LINN COUNTY—A friend has established an online fundraiser after two missing boys were found dead on a lake in Linn County.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-keagan-grubbs-family-in-their-time-of-need?attribution_id=sl:d91733f6-0df4-43e2-9acb-b3fe66dae3b2&amp;lang=en_US&amp;utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=sms">Click here to view </a>the online fundraiser

Just after 8p.m. January 27, sheriff's deputies responded to the Lake Chaparral Community in rural Linn County for a report of two missing 8-year-old boys who had not been seen for several hours, according to Linn County Sheriff James Akes.

Deputies quickly assessed the need for more resources, the Linn County Fire Department responded to the area and assisted in the search for the boys. Searchers found evidence leading them to believe the boys had been around the lake. The Sheriff’s Office utilized an aerial drone to search above the water and the two boys were discovered deceased in the water and trapped under the ice. 

The Overland Park Fire Dive Team was called in for assistance retrieving the two juveniles from the icy water.&nbsp; The sheriff released no additional details early Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738196645303.png" alt="Keegan Grubbs photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Keegan Grubbs photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>LINN COUNTY—A friend has established an online fundraiser after two missing boys were found dead on a lake in Linn County.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-keagan-grubbs-family-in-their-time-of-need?attribution_id=sl:d91733f6-0df4-43e2-9acb-b3fe66dae3b2&amp;lang=en_US&amp;utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=sms">Click here to view </a>the online fundraiserJust after 8p.m. January 27, sheriff's deputies responded to the Lake Chaparral Community in rural Linn County for a report of two missing 8-year-old boys who had not been seen for several hours, according to Linn County Sheriff James Akes.Deputies quickly assessed the need for more resources, the Linn County Fire Department responded to the area and assisted in the search for the boys. Searchers found evidence leading them to believe the boys had been around the lake. The Sheriff’s Office utilized an aerial drone to search above the water and the two boys were discovered deceased in the water and trapped under the ice. The Overland Park Fire Dive Team was called in for assistance retrieving the two juveniles from the icy water.&nbsp; The sheriff released no additional details early Tuesday.

Online fundraiser continues after boys died under ice on Kan. lake

Republican state legislators are filing a flurry of bills addressing junk food, vaccines, fluoride.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/avollers/">ANNA CLAIRE VOLLERS</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>

Republican state legislators across the country are filing a flurry of bills to advance the “Make America Healthy Again” agenda promoted by activist lawyer and former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who’s in line to be the next U.S. health secretary.

Under the MAHA banner, state lawmakers are working to regulate candy and soda purchases under social welfare programs, remove fluoride from public water systems, roll back state vaccination requirements, and remove ultra-processed food from schools.

They’ve&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Leo4AzHouse/posts/pfbid02JfgSgCw6Q2cCBMg6wtZu6BaURnikQMoqnvzDvxEcawMRbGPybnEkQBewqNrXneNnl" target="_blank">enlisted celebrities</a>&nbsp;to help. They’re using&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Jacob4Wyoming/status/1886478813804048864" target="_blank">#RFK</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Leo4AzHouse/posts/pfbid02JfgSgCw6Q2cCBMg6wtZu6BaURnikQMoqnvzDvxEcawMRbGPybnEkQBewqNrXneNnl" target="_blank">#MAHA</a>&nbsp;hashtags on social media to share legislative wins. Lawmakers even&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=983860476948534&amp;set=pb.100059737712851.-2207520000" target="_blank">walked the red carpet</a>&nbsp;at a January gala celebrated as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/the-maha-gala#:~:text=more%20than%20800%20of%20US%20health%20secretary%20nominee%20Robert%20F.%20Kennedy%20Jr.%E2%80%99s%20most%20loyal%20followers%20have%20gathered%20to%20celebrate%20the%20official%20start%20of%20the%20Make%20America%20Healthy%20movement" target="_blank">official start</a>&nbsp;of the MAHA movement in the Trump era.

“It’s pretty exciting for me,” said Wyoming Republican state Rep. Jacob Wasserburger, who has sponsored a MAHA bill in his state.

“I was a pretty overweight kid when I was growing up. … When I was about 16, I started trying to get healthy, and it seemed to me like there were some badly flawed issues with our health care in this country that weren’t being addressed,” he said.

Kennedy is a vocal vaccine skeptic with controversial and sometimes misleading views on a number of public health policies, from fluoride in public water to the underlying causes of HIV and autism. He’s decried ultra-processed foods, government overreach and greedy corporations for harming human health and the environment.

His often unorthodox — and in some cases, false — views have inspired some conservative lawmakers and given political cover to others, spurring them to reshape public health policy in myriad ways.

One popular MAHA measure is to prevent families who qualify for food stamps from using their benefits to purchase candy or soda.

Republican legislators in states including&nbsp;<a href="https://azmirror.com/2025/02/04/republicans-follow-lead-of-rfk-jr-with-effort-to-ban-snap-users-from-buying-soda-candy/?nvep=&amp;hmac=&amp;emci=89624625-bae3-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&amp;emdi=ea000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&amp;ceid=53701" target="_blank">Arizona</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/h0109/" target="_blank">Idaho</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/05/buying-candy-soda-with-food-stamps-banned-under-proposed-kansas-bill/" target="_blank">Kansas</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1821889" target="_blank">Tennessee</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0403.html" target="_blank">Utah</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://legiscan.com/WY/bill/HB0323/2025" target="_blank">Wyoming</a>&nbsp;have introduced bills directing their respective state agencies to ask the federal government to allow them to remove candy and soda from the list of eligible products that can be purchased with food stamps, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Arkansas Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.arkansas.gov/news_post/governor-sanders-calls-for-reforms-to-the-snap-program/" target="_blank">sent a letter</a>&nbsp;to the feds in December asking them to bar junk food items from SNAP, which is a federal program administered by the states.

In Wyoming, Wasserburger sponsored a bill that would prevent people in SNAP from using their benefits to purchase candy and soda.

“I’m all in favor of people having food choice and freedoms, but if taxpayers are going to be funding the cost of that food with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the funding should be going to what it says: nutrition,” Wasserburger told Stateline.

“Taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for the soda and candy bars. Anybody can go buy that with their own money.”

The bill recently passed the Wyoming House and is headed to the Senate.

Proponents of the SNAP bills argue candy and sugary drinks harm the health of recipients, many of whom are children. And taxpayers, they say, shouldn’t have to pay for unhealthy foods that can lead to obesity and other issues.

Critics of the bills argue that the fundamental problem for SNAP recipients is that healthy food is&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/05/buying-candy-soda-with-food-stamps-banned-under-proposed-kansas-bill/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20fundamental%20problem%20for%20SNAP%20recipients%20and%20for%20all%20of%20us%20is%20that%20healthy%20food%20is%20more%20expensive%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Karen%20Siebert%2C%20a%20lobbyist%20for%20a%20network%20of%20food%20banks%20that%20serve%20all%20105%20Kansas%20counties%20including%20Harvesters%2C%20Kansas%20Food%20Bank%20and%20Second%20Harvest%20Community%20Food%20Bank." target="_blank">more expensive</a>&nbsp;and can be harder to find in low-income neighborhoods. Lobbyists contend that identifying foods as “good” or “bad” amounts to government overreach.

And even some Republicans say the definitions in the bills are&nbsp;<a href="https://azmirror.com/2025/02/04/republicans-follow-lead-of-rfk-jr-with-effort-to-ban-snap-users-from-buying-soda-candy/#:~:text=Heap%20agreed%20with%20supporters%20of%20the%20bill%20that%20obesity%20is%20a%20major%20issue%20in%20Arizona%20and%20across%20the%20country%2C%20but%20sided%20with%20opponents%20that%20the%20definitions%20in%20it%20were%20too%20vague.%C2%A0" target="_blank">too vague</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://azmirror.com/2025/02/04/republicans-follow-lead-of-rfk-jr-with-effort-to-ban-snap-users-from-buying-soda-candy/#:~:text=Those%20definitions%20would%20preclude%20SNAP%20participants%20from%20purchasing%20granola%20bars%2C%20sports%20energy%20bars%20and%20possibly%20many%20cereals%20like%20Honey%20Nut%20Cheerios%2C%20while%20allowing%20the%20purchase%20of%20things%20like%20potato%20chips.%C2%A0" target="_blank">Arizona’s bill</a>, for example, could have prevented SNAP participants from buying granola bars and some cereals, while allowing them to buy potato chips. The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/05/buying-candy-soda-with-food-stamps-banned-under-proposed-kansas-bill/#:~:text=Under%20those%20definitions%2C%20Kit%20Kat%20and%20Twix%2C%20which%20contain%20flour%2C%20wouldn%E2%80%99t%20be%20restricted.%20Certain%20juices%20that%20contain%20high%20amounts%20of%20sugar%20but%20are%20more%20than%20half%20fruit%20juice%20by%20volume%20also%20wouldn%E2%80%99t%20be%20banned." target="_blank">Kansas</a>&nbsp;bill defines prohibited candy in such a way that Kit Kat and Twix bars, which contain flour, wouldn’t be restricted.

Many of the state bills follow on the heels of a federal version, the&nbsp;<a href="https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1372" target="_blank">Healthy SNAP Act</a>, which Republicans reintroduced in Congress last month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739629912875.png" alt="RFK Jr. swearing in ceremony on Thursday- image Whit House" />
 <figcaption>RFK Jr. swearing in ceremony on Thursday- image Whit House</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Republican state legislators are filing a flurry of bills addressing junk food, vaccines, fluoride.</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/avollers/">ANNA CLAIRE VOLLERS</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a> Republican state legislators across the country are filing a flurry of bills to advance the “Make America Healthy Again” agenda promoted by activist lawyer and former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who’s in line to be the next U.S. health secretary.Under the MAHA banner, state lawmakers are working to regulate candy and soda purchases under social welfare programs, remove fluoride from public water systems, roll back state vaccination requirements, and remove ultra-processed food from schools.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN 🇺🇸 Based on all health indicators and global comparisons, Americans are becoming sicker, beset by illnesses that our medical system isn&#39;t addressing effectively. The Trump Administration IS CHANGING THAT! 1/4 <a href="https://t.co/oIeHWvqK4e">pic.twitter.com/oIeHWvqK4e</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1890190620641440243?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>They’ve&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Leo4AzHouse/posts/pfbid02JfgSgCw6Q2cCBMg6wtZu6BaURnikQMoqnvzDvxEcawMRbGPybnEkQBewqNrXneNnl" target="_blank">enlisted celebrities</a>&nbsp;to help. They’re using&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Jacob4Wyoming/status/1886478813804048864" target="_blank">#RFK</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Leo4AzHouse/posts/pfbid02JfgSgCw6Q2cCBMg6wtZu6BaURnikQMoqnvzDvxEcawMRbGPybnEkQBewqNrXneNnl" target="_blank">#MAHA</a>&nbsp;hashtags on social media to share legislative wins. Lawmakers even&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=983860476948534&amp;set=pb.100059737712851.-2207520000" target="_blank">walked the red carpet</a>&nbsp;at a January gala celebrated as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/the-maha-gala#:~:text=more%20than%20800%20of%20US%20health%20secretary%20nominee%20Robert%20F.%20Kennedy%20Jr.%E2%80%99s%20most%20loyal%20followers%20have%20gathered%20to%20celebrate%20the%20official%20start%20of%20the%20Make%20America%20Healthy%20movement" target="_blank">official start</a>&nbsp;of the MAHA movement in the Trump era.“It’s pretty exciting for me,” said Wyoming Republican state Rep. Jacob Wasserburger, who has sponsored a MAHA bill in his state.“I was a pretty overweight kid when I was growing up. … When I was about 16, I started trying to get healthy, and it seemed to me like there were some badly flawed issues with our health care in this country that weren’t being addressed,” he said.Kennedy is a vocal vaccine skeptic with controversial and sometimes misleading views on a number of public health policies, from fluoride in public water to the underlying causes of HIV and autism. He’s decried ultra-processed foods, government overreach and greedy corporations for harming human health and the environment.His often unorthodox — and in some cases, false — views have inspired some conservative lawmakers and given political cover to others, spurring them to reshape public health policy in myriad ways.<h2>Candy, soda and SNAP</h2>One popular MAHA measure is to prevent families who qualify for food stamps from using their benefits to purchase candy or soda.Republican legislators in states including&nbsp;<a href="https://azmirror.com/2025/02/04/republicans-follow-lead-of-rfk-jr-with-effort-to-ban-snap-users-from-buying-soda-candy/?nvep=&amp;hmac=&amp;emci=89624625-bae3-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&amp;emdi=ea000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&amp;ceid=53701" target="_blank">Arizona</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/h0109/" target="_blank">Idaho</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/05/buying-candy-soda-with-food-stamps-banned-under-proposed-kansas-bill/" target="_blank">Kansas</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1821889" target="_blank">Tennessee</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0403.html" target="_blank">Utah</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://legiscan.com/WY/bill/HB0323/2025" target="_blank">Wyoming</a>&nbsp;have introduced bills directing their respective state agencies to ask the federal government to allow them to remove candy and soda from the list of eligible products that can be purchased with food stamps, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Arkansas Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.arkansas.gov/news_post/governor-sanders-calls-for-reforms-to-the-snap-program/" target="_blank">sent a letter</a>&nbsp;to the feds in December asking them to bar junk food items from SNAP, which is a federal program administered by the states.In Wyoming, Wasserburger sponsored a bill that would prevent people in SNAP from using their benefits to purchase candy and soda.“I’m all in favor of people having food choice and freedoms, but if taxpayers are going to be funding the cost of that food with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the funding should be going to what it says: nutrition,” Wasserburger told Stateline.“Taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for the soda and candy bars. Anybody can go buy that with their own money.”The bill recently passed the Wyoming House and is headed to the Senate.Proponents of the SNAP bills argue candy and sugary drinks harm the health of recipients, many of whom are children. And taxpayers, they say, shouldn’t have to pay for unhealthy foods that can lead to obesity and other issues.Critics of the bills argue that the fundamental problem for SNAP recipients is that healthy food is&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/05/buying-candy-soda-with-food-stamps-banned-under-proposed-kansas-bill/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20fundamental%20problem%20for%20SNAP%20recipients%20and%20for%20all%20of%20us%20is%20that%20healthy%20food%20is%20more%20expensive%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Karen%20Siebert%2C%20a%20lobbyist%20for%20a%20network%20of%20food%20banks%20that%20serve%20all%20105%20Kansas%20counties%20including%20Harvesters%2C%20Kansas%20Food%20Bank%20and%20Second%20Harvest%20Community%20Food%20Bank." target="_blank">more expensive</a>&nbsp;and can be harder to find in low-income neighborhoods. Lobbyists contend that identifying foods as “good” or “bad” amounts to government overreach.And even some Republicans say the definitions in the bills are&nbsp;<a href="https://azmirror.com/2025/02/04/republicans-follow-lead-of-rfk-jr-with-effort-to-ban-snap-users-from-buying-soda-candy/#:~:text=Heap%20agreed%20with%20supporters%20of%20the%20bill%20that%20obesity%20is%20a%20major%20issue%20in%20Arizona%20and%20across%20the%20country%2C%20but%20sided%20with%20opponents%20that%20the%20definitions%20in%20it%20were%20too%20vague.%C2%A0" target="_blank">too vague</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://azmirror.com/2025/02/04/republicans-follow-lead-of-rfk-jr-with-effort-to-ban-snap-users-from-buying-soda-candy/#:~:text=Those%20definitions%20would%20preclude%20SNAP%20participants%20from%20purchasing%20granola%20bars%2C%20sports%20energy%20bars%20and%20possibly%20many%20cereals%20like%20Honey%20Nut%20Cheerios%2C%20while%20allowing%20the%20purchase%20of%20things%20like%20potato%20chips.%C2%A0" target="_blank">Arizona’s bill</a>, for example, could have prevented SNAP participants from buying granola bars and some cereals, while allowing them to buy potato chips. The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/05/buying-candy-soda-with-food-stamps-banned-under-proposed-kansas-bill/#:~:text=Under%20those%20definitions%2C%20Kit%20Kat%20and%20Twix%2C%20which%20contain%20flour%2C%20wouldn%E2%80%99t%20be%20restricted.%20Certain%20juices%20that%20contain%20high%20amounts%20of%20sugar%20but%20are%20more%20than%20half%20fruit%20juice%20by%20volume%20also%20wouldn%E2%80%99t%20be%20banned." target="_blank">Kansas</a>&nbsp;bill defines prohibited candy in such a way that Kit Kat and Twix bars, which contain flour, wouldn’t be restricted.Many of the state bills follow on the heels of a federal version, the&nbsp;<a href="https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1372" target="_blank">Healthy SNAP Act</a>, which Republicans reintroduced in Congress last month.

State lawmakers embrace RFK Jr.’s health policies

MONTREAL (AP) — Fans in Montreal loudly booed the U.S. national anthem prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the Americans and Canada on Saturday night.

It’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-anthem-booed-montreal-ef96e50c685285b42bb263b29c62f484">the second time</a>&nbsp;“The Star-Spangled Banner” drew that reaction in two games the United States has played at the NHL-run international tournament.

And it came after public address announcer Michel Lacroix asked the crowd, in French and English, "In the spirit of this great game that unites everyone that you kindly respect the anthems and the players that represent each country."

This time, far more of the fans at Bell Centre booed than Thursday night before the U.S. beat Finland. The booing began when warrant officer David Grenon of the Royal Canadian Air Force Band started singing and lasted the entire length of the song.

“We knew it was going to happen,” U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski said after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-4-nations-score-1aad2277f10e7ec0797b0f61051fffbf?cache">beating Canada 3-1</a>&nbsp;and quieting the crowd of over 21,000. “It happened the last game, it’s been happening in the NHL before this and we knew tonight was going to be the same way. We obviously don’t like it."

U.S. players have been trying to tune it out. After&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-finland-4-nations-score-c5e9588611bcb1f75e41957e852fe90f">beating Finland 6-1</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck said he “paid no attention to” the booing.

“You have free speech,” Hellebuyck said. "You can do whatever you want. If you’re going to boo the anthem, we sing it for the troops that protected our freedom. That doesn’t really mean anything to me. You can do whatever you want. But I don’t use it at all.”

Werenski said it provided some fuel with the U.S. serving in the villain role in Canada.

“It is what it is,” Werenski said. "We kind of had an idea. We used it as motivation the best we could and found a way to get a win. But we had an idea going into it, so it wasn’t a surprise. Definitely don’t like it, though.”

U.S. forward Matthew Tkachuk, who fought Canada's Brandon Hagel off the opening faceoff, setting off a series of three bouts in nine seconds, said it had nothing to do with the anthem booing. If anything, players felt it added to the fun of the night.

“It’s just unbelievable, the atmosphere, to play on this stage in Canada, that was pretty cool for all of us I think,” said winger Jake Guentzel, who scored twice, including the empty-netter that sealed it. “There’s a lot of excitement from our team coming out for warmups and just seeing how packed it was. That was pretty special.”

Fans across Canada have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fans-boo-national-anthem-tariffs-canada-2c7210574c0373348870a94445814407">booed the U.S. anthem at NHL and NBA games</a>&nbsp;since President Donald Trump began making repeated references to the country&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-canada-could-become-us-state-42360e10ded96c0046fd11eaaf55ab88">becoming “the 51st state.”</a>&nbsp;Trump also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-trade-china-mexico-canada-inflation-753a09d56cd318f2eb1d2efe3c43b7d4">threatened tariffs</a>&nbsp;against the country, prompting backlash from a close neighbor and longtime ally.

Asked Friday at practice about fans booing the U.S. anthem, veteran Canada defenseman Drew Doughty voiced opposition to it.

“Obviously, I know what’s going on, and I understand the Canadians’ frustration, but I think we should respect the anthems and stuff like that,” Doughty said. "I don’t think anyone should be booing.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739704856004.png" alt="Players and fans stand for the U.S. national anthem prior to the first period of 4 Nations Face-Off hockey game between Canada and the United States in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)" />
 <figcaption>Players and fans stand for the U.S. national anthem prior to the first period of 4 Nations Face-Off hockey game between Canada and the United States in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTREAL (AP) — Fans in Montreal loudly booed the U.S. national anthem prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the Americans and Canada on Saturday night.It’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-anthem-booed-montreal-ef96e50c685285b42bb263b29c62f484">the second time</a>&nbsp;“The Star-Spangled Banner” drew that reaction in two games the United States has played at the NHL-run international tournament.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Won&#39;t you fly high, free bird, yeah 🇺🇸🦅 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/4Nations?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#4Nations</a> <a href="https://t.co/6EzADfcRDy">pic.twitter.com/6EzADfcRDy</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1891148570310463527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>And it came after public address announcer Michel Lacroix asked the crowd, in French and English, "In the spirit of this great game that unites everyone that you kindly respect the anthems and the players that represent each country."This time, far more of the fans at Bell Centre booed than Thursday night before the U.S. beat Finland. The booing began when warrant officer David Grenon of the Royal Canadian Air Force Band started singing and lasted the entire length of the song.“We knew it was going to happen,” U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski said after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-4-nations-score-1aad2277f10e7ec0797b0f61051fffbf?cache">beating Canada 3-1</a>&nbsp;and quieting the crowd of over 21,000. “It happened the last game, it’s been happening in the NHL before this and we knew tonight was going to be the same way. We obviously don’t like it."U.S. players have been trying to tune it out. After&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-finland-4-nations-score-c5e9588611bcb1f75e41957e852fe90f">beating Finland 6-1</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck said he “paid no attention to” the booing.“You have free speech,” Hellebuyck said. "You can do whatever you want. If you’re going to boo the anthem, we sing it for the troops that protected our freedom. That doesn’t really mean anything to me. You can do whatever you want. But I don’t use it at all.”Werenski said it provided some fuel with the U.S. serving in the villain role in Canada.“It is what it is,” Werenski said. "We kind of had an idea. We used it as motivation the best we could and found a way to get a win. But we had an idea going into it, so it wasn’t a surprise. Definitely don’t like it, though.”U.S. forward Matthew Tkachuk, who fought Canada's Brandon Hagel off the opening faceoff, setting off a series of three bouts in nine seconds, said it had nothing to do with the anthem booing. If anything, players felt it added to the fun of the night.“It’s just unbelievable, the atmosphere, to play on this stage in Canada, that was pretty cool for all of us I think,” said winger Jake Guentzel, who scored twice, including the empty-netter that sealed it. “There’s a lot of excitement from our team coming out for warmups and just seeing how packed it was. That was pretty special.”Fans across Canada have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fans-boo-national-anthem-tariffs-canada-2c7210574c0373348870a94445814407">booed the U.S. anthem at NHL and NBA games</a>&nbsp;since President Donald Trump began making repeated references to the country&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-canada-could-become-us-state-42360e10ded96c0046fd11eaaf55ab88">becoming “the 51st state.”</a>&nbsp;Trump also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-trade-china-mexico-canada-inflation-753a09d56cd318f2eb1d2efe3c43b7d4">threatened tariffs</a>&nbsp;against the country, prompting backlash from a close neighbor and longtime ally.Asked Friday at practice about fans booing the U.S. anthem, veteran Canada defenseman Drew Doughty voiced opposition to it.“Obviously, I know what’s going on, and I understand the Canadians’ frustration, but I think we should respect the anthems and stuff like that,” Doughty said. "I don’t think anyone should be booing.”

Canadians boo US anthem prior to Americans' 4 Nations Face-Off vs. Canada

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas man is going to prison for a deadly knife attack, robbery.

On Wednesday Judge Jeff Goering sentenced 36-year-old Antonio Jones&nbsp; to 442-months in prison and another 59 months for robbery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. The judge also order Jones to serve 36-months of post release supervision and pay restitution of $5,700 to the Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Board.

In December, Jones plead guilty to second degree murder and&nbsp; and aggravated robbery.

Just after 3p.m. Sept. 6, 2023, police were dispatched to the 2300 block of N. Chautauqua in Wichita for a welfare check&nbsp; on 66-year-old Brenda McNeely, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

&nbsp;Officers received information that she could be inside the residence and possibly injured and in need of help. The door to the residence was forced open and officers located with her a fatal stab wound inside of the residence. She was pronounced deceased on the scene.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect identified as <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=350241">&nbsp;Antonio Jones</a>&nbsp;was involved in a disturbance with McNeely which ultimately led to her stabbing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696771038409.png" alt="Jones photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Jones photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas man is going to prison for a deadly knife attack, robbery.On Wednesday Judge Jeff Goering sentenced 36-year-old Antonio Jones&nbsp; to 442-months in prison and another 59 months for robbery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. The judge also order Jones to serve 36-months of post release supervision and pay restitution of $5,700 to the Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Board.In December, Jones plead guilty to second degree murder and&nbsp; and aggravated robbery.Just after 3p.m. Sept. 6, 2023, police were dispatched to the 2300 block of N. Chautauqua in Wichita for a welfare check&nbsp; on 66-year-old Brenda McNeely, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.&nbsp;Officers received information that she could be inside the residence and possibly injured and in need of help. The door to the residence was forced open and officers located with her a fatal stab wound inside of the residence. She was pronounced deceased on the scene.The preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect identified as <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=350241">&nbsp;Antonio Jones</a>&nbsp;was involved in a disturbance with McNeely which ultimately led to her stabbing.

Prison for deadly knife attack robbery of Kansas woman

SHAWNEE COUNTY – A man is recovering in the hospital following a shooting in Topeka and police have made an arrest.

Just before 10:30 a.m. Feb. 11, police responded to a reported shooting near SE 2nd Street and Golden Avenue, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.&nbsp;

First responders located a man who had reportedly been shot by someone who is known to him. American Medical Response (AMR) and the Topeka Fire Department (TFD) responded to provide medical care, and the individual was transported to a local hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

Shortly after, officers located a vehicle believed to belong to the suspect in the 300 block of SE Lime Street.

While officers attempted to make contact with the suspect, no one was located at the address.

On Thursday, police reported the arrest of Robert Bennett, 27, of Topeka. He is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery and Aggravated Assault.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739488198366.png" alt="Bennett -photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Bennett -photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY – A man is recovering in the hospital following a shooting in Topeka and police have made an arrest.Just before 10:30 a.m. Feb. 11, police responded to a reported shooting near SE 2nd Street and Golden Avenue, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.&nbsp;First responders located a man who had reportedly been shot by someone who is known to him. American Medical Response (AMR) and the Topeka Fire Department (TFD) responded to provide medical care, and the individual was transported to a local hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;Shortly after, officers located a vehicle believed to belong to the suspect in the 300 block of SE Lime Street.While officers attempted to make contact with the suspect, no one was located at the address.On Thursday, police reported the arrest of Robert Bennett, 27, of Topeka. He is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery and Aggravated Assault.

Kan. man accused of shooting that left victim in critical condition

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A renewed and expanded effort from chemical giant Bayer to shield itself from lawsuits that claim its popular weedkiller Roundup causes cancer brought dozens of protesters to the Iowa Capitol building Monday begging lawmakers to reject it.

The legislation, pending in Iowa and at least seven other states, would protect pesticide companies from claims they failed to warn that their product causes cancer if the product label otherwise complies with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations.

Similar efforts failed during 2024 legislative sessions in Iowa, Missouri and Idaho. But this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bayer-legislation-glyphosate-roundup-lawsuits-cancer-warning-4fa2e6662479f3e60a409ce4439a40ed">Bayer and a coalition of agricultural groups</a>&nbsp;are doubling down. A broader media campaign is highlighting the importance of glyphosate-based Roundup for American agriculture. And they are getting help from a group that ran a Super Bowl ad in Missouri asserting the legislation is necessary to combat Chinese influence over the U.S. food supply.

Opponents, including those who rallied Monday in Des Moines, say the bills would limit the rights of people to hold companies accountable if their products cause harm. Speakers took turns telling stories of family members throughout the state who have been diagnosed with cancers and shouted out to lawmakers that Iowa's people are more important than corporate profits.

“I feel like we need accountability here in Iowa,” said Nick Schutt, a part-time farmer whose mother, father, aunt and two siblings have all had cancer diagnoses. “At the end of the day, multinational chemical companies like Bayer should be held accountable."

Bayer disputes the claims that Roundup causes cancer, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/weed-killer-roundup-philadelphia-verdict-cancer-6c777d7fd4e7c38ec8fe28a6f1566d24">the company has been hit</a>&nbsp;with about 177,000 lawsuits involving the weedkiller and has set aside $16 billion to settle cases. It contends those legal costs are “not sustainable” and is looking for relief from lawmakers concerned about the possibility that Roundup could be pulled from the U.S. market.

For crops including corn, soybeans and cotton, Roundup is designed to work with genetically modified seeds that resist the weedkiller’s deadly effect. It allows farmers to produce more crops while conserving the soil by tilling it less.

“It is the most important product in global agriculture,” Liza Lockwood, Bayer's medical affairs lead in its crop science division, said during a recent Missouri Senate committee hearing.

Some farmers have echoed that assertion. If lawsuits force Roundup off the U.S. market, they contend that Chinese-made products may be the only alternative.

“Losing access to this one safe and effective tool will set off a domino effect that will threaten family farmers and our state’s economy,” Kevin Ross, a farmer from southwest Iowa, said to Iowa lawmakers. Ross detailed how, for 50 years, the American-made product has increased soil quality, decreased water runoff and helped struggling farmers turn a profit.

Last year, Bayer focused its lobbying efforts on Missouri, Iowa and Idaho — home, respectively, to its North America crop science division, a Roundup manufacturing facility and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/idaho-phosphate-mine-bayer-roundup-1d15250044d8894f347f3094c20c2c66">the phosphate mines</a>&nbsp;from which its key ingredient is derived. Though bills passed at least one chamber in Iowa and Missouri, they ultimately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bayer-roundup-pesticide-cancer-lawsuits-35a9e6d8773b5145c920d919a28fdb83">failed in all three states</a>.

This year, legislation providing legal protection against failure-to-warn claims already has passed the North Dakota House without any opposition. Similar bills have cleared initial committees in Iowa, Mississippi and Missouri and are pending in legislative committees in Florida, Oklahoma and Tennessee. A bill failed to get out of a Wyoming committee by a deadline.

Bayer officials said Monday that legislative efforts also are in the works in Georgia, Idaho and the U.S. Congress. A promotional campaign from the Modern Ag Alliance, a coalition that Bayer supports, has targeted an even wider array of states.

New to the cause this year is the Protecting America Initiative, an organization concerned about China’s influence on the U.S. economy and tied to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/richard-grenell-secretary-of-state-trump-5e7410edd659870307a5eba762f8136c">Richard Grenell</a>, President Donald Trump’s envoy for special missions and former acting director of national intelligence. The group ran a television ad Sunday in central Missouri during the Super Bowl urging support for the legislation. It said it has invested six figures to run the 30-second spot more broadly across Missouri and Iowa.

It also parked a truck containing a portable billboard outside the Iowa Capitol on Monday, encouraging support of the bill to stop Chinese-made chemicals from “infiltrating American farms.”

Ads supporting legislation that could limit Bayer's legal liability have emphasized the importance of its weed-control products to agriculture.

"Farming’s hard,” one Facebook advertisement says. “But it’s a little easier with glyphosate.”

That ad offended Kim Hagemann, a suburban Des Moines resident who showed up to a crowded subcommittee meeting to share her opposition with lawmakers.

“Bayer is right, farming’s hard, but dealing with cancer is even harder,” said Hagemann, a member of one of the groups that organized Monday's protest.

Though some studies associate Roundup's key ingredient glyphosate with cancer, the EPA has said it is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans when used as directed. Yet the numerous lawsuits against Bayer allege glyphosate does cause a cancer called non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

One of the many attorneys involved in the lawsuits against Bayer is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr</a>., Trump’s nominee to serve as secretary of Health and Human Services. Though the health agency oversees the Food and Drug Administration, it does not control the EPA and its labeling requirements.

The legislation supported by Bayer would provide a defense against failure-to-warn claims not only for Roundup but for other pesticide products that follow EPA labeling guidelines.

Richard Deming, a cancer physician in Des Moines, said it often takes decades to determine a cause-and-effect connection between cancer and long-term exposure to low levels of chemicals. He said public policy should focus on mitigating that risk, not providing “immunity from responsibility.”

“I don’t think that ag chemicals causes as much cancer as cigarette smoking," Deming told the AP after speaking to lawmakers. But studies suggest "there’s clear association between ag chemical exposure in the state of Iowa and cancer incidence.”

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A renewed and expanded effort from chemical giant Bayer to shield itself from lawsuits that claim its popular weedkiller Roundup causes cancer brought dozens of protesters to the Iowa Capitol building Monday begging lawmakers to reject it.The legislation, pending in Iowa and at least seven other states, would protect pesticide companies from claims they failed to warn that their product causes cancer if the product label otherwise complies with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations.Similar efforts failed during 2024 legislative sessions in Iowa, Missouri and Idaho. But this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bayer-legislation-glyphosate-roundup-lawsuits-cancer-warning-4fa2e6662479f3e60a409ce4439a40ed">Bayer and a coalition of agricultural groups</a>&nbsp;are doubling down. A broader media campaign is highlighting the importance of glyphosate-based Roundup for American agriculture. And they are getting help from a group that ran a Super Bowl ad in Missouri asserting the legislation is necessary to combat Chinese influence over the U.S. food supply.Opponents, including those who rallied Monday in Des Moines, say the bills would limit the rights of people to hold companies accountable if their products cause harm. Speakers took turns telling stories of family members throughout the state who have been diagnosed with cancers and shouted out to lawmakers that Iowa's people are more important than corporate profits.“I feel like we need accountability here in Iowa,” said Nick Schutt, a part-time farmer whose mother, father, aunt and two siblings have all had cancer diagnoses. “At the end of the day, multinational chemical companies like Bayer should be held accountable."Bayer disputes the claims that Roundup causes cancer, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/weed-killer-roundup-philadelphia-verdict-cancer-6c777d7fd4e7c38ec8fe28a6f1566d24">the company has been hit</a>&nbsp;with about 177,000 lawsuits involving the weedkiller and has set aside $16 billion to settle cases. It contends those legal costs are “not sustainable” and is looking for relief from lawmakers concerned about the possibility that Roundup could be pulled from the U.S. market.For crops including corn, soybeans and cotton, Roundup is designed to work with genetically modified seeds that resist the weedkiller’s deadly effect. It allows farmers to produce more crops while conserving the soil by tilling it less.“It is the most important product in global agriculture,” Liza Lockwood, Bayer's medical affairs lead in its crop science division, said during a recent Missouri Senate committee hearing.Some farmers have echoed that assertion. If lawsuits force Roundup off the U.S. market, they contend that Chinese-made products may be the only alternative.“Losing access to this one safe and effective tool will set off a domino effect that will threaten family farmers and our state’s economy,” Kevin Ross, a farmer from southwest Iowa, said to Iowa lawmakers. Ross detailed how, for 50 years, the American-made product has increased soil quality, decreased water runoff and helped struggling farmers turn a profit.<h2>An expanded field for legislation</h2>Last year, Bayer focused its lobbying efforts on Missouri, Iowa and Idaho — home, respectively, to its North America crop science division, a Roundup manufacturing facility and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/idaho-phosphate-mine-bayer-roundup-1d15250044d8894f347f3094c20c2c66">the phosphate mines</a>&nbsp;from which its key ingredient is derived. Though bills passed at least one chamber in Iowa and Missouri, they ultimately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bayer-roundup-pesticide-cancer-lawsuits-35a9e6d8773b5145c920d919a28fdb83">failed in all three states</a>.This year, legislation providing legal protection against failure-to-warn claims already has passed the North Dakota House without any opposition. Similar bills have cleared initial committees in Iowa, Mississippi and Missouri and are pending in legislative committees in Florida, Oklahoma and Tennessee. A bill failed to get out of a Wyoming committee by a deadline.Bayer officials said Monday that legislative efforts also are in the works in Georgia, Idaho and the U.S. Congress. A promotional campaign from the Modern Ag Alliance, a coalition that Bayer supports, has targeted an even wider array of states.New to the cause this year is the Protecting America Initiative, an organization concerned about China’s influence on the U.S. economy and tied to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/richard-grenell-secretary-of-state-trump-5e7410edd659870307a5eba762f8136c">Richard Grenell</a>, President Donald Trump’s envoy for special missions and former acting director of national intelligence. The group ran a television ad Sunday in central Missouri during the Super Bowl urging support for the legislation. It said it has invested six figures to run the 30-second spot more broadly across Missouri and Iowa.It also parked a truck containing a portable billboard outside the Iowa Capitol on Monday, encouraging support of the bill to stop Chinese-made chemicals from “infiltrating American farms.”<h2>Concerns about cancer and pesticides</h2>Ads supporting legislation that could limit Bayer's legal liability have emphasized the importance of its weed-control products to agriculture."Farming’s hard,” one Facebook advertisement says. “But it’s a little easier with glyphosate.”That ad offended Kim Hagemann, a suburban Des Moines resident who showed up to a crowded subcommittee meeting to share her opposition with lawmakers.“Bayer is right, farming’s hard, but dealing with cancer is even harder,” said Hagemann, a member of one of the groups that organized Monday's protest.Though some studies associate Roundup's key ingredient glyphosate with cancer, the EPA has said it is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans when used as directed. Yet the numerous lawsuits against Bayer allege glyphosate does cause a cancer called non-Hodgkin lymphoma.One of the many attorneys involved in the lawsuits against Bayer is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr</a>., Trump’s nominee to serve as secretary of Health and Human Services. Though the health agency oversees the Food and Drug Administration, it does not control the EPA and its labeling requirements.The legislation supported by Bayer would provide a defense against failure-to-warn claims not only for Roundup but for other pesticide products that follow EPA labeling guidelines.Richard Deming, a cancer physician in Des Moines, said it often takes decades to determine a cause-and-effect connection between cancer and long-term exposure to low levels of chemicals. He said public policy should focus on mitigating that risk, not providing “immunity from responsibility.”“I don’t think that ag chemicals causes as much cancer as cigarette smoking," Deming told the AP after speaking to lawmakers. But studies suggest "there’s clear association between ag chemical exposure in the state of Iowa and cancer incidence.”___

Bayer backs effort to shield weedkiller from claims it failed to warn of cancer

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The chair of the House Elections Committee told Republicans in a private Zoom meeting last year that he would prefer to eliminate advanced voting altogether and vowed to ram through legislation in the 2025 session to eliminate the three-day grace period for mail-in ballots to arrive after Election Day.

The comments by Rep. Pat Proctor, a Leavenworth Republican, were part of a weekly Zoom call organized by House Majority Leader Chris Croft with Johnson County Republicans and invite-only guests. Loud Light Civic Action, a voting rights advocacy group, released a video of the February 2024 Zoom meeting after receiving it this week from an anonymous source. During meeting, Proctor identified Loud Light and Kansas Appleseed as “bomb throwers.”

The video surfaced after Proctor’s committee on Thursday advanced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb4/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 4</a>, which would require mail-in ballots be received at the election office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Current law allows ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they are received by Friday.

Last year, Proctor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2024/b2023_24/measures/sb14/" target="_blank">proposed legislation</a>&nbsp;that would balance the elimination of the three-day grace period by adding three days to the early voting period. But his supposed compromise also would have moved back the voter registration deadline by three days. Loud Light, Kansas Appleseed and other organizations opposed the changes, and the package didn’t have enough support for the Legislature to become law.

As the proposal was being debated last year, Proctor joined Croft’s weekly call to talk about election laws. Proctor told the group of about 30 participants that he had tried to compromise in an attempt to get enough support to override a potential veto from the governor.

“The only way we’re going to get it passed is if we get bipartisan support on it,” Proctor said. “And so I had a deal, and then Loud Light and Appleseed, which are the kind of bomb throwers in the election debate, they blew it up. And I told all of them — and you know, please don’t put this on Facebook or in the news — I told them all, this is your year for a deal. You can either negotiate and we can get a deal, or next year I’m ramming the thing through the way I want it to look.”

“If it was up to me, Election Day would be Election Day,” Proctor added. “There wouldn’t be early voting. Mail-in ballots would only be for military or severely disabled. But I got to bring 84 people with me, so I’m trying to chip away at it.”

This year’s proposal, which was introduced by Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, would end the three-day grace period for mail-in ballots without making any other changes. The Senate passed the bill on a 29-10 vote, with Topeka Republican Sen. Brenda Dietrich joining Democrats in opposition.

A statement from Loud Light said Proctor’s comments from a year ago show he is being disingenuous now with his public explanation for eliminating the three-day grace period. Proctor, who didn’t respond to an email seeking comment for this story, said he wants to avoid ballots being dismissed because of problems with the postmark.

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/committees/ctte_h_electns_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_h_electns_1_20250211_11_testimony.html" target="_blank">testimony the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office provided to Proctor’s committee</a>, 2,110 ballots were received after Election Day last November and counted. There were 603 ballots received after the grace period, and 104 ballots arrived after Election Day with no postmark.

“Proctor’s secret meeting shows how some politicians would rather disenfranchise voters than try to win their vote,” said Davis Hammet, president of Loud Light. “Politicians love to play games, but our ability to vote and have our vote counted, our democracy, cannot be treated like a game. Rep. Proctor’s comments are disturbing.”

Mike Fonkert, deputy director of Kansas Appleseed, said the organization supports policies that both make voting easy and secure elections.

The state and nation have a long history of allowing individuals to vote by mail, Fonkert said.

“It is reasonable to allow extra time for ballots to arrive, especially as Kansans continue to encounter more frequent issues with mail delivery interruption across this state,” Fonkert said. “Casting us as ‘bomb throwers’ is dismissive of the important work that we do to protect the rights of Kansas to participate in elections.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739644898383.jpeg" alt=" Rep. Pat Proctor, a Leavenworth Republican who chairs the House Elections Committee, has advanced legislation requiring mail-in ballots to be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day, eliminating the three-day post-election grace period from current law. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Rep. Pat Proctor, a Leavenworth Republican who chairs the House Elections Committee, has advanced legislation requiring mail-in ballots to be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day, eliminating the three-day post-election grace period from current law. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The chair of the House Elections Committee told Republicans in a private Zoom meeting last year that he would prefer to eliminate advanced voting altogether and vowed to ram through legislation in the 2025 session to eliminate the three-day grace period for mail-in ballots to arrive after Election Day.The comments by Rep. Pat Proctor, a Leavenworth Republican, were part of a weekly Zoom call organized by House Majority Leader Chris Croft with Johnson County Republicans and invite-only guests. Loud Light Civic Action, a voting rights advocacy group, released a video of the February 2024 Zoom meeting after receiving it this week from an anonymous source. During meeting, Proctor identified Loud Light and Kansas Appleseed as “bomb throwers.”The video surfaced after Proctor’s committee on Thursday advanced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb4/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 4</a>, which would require mail-in ballots be received at the election office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Current law allows ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they are received by Friday.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0X7MLXASbWE?si=7z4o1y5lAU7B0OCr" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Last year, Proctor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2024/b2023_24/measures/sb14/" target="_blank">proposed legislation</a>&nbsp;that would balance the elimination of the three-day grace period by adding three days to the early voting period. But his supposed compromise also would have moved back the voter registration deadline by three days. Loud Light, Kansas Appleseed and other organizations opposed the changes, and the package didn’t have enough support for the Legislature to become law.As the proposal was being debated last year, Proctor joined Croft’s weekly call to talk about election laws. Proctor told the group of about 30 participants that he had tried to compromise in an attempt to get enough support to override a potential veto from the governor.“The only way we’re going to get it passed is if we get bipartisan support on it,” Proctor said. “And so I had a deal, and then Loud Light and Appleseed, which are the kind of bomb throwers in the election debate, they blew it up. And I told all of them — and you know, please don’t put this on Facebook or in the news — I told them all, this is your year for a deal. You can either negotiate and we can get a deal, or next year I’m ramming the thing through the way I want it to look.”“If it was up to me, Election Day would be Election Day,” Proctor added. “There wouldn’t be early voting. Mail-in ballots would only be for military or severely disabled. But I got to bring 84 people with me, so I’m trying to chip away at it.”This year’s proposal, which was introduced by Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, would end the three-day grace period for mail-in ballots without making any other changes. The Senate passed the bill on a 29-10 vote, with Topeka Republican Sen. Brenda Dietrich joining Democrats in opposition.A statement from Loud Light said Proctor’s comments from a year ago show he is being disingenuous now with his public explanation for eliminating the three-day grace period. Proctor, who didn’t respond to an email seeking comment for this story, said he wants to avoid ballots being dismissed because of problems with the postmark.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/committees/ctte_h_electns_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_h_electns_1_20250211_11_testimony.html" target="_blank">testimony the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office provided to Proctor’s committee</a>, 2,110 ballots were received after Election Day last November and counted. There were 603 ballots received after the grace period, and 104 ballots arrived after Election Day with no postmark.“Proctor’s secret meeting shows how some politicians would rather disenfranchise voters than try to win their vote,” said Davis Hammet, president of Loud Light. “Politicians love to play games, but our ability to vote and have our vote counted, our democracy, cannot be treated like a game. Rep. Proctor’s comments are disturbing.”Mike Fonkert, deputy director of Kansas Appleseed, said the organization supports policies that both make voting easy and secure elections.The state and nation have a long history of allowing individuals to vote by mail, Fonkert said.“It is reasonable to allow extra time for ballots to arrive, especially as Kansans continue to encounter more frequent issues with mail delivery interruption across this state,” Fonkert said. “Casting us as ‘bomb throwers’ is dismissive of the important work that we do to protect the rights of Kansas to participate in elections.”

In private video, House elections chair says he wants to end early voting, grace period in Kansas

JACKSON COUNTY —Three adults and a teen were injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Friday in Jackson County.

According to Sheriff Tim Morse, a&nbsp;2021 Toyota Prius driven by 74-year-old Betty J. Montague Hoyt, was westbound on 110th Road and failed to yield to a northbound 2020 Nissan Altima driven by 64-year-old Regional E. Woods Topeka.

The cars collided in the intersection. Some of the occupants had to be Fire and EMS had to extricate some of the occupants from the wreckage.

 The driver of the Toyota and the driver of the Nissan were both triaged code red, while the passenger of the Toyota, a 15-year-old girl from Hoyt and the passenger of the Nissan, 63-year-old Katherine M. Woods, of Topeka were triaged code yellow, according to Sheriff Morse.

All occupants were transported by Jackson County EMS and PBPN EMS to Topeka hospitals. 

The Kansas Highway Patrol, Hoyt Police Department, Hoyt, Mayetta, PBPN Fire Departments responded to the incident.

JACKSON COUNTY —Three adults and a teen were injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Friday in Jackson County.According to Sheriff Tim Morse, a&nbsp;2021 Toyota Prius driven by 74-year-old Betty J. Montague Hoyt, was westbound on 110th Road and failed to yield to a northbound 2020 Nissan Altima driven by 64-year-old Regional E. Woods Topeka.The cars collided in the intersection. Some of the occupants had to be Fire and EMS had to extricate some of the occupants from the wreckage. The driver of the Toyota and the driver of the Nissan were both triaged code red, while the passenger of the Toyota, a 15-year-old girl from Hoyt and the passenger of the Nissan, 63-year-old Katherine M. Woods, of Topeka were triaged code yellow, according to Sheriff Morse.All occupants were transported by Jackson County EMS and PBPN EMS to Topeka hospitals. The Kansas Highway Patrol, Hoyt Police Department, Hoyt, Mayetta, PBPN Fire Departments responded to the incident.

3 Kan. adults, teen critically injured in crash on Valentine's night 

NEW YORK (AP) — Federal health agencies have restored several webpages and datasets, following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cdc-fda-doctors-for-america-5263fc6b6cbc723ca0c86c4460d02f33">a judge’s order</a>&nbsp;to bring back public access to information that had been removed to comply with a presidential executive order.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention restored nine webpages and datasets, including pages on adolescent health, information on HIV monitoring and testing, contraception guidance, and data on how pollution, poverty and other factors impact certain communities.

The Food and Drug Administration restored recommendations for increasing enrollment of females in clinical trials, analyzing and interpreting sex-specific data and including sex-specific information in regulatory submissions of medical products.

On Jan. 20,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-transcript-inauguration-inaugural-address-3d911cbb2ffc9b903d9fff2088948318">his first day back</a>&nbsp;in the White House, President Donald Trump signed an order for agencies to use the term “sex” and not “gender” in federal policies and documents. In response, the Office of Personnel Management’s acting director required agency heads to eliminate any programs and take down any websites that promote “gender ideology.” That led to widespread takedowns&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-gender-ideology-sex-pronouns-order-transgender-2d7e54837f5d0651ed0cefa5ea0d6301">across government websites</a>.

Some information gradually&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-census-federal-data-trump-6a9ba7c01a42b72e2c0a119325ba3753">was put back up</a>, at least in part. But public health experts raised alarms about things that remained missing. Doctors for America, represented by&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.277069/gov.uscourts.dcd.277069.1.0_5.pdf" target="_blank">the Public Citizen Litigation Group</a>, sued OPM, the CDC, the FDA and the Department of Health and Human Services.

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge John Bates in Washington instructed the government to restore access to several webpages and datasets that the group identified as missing from websites and to identify others that also were taken down “without adequate notice or reasoned explanation.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739627176878.png" alt="The updated flu map on the CDC web site" />
 <figcaption>The updated flu map on the CDC web site</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Federal health agencies have restored several webpages and datasets, following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cdc-fda-doctors-for-america-5263fc6b6cbc723ca0c86c4460d02f33">a judge’s order</a>&nbsp;to bring back public access to information that had been removed to comply with a presidential executive order.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739400866652.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention restored nine webpages and datasets, including pages on adolescent health, information on HIV monitoring and testing, contraception guidance, and data on how pollution, poverty and other factors impact certain communities.The Food and Drug Administration restored recommendations for increasing enrollment of females in clinical trials, analyzing and interpreting sex-specific data and including sex-specific information in regulatory submissions of medical products.On Jan. 20,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-transcript-inauguration-inaugural-address-3d911cbb2ffc9b903d9fff2088948318">his first day back</a>&nbsp;in the White House, President Donald Trump signed an order for agencies to use the term “sex” and not “gender” in federal policies and documents. In response, the Office of Personnel Management’s acting director required agency heads to eliminate any programs and take down any websites that promote “gender ideology.” That led to widespread takedowns&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-gender-ideology-sex-pronouns-order-transgender-2d7e54837f5d0651ed0cefa5ea0d6301">across government websites</a>.Some information gradually&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-census-federal-data-trump-6a9ba7c01a42b72e2c0a119325ba3753">was put back up</a>, at least in part. But public health experts raised alarms about things that remained missing. Doctors for America, represented by&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.277069/gov.uscourts.dcd.277069.1.0_5.pdf" target="_blank">the Public Citizen Litigation Group</a>, sued OPM, the CDC, the FDA and the Department of Health and Human Services.On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge John Bates in Washington instructed the government to restore access to several webpages and datasets that the group identified as missing from websites and to identify others that also were taken down “without adequate notice or reasoned explanation.”

Federal health agencies restore webpages, datasets following judge’s order

JOHNSON COUNTY—A Kansas family escaped injured after fire at their home caused by a space heater.

Just after 8:30 p.m. Thursday, firefighters responded to a house fire at 1201 S Payne Street in Olathe, according to a social media report.

The fire displaced three adults who got help from friends. A fire investigator said a space heater caused the blaze. There were no injured.

According to the fire department, when using space heaters, keep anything that can burn at least 3 ft away. Plug directly into outlets and Turn off and unplug before sleeping or leaving the home.The Olathe Police Department and Johnson County MED-ACT also helped at the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739631636182.png" alt="Images from video provided by Olathe Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Images from video provided by Olathe Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—A Kansas family escaped injured after fire at their home caused by a space heater.Just after 8:30 p.m. Thursday, firefighters responded to a house fire at 1201 S Payne Street in Olathe, according to a social media report.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739631616484.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The fire displaced three adults who got help from friends. A fire investigator said a space heater caused the blaze. There were no injured.According to the fire department, when using space heaters, keep anything that can burn at least 3 ft away. Plug directly into outlets and Turn off and unplug before sleeping or leaving the home.The Olathe Police Department and Johnson County MED-ACT also helped at the scene.

Kansas family escapes fire at their home

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Greg Sharpe, the play-by-play voice for Nebraska football since 2007, has died after a fight with cancer, his family announced through the school Saturday. He was 61.

Sharpe died Friday, 10 months after he announced he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was able to work several games last season.

“While his passion and energy on the call of Husker football and baseball brought joy to so many for the past 17 seasons, it comforts us to know that his legacy will live on through these same moments that he narrated and through the relationships that he built,” his family's statement said. “While the public knew him for his booming voice and infectious personality, those closest to him knew him for his loyalty and dedication to them.”

Sharpe grew up in Olathe, Kansas, attended Kansas State and was the voice of K-State football and basketball from 1996-2002.

Nebraska hired him to call the last three football games of the 2007 season and made him the permanent announcer the next year.

The National Sports Media Association in December named him Nebraska Sportscaster of the Year, and last month the athletic department named his pressbox workspace the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Huskers/status/1884684959413395636">“Greg Sharpe Radio Booth.”</a>

“This is a tough day for everyone,” athletic director Troy Dannen said. "Not only those who were close to Greg and those who had the opportunity to work with him, but also for Husker fans who have fond memories of Greg’s calls of iconic moments in Nebraska history.

“Greg was an incredible person and was a friend to everyone. Simply put, he defined what it meant to be a Husker, and he will always be a Husker.”

Sharpe is survived by his wife, Amy, and daughters Emily, Campbell and Taylor.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Greg Sharpe, the play-by-play voice for Nebraska football since 2007, has died after a fight with cancer, his family announced through the school Saturday. He was 61.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Wildcat family lost a great one. Our deepest condolences to the Sharpe family.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EMAW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EMAW</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GBR</a> <a href="https://t.co/3vLY6NsdrH">pic.twitter.com/3vLY6NsdrH</a>&mdash; K-State Athletics (@kstatesports) <a href="https://twitter.com/kstatesports/status/1890772409394794746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Sharpe died Friday, 10 months after he announced he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was able to work several games last season.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">For 17 years, Greg Sharpe spoke past the microphone and into our hearts. His legacy will be woven into the moments he narrated and carried on through the relationships he built. We are deeply saddened by Greg’s passing and send our deepest condolences to the Sharpe family. <a href="https://t.co/AlSMYL6R0K">pic.twitter.com/AlSMYL6R0K</a>&mdash; Nebraska Huskers (@Huskers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Huskers/status/1890755455695094120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“While his passion and energy on the call of Husker football and baseball brought joy to so many for the past 17 seasons, it comforts us to know that his legacy will live on through these same moments that he narrated and through the relationships that he built,” his family's statement said. “While the public knew him for his booming voice and infectious personality, those closest to him knew him for his loyalty and dedication to them.”Sharpe grew up in Olathe, Kansas, attended Kansas State and was the voice of K-State football and basketball from 1996-2002.Nebraska hired him to call the last three football games of the 2007 season and made him the permanent announcer the next year.The National Sports Media Association in December named him Nebraska Sportscaster of the Year, and last month the athletic department named his pressbox workspace the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Huskers/status/1884684959413395636">“Greg Sharpe Radio Booth.”</a>“This is a tough day for everyone,” athletic director Troy Dannen said. "Not only those who were close to Greg and those who had the opportunity to work with him, but also for Husker fans who have fond memories of Greg’s calls of iconic moments in Nebraska history.“Greg was an incredible person and was a friend to everyone. Simply put, he defined what it meant to be a Husker, and he will always be a Husker.”Sharpe is survived by his wife, Amy, and daughters Emily, Campbell and Taylor.___

Greg Sharpe, Nebraska radio play-by-play voice, has died

FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal stabbing in southwest Kansas and have a suspect in custody.

On Thursday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to a reported domestic violence situation in the 1200 block of Longbranch in Dodge City, according to a media release.

First responders found 76-year-old Leandro Huizar-De Los Santos suffering from multiple stab wounds. Officers and EMS attempted to render aid. Despite their efforts, Huizar-De Los Santos was pronounced deceased.

While on the scene, officers arrested 41-year-old Juan Huizar-Rojas for the alleged murder of Huizar-De Los Santos.

 A criminal case will be filed with the Ford County Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739558969850.png" alt="Huizar-Rojas photo Ford County" />
 <figcaption>Huizar-Rojas photo Ford County</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal stabbing in southwest Kansas and have a suspect in custody.On Thursday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to a reported domestic violence situation in the 1200 block of Longbranch in Dodge City, according to a media release.First responders found 76-year-old Leandro Huizar-De Los Santos suffering from multiple stab wounds. Officers and EMS attempted to render aid. Despite their efforts, Huizar-De Los Santos was pronounced deceased.While on the scene, officers arrested 41-year-old Juan Huizar-Rojas for the alleged murder of Huizar-De Los Santos. A criminal case will be filed with the Ford County Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;

Man accused in deadly southwest Kansas knife attack

KANSAS CITY,&nbsp; Mo. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-constitution-amendment-0f21b453fdc15492d60e04a74a4fb206">Abortions</a>&nbsp;are set to resume in Missouri after a judge blocked regulations that had restricted providers even after voters approved enshrining abortion rights into the state’s constitution.

Friday's ruling came after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ban-ruling-missouri-8a846e1490a965977133eb5854a7602e">Kansas City judge ruled</a>&nbsp;last year that abortions were now legal in the state but kept certain regulations on the books while a lawsuit by abortion-rights advocates played out.

That meant abortion facilities still had to be licensed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Planned Parenthood argued that the licensing law required providers to give “medically unnecessary and invasive” pelvic exams to anyone receiving an abortion, including medication abortions, according to court documents. It also included “medically irrelevant” size requirements for hallways, rooms and doors.

The plaintiffs said some of the regulations on Planned Parenthood centers were so strict, “most health centers or doctors’ office simply do not meet” them.

Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang said in her ruling that the licensing requirement is “facially discriminatory because it does not treat services provided in abortion facilities the same as other types of similarly situated health care, including miscarriage care.”

Voters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-amendment-ballot-election-f114445b087e77d0cc786d3eeb2eb615">approved the measure</a>&nbsp;adding abortion rights to the constitution in November. That amendment did not legalize abortion in the state outright but instead required judges to reconsider laws that had almost completely banned the procedure.

Planned Parenthood and other advocates sued to overturn Missouri’s near-total abortion ban almost immediately after voters amended the constitution to protect reproductive rights. Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey is fighting the lawsuit.

There was no immediate response to a voice message seeking comment from a spokesperson for the attorney general.

Margot Riphagen, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, said the group is working quickly to start providing the procedure again in the coming days.

“Today’s decision affirms what we’ve already long known — the state’s abortion facility licensing requirements were not about patient safety, but rather another politically motivated barrier to prevent patients seeking abortion from getting the care they need,” she said in a statement.

Missouri is one of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-measures-harris-trump-florida-missouri-49c9073cbb6056b66a8a7d0d099795d1">five states where voters approved ballot measures</a>&nbsp;in 2024 to enshrine abortion rights in their constitutions. Nevada voters also approved an amendment but will need to pass it again in 2026 for it to take effect.

Friday's ruling is a temporary order pending the outcome of the lawsuit by abortion-rights advocates.

Mallory Schwarz, executive director of Abortion Action Missouri, said clinic partners are ready to start providing abortions as soon as next week.

“With this change the landscape for Missourians and the entire Midwest region will be transformed, as patients will have greater access to abortion care than they have had in years,” she said in a statement.

Missouri’s constitutional amendment allows lawmakers to restrict abortion after viability with exceptions to “protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant person.”

The term “viability” is used by health care providers to describe whether a pregnancy is expected to continue developing normally or whether a fetus might survive outside the uterus. While there is no defined time frame, doctors say it is generally sometime after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-technology-science-health-birmingham-7fc806f3c06aeae94c5d6ed1b06a6461">21st week</a>&nbsp;of pregnancy.

Missouri was among the first states to implement a prohibition on most abortions after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-dobbs-roe-anniversary-rally-ff6196c80112b7c9d5e6822b1807bf3e">U.S. Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;in June 2022 overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision establishing a nationwide right to abortion.

KANSAS CITY,&nbsp; Mo. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-constitution-amendment-0f21b453fdc15492d60e04a74a4fb206">Abortions</a>&nbsp;are set to resume in Missouri after a judge blocked regulations that had restricted providers even after voters approved enshrining abortion rights into the state’s constitution.Friday's ruling came after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ban-ruling-missouri-8a846e1490a965977133eb5854a7602e">Kansas City judge ruled</a>&nbsp;last year that abortions were now legal in the state but kept certain regulations on the books while a lawsuit by abortion-rights advocates played out.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739588698024.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>That meant abortion facilities still had to be licensed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Planned Parenthood argued that the licensing law required providers to give “medically unnecessary and invasive” pelvic exams to anyone receiving an abortion, including medication abortions, according to court documents. It also included “medically irrelevant” size requirements for hallways, rooms and doors.The plaintiffs said some of the regulations on Planned Parenthood centers were so strict, “most health centers or doctors’ office simply do not meet” them.Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang said in her ruling that the licensing requirement is “facially discriminatory because it does not treat services provided in abortion facilities the same as other types of similarly situated health care, including miscarriage care.”Voters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-amendment-ballot-election-f114445b087e77d0cc786d3eeb2eb615">approved the measure</a>&nbsp;adding abortion rights to the constitution in November. That amendment did not legalize abortion in the state outright but instead required judges to reconsider laws that had almost completely banned the procedure.Planned Parenthood and other advocates sued to overturn Missouri’s near-total abortion ban almost immediately after voters amended the constitution to protect reproductive rights. Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey is fighting the lawsuit.There was no immediate response to a voice message seeking comment from a spokesperson for the attorney general.Margot Riphagen, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, said the group is working quickly to start providing the procedure again in the coming days.“Today’s decision affirms what we’ve already long known — the state’s abortion facility licensing requirements were not about patient safety, but rather another politically motivated barrier to prevent patients seeking abortion from getting the care they need,” she said in a statement.Missouri is one of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-measures-harris-trump-florida-missouri-49c9073cbb6056b66a8a7d0d099795d1">five states where voters approved ballot measures</a>&nbsp;in 2024 to enshrine abortion rights in their constitutions. Nevada voters also approved an amendment but will need to pass it again in 2026 for it to take effect.Friday's ruling is a temporary order pending the outcome of the lawsuit by abortion-rights advocates.Mallory Schwarz, executive director of Abortion Action Missouri, said clinic partners are ready to start providing abortions as soon as next week.“With this change the landscape for Missourians and the entire Midwest region will be transformed, as patients will have greater access to abortion care than they have had in years,” she said in a statement.Missouri’s constitutional amendment allows lawmakers to restrict abortion after viability with exceptions to “protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant person.”The term “viability” is used by health care providers to describe whether a pregnancy is expected to continue developing normally or whether a fetus might survive outside the uterus. While there is no defined time frame, doctors say it is generally sometime after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-technology-science-health-birmingham-7fc806f3c06aeae94c5d6ed1b06a6461">21st week</a>&nbsp;of pregnancy.Missouri was among the first states to implement a prohibition on most abortions after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-dobbs-roe-anniversary-rally-ff6196c80112b7c9d5e6822b1807bf3e">U.S. Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;in June 2022 overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision establishing a nationwide right to abortion.___

Judge's ruling allows abortions to resume in KC, across Missouri

By MOHAMMAD JAHJOUH, MELANIE LIDMAN and JALAL BWAITEL Associated Press

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas-led militants released three male Israeli hostages Saturday and Israeli forces began releasing hundreds of prisoners in return, in the latest indication that a fragile ceasefire that has paused fighting in the Gaza Strip but had teetered in recent days, is holding.

Militants in the southern Gaza Strip paraded the three hostages — Iair Horn, 46, a dual citizen of Israel and Argentina; American-Israeli Sagui Dekel Chen, 36; and Russian-Israeli Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov, 29 — before a crowd before releasing them.

All had been abducted from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-hostages-0c14750240138853a70e38b0c09ef157">Kibbutz Nir Oz, a community that was hard-hit</a>&nbsp;in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war. They appeared pale and worn, but seemed in better physical condition than the three men released last Saturday, who had emerged emaciated from 16 months of captivity.

The truce that began nearly four weeks ago had been jeopardized in recent days by a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-palestinians-ceasefire-explainer-war-404137d6c335f3227e0b0d8e94d773bc">tense dispute</a>&nbsp;that threatened to renew the fighting.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to remove more than 2 million Palestinians from Gaza and settle them elsewhere in the region has cast even more doubt on the future of the ceasefire.

But Hamas said Thursday it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-02-13-2025-ceasefire-hostages-34526505868eb797266a0aa17f4208e7">move ahead</a>&nbsp;with the release of more hostages after talks with Egyptian and Qatari officials. The group said the mediators had pledged to “remove all hurdles” to ensure Israel would allow more tents, medical supplies and other essentials into Gaza.

As with previous exchanges, the hostage release was heavily choreographed, with the captives made to walk onto a stage and speak into microphones before the crowd. Dozens of masked, armed Hamas fighters lined up near the stage festooned with Palestinian flags and banners of militant factions.

In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, a huge cheer went up as the hostages were transferred to the Red Cross. “Iair, Sagui and Sasha are on their way home!” an announcer said.

In return for the hostages’ release, Israel began releasing 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, including 36 serving life sentences over deadly attacks. A bus carrying the first released prisoners arrived in the occupied West Bank town of Beitunia and were greeted by a cheering crowd of relatives and supporters. Some appeared gaunt, and the Palestinian Red Crescent emergency service said four were immediately taken for medical treatment.

It is the sixth swap since the ceasefire took effect on Jan. 19. Before Saturday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hamas-hostages-ceasefire-709efbcf93714a562640133d836bb31c">21 hostages</a>&nbsp;and over 730&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinian-prisoners-exchange-gaza-ceasefire-6c00b4d1e54b941e942b1f5a9ccb83d3">Palestinian prisoners</a>&nbsp;were freed during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-palestinians-ceasefire-war-cb56a3da64e144492decfffc40c589cf">first phase of the truce</a>.

Who are the hostages and prisoners being released?

Horn was abducted along with his brother, Eitan Horn, who had been staying with him at the time. Eitan, 37, remains in captivity and is not on the list of hostages expected to be released in the ceasefire's first stage.

"Now, we can breathe a little. Our Iair is home after surviving hell in Gaza," his family said in a statement. “Now, we need to bring Eitan back so our family can truly breathe.”

Dekel Chen had been working outside when militants stormed the kibbutz. His pregnant wife, Avital Dekel Chen, hid in a safe room with their two daughters. She gave birth to their third daughter two months later. Speaking to Israeli media Saturday, she said she was overwhelmed with happiness to see Sagui back in Israel, where he will meet his youngest daughter, Shachar, for the first time.

Troufanov, whose father was killed during the Oct. 7 attack, was taken hostage along with his grandmother, mother and girlfriend. The three women were released during a brief ceasefire in November 2023. Troufanov was informed of his father's death after his release, shortly before being reunited with his family, who said they were “overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude” as he crossed into Israeli territory.

Of the 369 Palestinians who were being released from Israeli prisons, 36 were serving life sentences, according to the Hamas-linked Prisoners’ Information Office.

Among the most prominent is Ahmed Barghouti, 48, a close aide of militant leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-marwan-barghouti-ceasefire-deal-fb3152db0cc4d37683a2019017e34bc1">and iconic Palestinian political figure</a>&nbsp;Marwan Barghouti.

Israel sentenced Ahmed Barghouti to life on charges that he dispatched suicide bombers during the Second Intifada, or Palestinian uprising, in the early 2000s to carry out attacks that killed Israeli civilians. He was arrested alongside Marwan Barghouti in 2002.

Concerns are high about the remaining hostages’ condition

Of the 251 people abducted during the Oct. 7 attack, 73 remain in Gaza, around half of whom are believed to be dead. Nearly all the remaining hostages are men, including Israeli soldiers.

Concern has been growing about their condition, particularly after the release of three last Saturday, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-ceasefire-hostages-02-08-2025-bf94014ccedeb15b4d235a1df57b563a">emerged looking emaciated</a>&nbsp;and frail.

One of them, 65-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-freed-hostages-hamas-gaza-ceasefire-d2cc2f109b96b210f2613bd98fc2b806">Keith Siegel</a>, said Friday in a video message addressed to Trump that his captors treated him worse as the 15-month war intensified, kicking him, spitting on him and holding him without water or light.

The ceasefire appeared dangerously close to collapse in recent days.

Hamas had said it would delay the release of the hostages after accusing Israel of not adhering to their agreement by not allowing in enough shelters, medical supplies, fuel and heavy equipment for clearing rubble. Israel said it would resume fighting Saturday unless hostages were freed.

While the immediate crisis may have been averted, the truce faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-ceasefire-draft-terms-hostages-3df21b67620fdc8f62aa1d1e96487880">a much bigger challenge</a>&nbsp;with the deal’s first phase set to conclude in early March. There have not yet been substantive negotiations over the second phase, in which Hamas would release all remaining hostages in return for an end to the war.

At its height, the fighting displaced 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million. Hundreds of thousands have since returned to their homes as the ceasefire took hold, though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-palestinians-return-home-ceasefire-2495de01d4581b92789171cad34b7dce">many found only rubble</a>, buried human remains and unexploded ordnance.

The war has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s health Ministry, which does not say how many were fighters. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.

Trump’s proposal to remove some 2 million Palestinians from Gaza and settle them elsewhere in the region&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-trump-gaza-egypt-saudi-2b1af11c18bf7d5d9aedef68aaba4c00">has thrown the truce’s future into further doubt</a>.

The idea&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-trump-gaza-netanyahu-169d497ac07760ccb9724bef5982338a">has been welcomed by Israel’s government</a>. But it has been strongly rejected by Palestinians and Arab countries. Human rights groups say it could amount to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-gaza-plan-palestinians-israel-3f12eb51869da2221afbb22b0bcf47ba">war crime under international law</a>.

Trump has proposed that once the fighting ends, Israel would transfer control of Gaza to the United States, which would then redevelop it as the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right allies are already calling for a resumption of the war after the first phase with the goal of destroying Hamas and implementing Trump’s plan. The militant group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-militants-rule-93da074c251d0fcaa395503749e2849e">remains in control of the territory</a>&nbsp;after surviving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-war-aftermath-destruction-4c148d498f3d67a5d6de2107b6a1c966">one of the deadliest and most destructive</a>&nbsp;military campaigns in recent history.

Hamas may be unwilling to release any more hostages if it believes the war will resume. The captives are among the only bargaining chips it has left.

Bwaitel reported from Beitunia, West Bank, and Lidman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Waafa Shurafa from Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, and Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739619229985.png" alt="Israeli hostages Iair Horn, 46, left, Sagui Dekel Chen, 36, center left, and Alexander Troufanov, 29, right, are escorted by Hamas and islamic Jihad fighters as they are handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)" />
 <figcaption>Israeli hostages Iair Horn, 46, left, Sagui Dekel Chen, 36, center left, and Alexander Troufanov, 29, right, are escorted by Hamas and islamic Jihad fighters as they are handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MOHAMMAD JAHJOUH, MELANIE LIDMAN and JALAL BWAITEL Associated PressKHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas-led militants released three male Israeli hostages Saturday and Israeli forces began releasing hundreds of prisoners in return, in the latest indication that a fragile ceasefire that has paused fighting in the Gaza Strip but had teetered in recent days, is holding.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728311271815.png" alt="Sagui Dekel-Chen, Israeli American, is 35, -photo Hostage and Missing Families Forum." />
 <figcaption>Sagui Dekel-Chen, Israeli American, is 35, -photo Hostage and Missing Families Forum.</figcaption>
 </figure>Militants in the southern Gaza Strip paraded the three hostages — Iair Horn, 46, a dual citizen of Israel and Argentina; American-Israeli Sagui Dekel Chen, 36; and Russian-Israeli Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov, 29 — before a crowd before releasing them.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/3dRqd2yyLI">pic.twitter.com/3dRqd2yyLI</a>&mdash; Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1890746070591812083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739618708028.png" alt="Russian-Israeli Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov and&nbsp; Iair Horn, 46, a dual citizen of Israel and Argentina-photo Hostage and Missing Families Forum" />
 <figcaption>Russian-Israeli Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov and&nbsp; Iair Horn, 46, a dual citizen of Israel and Argentina-photo Hostage and Missing Families Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>All had been abducted from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-hostages-0c14750240138853a70e38b0c09ef157">Kibbutz Nir Oz, a community that was hard-hit</a>&nbsp;in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war. They appeared pale and worn, but seemed in better physical condition than the three men released last Saturday, who had emerged emaciated from 16 months of captivity.The truce that began nearly four weeks ago had been jeopardized in recent days by a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-palestinians-ceasefire-explainer-war-404137d6c335f3227e0b0d8e94d773bc">tense dispute</a>&nbsp;that threatened to renew the fighting.U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to remove more than 2 million Palestinians from Gaza and settle them elsewhere in the region has cast even more doubt on the future of the ceasefire.But Hamas said Thursday it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-02-13-2025-ceasefire-hostages-34526505868eb797266a0aa17f4208e7">move ahead</a>&nbsp;with the release of more hostages after talks with Egyptian and Qatari officials. The group said the mediators had pledged to “remove all hurdles” to ensure Israel would allow more tents, medical supplies and other essentials into Gaza.As with previous exchanges, the hostage release was heavily choreographed, with the captives made to walk onto a stage and speak into microphones before the crowd. Dozens of masked, armed Hamas fighters lined up near the stage festooned with Palestinian flags and banners of militant factions.In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, a huge cheer went up as the hostages were transferred to the Red Cross. “Iair, Sagui and Sasha are on their way home!” an announcer said.In return for the hostages’ release, Israel began releasing 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, including 36 serving life sentences over deadly attacks. A bus carrying the first released prisoners arrived in the occupied West Bank town of Beitunia and were greeted by a cheering crowd of relatives and supporters. Some appeared gaunt, and the Palestinian Red Crescent emergency service said four were immediately taken for medical treatment.It is the sixth swap since the ceasefire took effect on Jan. 19. Before Saturday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hamas-hostages-ceasefire-709efbcf93714a562640133d836bb31c">21 hostages</a>&nbsp;and over 730&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinian-prisoners-exchange-gaza-ceasefire-6c00b4d1e54b941e942b1f5a9ccb83d3">Palestinian prisoners</a>&nbsp;were freed during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-palestinians-ceasefire-war-cb56a3da64e144492decfffc40c589cf">first phase of the truce</a>.<h2>Who are the hostages and prisoners being released?</h2>Horn was abducted along with his brother, Eitan Horn, who had been staying with him at the time. Eitan, 37, remains in captivity and is not on the list of hostages expected to be released in the ceasefire's first stage."Now, we can breathe a little. Our Iair is home after surviving hell in Gaza," his family said in a statement. “Now, we need to bring Eitan back so our family can truly breathe.”Dekel Chen had been working outside when militants stormed the kibbutz. His pregnant wife, Avital Dekel Chen, hid in a safe room with their two daughters. She gave birth to their third daughter two months later. Speaking to Israeli media Saturday, she said she was overwhelmed with happiness to see Sagui back in Israel, where he will meet his youngest daughter, Shachar, for the first time.Troufanov, whose father was killed during the Oct. 7 attack, was taken hostage along with his grandmother, mother and girlfriend. The three women were released during a brief ceasefire in November 2023. Troufanov was informed of his father's death after his release, shortly before being reunited with his family, who said they were “overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude” as he crossed into Israeli territory.Of the 369 Palestinians who were being released from Israeli prisons, 36 were serving life sentences, according to the Hamas-linked Prisoners’ Information Office.Among the most prominent is Ahmed Barghouti, 48, a close aide of militant leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-marwan-barghouti-ceasefire-deal-fb3152db0cc4d37683a2019017e34bc1">and iconic Palestinian political figure</a>&nbsp;Marwan Barghouti.Israel sentenced Ahmed Barghouti to life on charges that he dispatched suicide bombers during the Second Intifada, or Palestinian uprising, in the early 2000s to carry out attacks that killed Israeli civilians. He was arrested alongside Marwan Barghouti in 2002.<h2>Concerns are high about the remaining hostages’ condition</h2>Of the 251 people abducted during the Oct. 7 attack, 73 remain in Gaza, around half of whom are believed to be dead. Nearly all the remaining hostages are men, including Israeli soldiers.Concern has been growing about their condition, particularly after the release of three last Saturday, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-ceasefire-hostages-02-08-2025-bf94014ccedeb15b4d235a1df57b563a">emerged looking emaciated</a>&nbsp;and frail.One of them, 65-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-freed-hostages-hamas-gaza-ceasefire-d2cc2f109b96b210f2613bd98fc2b806">Keith Siegel</a>, said Friday in a video message addressed to Trump that his captors treated him worse as the 15-month war intensified, kicking him, spitting on him and holding him without water or light.<h2>The truce remains very fragile</h2>The ceasefire appeared dangerously close to collapse in recent days.Hamas had said it would delay the release of the hostages after accusing Israel of not adhering to their agreement by not allowing in enough shelters, medical supplies, fuel and heavy equipment for clearing rubble. Israel said it would resume fighting Saturday unless hostages were freed.While the immediate crisis may have been averted, the truce faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-ceasefire-draft-terms-hostages-3df21b67620fdc8f62aa1d1e96487880">a much bigger challenge</a>&nbsp;with the deal’s first phase set to conclude in early March. There have not yet been substantive negotiations over the second phase, in which Hamas would release all remaining hostages in return for an end to the war.At its height, the fighting displaced 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million. Hundreds of thousands have since returned to their homes as the ceasefire took hold, though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-palestinians-return-home-ceasefire-2495de01d4581b92789171cad34b7dce">many found only rubble</a>, buried human remains and unexploded ordnance.The war has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s health Ministry, which does not say how many were fighters. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.<h2>Trump’s plan increases uncertainty</h2>Trump’s proposal to remove some 2 million Palestinians from Gaza and settle them elsewhere in the region&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-trump-gaza-egypt-saudi-2b1af11c18bf7d5d9aedef68aaba4c00">has thrown the truce’s future into further doubt</a>.The idea&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-trump-gaza-netanyahu-169d497ac07760ccb9724bef5982338a">has been welcomed by Israel’s government</a>. But it has been strongly rejected by Palestinians and Arab countries. Human rights groups say it could amount to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-gaza-plan-palestinians-israel-3f12eb51869da2221afbb22b0bcf47ba">war crime under international law</a>.Trump has proposed that once the fighting ends, Israel would transfer control of Gaza to the United States, which would then redevelop it as the “Riviera of the Middle East.”Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right allies are already calling for a resumption of the war after the first phase with the goal of destroying Hamas and implementing Trump’s plan. The militant group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-militants-rule-93da074c251d0fcaa395503749e2849e">remains in control of the territory</a>&nbsp;after surviving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-war-aftermath-destruction-4c148d498f3d67a5d6de2107b6a1c966">one of the deadliest and most destructive</a>&nbsp;military campaigns in recent history.Hamas may be unwilling to release any more hostages if it believes the war will resume. The captives are among the only bargaining chips it has left.___Bwaitel reported from Beitunia, West Bank, and Lidman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Waafa Shurafa from Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, and Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed.

Hamas releases 3 more hostages including American

TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal jury has convicted a Kansas woman of murdering her husband who was a U.S. Army soldier assigned to Fort Riley, according to the United State's Attorney

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Margaret E. Shafe, 31, was found guilty of murder in the second degree for shooting and killing her husband Greg Shafe in February 2024 at their home on Fort Riley.

Shafe faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739588332020.png" alt="Shafe photo Shawnee&nbsp; Co." />
 <figcaption>Shafe photo Shawnee&nbsp; Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal jury has convicted a Kansas woman of murdering her husband who was a U.S. Army soldier assigned to Fort Riley, according to the United State's AttorneyAccording to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Margaret E. Shafe, 31, was found guilty of murder in the second degree for shooting and killing her husband Greg Shafe in February 2024 at their home on Fort Riley.Shafe faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division, and Fort Riley Fire and Emergency Services are investigating the case.