NEW YORK (AP) — NASA canceled its first spacewalk of the year and may&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spacex-nasa-astronauts-d90068c27fff2ed2438d1776e0632443">bring its crew</a>&nbsp;back early from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-spacex-contract-international-space-station-339c0b8313073fdf4d9fe22056f3d51c">International Space Station</a>&nbsp;due to an onboard medical issue.

The spacewalk was supposed to happen on Thursday, but was postponed because of an unspecified medical concern with an astronaut, who was not identified, the space agency said.

NASA said the crew member is now stable, but it's “actively evaluating all options” including an early end to the mission.

“Safely conducting our missions is our highest priority,” said NASA spokesperson Cheryl Warner in a statement.

The U.S.-Japanese-Russian crew of four have been at the orbiting lab since August after launching from Florida.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767890774557.png" alt="The International Space Station is pictured from the SpaceX Dragon crew spacecraft during a fly around of the orbiting lab that took place following its undocking from the Harmony module’s space-facing port on Nov. 8, 2021. ESA / NASA / T. Pesquet" />
 <figcaption>The International Space Station is pictured from the SpaceX Dragon crew spacecraft during a fly around of the orbiting lab that took place following its undocking from the Harmony module’s space-facing port on Nov. 8, 2021. ESA / NASA / T. Pesquet</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — NASA canceled its first spacewalk of the year and may&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spacex-nasa-astronauts-d90068c27fff2ed2438d1776e0632443">bring its crew</a>&nbsp;back early from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-spacex-contract-international-space-station-339c0b8313073fdf4d9fe22056f3d51c">International Space Station</a>&nbsp;due to an onboard medical issue.The spacewalk was supposed to happen on Thursday, but was postponed because of an unspecified medical concern with an astronaut, who was not identified, the space agency said.NASA said the crew member is now stable, but it's “actively evaluating all options” including an early end to the mission.“Safely conducting our missions is our highest priority,” said NASA spokesperson Cheryl Warner in a statement.The U.S.-Japanese-Russian crew of four have been at the orbiting lab since August after launching from Florida.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

NASA facing medical emergency on International Space Station

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jonel-aleccia">JONEL ALECCIA</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://apnews.com/article/usda-hhs-dietary-guidelines-d6a9c6f0554f279497acb5714b3032b9"></a>Associated Press<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usda-hhs-dietary-guidelines-d6a9c6f0554f279497acb5714b3032b9"></a>&nbsp;

Americans should eat more whole foods and protein, fewer highly processed foods and less added sugar, according to the latest edition of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usda-hhs-dietary-guidelines-d6a9c6f0554f279497acb5714b3032b9">federal nutrition advice</a>&nbsp;released Wednesday by the Trump administration.

Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins issued the 2025-2030 U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn.realfood.gov/DGA.pdf" target="_blank">Dietary Guidelines for Americans</a>, which offer updated recommendations for a healthy diet and provide the foundation for federal nutrition programs and policies. They come as Kennedy has for months stressed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-kennedy-food-pyramid-dietary-guidelines-eb08465c99512d224112ff6c95d24a32">overhauling the U.S. food supply</a>&nbsp;as part of his Make America Healthy Again agenda.

The guidelines emphasize consumption of fresh vegetables, whole grains and dairy products, long advised as part of a healthy eating plan. Officials released a new graphic depicting an inverted version of the long-abandoned food pyramid, with protein, dairy, healthy fats and fruits and vegetables at the top and whole grains at the bottom.

But they also take a new stance on “highly processed” foods, and refined carbohydrates, urging consumers to avoid “packaged, prepared, ready-to-eat or other foods that are salty or sweet, such as chips, cookies and candy.” That’s a different term for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ultraprocessed-foods-healthy-diet-0501eb985016149541e6cc727e55dfea">ultraprocessed foods</a>, the tasty, energy-dense products that make up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/americans-get-more-than-half-their-calories-from-ultra-processed-foods-cdc-report-says/" target="_blank">more than half the calories</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. diet and have been linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

The new guidance backs away from revoking long-standing advice to limit saturated fats, despite signals from Kennedy and Food and Drug Commissioner Marty Makary that the administration would push for more consumption of animal fats to end the “war” on saturated fats.

Instead, the document suggests that Americans should choose whole-food sources of saturated fat — such as meat, whole-fat dairy or avocados — while continuing to limit saturated fat consumption to no more than 10% of daily calories. The guidance says “other options can include butter or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seed-oil-beef-tallow-kennedy-4fdf0f30134277fd6dd20b4ede789295">beef tallow</a>,” despite previous recommendations to avoid those fats.

The dietary guidelines, required by law to be updated every five years, provide a template for a healthy diet. But in a country where more than half of adults have a diet-related chronic disease, few Americans actually follow the guidance, research shows.

The new recommendations drew praise from some prominent nutrition and medical experts.

“There should be broad agreement that eating more whole foods and reducing highly processed carbohydrates is a major advance in how we approach diet and health,” said Dr. David Kessler, a former FDA commissioner who has written books about diet and nutrition and has sent a petition to the FDA to remove key ingredients in ultraprocessed foods.

“The guidelines affirm that food is medicine and offer clear direction patients and physicians can use to improve health,” said Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president of the American Medical Association.

Other experts were relieved that the guidelines didn’t go against decades of nutrition evidence linking saturated fat to heart disease, but they were critical of the guidelines’ focus on meat and dairy as a primary source of protein instead of plant-based sources.

“Overall, if people eat the way these are recommended, they will be eating more calories, not less,” said Marion Nestle, a nutritionist and food policy expert who advised previous editions of the guidance.

The new document is just 10 pages, upholding Kennedy’s pledge to create a simple, understandable guideline. Previous editions of the dietary guidelines have grown over the years, from a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2019-05/1980%20DGA.pdf" target="_blank">19-page pamphlet</a>&nbsp;in 1980 to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans-2020-2025.pdf" target="_blank">164-page document</a>&nbsp;issued in 2020, which included a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/DGA_2020-2025_ExecutiveSummary_English.pdf" target="_blank">four-page executive summary</a>.

The guidance will have the most profound effect on the federally funded National School Lunch Program, which is required to follow the guidelines to feed nearly 30 million U.S. children on a typical school day.

The Agriculture Department will have to translate the recommendations into specific requirements for school meals, a process that can take years, said Diane Pratt-Heavner, spokesperson for the School Nutrition Association. The latest school nutrition standards were proposed in 2023 but won’t be fully implemented until 2027, she noted.

Science advisers didn’t make ultraprocessed food recommendations

The new guidelines skip the advice of a 20-member panel of nutrition experts, who met for nearly two years to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usda-hhs-dietary-guidelines-d6a9c6f0554f279497acb5714b3032b9">review the latest scientific evidence</a>&nbsp;on diet and health.

That panel didn’t make recommendations about ultraprocessed food. Although a host of studies have shown links between ultraprocessed foods and poor health outcomes, the nutrition experts had concerns with the quality of the research and the certainty that those foods, and not other factors, were causing the problems.

The recommendations on highly processed foods drew cautiously positive reactions. The FDA and the Agriculture Department are already working on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/25/2025-14089/ultra-processed-foods-request-for-information" target="_blank">definition of ultraprocessed foods</a>, but it’s expected to take time.

Not all highly processed foods are unhealthy, said Dr. David Ludwig, an endocrinologist and researcher at Boston Children’s Hospital.

“I think the focus should be on highly processed carbohydrates,” he said, noting that processing of protein or fats can be benign or even helpful.

The guidelines made a few other notable changes, including a call to potentially double protein consumption.

The previous recommended dietary allowance called for 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight — about 54 grams daily for a 150-pound person. The new recommendation is 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. An average American man consumes about 100 grams of protein per day, or about twice the previously recommended limit.

Makary said the new advice supersedes protein guidance that was based on the “bare minimum” required for health.

Ludwig also noted that the earlier recommendation was the minimum amount needed to prevent protein deficiency and said higher amounts of protein might be beneficial.

“A moderate increase in protein to help displace the processed carbohydrates makes sense,” he said.

Officials with the American Heart Association, however, called for more research on protein consumption and the best sources for optimal health.

“Pending that research, we encourage consumers to prioritize plant-based proteins, seafood and lean meats and to limit high-fat animal products including red meat, butter, lard and tallow, which are linked to increased cardiovascular risk,” the group said in a statement.

The guidelines advise avoiding or sharply limiting added sugars or non-nutritive sweeteners, saying “no amount” is considered part of a healthy diet.

No one meal should contain more than 10 grams of added sugars, or about 2 teaspoons, the new guidelines say.

Previous federal guidelines recommended limiting added sugars to less than 10% of daily calories for people older than 2, but to aim for less. That’s about 12 teaspoons a day in a 2,000-calorie daily diet. Children younger than 2 should have no added sugars at all, the older guidance said.

In general, most Americans consume about 17 teaspoons of added sugars per day, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The new guidelines roll back previous recommendations to limit alcohol to one drink or less per day for women and two drinks or less per day for men.

Instead, the guidance advises Americans to “consume less alcohol for better health.” They also say that alcohol should be avoided by pregnant women, people recovering from alcohol use disorder and those who are unable to control the amount they drink.

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jonel-aleccia">JONEL ALECCIA</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://apnews.com/article/usda-hhs-dietary-guidelines-d6a9c6f0554f279497acb5714b3032b9"></a>Associated Press<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usda-hhs-dietary-guidelines-d6a9c6f0554f279497acb5714b3032b9"></a>&nbsp;Americans should eat more whole foods and protein, fewer highly processed foods and less added sugar, according to the latest edition of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usda-hhs-dietary-guidelines-d6a9c6f0554f279497acb5714b3032b9">federal nutrition advice</a>&nbsp;released Wednesday by the Trump administration.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecRollins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRollins</a> on new dietary guidelines &quot;Eat real food that is the main message of the new dietary guidelines for Americans 2025 - 2030 which encourage households and schools to prioritize whole nutrient dense foods …whether they are fresh frozen canned or dried.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/sTjyrrBhvB">pic.twitter.com/sTjyrrBhvB</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2008952598808723951?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 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/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a> on new 2025-2030 dietary guidelines: &quot;Protein and healthy fats are essential and were wrongly discouraged in prior dietary guidelines. We are ending the war on saturated fats…Today our government declares war on added sugar.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/hAdbbLYJaq">pic.twitter.com/hAdbbLYJaq</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2008952210026008779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins issued the 2025-2030 U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn.realfood.gov/DGA.pdf" target="_blank">Dietary Guidelines for Americans</a>, which offer updated recommendations for a healthy diet and provide the foundation for federal nutrition programs and policies. They come as Kennedy has for months stressed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-kennedy-food-pyramid-dietary-guidelines-eb08465c99512d224112ff6c95d24a32">overhauling the U.S. food supply</a>&nbsp;as part of his Make America Healthy Again agenda.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/vNe7oMQgrE">https://t.co/vNe7oMQgrE</a>&mdash; HHS (@HHSGov) <a href="https://twitter.com/HHSGov/status/2008938453447102892?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 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://t.co/vNe7oMQgrE">https://t.co/vNe7oMQgrE</a>&mdash; HHS (@HHSGov) <a href="https://twitter.com/HHSGov/status/2008938453447102892?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The guidelines emphasize consumption of fresh vegetables, whole grains and dairy products, long advised as part of a healthy eating plan. Officials released a new graphic depicting an inverted version of the long-abandoned food pyramid, with protein, dairy, healthy fats and fruits and vegetables at the top and whole grains at the bottom.But they also take a new stance on “highly processed” foods, and refined carbohydrates, urging consumers to avoid “packaged, prepared, ready-to-eat or other foods that are salty or sweet, such as chips, cookies and candy.” That’s a different term for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ultraprocessed-foods-healthy-diet-0501eb985016149541e6cc727e55dfea">ultraprocessed foods</a>, the tasty, energy-dense products that make up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/americans-get-more-than-half-their-calories-from-ultra-processed-foods-cdc-report-says/" target="_blank">more than half the calories</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. diet and have been linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.The new guidance backs away from revoking long-standing advice to limit saturated fats, despite signals from Kennedy and Food and Drug Commissioner Marty Makary that the administration would push for more consumption of animal fats to end the “war” on saturated fats.Instead, the document suggests that Americans should choose whole-food sources of saturated fat — such as meat, whole-fat dairy or avocados — while continuing to limit saturated fat consumption to no more than 10% of daily calories. The guidance says “other options can include butter or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seed-oil-beef-tallow-kennedy-4fdf0f30134277fd6dd20b4ede789295">beef tallow</a>,” despite previous recommendations to avoid those fats.<h2>Guidelines were due for an update</h2>The dietary guidelines, required by law to be updated every five years, provide a template for a healthy diet. But in a country where more than half of adults have a diet-related chronic disease, few Americans actually follow the guidance, research shows.The new recommendations drew praise from some prominent nutrition and medical experts.“There should be broad agreement that eating more whole foods and reducing highly processed carbohydrates is a major advance in how we approach diet and health,” said Dr. David Kessler, a former FDA commissioner who has written books about diet and nutrition and has sent a petition to the FDA to remove key ingredients in ultraprocessed foods.“The guidelines affirm that food is medicine and offer clear direction patients and physicians can use to improve health,” said Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president of the American Medical Association.Other experts were relieved that the guidelines didn’t go against decades of nutrition evidence linking saturated fat to heart disease, but they were critical of the guidelines’ focus on meat and dairy as a primary source of protein instead of plant-based sources.“Overall, if people eat the way these are recommended, they will be eating more calories, not less,” said Marion Nestle, a nutritionist and food policy expert who advised previous editions of the guidance.The new document is just 10 pages, upholding Kennedy’s pledge to create a simple, understandable guideline. Previous editions of the dietary guidelines have grown over the years, from a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2019-05/1980%20DGA.pdf" target="_blank">19-page pamphlet</a>&nbsp;in 1980 to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans-2020-2025.pdf" target="_blank">164-page document</a>&nbsp;issued in 2020, which included a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/DGA_2020-2025_ExecutiveSummary_English.pdf" target="_blank">four-page executive summary</a>.The guidance will have the most profound effect on the federally funded National School Lunch Program, which is required to follow the guidelines to feed nearly 30 million U.S. children on a typical school day.The Agriculture Department will have to translate the recommendations into specific requirements for school meals, a process that can take years, said Diane Pratt-Heavner, spokesperson for the School Nutrition Association. The latest school nutrition standards were proposed in 2023 but won’t be fully implemented until 2027, she noted.<h2>Science advisers didn’t make ultraprocessed food recommendations</h2>The new guidelines skip the advice of a 20-member panel of nutrition experts, who met for nearly two years to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usda-hhs-dietary-guidelines-d6a9c6f0554f279497acb5714b3032b9">review the latest scientific evidence</a>&nbsp;on diet and health.That panel didn’t make recommendations about ultraprocessed food. Although a host of studies have shown links between ultraprocessed foods and poor health outcomes, the nutrition experts had concerns with the quality of the research and the certainty that those foods, and not other factors, were causing the problems.The recommendations on highly processed foods drew cautiously positive reactions. The FDA and the Agriculture Department are already working on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/25/2025-14089/ultra-processed-foods-request-for-information" target="_blank">definition of ultraprocessed foods</a>, but it’s expected to take time.Not all highly processed foods are unhealthy, said Dr. David Ludwig, an endocrinologist and researcher at Boston Children’s Hospital.“I think the focus should be on highly processed carbohydrates,” he said, noting that processing of protein or fats can be benign or even helpful.<h2>More protein recommended</h2>The guidelines made a few other notable changes, including a call to potentially double protein consumption.The previous recommended dietary allowance called for 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight — about 54 grams daily for a 150-pound person. The new recommendation is 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. An average American man consumes about 100 grams of protein per day, or about twice the previously recommended limit.Makary said the new advice supersedes protein guidance that was based on the “bare minimum” required for health.Ludwig also noted that the earlier recommendation was the minimum amount needed to prevent protein deficiency and said higher amounts of protein might be beneficial.“A moderate increase in protein to help displace the processed carbohydrates makes sense,” he said.Officials with the American Heart Association, however, called for more research on protein consumption and the best sources for optimal health.“Pending that research, we encourage consumers to prioritize plant-based proteins, seafood and lean meats and to limit high-fat animal products including red meat, butter, lard and tallow, which are linked to increased cardiovascular risk,” the group said in a statement.<h2>Avoid added sugars</h2>The guidelines advise avoiding or sharply limiting added sugars or non-nutritive sweeteners, saying “no amount” is considered part of a healthy diet.No one meal should contain more than 10 grams of added sugars, or about 2 teaspoons, the new guidelines say.Previous federal guidelines recommended limiting added sugars to less than 10% of daily calories for people older than 2, but to aim for less. That’s about 12 teaspoons a day in a 2,000-calorie daily diet. Children younger than 2 should have no added sugars at all, the older guidance said.In general, most Americans consume about 17 teaspoons of added sugars per day, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.<h2>Alcohol limits removed</h2>The new guidelines roll back previous recommendations to limit alcohol to one drink or less per day for women and two drinks or less per day for men.Instead, the guidance advises Americans to “consume less alcohol for better health.” They also say that alcohol should be avoided by pregnant women, people recovering from alcohol use disorder and those who are unable to control the amount they drink.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

See the new U.S.  dietary guidelines: More protein, less grains

WASHINGTON (AP) — The woman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-enforcement-shooting-crackdown-surge-173e00fa7388054e98c3b5b9417c1e5a">shot and killed</a>&nbsp;by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis on Wednesday was Renee Nicole Macklin Good, a 37-year-old mother of three who had recently moved to Minnesota.

She was a U.S. citizen born in Colorado and appears to never have been charged with anything involving law enforcement beyond a traffic ticket.

In social media accounts, Macklin Good described herself as a “poet and writer and wife and mom.” She said she was currently “experiencing Minneapolis,” displaying a pride flag emoji on her Instagram account. A profile picture posted to Pinterest shows her smiling and holding a young child against her cheek, along with posts about tattoos, hairstyles and home decorating.

Her ex-husband, who asked not to be named out of concern for the safety of their children, said Macklin Good had just dropped off her 6-year-old son at school Wednesday and was driving home with her current partner when they encountered a group of ICE agents on a snowy street in Minneapolis, where they had moved last year from Kansas City, Missouri.

(The video of the incident contains profanity and maybe offensive to some)

Video taken by bystanders posted to social media shows an officer approaching her car, demanding she open the door and grabbing the handle. When she begins to pull forward, a different ICE officer standing in front of the vehicle pulls his weapon and immediately fires at least two shots into the vehicle at close range.

In another video taken after the shooting, a distraught woman is seen sitting near the vehicle, wailing, “That’s my wife, I don’t know what to do!”

Calls and messages to Macklin Good’s current partner received no response.

Trump administration officials painted Macklin Good as a domestic terrorist who had attempted to ram federal agents with her car. Her ex-husband said she was no activist and that he had never known her to participate in a protest of any kind.

He described her as a devoted Christian who took part in youth mission trips to Northern Ireland when she was younger. She loved to sing, participating in a chorus in high school and studying vocal performance in college.

She studied creative writing at Old Dominion University in Virginia and won a prize in 2020 for one of her works, according to a post on the school’s English department Facebook page. She also hosted a podcast with her second husband, who died in 2023.

Macklin Good had a daughter and her son from her first marriage, who are now ages 15 and 12. Her 6-year-old son was from her second marriage.

Her ex-husband said she had primarily been a stay-at-home mom in recent years but had previously worked as a dental assistant and at a credit union.

Donna Ganger, her mother, told the Minnesota Star Tribune the family was notified of the death late Wednesday morning.

“Renee was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known,” Ganger told the newspaper. “She was extremely compassionate. She’s taken care of people all her life. She was loving, forgiving and affectionate. She was an amazing human being.”

Ganger did not respond to calls or messages from the AP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767879206786.png" alt="People protest as law enforcement officers attend to the scene of the shooting involving federal law enforcement agents, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Minneapolis. Image from AP video" />
 <figcaption>People protest as law enforcement officers attend to the scene of the shooting involving federal law enforcement agents, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Minneapolis. Image from AP video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The woman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-enforcement-shooting-crackdown-surge-173e00fa7388054e98c3b5b9417c1e5a">shot and killed</a>&nbsp;by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis on Wednesday was Renee Nicole Macklin Good, a 37-year-old mother of three who had recently moved to Minnesota.She was a U.S. citizen born in Colorado and appears to never have been charged with anything involving law enforcement beyond a traffic ticket.In social media accounts, Macklin Good described herself as a “poet and writer and wife and mom.” She said she was currently “experiencing Minneapolis,” displaying a pride flag emoji on her Instagram account. A profile picture posted to Pinterest shows her smiling and holding a young child against her cheek, along with posts about tattoos, hairstyles and home decorating.Her ex-husband, who asked not to be named out of concern for the safety of their children, said Macklin Good had just dropped off her 6-year-old son at school Wednesday and was driving home with her current partner when they encountered a group of ICE agents on a snowy street in Minneapolis, where they had moved last year from Kansas City, Missouri.(The video of the incident contains profanity and maybe offensive to some)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K9CJY5p0xz4?si=oveThoFUpbN5Kckn&amp;start=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We’ve been warning for weeks that the Trump Administration’s dangerous, sensationalized operations are a threat to public safety. <a href="https://t.co/edueGHqBJy">pic.twitter.com/edueGHqBJy</a>&mdash; Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovTimWalz/status/2009034989569036323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 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/Sec_Noem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sec_Noem</a> details the self-defense shooting in Minneapolis: “She then proceeded to weaponize her vehicle… The ICE officer, fearing for his life, and the other officers around him… fired defensive shots. He used his training to save his own life and that of his colleagues.” <a href="https://t.co/8QdTXT992u">pic.twitter.com/8QdTXT992u</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2009050499912233353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Video taken by bystanders posted to social media shows an officer approaching her car, demanding she open the door and grabbing the handle. When she begins to pull forward, a different ICE officer standing in front of the vehicle pulls his weapon and immediately fires at least two shots into the vehicle at close range.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, in an act of domestic terrorism, an anti-ICE rioter weaponized her vehicle against law enforcement. Our officer relied on his training and saved his own life, as well as the lives of his fellow officers. Sanctuary politicians have created an environment that encourages… <a href="https://t.co/OGZUkdbr3R">pic.twitter.com/OGZUkdbr3R</a>&mdash; Homeland Security (@DHSgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSgov/status/2009058387418562922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In another video taken after the shooting, a distraught woman is seen sitting near the vehicle, wailing, “That’s my wife, I don’t know what to do!”Calls and messages to Macklin Good’s current partner received no response.Trump administration officials painted Macklin Good as a domestic terrorist who had attempted to ram federal agents with her car. Her ex-husband said she was no activist and that he had never known her to participate in a protest of any kind.He described her as a devoted Christian who took part in youth mission trips to Northern Ireland when she was younger. She loved to sing, participating in a chorus in high school and studying vocal performance in college.She studied creative writing at Old Dominion University in Virginia and won a prize in 2020 for one of her works, according to a post on the school’s English department Facebook page. She also hosted a podcast with her second husband, who died in 2023.Macklin Good had a daughter and her son from her first marriage, who are now ages 15 and 12. Her 6-year-old son was from her second marriage.Her ex-husband said she had primarily been a stay-at-home mom in recent years but had previously worked as a dental assistant and at a credit union.Donna Ganger, her mother, told the Minnesota Star Tribune the family was notified of the death late Wednesday morning.“Renee was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known,” Ganger told the newspaper. “She was extremely compassionate. She’s taken care of people all her life. She was loving, forgiving and affectionate. She was an amazing human being.”Ganger did not respond to calls or messages from the AP.___Mustian reported from New York.

Woman killed by ICE agent was mother who had moved from Kansas City to Minneapolis

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs said in a statement Wednesday night that they were aware of domestic violence allegations made in a series of social media posts by a former girlfriend of wide receiver Rashee Rice and had been in communication with the NFL.

The Chiefs did not mention Rice by name in their statement and said they would have “no further comment at this time.”

Dacoda Nichole Jones also did not mention Rice by name when she posted a series of photos on Instagram earlier in the day that appeared to show signs of physical abuse. Jones did say the person involved was the father of her children, and the woman has two children with Rice, whom the Chiefs selected in the second round of the 2023 draft.

No police reports were available in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, Kansas, where Jones alleges the abuse occurred.

Rice missed the first six games this season following an NFL suspension for his role in causing a crash on a Dallas highway that left multiple people injured during the 2024 offseason. Rice was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years' probation after pleading guilty to third-degree felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury.

Rice finished with 53 catches for 571 yards and five touchdowns as Kansas City went 6-11 and missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712017870514.png" alt="Rice photo courtesy Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Rice photo courtesy Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs said in a statement Wednesday night that they were aware of domestic violence allegations made in a series of social media posts by a former girlfriend of wide receiver Rashee Rice and had been in communication with the NFL.The Chiefs did not mention Rice by name in their statement and said they would have “no further comment at this time.”Dacoda Nichole Jones also did not mention Rice by name when she posted a series of photos on Instagram earlier in the day that appeared to show signs of physical abuse. Jones did say the person involved was the father of her children, and the woman has two children with Rice, whom the Chiefs selected in the second round of the 2023 draft.No police reports were available in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, Kansas, where Jones alleges the abuse occurred.Rice missed the first six games this season following an NFL suspension for his role in causing a crash on a Dallas highway that left multiple people injured during the 2024 offseason. Rice was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years' probation after pleading guilty to third-degree felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury.Rice finished with 53 catches for 571 yards and five touchdowns as Kansas City went 6-11 and missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade.

Chiefs aware of domestic violence allegations directed toward Rashee Rice

WASHINGTON (AP)— United States Senators doubt President Trump is seriously considering invading Greenland.

White House adviser Stephen Miller has boasted on CNN this week that “nobody is going to fight the U.S. militarily” for Greenland.

After a classified Capitol Hill briefing Wednesday with administration officials, some senators expressed doubts that the president is seriously considering invading the resource-rich country.

“To invade Greenland and attack its sovereignty, a federal NATO country, would be weapons-grade stupid,” said Sen. John Kennedy, R-Louisiana.

“President Trump is not weapons-grade stupid, nor is Marco Rubio,” the secretary of state.

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, said Trump is “fixated on Greenland” but “doesn’t want to go to war.”

Trump has ordered multiple military actions in his second presidency, most recently deposing Nicolas Maduro as Venezuela’s president. But Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, said it’s “apples and oranges” to use Trump’s Venezuela approach to Greenland. “As far as I know,” he said, “there is no drug cartel leader that’s under indictment in Greenland.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767822913070.png" alt="Greenland -google map" />
 <figcaption>Greenland -google map</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP)— United States Senators doubt President Trump is seriously considering invading Greenland.White House adviser Stephen Miller has boasted on CNN this week that “nobody is going to fight the U.S. militarily” for Greenland.After a classified Capitol Hill briefing Wednesday with administration officials, some senators expressed doubts that the president is seriously considering invading the resource-rich country.“To invade Greenland and attack its sovereignty, a federal NATO country, would be weapons-grade stupid,” said Sen. John Kennedy, R-Louisiana.“President Trump is not weapons-grade stupid, nor is Marco Rubio,” the secretary of state.Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, said Trump is “fixated on Greenland” but “doesn’t want to go to war.”Trump has ordered multiple military actions in his second presidency, most recently deposing Nicolas Maduro as Venezuela’s president. But Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, said it’s “apples and oranges” to use Trump’s Venezuela approach to Greenland. “As far as I know,” he said, “there is no drug cartel leader that’s under indictment in Greenland.

Kan. U.S. Senator on the Venezuela approach to acquire Greenland

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of a violent attack in the fall of 2020, on a teen, later identified as his girlfriend, is going to prison,

Judgw William Wooley sentencd 24-year-old Dominic Thomas to 180 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

 In November of 2024, a jury convicted Thomas, who was 19 at the time of the crime, of attempted first-degree murder.

Just after 10 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2020 police responded to an assault report at a home in the 3900 block of North Litchfield in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson

Upon arrival, officers contacted a 17-year-old girl who was visibly shaken and wet. The investigation revealed 19-year-old Dominic Thomas and the victim were talking near a pond at 37th Street North and Sullivan when a disturbance occurred.

During the disturbance, Thomas battered the girl, drug her to a nearby pond and held her head under the water. Thomas then released her and fled. Officers later located Thomas, and he was arrested without further incident.&nbsp; He has been held in the Sedgwick County Jail since July of 2024, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765505981091.png" alt="Thomas photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Thomas photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of a violent attack in the fall of 2020, on a teen, later identified as his girlfriend, is going to prison,Judgw William Wooley sentencd 24-year-old Dominic Thomas to 180 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. In November of 2024, a jury convicted Thomas, who was 19 at the time of the crime, of attempted first-degree murder.Just after 10 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2020 police responded to an assault report at a home in the 3900 block of North Litchfield in Wichita, according to officer Charley DavidsonUpon arrival, officers contacted a 17-year-old girl who was visibly shaken and wet. The investigation revealed 19-year-old Dominic Thomas and the victim were talking near a pond at 37th Street North and Sullivan when a disturbance occurred.During the disturbance, Thomas battered the girl, drug her to a nearby pond and held her head under the water. Thomas then released her and fled. Officers later located Thomas, and he was arrested without further incident.&nbsp; He has been held in the Sedgwick County Jail since July of 2024, according to online jail records.

Prison for Kan. man who tried to drown pregnant girlfriend

WASHINGTON (AP) — Overpowering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Speaker Mike Johnson,</a>&nbsp;a bipartisan coalition in the House voted Wednesday to push forward a measure that would revive an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/%E2%80%9CNo%20matter%20the%20issue,%20if%20the%20House%20puts%20forward%20relatively%20strong,%20bipartisan%20support,%20it%20makes%20it%20easier%20for%20the%20senators%20to%20get%20there.%E2%80%9D" target="_blank">enhanced pandemic-era subsidy</a>&nbsp;that lowered health insurance costs for roughly 22 million people, but that had expired last month.

The tally of 221-205 was a key test before passage of the bill, which is expected Thursday. Kansas Democrat Congress woman Sharice Davids voted with the majority. Republican members of the Kansas delegation voted against the bill.

The successful test came about because four GOP centrist lawmakers joined with Democrats in signing a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-subsidies-aca-speaker-johnson-1087a9f64168d66b2acf9082af16c253">so-called discharge petition</a>&nbsp;to force the vote. After last year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-signs-government-funding-bill-ending-shutdown-after-record-43-day-disruption-ap-explains-6f25ef5b692c418cbed5bbdb26b796d7">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;failed to resolve the issue, they said doing nothing was not an option as many of their constituents faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-subsidies-aca-speaker-johnson-1087a9f64168d66b2acf9082af16c253">soaring health insurance premiums</a>&nbsp;beginning this month.

Rep. Mike Lawler of New York, one of the Republicans who crossed party lines to back the Democratic proposal, portrayed it as a vehicle senators could use to reach a compromise.

“No matter the issue, if the House puts forward relatively strong, bipartisan support, it makes it easier for the senators to get there,” Lawler said.

In the end, nine Republicans joined Democrats to advance the measure.

If ultimately successful in the House this week, the voting would show there is bipartisan support for a proposed three-year extension of the tax credits that are available for those who buy insurance through the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. The action of forcing a vote has been an affront to Johnson and GOP leaders, who essentially lost control of their House majority as the renegade lawmakers joined Democrats for the workaround.

But the Senate is under no requirement to take up the bill.

Instead, a small group of members from both parties is working on an alternative plan that could find support in both chambers and become law. One proposal would be to shorten the extension of the subsidy to two years and make changes to the program.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said any plan passing muster in the Senate will need to have income limits to ensure that it’s focused on those who most need the help and that beneficiaries would have to at least pay a nominal amount for their coverage.

That way, he said, “insurance companies can’t game the system and auto-enroll people.” Finally, Thune said there would need to be some expansion of health savings accounts, which allow people to save money and withdraw it tax-free as long as the money is spent on qualified medical expenses.

It’s unclear whether the negotiations will yield a bill that the Senate will take up. Democrats are making clear that the higher health insurance costs many Americans are facing will be a political centerpiece of their efforts to retake the majority in the House and Senate in the fall elections.

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who led his party’s effort to push the health care issue forward, particularly challenged Republicans in competitive congressional districts to join if they really wanted to prevent steep premium increases for their constituents. Before Wednesday’s vote, he called on colleagues to “address the health care crisis in this country and make sure that tens of millions of people have the ability to go see a doctor when they need one.”

Republican Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Robert Bresnahan and Ryan Mackenzie, all from Pennsylvania, and Lawler signed the Democrats’ petition, pushing it to the magic number of 218 needed to force a House vote. All four represent key swing districts whose races will help determine which party takes charge of the House next year.

Johnson, R-La., had discussed allowing more politically vulnerable GOP lawmakers a chance to vote on bills that would temporarily extend the subsidies while also adding changes such as income caps for beneficiaries. But after days of discussions, the leadership sided with the more conservative wing of the party’s conference, which has assailed the subsidies as propping up a failed program.

Lawmakers turn to discharge petitions to show support for an action and potentially force a vote on the House floor, but they are rarely successful. This session of Congress has proven an exception.

A vote requiring the Department of Justice to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-congress-trump-house-297a66ce48bd2a67c571bc643e32ef71">release the Jeffrey Epstein files</a>, for instance, occurred after Reps. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., introduced a petition on the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The signature effort was backed by all House Democrats and four Republicans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764040197249.png" alt="Photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Overpowering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Speaker Mike Johnson,</a>&nbsp;a bipartisan coalition in the House voted Wednesday to push forward a measure that would revive an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/%E2%80%9CNo%20matter%20the%20issue,%20if%20the%20House%20puts%20forward%20relatively%20strong,%20bipartisan%20support,%20it%20makes%20it%20easier%20for%20the%20senators%20to%20get%20there.%E2%80%9D" target="_blank">enhanced pandemic-era subsidy</a>&nbsp;that lowered health insurance costs for roughly 22 million people, but that had expired last month.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚨 BREAKING: The US House just voted to ADVANCE Democrats&#39; bill to give billions to Big, Rich Health Insurance through Obamacare, 221-205 NINE REPUBLICANS joined Democrats to make this happen, betraying President Trump. UNBELIEVABLE. Here are their names: Brian Fitzpatrick… <a href="https://t.co/jxrhYu3qJH">pic.twitter.com/jxrhYu3qJH</a>&mdash; Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2009034369915105352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The tally of 221-205 was a key test before passage of the bill, which is expected Thursday. Kansas Democrat Congress woman Sharice Davids voted with the majority. Republican members of the Kansas delegation voted against the bill.The successful test came about because four GOP centrist lawmakers joined with Democrats in signing a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-subsidies-aca-speaker-johnson-1087a9f64168d66b2acf9082af16c253">so-called discharge petition</a>&nbsp;to force the vote. After last year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-signs-government-funding-bill-ending-shutdown-after-record-43-day-disruption-ap-explains-6f25ef5b692c418cbed5bbdb26b796d7">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;failed to resolve the issue, they said doing nothing was not an option as many of their constituents faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-subsidies-aca-speaker-johnson-1087a9f64168d66b2acf9082af16c253">soaring health insurance premiums</a>&nbsp;beginning this month.Rep. Mike Lawler of New York, one of the Republicans who crossed party lines to back the Democratic proposal, portrayed it as a vehicle senators could use to reach a compromise.“No matter the issue, if the House puts forward relatively strong, bipartisan support, it makes it easier for the senators to get there,” Lawler said.In the end, nine Republicans joined Democrats to advance the measure.<h2>Republicans go around their leaders</h2>If ultimately successful in the House this week, the voting would show there is bipartisan support for a proposed three-year extension of the tax credits that are available for those who buy insurance through the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. The action of forcing a vote has been an affront to Johnson and GOP leaders, who essentially lost control of their House majority as the renegade lawmakers joined Democrats for the workaround.But the Senate is under no requirement to take up the bill.Instead, a small group of members from both parties is working on an alternative plan that could find support in both chambers and become law. One proposal would be to shorten the extension of the subsidy to two years and make changes to the program.Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said any plan passing muster in the Senate will need to have income limits to ensure that it’s focused on those who most need the help and that beneficiaries would have to at least pay a nominal amount for their coverage.That way, he said, “insurance companies can’t game the system and auto-enroll people.” Finally, Thune said there would need to be some expansion of health savings accounts, which allow people to save money and withdraw it tax-free as long as the money is spent on qualified medical expenses.<h2>Democrats are pressing the issue</h2>It’s unclear whether the negotiations will yield a bill that the Senate will take up. Democrats are making clear that the higher health insurance costs many Americans are facing will be a political centerpiece of their efforts to retake the majority in the House and Senate in the fall elections.Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who led his party’s effort to push the health care issue forward, particularly challenged Republicans in competitive congressional districts to join if they really wanted to prevent steep premium increases for their constituents. Before Wednesday’s vote, he called on colleagues to “address the health care crisis in this country and make sure that tens of millions of people have the ability to go see a doctor when they need one.”Republican Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Robert Bresnahan and Ryan Mackenzie, all from Pennsylvania, and Lawler signed the Democrats’ petition, pushing it to the magic number of 218 needed to force a House vote. All four represent key swing districts whose races will help determine which party takes charge of the House next year.Johnson, R-La., had discussed allowing more politically vulnerable GOP lawmakers a chance to vote on bills that would temporarily extend the subsidies while also adding changes such as income caps for beneficiaries. But after days of discussions, the leadership sided with the more conservative wing of the party’s conference, which has assailed the subsidies as propping up a failed program.Lawmakers turn to discharge petitions to show support for an action and potentially force a vote on the House floor, but they are rarely successful. This session of Congress has proven an exception.A vote requiring the Department of Justice to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-congress-trump-house-297a66ce48bd2a67c571bc643e32ef71">release the Jeffrey Epstein files</a>, for instance, occurred after Reps. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., introduced a petition on the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The signature effort was backed by all House Democrats and four Republicans.

Kan. lawmaker helps House advance effort to reinstate healthcare subsidies

OSAGE COUNTY –Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.&nbsp;

Just before 3a.m. Jan. 5, a&nbsp;Sheriff’s Corporal conducted a traffic stop at 8th and Western Heights in Overbrook for a traffic violation, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells.

During the stop, illegal narcotics were located. Two subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility.

Mariah D. Hall, 19, of Lawrence is being held on requested charges of Driving while under the influence, Possession of THC, No proof of liability insurance, Driving without a driver's license and Transporting an open container.

Mondezz T. McGruder-Proctor, 19, of Lawrence is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of a controlled substance, Possession of THC, Criminal use of a firearm and Possession of a firearm while under the influence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767579925682.png" alt="McGruder-Proctor photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>McGruder-Proctor photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY –Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.&nbsp;Just before 3a.m. Jan. 5, a&nbsp;Sheriff’s Corporal conducted a traffic stop at 8th and Western Heights in Overbrook for a traffic violation, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells.During the stop, illegal narcotics were located. Two subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767579855084.png" alt="Hall photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Hall photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>Mariah D. Hall, 19, of Lawrence is being held on requested charges of Driving while under the influence, Possession of THC, No proof of liability insurance, Driving without a driver's license and Transporting an open container.Mondezz T. McGruder-Proctor, 19, of Lawrence is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of a controlled substance, Possession of THC, Criminal use of a firearm and Possession of a firearm while under the influence.

Sheriff: Kansas woman accused of DUI and transporting THC

A bill mandates school districts create policies restricting cell phone use during school hours

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas legislators will pursue a statewide school cell phone ban, superseding the state education board’s past directives to allow local districts to deal with cell phones as they see fit.

The initiative already has the support of two-thirds of the Senate, according to a joint announcement from Sens. Chase Blasi, an Andale Republican, and Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat.

If passed into law,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb302/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 302</a>&nbsp;would require each local school board and nonpublic school’s governing authority to create policies dictating student cell phone use during instructional time by Sept. 1.

The bill establishes a bell-to-bell mandate, requiring students to power off and store any personal electronic communication devices, and it forces districts to create disciplinary actions and enforcement procedures for any violations. It also allows districts to limit or prohibit cell phone usage during school-sponsored activities that take place outside of normal school hours.

The bill will be a “high priority,” the Tuesday announcement said. It was filed less than a week before the start of the 2026 legislative session.

“Phone-free schools give students space to think, build authentic human relationships and protect student mental health from constant digital pressure,” Blasi said. “The longer phones stay in classrooms, the harder it becomes to undo the damage.”

If the legislation becomes law, it would override local boards’ existing policies if incongruous with the state’s mandates. It also could bolster the Kansas State Board of Education’s previous guidance.

The board unanimously&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/12/13/kansas-board-of-education-accepts-policy-report-recommending-phone-bans-sends-to-local-districts/">approved a list of recommendations in December 2024</a>&nbsp;that encouraged districts to adopt bell-to-bell policies that mandate K-12 students’ personal cell phones be powered off from the beginning of the school day to the end, including during lunch and passing periods, and stored in an off-limits location. The recommendations highlighted a need for greater mental health support and parental oversight.

A student can use a device if it is necessary for an education or specialized instruction program or if a doctor deems it medically necessary to support a student’s health and well-being. Students are allowed to contact their parents or guardians through a school telephone, according to the bill’s text.

Sykes said the legislation helps strengthen Kansas schools and teachers.

“Studies show that classrooms without phones have more engaged students leading to face-to-face conversations, stronger peer relationships, safer school environments and better academic outcomes,” she said.

Teachers are not prohibited from using personal communication devices at school, but the bill does require new policies banning school employees “from privately or directly communicating with any student via a social media platform for official school purposes.” A school board or nonpublic school authority can approve a social media platform to be used for official school purposes, the bill said. Private, direct communications are not encompassed in “official school purposes.”

Carrie Rahfaldt, a spokesperson for House Speaker Dan Hawkins, said he is supportive of the legislation. Denise Kahler, a spokesperson for the Kansas Department of Education, said the state school board had yet to take a position on the proposed ban.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767816669092.png" alt=" Sens. Chase Blasi, an Andale Republican, and Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, stand on the Senate floor on Jan. 13, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas. The pair announced ahead of the 2026 legislative session a K-12 cell phone ban bill, which is supported by an additional 28 senators. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sens. Chase Blasi, an Andale Republican, and Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, stand on the Senate floor on Jan. 13, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas. The pair announced ahead of the 2026 legislative session a K-12 cell phone ban bill, which is supported by an additional 28 senators. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A bill mandates school districts create policies restricting cell phone use during school hours</h2>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas legislators will pursue a statewide school cell phone ban, superseding the state education board’s past directives to allow local districts to deal with cell phones as they see fit.The initiative already has the support of two-thirds of the Senate, according to a joint announcement from Sens. Chase Blasi, an Andale Republican, and Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat.If passed into law,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb302/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 302</a>&nbsp;would require each local school board and nonpublic school’s governing authority to create policies dictating student cell phone use during instructional time by Sept. 1.The bill establishes a bell-to-bell mandate, requiring students to power off and store any personal electronic communication devices, and it forces districts to create disciplinary actions and enforcement procedures for any violations. It also allows districts to limit or prohibit cell phone usage during school-sponsored activities that take place outside of normal school hours.The bill will be a “high priority,” the Tuesday announcement said. It was filed less than a week before the start of the 2026 legislative session.“Phone-free schools give students space to think, build authentic human relationships and protect student mental health from constant digital pressure,” Blasi said. “The longer phones stay in classrooms, the harder it becomes to undo the damage.”If the legislation becomes law, it would override local boards’ existing policies if incongruous with the state’s mandates. It also could bolster the Kansas State Board of Education’s previous guidance.The board unanimously&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/12/13/kansas-board-of-education-accepts-policy-report-recommending-phone-bans-sends-to-local-districts/">approved a list of recommendations in December 2024</a>&nbsp;that encouraged districts to adopt bell-to-bell policies that mandate K-12 students’ personal cell phones be powered off from the beginning of the school day to the end, including during lunch and passing periods, and stored in an off-limits location. The recommendations highlighted a need for greater mental health support and parental oversight.A student can use a device if it is necessary for an education or specialized instruction program or if a doctor deems it medically necessary to support a student’s health and well-being. Students are allowed to contact their parents or guardians through a school telephone, according to the bill’s text.Sykes said the legislation helps strengthen Kansas schools and teachers.“Studies show that classrooms without phones have more engaged students leading to face-to-face conversations, stronger peer relationships, safer school environments and better academic outcomes,” she said.Teachers are not prohibited from using personal communication devices at school, but the bill does require new policies banning school employees “from privately or directly communicating with any student via a social media platform for official school purposes.” A school board or nonpublic school authority can approve a social media platform to be used for official school purposes, the bill said. Private, direct communications are not encompassed in “official school purposes.”Carrie Rahfaldt, a spokesperson for House Speaker Dan Hawkins, said he is supportive of the legislation. Denise Kahler, a spokesperson for the Kansas Department of Education, said the state school board had yet to take a position on the proposed ban.

Kansas lawmakers want statewide K-12 cell phone ban by next school year

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged road rage shooting in Kansas City.

Just before 11:30a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting on southbound 71 Highway and Blue River Road, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

First responders located a vehicle stopped on the side of the highway and a woman asking for help. At that time, officers observed an adult male victim, unresponsive inside of the vehicle suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS responded to the scene and pronounce the man deceased at that scene.

Preliminary information indicates this may be a road rage incident. It is believed two unidentified men were occupying an unknown vehicle when shots were fired, striking the victim. It is not currently known where the start of the altercation began, and where exactly the shooting occurred. We do not currently have any subjects of interest, or a suspect vehicle identified.

Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the area to begin collecting any evidence and to speak with witnesses. This incident is being investigated as a homicide, according to Officer Gonzalez.

71 Highway was closed off to all southbound traffic at 85th Street while police investigate.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767817392964.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged road rage shooting in Kansas City.Just before 11:30a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting on southbound 71 Highway and Blue River Road, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767817154645.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located a vehicle stopped on the side of the highway and a woman asking for help. At that time, officers observed an adult male victim, unresponsive inside of the vehicle suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS responded to the scene and pronounce the man deceased at that scene.Preliminary information indicates this may be a road rage incident. It is believed two unidentified men were occupying an unknown vehicle when shots were fired, striking the victim. It is not currently known where the start of the altercation began, and where exactly the shooting occurred. We do not currently have any subjects of interest, or a suspect vehicle identified.Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the area to begin collecting any evidence and to speak with witnesses. This incident is being investigated as a homicide, according to Officer Gonzalez.71 Highway was closed off to all southbound traffic at 85th Street while police investigate.If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

Police: Deadly road-rage shooting in Kansas City

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The former WaKeeney police chief has pleaded not guilty to charges&nbsp;of mistreatment of a suspect and two counts of battery.

Michael Allen Romero was put on administrative leave in March and ultimately removed as police chief.

Romero appeared in court on Tuesday in front of District Judge Tom Drees for a status conference on his case.

On Jan. 19, 2025, Romero allegedly battered Steven&nbsp;Michael Balock.

Balock was facing charges of mistreatment of an animal and interference with a law enforcement officer. Both charges were dropped by the prosecutor, according to court records.

In addition to Romero's plea, his defense entered a notice of appearance of an expert witness.

Brian O’Donnell will give his professional opinion on Romero's actions as a law enforcement officer, according to court records.

He will testify that, based on his&nbsp;extensive training and experience in the practice of use of force, Romero’s&nbsp;practices were proper and legitimate for law enforcement purposes, court documents said.

Romero has waived his right to a speedy trial. His jury trial is set for June 23.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747938121489.png" alt="Michael Romero&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Michael Romero&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe former WaKeeney police chief has pleaded not guilty to charges&nbsp;of mistreatment of a suspect and two counts of battery.Michael Allen Romero was put on administrative leave in March and ultimately removed as police chief.Romero appeared in court on Tuesday in front of District Judge Tom Drees for a status conference on his case.On Jan. 19, 2025, Romero allegedly battered Steven&nbsp;Michael Balock.Balock was facing charges of mistreatment of an animal and interference with a law enforcement officer. Both charges were dropped by the prosecutor, according to court records.In addition to Romero's plea, his defense entered a notice of appearance of an expert witness.Brian O’Donnell will give his professional opinion on Romero's actions as a law enforcement officer, according to court records.He will testify that, based on his&nbsp;extensive training and experience in the practice of use of force, Romero’s&nbsp;practices were proper and legitimate for law enforcement purposes, court documents said.Romero has waived his right to a speedy trial. His jury trial is set for June 23.

Former NW Kan. police chief enters plea to alleged suspect mistreatment charge

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States seized two sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela in back-to-back actions in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea, officials said Wednesday, and is removing sanctions to enable the shipping and sale of oil from the South American country to markets worldwide.

U.S. European Command announced the seizure of the merchant vessel Bella 1 for “violations of U.S. sanctions” in a social media post. The U.S. had been pursuing the tanker since last month after it tried to evade a U.S. blockade on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sanctions-oil-tankers-venezuela-trump-maduro-9ffee61472d248aafdc9d9bef6195c2e">sanctioned oil vessels</a>&nbsp;around Venezuela.

Then, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem revealed that U.S. forces also took control of the tanker Sophia in the Caribbean. Noem said in a social media post both ships were “either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it."

Noem said that both ships are part of a large “ghost fleet” of sanctioned vessels that carry oil from Russia, Iran and Venezuela in defiance of Western sanctions, mostly to customers in Asia.

The Trump administration is “selectively” removing sanctions to enable the shipping and sale of Venezuelan oil to global markets, according to an outline of the policies published Wednesday by the Energy Department.

The oil sales are slated to begin immediately with the sale of 30 million to 50 million barrels from the South American country. The U.S. government said the sales “will continue indefinitely” with the proceeds settling in U.S.-controlled accounts at “globally recognized banks.” The money would then be disbursed to the U.S. and Venezuelan populations at the “discretion” of Trump’s government.

The two ship seizures come just days after U.S. military forces conducted a surprise nighttime raid on Venezuela’s capital of Caracas and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-presidential-palace-blowtorches-7969152ae48510003fe9cbde92f3c102">captured then-President Nicolás Maduro and his wife</a>, whom President Donald Trump's administration has accused of partnering with drug traffickers.

Since that raid, officials in Trump’s Republican administration have said that they intend to continue to seize sanctioned vessels connected to the country.

“We are enforcing American laws with regards to oil sanctions,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on NBC on Sunday. “We go to court. We get a warrant. We seize those boats with oil. And that will continue.”

The U.S. military seized the Bella 1 and subsequently handed over control of it to law enforcement officials, said a U.S. official, who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations.

The ship was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2024 for allegedly smuggling cargo for a company linked to Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.

It was cruising across the Atlantic nearing the Caribbean on Dec. 15 when it abruptly turned and changed its heading north, toward Europe. The change in direction came days after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tanker-seized-venezuela-maduro-0a148ba01684fc6ce1a228dd276732c0">the first U.S. tanker seizure</a>&nbsp;of a ship called the Skipper, on Dec. 10, after it had left Venezuela carrying a cargo of oil.

The U.S. Coast Guard attempted to board it in the Caribbean in December as it headed for Venezuela. The ship refused boarding and headed across the Atlantic. U.S. European Command confirmed that the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Munro tracked the ship ahead of its seizure “pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court" in a social media post.

During this time, the Bella 1 was renamed Marinera and flagged to Russia, shipping databases show. The U.S. official also confirmed that the ship’s crew had painted a Russian flag on the side of the hull.

Earlier Wednesday, open-source maritime tracking sites showed its position as between Scotland and Iceland, traveling north. The U.S. official also confirmed the ship was in the North Atlantic.

Flight tracking websites showed several U-28A U.S. special operations aircraft landing at Wick John O’Groats airport on the northern tip of Scotland, before flying further north toward Iceland on Wednesday. P8 Poseidon submarine-hunting aircraft and KC-135 refueling planes were also seen on tracking websites, heading to the area near the tanker.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said before the seizure that it was “following with concern the anomalous situation that has developed around the Russian oil tanker Marinera.”

Immediately following news of the seizure, Russia’s Ministry of Transport confirmed the boarding in a statement and noted that "no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states,” citing the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Maduro appeared in court this week in New York, where he protested his capture and pleaded not guilty to the federal drug trafficking charges the Trump administration used to justify removing him from power in Venezuela. Maduro’s lawyer said he expects to contest the legality of his “military abduction.”

“I am here kidnapped since Jan. 3, Saturday,” Maduro said in Spanish in court on Monday. “I was captured at my home in Caracas.” ___

Lawless reported from London. Associated Press writer Michael Biesecker in Washington, contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States seized two sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela in back-to-back actions in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea, officials said Wednesday, and is removing sanctions to enable the shipping and sale of oil from the South American country to markets worldwide.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://t.co/E0hii3A6Zo">pic.twitter.com/E0hii3A6Zo</a>&mdash; U.S. European Command (@US_EUCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/US_EUCOM/status/2008900344428789945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In two predawn operations today, the Coast Guard conducted back-to-back meticulously coordinated boarding of two “ghost fleet” tanker ships— one in the North Atlantic Sea and one in international waters near the Caribbean. Both vessels —the Motor Tanker Bella I and the Motor… <a href="https://t.co/EZlHEtcufX">pic.twitter.com/EZlHEtcufX</a>&mdash; Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem/status/2008907194691915945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">YOU CAN RUN, BUT YOU CAN&#39;T HIDE 🔥 In predawn operations this morning, the U.S. Coast Guard boarded two &quot;Ghost Fleet&quot; Tankers in the North Atlantic Sea and in international waters near the Caribbean. Both vessels were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it. <a href="https://t.co/4ftu01lqIg">pic.twitter.com/4ftu01lqIg</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2008937200944021613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 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://t.co/E0hii3A6Zo">pic.twitter.com/E0hii3A6Zo</a>&mdash; U.S. European Command (@US_EUCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/US_EUCOM/status/2008900344428789945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>U.S. European Command announced the seizure of the merchant vessel Bella 1 for “violations of U.S. sanctions” in a social media post. The U.S. had been pursuing the tanker since last month after it tried to evade a U.S. blockade on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sanctions-oil-tankers-venezuela-trump-maduro-9ffee61472d248aafdc9d9bef6195c2e">sanctioned oil vessels</a>&nbsp;around Venezuela.Then, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem revealed that U.S. forces also took control of the tanker Sophia in the Caribbean. Noem said in a social media post both ships were “either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it."Noem said that both ships are part of a large “ghost fleet” of sanctioned vessels that carry oil from Russia, Iran and Venezuela in defiance of Western sanctions, mostly to customers in Asia.The Trump administration is “selectively” removing sanctions to enable the shipping and sale of Venezuelan oil to global markets, according to an outline of the policies published Wednesday by the Energy Department.The oil sales are slated to begin immediately with the sale of 30 million to 50 million barrels from the South American country. The U.S. government said the sales “will continue indefinitely” with the proceeds settling in U.S.-controlled accounts at “globally recognized banks.” The money would then be disbursed to the U.S. and Venezuelan populations at the “discretion” of Trump’s government.The two ship seizures come just days after U.S. military forces conducted a surprise nighttime raid on Venezuela’s capital of Caracas and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-presidential-palace-blowtorches-7969152ae48510003fe9cbde92f3c102">captured then-President Nicolás Maduro and his wife</a>, whom President Donald Trump's administration has accused of partnering with drug traffickers.Since that raid, officials in Trump’s Republican administration have said that they intend to continue to seize sanctioned vessels connected to the country.“We are enforcing American laws with regards to oil sanctions,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on NBC on Sunday. “We go to court. We get a warrant. We seize those boats with oil. And that will continue.”The U.S. military seized the Bella 1 and subsequently handed over control of it to law enforcement officials, said a U.S. official, who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations.The ship was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2024 for allegedly smuggling cargo for a company linked to Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.It was cruising across the Atlantic nearing the Caribbean on Dec. 15 when it abruptly turned and changed its heading north, toward Europe. The change in direction came days after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tanker-seized-venezuela-maduro-0a148ba01684fc6ce1a228dd276732c0">the first U.S. tanker seizure</a>&nbsp;of a ship called the Skipper, on Dec. 10, after it had left Venezuela carrying a cargo of oil.The U.S. Coast Guard attempted to board it in the Caribbean in December as it headed for Venezuela. The ship refused boarding and headed across the Atlantic. U.S. European Command confirmed that the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Munro tracked the ship ahead of its seizure “pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court" in a social media post.During this time, the Bella 1 was renamed Marinera and flagged to Russia, shipping databases show. The U.S. official also confirmed that the ship’s crew had painted a Russian flag on the side of the hull.Earlier Wednesday, open-source maritime tracking sites showed its position as between Scotland and Iceland, traveling north. The U.S. official also confirmed the ship was in the North Atlantic.Flight tracking websites showed several U-28A U.S. special operations aircraft landing at Wick John O’Groats airport on the northern tip of Scotland, before flying further north toward Iceland on Wednesday. P8 Poseidon submarine-hunting aircraft and KC-135 refueling planes were also seen on tracking websites, heading to the area near the tanker.Russia’s Foreign Ministry said before the seizure that it was “following with concern the anomalous situation that has developed around the Russian oil tanker Marinera.”Immediately following news of the seizure, Russia’s Ministry of Transport confirmed the boarding in a statement and noted that "no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states,” citing the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.Maduro appeared in court this week in New York, where he protested his capture and pleaded not guilty to the federal drug trafficking charges the Trump administration used to justify removing him from power in Venezuela. Maduro’s lawyer said he expects to contest the legality of his “military abduction.”“I am here kidnapped since Jan. 3, Saturday,” Maduro said in Spanish in court on Monday. “I was captured at my home in Caracas.” ___Lawless reported from London. Associated Press writer Michael Biesecker in Washington, contributed to this report.

🎥 US seized Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela

By:<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/max-nesterak/">Max Nesterak</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/madisonmcvan/">Madison McVan</a> Minnesota Reformer

An ICE officer shot a woman driving an SUV through her car window in south Minneapolis on Wednesday morning. The person is dead, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.&nbsp;

Video of the incident&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/K9CJY5p0xz4?si=zC_gkj-tiUR9CS-A" target="_blank">shared with the&nbsp;Reformer</a>&nbsp;shows masked ICE officers approach a Honda Pilot stopped in the middle of Portland Avenue near 34th Street. One officer tells the driver to “get out of the f*cking car” and tries to open the door. The driver then slowly backs up and then pulls forward. An officer at the front of the vehicle fires three shots and the SUV travels a short distance before crashing into a parked car.&nbsp;

The witness who took the video, Caitlin Callenson, said she was on a walk when she saw an ICE vehicle stuck in the snow. As more ICE vehicles arrived, bystanders blew whistles in protest, and the driver of the SUV tried to block the ICE vehicles.

Callenson said she did not see ICE agents attempting to detain anyone leading up to or after the shooting.&nbsp;

After the shots were fired, the driver was “then was completely slumped over in the vehicle,” said Emily Heller, another witness. Federal agents wouldn’t allow a man who said he is a physician to examine the driver, Heller said. Emergency medical technicians arrived 15 minutes later, she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tricia McLaughlin, assistant Secretary Dept. of Homeland Security,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TriciaOhio/status/2008957179793998266?s=20" target="_blank">writing on X</a>, gave a different version of what happened: “One of these violent rioters weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them — an act of domestic terrorism. An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dozens of federal agents from ICE and the FBI, as well as Minneapolis police officers and Hennepin County sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene&nbsp;

As some federal officers attempted to leave, protestors blocked their vehicle. The officers fired a noxious gas at close range, causing distress and vomiting for many demonstrators and journalists.&nbsp;

Protesters hurled insults at Minneapolis Police officers, who are not supposed to assist with immigration enforcement, but were on the scene Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

City Council members including Robin Wonsley and Jamal Osman addressed the crowd, saying the area was an active crime scene, and that MPD was present to investigate.&nbsp;

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty issued a statement soon after the shooting saying she is “pushing hard for a local investigation which is the only way to ensure full transparency and review by our office.”&nbsp;

U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, a St. Paul Democrat, called on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who filmed herself observing ICE actions in Minneapolis on Tuesday, to immediately stop the ICE operation “to restore order and prevent further injuries.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767816394023.png" alt=" The crashed SUV after an ICE agent shot the driver at point-blank range through the window. The driver died, according to the Department of Homeland Security. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)" />
 <figcaption> The crashed SUV after an ICE agent shot the driver at point-blank range through the window. The driver died, according to the Department of Homeland Security. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/max-nesterak/">Max Nesterak</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/madisonmcvan/">Madison McVan</a> Minnesota ReformerAn ICE officer shot a woman driving an SUV through her car window in south Minneapolis on Wednesday morning. The person is dead, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/MayorFrey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MayorFrey</a> on ICE-related shooting Minneapolis: &quot;They are already trying to spin this as an action of self-defense … that is bullshit. This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying … To ICE, get the fuck out of Minneapolis. We don&#39;t want you here.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/1ODkyyePYp">pic.twitter.com/1ODkyyePYp</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2008980629535220041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 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/GovTimWalz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovTimWalz</a>: “We have been warning for weeks that the Trump administration&#39;s dangerous sensationalized operations are a threat to our public safety…To Minnesotans I say this: I feel your anger. I&#39;m angry…To Donald Trump and Kristi Noem, you have done enough.” <a href="https://t.co/IEEL8K9qq1">pic.twitter.com/IEEL8K9qq1</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2009006400589152618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Video of the incident&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/K9CJY5p0xz4?si=zC_gkj-tiUR9CS-A" target="_blank">shared with the&nbsp;Reformer</a>&nbsp;shows masked ICE officers approach a Honda Pilot stopped in the middle of Portland Avenue near 34th Street. One officer tells the driver to “get out of the f*cking car” and tries to open the door. The driver then slowly backs up and then pulls forward. An officer at the front of the vehicle fires three shots and the SUV travels a short distance before crashing into a parked car.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K9CJY5p0xz4?si=oveThoFUpbN5Kckn&amp;start=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The witness who took the video, Caitlin Callenson, said she was on a walk when she saw an ICE vehicle stuck in the snow. As more ICE vehicles arrived, bystanders blew whistles in protest, and the driver of the SUV tried to block the ICE vehicles.Callenson said she did not see ICE agents attempting to detain anyone leading up to or after the shooting.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sec_Noem</a> on the ICE-involved shooting in Minnesota: &quot;It was an act of domestic terrorism … these vehicle rammings are domestic acts of terrorism. We&#39;re working with the Department of Justice to prosecute them as such.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/7iPyRCEzvt">pic.twitter.com/7iPyRCEzvt</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2008972778616102998?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>After the shots were fired, the driver was “then was completely slumped over in the vehicle,” said Emily Heller, another witness. Federal agents wouldn’t allow a man who said he is a physician to examine the driver, Heller said. Emergency medical technicians arrived 15 minutes later, she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tricia McLaughlin, assistant Secretary Dept. of Homeland Security,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TriciaOhio/status/2008957179793998266?s=20" target="_blank">writing on X</a>, gave a different version of what happened: “One of these violent rioters weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them — an act of domestic terrorism. An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Dozens of federal agents from ICE and the FBI, as well as Minneapolis police officers and Hennepin County sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene&nbsp;As some federal officers attempted to leave, protestors blocked their vehicle. The officers fired a noxious gas at close range, causing distress and vomiting for many demonstrators and journalists.&nbsp;Protests are ongoing.Protesters hurled insults at Minneapolis Police officers, who are not supposed to assist with immigration enforcement, but were on the scene Wednesday morning.&nbsp;City Council members including Robin Wonsley and Jamal Osman addressed the crowd, saying the area was an active crime scene, and that MPD was present to investigate.&nbsp;Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty issued a statement soon after the shooting saying she is “pushing hard for a local investigation which is the only way to ensure full transparency and review by our office.”&nbsp;U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, a St. Paul Democrat, called on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who filmed herself observing ICE actions in Minneapolis on Tuesday, to immediately stop the ICE operation “to restore order and prevent further injuries.”

ICE officer fatally shoots driver through SUV window in Minneapolis

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a chase and arrest in Wabaunsee County.

On Tuesday, the Kansas Highway Patrol, Alma Police Department, and the Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office participated in what can only be described as an ambitious but poorly executed attempt to escape the long arm of the law, according to a media release from the Wabaunsee County Sheriff.

The incident began with a stolen vehicle traveling on Interstate 70, which exited into Alma, drove through Alma, exited Alma, and then continued back north until it encountered the firm but fair reminder that roads end yet consequences continue. The vehicle wrecked out near the intersection of K-99 and Fairfield Road, at which point the suspect bailed on foot. 

This classic maneuver is commonly referred to as “I’ll just run into the countryside and see what happens" and what happened next was 'tons of cops everywhere and all at once."&nbsp;

The suspect ran and attempted to hide in a cow pond yet was quickly met by Kansas State Troopers, Alma City Marshal Mike Baker in a scuba suit, and Deputies of the Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office.

 Ok, so Marshal Mike was not wearing a scuba suit, yet that would have been like, totally rad. Making a special appearance was surprise guest hero and homeowner Mr. Anthony Maike, who stepped up to protect his property armed with a super sick boom stick reminding everyone involved that trespassing in rural Kansas is not recommended and we LOVE the 2nd Amendment here in Wabaunsee County Kansas 

The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Dylan Woodcox, of Abilene, Kansas, was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Wabaunsee County Jail on requested charges including Flee and Elude, Driving a Stolen Vehicle, active warrants out of Dickinson County, not having a driver's license and littering (probably idk) further charges will be forwarded to the Wabaunsee County Attorney.&nbsp; No injuries were reported.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767446104379.png" alt="Woodcox from an earlier arrest in Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Woodcox from an earlier arrest in Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>WABAUNSEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a chase and arrest in Wabaunsee County.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F714418798162100%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>On Tuesday, the Kansas Highway Patrol, Alma Police Department, and the Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office participated in what can only be described as an ambitious but poorly executed attempt to escape the long arm of the law, according to a media release from the Wabaunsee County Sheriff.The incident began with a stolen vehicle traveling on Interstate 70, which exited into Alma, drove through Alma, exited Alma, and then continued back north until it encountered the firm but fair reminder that roads end yet consequences continue. The vehicle wrecked out near the intersection of K-99 and Fairfield Road, at which point the suspect bailed on foot. This classic maneuver is commonly referred to as “I’ll just run into the countryside and see what happens" and what happened next was 'tons of cops everywhere and all at once."&nbsp;The suspect ran and attempted to hide in a cow pond yet was quickly met by Kansas State Troopers, Alma City Marshal Mike Baker in a scuba suit, and Deputies of the Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office. Ok, so Marshal Mike was not wearing a scuba suit, yet that would have been like, totally rad. Making a special appearance was surprise guest hero and homeowner Mr. Anthony Maike, who stepped up to protect his property armed with a super sick boom stick reminding everyone involved that trespassing in rural Kansas is not recommended and we LOVE the 2nd Amendment here in Wabaunsee County Kansas The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Dylan Woodcox, of Abilene, Kansas, was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Wabaunsee County Jail on requested charges including Flee and Elude, Driving a Stolen Vehicle, active warrants out of Dickinson County, not having a driver's license and littering (probably idk) further charges will be forwarded to the Wabaunsee County Attorney.&nbsp; No injuries were reported.&nbsp;

🎥 Sheriff: Kan. stolen car suspect was hiding in cow pond

TOPEKA — Kansas State University has resolved a student complaint about the presence of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within its student government following pressure from legislative leadership to investigate.

The Legislature passed a provision in 2025 requiring state agencies, including state universities, to eliminate DEI-related positions, mandates, programs, activities, training requirements, grants and contracts&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/dei-barred-in-kansas-government-universities-beginning-aug-1/" target="_blank">by Aug. 1</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761597779503.png" alt="&nbsp;Senate President Ty Masterson appears in the Senate chamber on March 26, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas. He is one member of the State Finance Council, and in his role there, he has encouraged investigating Kansas State University for its compliance with the state’s anti-DEI law. (Photo by Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Senate President Ty Masterson appears in the Senate chamber on March 26, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas. He is one member of the State Finance Council, and in his role there, he has encouraged investigating Kansas State University for its compliance with the state’s anti-DEI law. (Photo by Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas State University has resolved a student complaint about the presence of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within its student government following pressure from legislative leadership to investigate.The Legislature passed a provision in 2025 requiring state agencies, including state universities, to eliminate DEI-related positions, mandates, programs, activities, training requirements, grants and contracts&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/dei-barred-in-kansas-government-universities-beginning-aug-1/" target="_blank">by Aug. 1</a>.Universities and agencies scrubbed their websites of DEI terminology, reassigned or eliminated staff positions, refocused clubs and departments, examined contracts and removed pronouns from email signatures.But a student was not satisfied with K-State’s efforts and sent an anonymous report to legislative leadership in July outlining complaints. The Kansas Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s higher education institutions, informed K-State of potential issues within the university’s student government.Among the issues was language within the university’s Student Governing Association’s constitution that required planning diversity training for student government members. The association also has power to allocate funds to clubs that could involve DEI-related topics. The student senate repealed the training requirement at its Sept. 4 meeting.Marshall Stewart, chief of staff for K-State’s president, told the State Finance Council on Tuesday that K-State did not realize it was out of compliance at the time of the complaint and worked hard to course correct. The State Finance Council is made up of Gov. Laura Kelly and legislative leadership.Stewart said students took the matter seriously and resolved to no longer disperse money or make appointments that could be in conflict with the state’s anti-DEI law.“Universities are big, complex organizations, and I’m not going to say if you go deep enough and look hard enough you’re not going to find some things,” Stewart said. “But if you do find them, we ask that people share those with us.”Young America’s Foundation, a conservative youth organization,&nbsp;<a href="https://yaf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/KState-OCR-Complaint-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">complained to the U.S. Department of Education’s civil rights office</a>&nbsp;in March that K-State’s wasn’t complying with federal anti-DEI efforts. The organization’s letter mentioned the Student Governing Association and other K-State departments by name. However, it did not produce a formal investigation, according to U.S. Department of Education records.Tuesday’s issue is a carryover from that March complaint and the State Finance Council’s July meeting. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican and candidate for governor, had charged state officials with investigating the anonymous report, which was sent to his office.&nbsp;Adam Proffitt, the secretary of administration, who must certify all agencies and universities are in compliance with the state’s anti-DEI law, presented his findings Tuesday to the council.He said his legal team worked with K-State, and he was satisfied with the university’s updated report. Masterson commended the university’s effort but expressed interest in crafting additional anti-DEI provisions in the upcoming legislative session.University leaders recently appeared before the House Committee on Government Efficiency to detail efforts to extricate DEI from college campuses. Legislators on the committee expressed interest in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/17/kansas-efficiency-committee-targets-dei-curricula-in-college-classrooms/" target="_blank">censoring related college curricula</a>.