Lawrence sees early flu peak as some health care providers require masking

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mayasmith/">Maya Smith</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

LAWRENCE — Six viral diseases — including COVID-19, the flu and norovirus — have been found at high concentrations in Lawrence wastewater as Kansas communities face peak flu season.

COVID-19, influenza A and B, RSV, human metapneumovirus, and norovirus have all been detected at high concentrations in Lawrence&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/4niF8mr" target="_blank">wastewater</a>&nbsp;within the last three weeks.&nbsp;

Wastewater data indicates trends of illnesses spreading within a community but does not correlate to exact case numbers, with doctors saying it’s normal to see high concentrations of respiratory illness during flu season.&nbsp;

“Wastewater data does not measure individual cases, but it provides a reliable picture of how much virus is circulating in a community,” said Veronica White, preparedness and epidemiology coordinator for Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health. “This data captures viral genetic material shed by everyone using the sewer system. One factor that may be contributing to the higher concentrations of respiratory viruses seen in Lawrence’s wastewater is its larger population.”

Lawrence is also seeing an early peak in influenza B compared to the rest of the country. Positive flu tests spiked the last week of 2025, with 32% of total flu tests coming back positive, according to data from the University of Kansas Health System.

Some health care providers such as Watkins Health Center at the University of Kansas are requiring masks for all visitors, patients and staff due to a “record surge in respiratory illnesses,” according to a sign at the front door.

White said early rise in the flu doesn’t indicate a more dangerous flu season, but rather earlier circulation of the virus than usual.&nbsp;

“Identifying this trend early through wastewater data allows people to take preventive steps, such as getting vaccinated, monitoring symptoms, and staying home when sick,” White said.

Wastewater data also indicated that a newer strain of COVID, known as the XFG or the Stratus variant, has accounted for 82.5% of positive COVID samples, with concentrations increasing by 25% in the last month. The variant has also been increasing nationally, White said.

Dana Hawkinson, medical director for Infection Control and Prevention program at University of Kansas Health System, said there are still large populations of people across the state who have not received a flu shot.

“There have been a large number of people ill and circulators too in our communities. But (the flu) still remains at a high level at this point in time,” Hawkinson said. “There have been extremely low numbers of people not getting the vaccine. We know that we can help prevent this and people’s chances of severe illness and death with it.”

Steve Stites, chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System, said that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/p7chEnUW0EI?si=2KN1bC2byLQI_f0H&amp;t=678" target="_blank">vaccines</a>&nbsp;are incredibly safe and effective.

Hawkinson said flu symptoms include fever, cough, congestion, body aches and a sore throat rather than stomach bug symptoms, with the definitions often getting mixed up during flu season.

Wastewater data has also indicated that Salina is seeing medium concentrations of the same illnesses, except for influenza A, which is considered to be at a high concentration.

“Based on the data, we expect viral activity to continue in both Lawrence and Salina over the next few weeks,” White said. “As we move through flu season, we anticipate seeing elevated influenza activity reflected in the wastewater, especially as the season approaches its typical peak.”

Medical experts continue to advise washing hands, covering coughs and not going into large public spaces when sick to prevent illnesses from spreading.

“You can still go get the flu vaccine,” Hawkinson said. “It’s still recommended, and you can do it now to protect yourself from infection.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671049425198.jpg" alt="Image Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Lawrence sees early flu peak as some health care providers require masking</h2>By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mayasmith/">Maya Smith</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>LAWRENCE — Six viral diseases — including COVID-19, the flu and norovirus — have been found at high concentrations in Lawrence wastewater as Kansas communities face peak flu season.COVID-19, influenza A and B, RSV, human metapneumovirus, and norovirus have all been detected at high concentrations in Lawrence&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/4niF8mr" target="_blank">wastewater</a>&nbsp;within the last three weeks.&nbsp;Wastewater data indicates trends of illnesses spreading within a community but does not correlate to exact case numbers, with doctors saying it’s normal to see high concentrations of respiratory illness during flu season.&nbsp;“Wastewater data does not measure individual cases, but it provides a reliable picture of how much virus is circulating in a community,” said Veronica White, preparedness and epidemiology coordinator for Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health. “This data captures viral genetic material shed by everyone using the sewer system. One factor that may be contributing to the higher concentrations of respiratory viruses seen in Lawrence’s wastewater is its larger population.”Lawrence is also seeing an early peak in influenza B compared to the rest of the country. Positive flu tests spiked the last week of 2025, with 32% of total flu tests coming back positive, according to data from the University of Kansas Health System.Some health care providers such as Watkins Health Center at the University of Kansas are requiring masks for all visitors, patients and staff due to a “record surge in respiratory illnesses,” according to a sign at the front door.White said early rise in the flu doesn’t indicate a more dangerous flu season, but rather earlier circulation of the virus than usual.&nbsp;“Identifying this trend early through wastewater data allows people to take preventive steps, such as getting vaccinated, monitoring symptoms, and staying home when sick,” White said.Wastewater data also indicated that a newer strain of COVID, known as the XFG or the Stratus variant, has accounted for 82.5% of positive COVID samples, with concentrations increasing by 25% in the last month. The variant has also been increasing nationally, White said.Dana Hawkinson, medical director for Infection Control and Prevention program at University of Kansas Health System, said there are still large populations of people across the state who have not received a flu shot.“There have been a large number of people ill and circulators too in our communities. But (the flu) still remains at a high level at this point in time,” Hawkinson said. “There have been extremely low numbers of people not getting the vaccine. We know that we can help prevent this and people’s chances of severe illness and death with it.”Steve Stites, chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System, said that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/p7chEnUW0EI?si=2KN1bC2byLQI_f0H&amp;t=678" target="_blank">vaccines</a>&nbsp;are incredibly safe and effective.Hawkinson said flu symptoms include fever, cough, congestion, body aches and a sore throat rather than stomach bug symptoms, with the definitions often getting mixed up during flu season.Wastewater data has also indicated that Salina is seeing medium concentrations of the same illnesses, except for influenza A, which is considered to be at a high concentration.“Based on the data, we expect viral activity to continue in both Lawrence and Salina over the next few weeks,” White said. “As we move through flu season, we anticipate seeing elevated influenza activity reflected in the wastewater, especially as the season approaches its typical peak.”Medical experts continue to advise washing hands, covering coughs and not going into large public spaces when sick to prevent illnesses from spreading.“You can still go get the flu vaccine,” Hawkinson said. “It’s still recommended, and you can do it now to protect yourself from infection.”

Six viruses detected at high levels in Kansas community’s wastewater

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/rio-yamat">RIO YAMAT</a> <a href="https://apnews.com/author/ap-airlines">AP Airlines</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/travel-writer">Travel Writer</a>

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-ice-snow-freezing-rain-f8f2277db0d87b1aa3d4893c565ce57c">Winter weather</a>&nbsp;can upend even the best-laid travel plans, but one less thing to worry about is losing money if your flight is canceled: U.S. airlines are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/airlines-junk-fees-baggage-delays-c4a93f9ee9a2bf7d9ee07394183a0374">required to provide refunds</a>.

A major, dayslong&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-weather-snow-ice-weekend-storm-e82e152fea39809180714137d7aa56a4">winter storm</a>&nbsp;is threatening to bring snow, sleet, ice and extensive power outages to about half the U.S. population. Thousands of weekend flights already have been canceled, and forecasters warn that catastrophic damage, especially in areas pounded by ice, could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-polar-vortex-snow-ice-freezing-06beb5eef46fba3fc81ac3213e5568e0">rival that of a hurricane</a>.

Here’s a guide for travelers as flight disruptions start stacking up:

When airlines expect bad weather to create problems for flights, they often give travelers a chance to postpone their trips by a few days without having to pay a fee. Search online for your airline’s name and “travel alerts” or similar phrases to look for possible rescheduling offers.

American Airlines, for example, said it is waiving change fees for passengers impacted by the storm, which brought freezing rain to parts of Texas on Friday. The Texas-based airline has canceled more than 1,200 flights scheduled to depart Saturday, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

American also added extra flights to and from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport through at least Sunday — totaling more than 3,200 additional seats.

Use the airline’s app to make sure your flight is still on before heading to the airport. Cancellations can happen hours or even days before departure time.

If you’re already at the airport, get in line to speak to a customer service representative. If you’re still at home or at your hotel, call or go online to connect to your airline’s reservations staff. Either way, it helps to also research alternate flights while you wait to talk to an agent.

Most airlines will rebook you on a later flight for no additional charge, but it depends on the availability of open seats.

You can, but airlines aren’t required to put you on another carrier’s flight. Some airlines, including most of the biggest carriers, say they can put you on a partner airline, but even then it can be a hit or miss.

If your flight was canceled and you no longer want to take the trip, or you’ve found another way to get to your destination, the airline is legally required to refund your money — even if you bought a non-refundable ticket. It doesn’t matter why the flight was canceled.

The airline might offer you a travel credit, but you are entitled to a full refund. You are also entitled to a refund of any bag fees, seat upgrades or other extras that you didn’t get to use.

If you paid with a credit card, a refund is due within seven business days after you decline an offer from the airline for another flight or a voucher, and within 20 calendar days if you paid for the ticket with a check or cash, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

U.S. airlines&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-delays-cancellations-compensation-52d65b39d2cf063c43885e71bf88317c">aren’t required</a>&nbsp;by the Transportation Department to compensate passengers for meals or lodging when an airline cancels or significantly delays a flight during an “uncontrollable” event like bad weather.

Each airline, however, does have its own policies for assisting passengers who are stranded by a so-called “controllable” flight cancellation or long delay. These include disruptions caused by maintenance issues, crew shortages or computer outages that halt operations. The Transportation Department can hold airlines accountable for these commitments and maintains a website that lets travelers see what each&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/airline-customer-service-dashboard" target="_blank">airline promises</a>&nbsp;if a major disruption is their fault.

If the weather forecast is troubling, Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, suggests looking into booking a backup flight. Some airlines stand out as potential backups, Potter says, because they let customers get a full refund as long as they cancel within 24 hours of booking.

The customer service phone lines will be slammed if flight cancellations and delays start stacking up during a bad storm. If you’re traveling with someone who has a higher frequent-flyer status, call the airline using their priority number. Another trick: Look up the airline’s international support number. Those agents can often rebook you just the same.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769268628445.png" alt="Photo TSA" />
 <figcaption>Photo TSA</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/rio-yamat">RIO YAMAT</a> <a href="https://apnews.com/author/ap-airlines">AP Airlines</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/travel-writer">Travel Writer</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-ice-snow-freezing-rain-f8f2277db0d87b1aa3d4893c565ce57c">Winter weather</a>&nbsp;can upend even the best-laid travel plans, but one less thing to worry about is losing money if your flight is canceled: U.S. airlines are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/airlines-junk-fees-baggage-delays-c4a93f9ee9a2bf7d9ee07394183a0374">required to provide refunds</a>.A major, dayslong&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-weather-snow-ice-weekend-storm-e82e152fea39809180714137d7aa56a4">winter storm</a>&nbsp;is threatening to bring snow, sleet, ice and extensive power outages to about half the U.S. population. Thousands of weekend flights already have been canceled, and forecasters warn that catastrophic damage, especially in areas pounded by ice, could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-polar-vortex-snow-ice-freezing-06beb5eef46fba3fc81ac3213e5568e0">rival that of a hurricane</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Reminder: Passengers who engage in unruly behavior at the checkpoint or inflight may face substantial penalties and possible prosecution on criminal charges. <a href="https://twitter.com/FAANews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FAANews</a> has more info regarding inflight disturbances here: <a href="https://t.co/TfFviNWRwC">https://t.co/TfFviNWRwC</a> <a href="https://t.co/gzO6L8QOOd">pic.twitter.com/gzO6L8QOOd</a>&mdash; TSA (@TSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSA/status/1991931369853743162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Here’s a guide for travelers as flight disruptions start stacking up:<h2>Keep an eye on weather forecasts</h2>When airlines expect bad weather to create problems for flights, they often give travelers a chance to postpone their trips by a few days without having to pay a fee. Search online for your airline’s name and “travel alerts” or similar phrases to look for possible rescheduling offers.American Airlines, for example, said it is waiving change fees for passengers impacted by the storm, which brought freezing rain to parts of Texas on Friday. The Texas-based airline has canceled more than 1,200 flights scheduled to depart Saturday, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.American also added extra flights to and from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport through at least Sunday — totaling more than 3,200 additional seats.<h2>Check before going to the airport</h2>Use the airline’s app to make sure your flight is still on before heading to the airport. Cancellations can happen hours or even days before departure time.<h2>My flight was canceled, now what?</h2>If you’re already at the airport, get in line to speak to a customer service representative. If you’re still at home or at your hotel, call or go online to connect to your airline’s reservations staff. Either way, it helps to also research alternate flights while you wait to talk to an agent.Most airlines will rebook you on a later flight for no additional charge, but it depends on the availability of open seats.<h2>Can I get booked on another airline?</h2>You can, but airlines aren’t required to put you on another carrier’s flight. Some airlines, including most of the biggest carriers, say they can put you on a partner airline, but even then it can be a hit or miss.<h2>Am I owed a refund?</h2>If your flight was canceled and you no longer want to take the trip, or you’ve found another way to get to your destination, the airline is legally required to refund your money — even if you bought a non-refundable ticket. It doesn’t matter why the flight was canceled.The airline might offer you a travel credit, but you are entitled to a full refund. You are also entitled to a refund of any bag fees, seat upgrades or other extras that you didn’t get to use.<h2>When will I get my refund?</h2>If you paid with a credit card, a refund is due within seven business days after you decline an offer from the airline for another flight or a voucher, and within 20 calendar days if you paid for the ticket with a check or cash, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.<h2>What else will my airline cover?</h2>U.S. airlines&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-delays-cancellations-compensation-52d65b39d2cf063c43885e71bf88317c">aren’t required</a>&nbsp;by the Transportation Department to compensate passengers for meals or lodging when an airline cancels or significantly delays a flight during an “uncontrollable” event like bad weather.Each airline, however, does have its own policies for assisting passengers who are stranded by a so-called “controllable” flight cancellation or long delay. These include disruptions caused by maintenance issues, crew shortages or computer outages that halt operations. The Transportation Department can hold airlines accountable for these commitments and maintains a website that lets travelers see what each&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/airline-customer-service-dashboard" target="_blank">airline promises</a>&nbsp;if a major disruption is their fault.<h2>Other tips</h2>If the weather forecast is troubling, Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, suggests looking into booking a backup flight. Some airlines stand out as potential backups, Potter says, because they let customers get a full refund as long as they cancel within 24 hours of booking.The customer service phone lines will be slammed if flight cancellations and delays start stacking up during a bad storm. If you’re traveling with someone who has a higher frequent-flyer status, call the airline using their priority number. Another trick: Look up the airline’s international support number. Those agents can often rebook you just the same.

Stranded by winter weather? Here’s what airlines owe you

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sex offender identified as Kansas City homicide victim

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

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

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

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

This case remains an open and active investigation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mixing decades of experience, 100 meteorologists and AI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Borenstein reported from Washington, Webber from Fenton, Michigan.

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

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

What weather apps sometimes miss about winter storm conditions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Women dies in fire at home in Kansas City

RILEY COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;Police in Manhattan seized significant quantities of illegal drugs during proactive investigations conducted throughout the last 30 days as part of ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crime in the community, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department

RCPD officers and detectives seized a variety of illegal substances, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and marijuana, along with drug paraphernalia and other evidence related to drug distribution in Riley County.

In all, nearly 2 pounds of fentanyl powder was seized and more than 200 grams of methamphetamine, 96 grams of heroin, 8 grams of cocaine, and more than 100 pills of various controlled prescription drugs. In addition to the controlled substances, five handguns were seized during the investigations.

“Thanks to the hard work of our officers and detectives, RCPD has identified and arrested individuals who have sold a significant amount of deadly illegal narcotics throughout our community,” RCPD Director Brian Peete said.

“Illegal drugs destroy lives and families, and it is one of our biggest priority focuses. I would also like to thank the people of Riley County for their diligence in reporting illegal activities and their zero tolerance for illegal drugs.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608245358476.png" alt="Image DEA" />
 <figcaption>Image DEA</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;Police in Manhattan seized significant quantities of illegal drugs during proactive investigations conducted throughout the last 30 days as part of ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crime in the community, according to a media release from the Riley County Police DepartmentRCPD officers and detectives seized a variety of illegal substances, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and marijuana, along with drug paraphernalia and other evidence related to drug distribution in Riley County.In all, nearly 2 pounds of fentanyl powder was seized and more than 200 grams of methamphetamine, 96 grams of heroin, 8 grams of cocaine, and more than 100 pills of various controlled prescription drugs. In addition to the controlled substances, five handguns were seized during the investigations.“Thanks to the hard work of our officers and detectives, RCPD has identified and arrested individuals who have sold a significant amount of deadly illegal narcotics throughout our community,” RCPD Director Brian Peete said.“Illegal drugs destroy lives and families, and it is one of our biggest priority focuses. I would also like to thank the people of Riley County for their diligence in reporting illegal activities and their zero tolerance for illegal drugs.”

Police in Manhattan seized fentanyl, heroin and more over the past month

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas Senate panel advances constitutional amendment to cap property value increases

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

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

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

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

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

Amber Alert suspect in custody, children found and are safe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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