas Association of Counties, told the committee that residential appraisals actually average about 93% of the sale price.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769180211793.png" alt=" Sen. Jeff Klemp, R-Lansing, says a proposed constitutional amendment would lower property taxes by rolling back the appraised values to 2022 and capping annual increases at 3%. He is pictured here during a March 26, 2025, session of the Senate. (Photo by Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sen. Jeff Klemp, R-Lansing, says a proposed constitutional amendment would lower property taxes by rolling back the appraised values to 2022 and capping annual increases at 3%. He is pictured here during a March 26, 2025, session of the Senate. (Photo by Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflecto</a>rTOPEKA — A Senate committee endorsed a proposed constitutional amendment that would cap annual increases to appraised property values at 3%, and roll back the clock to 2022 assessments.Republicans on the Senate tax committee said during debate Wednesday that the cap was just part of the solution for easing the property tax burden on homeowners.“We all know that this constitutional amendment will not lower property tax, right? said&nbsp; Sen. Stephen Owens, R-Hesston. “And I want to be clear, we put that out there, will not lower it. May slow the growth, but it will not lower it.”Owens said he hopes the committee also will look at ways to limit mill levies that local governments can assess.The committee is considering a variety of measures to address property taxes, including legislation that would provide a tax refund when a house sells for below the appraised value.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1616/" target="_blank">Senate Concurrent Resolution 1616</a>&nbsp;would require county appraisals in 2027 to be no more than 3% higher than the values as assessed in 2022, and it would limit year-to-year increases after that to 3%. If two-thirds of the full Senate and House were to approve the resolution, voters in the August primary would have the opportunity to rewrite the state constitution with the 3% cap.Sen. Jeff Klemp, R-Lansing, noted that by going back to 2022 appraisals, the amendment would provide some immediate relief in lowering property tax bills.<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/14/kansas-republicans-home-assessed-value-cap-may-or-may-not-reduce-property-taxes/">During an earlier hearing</a>&nbsp;on the proposed constitutional amendment, opponents complained that it would have the effect of shifting the burden of funding local government services to other taxes.“I did spend several hours yesterday evening on the phone with several county commissioners across the state taking a look,” said Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, who chairs the tax committee. “They all understand that we have to move on property taxes. So, may not be an agreement on the movement, but they understand this is part of the puzzle.”After advancing SCR 1616 on Wednesday, the committee heard testimony on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb319/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 319</a>, which would allow residential, commercial and industrial property owners to apply for a tax rebate if property sells for less than the appraised value.Sen. Mike Thompson, R-Shawnee, introduced the bill. He told the committee he was upset that the Johnson County appraiser compared his 24-year-old home to newly built homes and one directly on a golf course to determine its value. He blamed the unfair comparisons for a 6.5% increase in his appraisal last year.“We’ve been, basically, in my personal experience, overpaying tax, what I believe to be overpaying tax, for quite some time on the property based on the assigned value, based on the comparables,” Thompson said.He said he understands the job of appraisers is difficult but that he thinks the bill will force them “to get as close as they can.”Under the bill, property owners could seek a refund for property taxes paid in excess of the actual sale price for the year of the sale, as well as the past four years.The committee received written testimony from eight proponents, including the Kansas Chamber and individual taxpayers. The Kansas Association of Counties and League of Kansas Municipalities opposed the bill.Jay Hall, with the Kansas Association of Counties, told the committee that residential appraisals actually average about 93% of the sale price.

Kansas Senate panel advances constitutional amendment to cap property value increases

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement in Kansas City continue investigating the circumstances that prompted an Amber Alert Thursday in Kansas City.

Just after 9:30p.m. Thursday, the Missouri State Highway Patrol issued the Amber Alert for a 10-year-old boy and his 8-year-old sister who were missing.&nbsp; The children, who were found safe, had last been seen about 6:30p.m. on Thursday near Barry and Maple Woods Road in Kansas City, according to Kansas City Police.

The siblings were with 27-year-old Lyrick Bryson who was driving a&nbsp;silver 2-door Infiniti with Missouri temporary tags, 008DMLF, according to the Alert.

Just after 10:15p.m., police reported they located the car and the children in south Kansas City, and took Bryson into custody.. Police released no additional details including the relationship between Bryon and the children.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769176596606.png" alt="Bryson photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Bryson photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement in Kansas City continue investigating the circumstances that prompted an Amber Alert Thursday in Kansas City.Just after 9:30p.m. Thursday, the Missouri State Highway Patrol issued the Amber Alert for a 10-year-old boy and his 8-year-old sister who were missing.&nbsp; The children, who were found safe, had last been seen about 6:30p.m. on Thursday near Barry and Maple Woods Road in Kansas City, according to Kansas City Police.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769176741654.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The siblings were with 27-year-old Lyrick Bryson who was driving a&nbsp;silver 2-door Infiniti with Missouri temporary tags, 008DMLF, according to the Alert.Just after 10:15p.m., police reported they located the car and the children in south Kansas City, and took Bryson into custody.. Police released no additional details including the relationship between Bryon and the children.

Amber Alert suspect in custody, children found and are safe

Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;issued a state of disaster emergency proclamation at 7:30 a.m. Friday due to winter weather forecast to impact the state this weekend, according to a statement from the Adjutant General’s Department. This declaration allows resources to be used to provide state assistance, specifically the waiver of hours of service for transportation, fuel, hours of service, and propane providers.&nbsp;

A significant winter storm is forecast to impact a large portion of the country. An arctic front will usher in frigid temperatures and strong, gusty winds, creating dangerous wind chills. Snowfall amounts will vary across Kansas, ranging from light accumulations to several inches.

“The current forecast for much of the state calls for frigid temperatures accompanied by snow and wind gusts,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;said. “I urge everyone to be prepared. Stay inside as much as possible and avoid travel if you can. Make sure your home emergency kit is stocked and if you must travel, be sure your car emergency kit is ready.”

A home emergency kit should include a battery-operated radio, flashlight and extra batteries, extra blankets and warm clothing, nonperishable food, high-energy snacks, and drinking water, at least one gallon per person per day, for a minimum of seven days. For more information on emergency kits, go online to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ready.gov/kit">https://www.ready.gov/kit</a>.

It is also advisable to keep an emergency supply kit in your car that also includes jumper cables, flares or reflective triangle, ice scraper, car cell phone charger, blanket, map, and cat litter or sand (for better tire traction).

Avoid travel if you can. If you do travel, make sure someone knows your travel plans and that your vehicle has a full tank of gas during extreme cold situations so that you can stay warm if you become stranded. Ensure your mobile phone is charged and make sure your car's emergency kit is up to date. Whether at home or on the road, listen to your local radio and television stations for the latest weather forecast.

For continuously updated road information, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">www.KanDrive.gov</a>&nbsp;and click on the Road Condition map. Other construction information, camera views, weather websites and travel details are also available. You can also call 511 - for Kansas road condition information from anywhere in the U.S., call 1-866-511-KDOT (5368).

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management will be monitoring the situation and will assist counties and local responders if requested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769176348352.png" alt="KanDrive image 7:45 a.m. Friday January 23" />
 <figcaption>KanDrive image 7:45 a.m. Friday January 23</figcaption>
 </figure>Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;issued a state of disaster emergency proclamation at 7:30 a.m. Friday due to winter weather forecast to impact the state this weekend, according to a statement from the Adjutant General’s Department. This declaration allows resources to be used to provide state assistance, specifically the waiver of hours of service for transportation, fuel, hours of service, and propane providers.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Winter storm will bring heavy snow and dangerous wind chills through Monday morning. Snow is expected to start by early this evening and continue through Sunday morning. A brief lull in snowfall is anticipated during the day Saturday but will pick back up Saturday night <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/uEtS2QjOFN">pic.twitter.com/uEtS2QjOFN</a>&mdash; NWS Wichita (@NWSWichita) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSWichita/status/2014663685092892814?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A significant winter storm is forecast to impact a large portion of the country. An arctic front will usher in frigid temperatures and strong, gusty winds, creating dangerous wind chills. Snowfall amounts will vary across Kansas, ranging from light accumulations to several inches.“The current forecast for much of the state calls for frigid temperatures accompanied by snow and wind gusts,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;said. “I urge everyone to be prepared. Stay inside as much as possible and avoid travel if you can. Make sure your home emergency kit is stocked and if you must travel, be sure your car emergency kit is ready.”A home emergency kit should include a battery-operated radio, flashlight and extra batteries, extra blankets and warm clothing, nonperishable food, high-energy snacks, and drinking water, at least one gallon per person per day, for a minimum of seven days. For more information on emergency kits, go online to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ready.gov/kit">https://www.ready.gov/kit</a>.It is also advisable to keep an emergency supply kit in your car that also includes jumper cables, flares or reflective triangle, ice scraper, car cell phone charger, blanket, map, and cat litter or sand (for better tire traction).Avoid travel if you can. If you do travel, make sure someone knows your travel plans and that your vehicle has a full tank of gas during extreme cold situations so that you can stay warm if you become stranded. Ensure your mobile phone is charged and make sure your car's emergency kit is up to date. Whether at home or on the road, listen to your local radio and television stations for the latest weather forecast.For continuously updated road information, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">www.KanDrive.gov</a>&nbsp;and click on the Road Condition map. Other construction information, camera views, weather websites and travel details are also available. You can also call 511 - for Kansas road condition information from anywhere in the U.S., call 1-866-511-KDOT (5368).The Kansas Division of Emergency Management will be monitoring the situation and will assist counties and local responders if requested.

Kansas gov. issues state of disaster emergency for winter storm

The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce announced Thursday that its President &amp; CEO, John Rolfe, has resigned from his role to pursue new opportunities, according to a media release from the organization. John led the Chamber in this leadership role since October 2021.

“The Board thanks John for his leadership and service to the organization over the past four years, and we wish him well in his future endeavors,” said Gabe Schlickau, 2026 Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “While transition is never easy, the work of the Chamber continues as our Board and staff remain focused on delivering results aligned with strategic priorities for our business community.”

“We want to thank John for his leadership at the Chamber and wish him the best in his next endeavor.” said Victor Ojeleye, Immediate Past Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “John’s leadership at the Chamber led to the achievement of several strategic accomplishments. These include completing the three-year strategic plan, leading successful advocacy programs, and executing talent and strong business initiatives.”

Under Rolfe’s leadership, the inaugural Military Affairs Council was established to strengthen the partnership between McConnell Air Force Base and the business community. During Rolfe’s tenure with the Chamber, he also played a key role working to improve advocacy with the Kansas congressional delegation, state and local leaders.

The Chamber’s Board has implemented an interim leadership structure to ensure continuity of operations and commitment to its mission during the transition. The interim plan taps the experience and leadership of Walter Berry, who is a well-respected Wichita businessman and former Chamber Board Chair. Berry will serve as Executive in Residence for the Chamber, providing strategic oversight and consultation to ensure organizational effectiveness, while maintaining continuity of vision.

“We have a legacy of impactful work at the Chamber, and the importance of our mission to our membership and the broader business community remains as strong as ever,” said Berry. “I’m excited to work with the Board and Chamber staff to ensure this impact continues.”

While Berry will serve in a consultative leadership role, Chief Strategy and Operations Officer Brecken Morel will serve as the Chamber’s interim president and CEO managing day-to-day operations until such time as the Board appoints a permanent leader. Morel joined the Chamber in 2025, bringing extensive process and management experience to the Chamber. The Board is actively evaluating long-term leadership needs aligned with the Chamber’s mission and strategic priorities.

“As the region’s leading business advocacy organization, the Chamber remains focused on championing the policies, programs and partnerships that strengthen the Wichita regional economy and support the growth of the businesses it serves,” said Schlickau.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769173882535.png" alt="John Rolfe-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>John Rolfe-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce announced Thursday that its President &amp; CEO, John Rolfe, has resigned from his role to pursue new opportunities, according to a media release from the organization. John led the Chamber in this leadership role since October 2021.“The Board thanks John for his leadership and service to the organization over the past four years, and we wish him well in his future endeavors,” said Gabe Schlickau, 2026 Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “While transition is never easy, the work of the Chamber continues as our Board and staff remain focused on delivering results aligned with strategic priorities for our business community.”“We want to thank John for his leadership at the Chamber and wish him the best in his next endeavor.” said Victor Ojeleye, Immediate Past Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “John’s leadership at the Chamber led to the achievement of several strategic accomplishments. These include completing the three-year strategic plan, leading successful advocacy programs, and executing talent and strong business initiatives.”Under Rolfe’s leadership, the inaugural Military Affairs Council was established to strengthen the partnership between McConnell Air Force Base and the business community. During Rolfe’s tenure with the Chamber, he also played a key role working to improve advocacy with the Kansas congressional delegation, state and local leaders.The Chamber’s Board has implemented an interim leadership structure to ensure continuity of operations and commitment to its mission during the transition. The interim plan taps the experience and leadership of Walter Berry, who is a well-respected Wichita businessman and former Chamber Board Chair. Berry will serve as Executive in Residence for the Chamber, providing strategic oversight and consultation to ensure organizational effectiveness, while maintaining continuity of vision.“We have a legacy of impactful work at the Chamber, and the importance of our mission to our membership and the broader business community remains as strong as ever,” said Berry. “I’m excited to work with the Board and Chamber staff to ensure this impact continues.”While Berry will serve in a consultative leadership role, Chief Strategy and Operations Officer Brecken Morel will serve as the Chamber’s interim president and CEO managing day-to-day operations until such time as the Board appoints a permanent leader. Morel joined the Chamber in 2025, bringing extensive process and management experience to the Chamber. The Board is actively evaluating long-term leadership needs aligned with the Chamber’s mission and strategic priorities.“As the region’s leading business advocacy organization, the Chamber remains focused on championing the policies, programs and partnerships that strengthen the Wichita regional economy and support the growth of the businesses it serves,” said Schlickau.

Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO steps down

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a homicide in Kansas City continue asking the public for help with information to locate a suspect in the death of 33-year-old Charles Lewis.

At 4:30p.m. Wednesday, police were called to Linwood and Broadway in Kansas City, Missouri on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

While en route officers were advised there was a person possibly shot inside a vehicle there.&nbsp;On arrival officers were directed to a vehicle near the intersection where they located a shooting victim, later identified as Lewis, unresponsive alone inside the vehicle. 

Officers called for EMS who responded for treatment of the victim. EMS subsequently transported Lewis to the hospital where he was ultimately declared deceased by medical personnel. This case is being investigated as a homicide, according to Becchina. 

Preliminary information from callers and people at the scene when officers arrived indicates the victim was inside the vehicle when another vehicle pulled along side his vehicle and shots appear to have been fired from that vehicle into the victim vehicle striking the victim.

Detectives worked through the night and have made significant progress identifying a subject of interest, according to Becchina.

This is a heavily traveled area with vehicle and foot traffic at this time of day, detectives are optimistic that there could be multiple very valuable witnesses.

 If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768268894770.png" alt="File photo by Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>File photo by Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a homicide in Kansas City continue asking the public for help with information to locate a suspect in the death of 33-year-old Charles Lewis.At 4:30p.m. Wednesday, police were called to Linwood and Broadway in Kansas City, Missouri on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.While en route officers were advised there was a person possibly shot inside a vehicle there.&nbsp;On arrival officers were directed to a vehicle near the intersection where they located a shooting victim, later identified as Lewis, unresponsive alone inside the vehicle. Officers called for EMS who responded for treatment of the victim. EMS subsequently transported Lewis to the hospital where he was ultimately declared deceased by medical personnel. This case is being investigated as a homicide, according to Becchina. Preliminary information from callers and people at the scene when officers arrived indicates the victim was inside the vehicle when another vehicle pulled along side his vehicle and shots appear to have been fired from that vehicle into the victim vehicle striking the victim.Detectives worked through the night and have made significant progress identifying a subject of interest, according to Becchina.This is a heavily traveled area with vehicle and foot traffic at this time of day, detectives are optimistic that there could be multiple very valuable witnesses. If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline

KCPD making progress investigating drive-by killing 

TOPEKA —Last weekend, a KHP Lieutenant attempted to stop a driver on Interstate 70 for suspected DUI, according to a social media report from the patrol.

The driver fled, repeatedly drove into the ditch, drove the wrong way on the Interstate, and made constant U-turns. After finally being caught, the driver admitted he was fleeing because he thought he had felony drug warrants through Missouri.&nbsp; He didn’t.&nbsp; The KHP did not release the name of the driver or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768928524934.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Last weekend, a KHP Lieutenant attempted to stop a driver on Interstate 70 for suspected DUI, according to a social media report from the patrol.The driver fled, repeatedly drove into the ditch, drove the wrong way on the Interstate, and made constant U-turns. After finally being caught, the driver admitted he was fleeing because he thought he had felony drug warrants through Missouri.&nbsp; He didn’t.&nbsp; The KHP did not release the name of the driver or additional details.

DUI suspect told KHP why he fled I-70 traffic stop

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House passed this year’s final batch of spending bills on Thursday as lawmakers, still smarting from last fall’s record&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-reopen-update-house-returns-5771f2befb15f4ab45e327369f2e98d9">43-day shutdown,</a>&nbsp;worked to avoid another funding lapse for a broad swath of the federal government.

The four bills total about $1.2 trillion in spending and now move to the Senate, with final passage needed next week before a Jan. 30 deadline to avoid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">a partial government shutdown</a>.

Three of the bills had broad, bipartisan support. They funded Defense and various other departments, including Education, Transportation and Health and Human Services. A fourth bill funding the Department of Homeland Security was hotly disputed as Democrats voiced concerns that it failed to restrain President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-immigration-ice-deportation-budget-be983b14f60a5cdfc17af7cf0307f1c9">mass deportation efforts.</a>

Republicans were able to overcome the Democratic objections and muscle the Homeland Security bill to passage in a 220-207 vote. The broader package, which funds a 3.8% pay raise for the military, passed in a 341-88 vote.

Before the votes, House Democratic leaders announced their opposition to the Homeland Security bill as the party’s rank-and-file demanded a more forceful stand in response to the Republican president’s immigration crackdown. Trump’s efforts have recently centered in the Minneapolis area, where more than 2,000 officers are stationed and where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">Renee Good</a>, a mother of three.

In a joint statement, the Democratic leaders said Trump promised the American people that his deportation policy would focus on violent felons in the country illegally, but instead, ICE has targeted American citizens and law-abiding immigrant families.

“Taxpayer dollars are being misused to brutalize U.S. citizens, including the tragic killing of Renee Nicole Good. This extremism must end,” said the statement from Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar.

Democrats had few good options to express their opposition to Homeland Security funding.

Lawmakers, when confronting a funding impasse, generally turn to continuing resolutions to temporarily fund agencies at their current levels. But doing so in this case would simply cede more Homeland Security spending decisions to Trump, said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee.

Also, there was concern that a failure to fund Homeland Security would hurt disaster assistance programs and agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration, while ICE and Customs and Border Protection would simply carry on. They could use funding from Trump’s big tax cut and immigration bill to continue their operations. ICE, which typically receives about $10 billion a year, was provided $30 billion for operations and $45 billion for detention facilities through Republicans’ “one big beautiful bill.”

This year’s Homeland Security bill holds the annual spending that Congress provides ICE roughly flat from the prior year. It also restricts the ability of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-border-trump-44925ad8670cd4ad57427513915bb140">Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem</a>&nbsp;to unilaterally shift funding and allocate federal dollars as she sees fit. The bill also allocates $20 million for the purchase and operations of body cameras for ICE and CBP officers interacting with the public during immigration enforcement operations. And it will require Homeland Security to provide monthly updates on how it plans to spend money from Trump’s bill.

“It’s not everything we wanted. We wanted more oversight. But look, Democrats don’t control the House. We don’t control the Senate or the White House. But we were able to add some oversight over Homeland,” said Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, a member of the Appropriations panel.

Republicans countered that the Homeland Security bill helps lawmakers accomplish their most important duty — keeping the American people safe.

“This legislation delivers just that and upholds the America first agenda,” said Rep. Tom Cole, the Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

Republicans also celebrated the avoidance of a massive, catchall funding bill known as an omnibus as part of this year’s appropriations process. Such bills, often taken up before the holiday season with lawmakers anxious to return home, have contributed to greater federal spending, they say. This year’s effort, while a few months behind schedule, manages to keep non-defense spending just below current levels, they emphasized.

“It sends a clear, powerful message back home — the House is back at work. We are back to governing,” said Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo.

One by one, Democratic lawmakers lined up to voice their opposition to the Homeland Security bill with a particular focus on ICE, which has been rapidly hiring thousands of new deportation officers to carry out the president’s mass deportation agenda.

Rep. Betty McCollum of Minnesota said residents of her state were being racially profiled on a mass scale and kidnapped from their communities.

“Masked federal agents are seizing parents, yes, in front of terrified children,” McCollum said. “And many of these people we’re finding had no record and were here legally.”

“I will not fund an agency that acts like an American gestapo,” said Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House passed this year’s final batch of spending bills on Thursday as lawmakers, still smarting from last fall’s record&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-reopen-update-house-returns-5771f2befb15f4ab45e327369f2e98d9">43-day shutdown,</a>&nbsp;worked to avoid another funding lapse for a broad swath of the federal government.The four bills total about $1.2 trillion in spending and now move to the Senate, with final passage needed next week before a Jan. 30 deadline to avoid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">a partial government shutdown</a>.Three of the bills had broad, bipartisan support. They funded Defense and various other departments, including Education, Transportation and Health and Human Services. A fourth bill funding the Department of Homeland Security was hotly disputed as Democrats voiced concerns that it failed to restrain President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-immigration-ice-deportation-budget-be983b14f60a5cdfc17af7cf0307f1c9">mass deportation efforts.</a>Republicans were able to overcome the Democratic objections and muscle the Homeland Security bill to passage in a 220-207 vote. The broader package, which funds a 3.8% pay raise for the military, passed in a 341-88 vote.Before the votes, House Democratic leaders announced their opposition to the Homeland Security bill as the party’s rank-and-file demanded a more forceful stand in response to the Republican president’s immigration crackdown. Trump’s efforts have recently centered in the Minneapolis area, where more than 2,000 officers are stationed and where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">Renee Good</a>, a mother of three.In a joint statement, the Democratic leaders said Trump promised the American people that his deportation policy would focus on violent felons in the country illegally, but instead, ICE has targeted American citizens and law-abiding immigrant families.“Taxpayer dollars are being misused to brutalize U.S. citizens, including the tragic killing of Renee Nicole Good. This extremism must end,” said the statement from Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar.<h2>Democrats had limited options</h2>Democrats had few good options to express their opposition to Homeland Security funding.Lawmakers, when confronting a funding impasse, generally turn to continuing resolutions to temporarily fund agencies at their current levels. But doing so in this case would simply cede more Homeland Security spending decisions to Trump, said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee.Also, there was concern that a failure to fund Homeland Security would hurt disaster assistance programs and agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration, while ICE and Customs and Border Protection would simply carry on. They could use funding from Trump’s big tax cut and immigration bill to continue their operations. ICE, which typically receives about $10 billion a year, was provided $30 billion for operations and $45 billion for detention facilities through Republicans’ “one big beautiful bill.”This year’s Homeland Security bill holds the annual spending that Congress provides ICE roughly flat from the prior year. It also restricts the ability of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-border-trump-44925ad8670cd4ad57427513915bb140">Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem</a>&nbsp;to unilaterally shift funding and allocate federal dollars as she sees fit. The bill also allocates $20 million for the purchase and operations of body cameras for ICE and CBP officers interacting with the public during immigration enforcement operations. And it will require Homeland Security to provide monthly updates on how it plans to spend money from Trump’s bill.“It’s not everything we wanted. We wanted more oversight. But look, Democrats don’t control the House. We don’t control the Senate or the White House. But we were able to add some oversight over Homeland,” said Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, a member of the Appropriations panel.Republicans countered that the Homeland Security bill helps lawmakers accomplish their most important duty — keeping the American people safe.“This legislation delivers just that and upholds the America first agenda,” said Rep. Tom Cole, the Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.Republicans also celebrated the avoidance of a massive, catchall funding bill known as an omnibus as part of this year’s appropriations process. Such bills, often taken up before the holiday season with lawmakers anxious to return home, have contributed to greater federal spending, they say. This year’s effort, while a few months behind schedule, manages to keep non-defense spending just below current levels, they emphasized.“It sends a clear, powerful message back home — the House is back at work. We are back to governing,” said Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo.<h2>Anger on the House floor</h2>One by one, Democratic lawmakers lined up to voice their opposition to the Homeland Security bill with a particular focus on ICE, which has been rapidly hiring thousands of new deportation officers to carry out the president’s mass deportation agenda.Rep. Betty McCollum of Minnesota said residents of her state were being racially profiled on a mass scale and kidnapped from their communities.“Masked federal agents are seizing parents, yes, in front of terrified children,” McCollum said. “And many of these people we’re finding had no record and were here legally.”“I will not fund an agency that acts like an American gestapo,” said Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y.“This is about the political retribution of a vengeful president,” said Clark of Massachusetts. “I will not rubberstamp the federal government’s use of political violence against its own people and I ask every member to join me in voting no.”Cole decried some of the comments about ICE on the House floor.“It’s reckless, encouraging people to believe that we have masses of bad actors in a particular agency,” Cole said.In a last-minute add to the package, the House tacked on a provision that would repeal the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arctic-frost-senate-lawsuits-c266167102b9c367179618b6cd8bd697">ability of senators to sue</a>&nbsp;the government over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-january-6-senate-grassley-26dcd37c3b9e84c0173e63799baf3fa4">collection of their cellphone data</a>&nbsp;as part of special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.