WASHINGTON — Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall sent a letter to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Director Steven Dettelbach this week expressing concern for the conduct and intent of ATF agents auditing Kansas firearm license holders, according to a statement from the Senator's office.

"Many federal firearms license (FFL) holders in Kansas have documented instances where ATF agents have revoked their licenses over several unintentional filing errors." Senator Marshall’s letter urges ATF agents to find ways to work with Kansas gun owners to correct clerical errors and keep them in business.&nbsp;

Senator Marshall was joined in his letter by Kansas delegation members Tracey Mann, Ron Estes and Jake LaTurner&nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Letter-to-ATF-re-shutting-down-rural-Kansas-FFLs.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read Senator&nbsp;Marshall’s full letter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581370788533.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall sent a letter to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Director Steven Dettelbach this week expressing concern for the conduct and intent of ATF agents auditing Kansas firearm license holders, according to a statement from the Senator's office."Many federal firearms license (FFL) holders in Kansas have documented instances where ATF agents have revoked their licenses over several unintentional filing errors." Senator Marshall’s letter urges ATF agents to find ways to work with Kansas gun owners to correct clerical errors and keep them in business.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706195313273.png" alt="A portion of the letter sent to the ATF" />
 <figcaption>A portion of the letter sent to the ATF</figcaption>
 </figure>Senator Marshall was joined in his letter by Kansas delegation members Tracey Mann, Ron Estes and Jake LaTurner&nbsp;Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Letter-to-ATF-re-shutting-down-rural-Kansas-FFLs.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read Senator&nbsp;Marshall’s full letter.

Kan. lawmakers send letter to ATF targeting firearm license holders

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft of a Jackie Robinson statue in Wichita.

According to the city, around midnight Wednesday, someone stole the League 42 Jackie Robinson statue at the Jackie Robinson Pavilion in McAdams Park,&nbsp; 1329 E 16th Street N, Interstate 135 and 13th Street area.

The vandals cut the statue off just above Jackie's feet and loaded it into a truck and took it away. There is some video of the theft, according to the organization.&nbsp;

League 42, named in honor of the great Jackie Robinson, the first African-American in Major League Baseball, is a youth baseball league comprised primarily of urban children ages 5 – 14 in the Wichita area, according to the <a href="https://league42.org/">organization's web site.</a>

League 42 donated the sculpture to the community. Damages are estimated at $75,000, according to the city.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706214143377.png" alt="photo city of Wichita" />
 <figcaption>photo city of Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft of a Jackie Robinson statue in Wichita.According to the city, around midnight Wednesday, someone stole the League 42 Jackie Robinson statue at the Jackie Robinson Pavilion in McAdams Park,&nbsp; 1329 E 16th Street N, Interstate 135 and 13th Street area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706214116336.png" alt="photo city of Wichita" />
 <figcaption>photo city of Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>The vandals cut the statue off just above Jackie's feet and loaded it into a truck and took it away. There is some video of the theft, according to the organization.&nbsp;League 42, named in honor of the great Jackie Robinson, the first African-American in Major League Baseball, is a youth baseball league comprised primarily of urban children ages 5 – 14 in the Wichita area, according to the <a href="https://league42.org/">organization's web site.</a>League 42 donated the sculpture to the community. Damages are estimated at $75,000, according to the city.

Statue stolen from youth baseball league facility in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — The maker of Robitussin cough syrup is recalling several lots of products containing honey due to contamination that could pose a serious risk to people with weakened immune systems.

<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/haleon-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-robitussin-honey-cf-max-day-adult-and-robitussin-honey-cf">Click here </a>to read the USDA advisory

Haleon’s recall covers eight lots of Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult and Robitussin Honey CF Max Nighttime Adult, which were distributed to stores and pharmacy suppliers. The Food and Drug Administration posted the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/haleon-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-robitussin-honey-cf-max-day-adult-and-robitussin-honey-cf">company's announcement</a>&nbsp;to its website Wednesday.

The products may contain dangerously high levels of yeast, the company said in an emailed message Thursday. Yeast is a natural component of honey, but the levels detected by the company were “beyond allowed measurements,” Haleon said.

Ingestion of the contaminated syrup could result in severe fungal infections that would be potentially dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients or those with HIV. Several million people in the U.S. have conditions that impair the immune system’s ability to fight off infections.

For most healthy individuals, any infections resulting from the products are unlikely to be serious, said the company, which is based in the U.K. and has its U.S. headquarters in New Jersey.

Haleon said it has not received any reports of injury or infection linked to the products, which have expiration dates ranging from October 2025 to June 2026.

People who have used the product should contact a health provider if they think they're experiencing any problem related to the recall. They can also report the problem to the FDA's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program/reporting-serious-problems-fda">online system</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706209128138.png" alt="FDA image" />
 <figcaption>FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The maker of Robitussin cough syrup is recalling several lots of products containing honey due to contamination that could pose a serious risk to people with weakened immune systems.<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/haleon-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-robitussin-honey-cf-max-day-adult-and-robitussin-honey-cf">Click here </a>to read the USDA advisoryHaleon’s recall covers eight lots of Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult and Robitussin Honey CF Max Nighttime Adult, which were distributed to stores and pharmacy suppliers. The Food and Drug Administration posted the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/haleon-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-robitussin-honey-cf-max-day-adult-and-robitussin-honey-cf">company's announcement</a>&nbsp;to its website Wednesday.The products may contain dangerously high levels of yeast, the company said in an emailed message Thursday. Yeast is a natural component of honey, but the levels detected by the company were “beyond allowed measurements,” Haleon said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706209168223.png" alt="Location of Lot/Expiration -FDA image" />
 <figcaption>Location of Lot/Expiration -FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>Ingestion of the contaminated syrup could result in severe fungal infections that would be potentially dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients or those with HIV. Several million people in the U.S. have conditions that impair the immune system’s ability to fight off infections.For most healthy individuals, any infections resulting from the products are unlikely to be serious, said the company, which is based in the U.K. and has its U.S. headquarters in New Jersey.Haleon said it has not received any reports of injury or infection linked to the products, which have expiration dates ranging from October 2025 to June 2026.People who have used the product should contact a health provider if they think they're experiencing any problem related to the recall. They can also report the problem to the FDA's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program/reporting-serious-problems-fda">online system</a>.

Robitussin maker recalls several lots of cough syrup

WASHINGTON (AP) — Trump White House official&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/peter-navarro">Peter Navarro</a>, who was convicted of contempt of Congress for refusing to cooperate with a congressional investigation into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-5a1ad57112fde21084f028913b9fdc94">the Jan. 6, 2021, attack</a>&nbsp;on the U.S. Capitol, was sentenced on Thursday to four months behind bars.

He was the second Trump aide convicted of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-bannon-donald-trump-congress-mark-meadows-subpoenas-70fcf59323df874b4a0def1f4c1222cc">contempt of Congress charges</a>. Former White House adviser Steve Bannon previously received&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-steve-bannon-congress-donald-trump-sentencing-36d412eba9e1609a030859852378ae3d">a four-month sentence</a>&nbsp;but is free pending appeal.

Navarro was found guilty of defying a subpoena for documents and a deposition from the House Jan. 6 committee. He served as a White House trade adviser under then-President Donald Trump and later promoted the Republican’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">baseless claims</a>&nbsp;of mass voter fraud in the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta told Navarro that it took “chutzpah” for him to assert that he accepted responsibility for his actions while also suggesting that his prosecution was politically motivated.

“You are not a victim. You are not the object of a political prosecution,” the judge said. “These are circumstances of your own making."

Navarro's attorneys filed a notice that he is appealing his conviction and sentence.

Navarro has said he couldn’t cooperate with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-committee-final-report-trump-bcfea6162fe9cfa0d120e86d069af0e4">the committee</a>&nbsp;because Trump had invoked executive privilege. The judge barred him from making that argument at trial, however, finding that he didn’t show Trump had actually invoked it.

Navarro said in court before his sentencing Thursday that the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack had led him to believe that it accepted his invocation of executive privilege.

“Nobody in my position should be put in conflict between the legislative branch and the executive branch,” he told the judge.

Mehta said that asserting executive privilege is not “magic dust to avoid a duty."

“It's not a get-out-of-jail-free card,” the judge added.

A federal prosecutor, John Crabb Jr., told the judge that the Justice Department enforces the law “without fear, favor or political influence.”

“This is a righteous prosecution,” Crabb said.

More than 1,200 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. More than 100 police officers were injured during clashes with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">the mob of Trump supporters</a>&nbsp;who disrupted the joint session of Congress for certifying Biden's victory over Trump.

The House committee spent 18 months investigating the insurrection, interviewing over 1,000 witnesses, holding 10 hearings and obtaining more than 1 million pages of documents.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-committee-final-report-trump-bcfea6162fe9cfa0d120e86d069af0e4">In its final report</a>, the panel ultimately concluded that Trump criminally engaged in a “multi-part conspiracy” to overturn the election results and failed to act to stop his supporters from storming the Capitol.

Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has denied doing anything wrong.

Navarro’s lawyers had advised him not to address the judge on Thursday, but he said he wanted to speak after hearing the judge express disappointment in him. Responding to a question about why he didn’t initially seek a lawyer’s counsel, he told the judge, “I didn’t know what to do, sir.”

The judge said Navarro should have known how to respond to a subpoena from the House committee because he received one several weeks after Bannon was charged with criminal contempt of Congress.

“I know you think it's a political hatchet job,” Mehta told Navarro. "(The House committee) had a job to do, and you made it harder. It's really that simple."

The judge is allowing Navarro’s defense to submit a written brief on the question of allowing him to remain free pending appeal.

Justice Department prosecutors said Navarro tried to “hide behind claims of privilege” even before he knew what the committee wanted, showing a “disdain” for the committee that should warrant a longer sentence. Prosecutors had asked a judge to sentence him to six months behind bars and impose a $200,000 fine.

Defense attorneys said Trump did claim&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1890f544201941b490a8fd165c63203e">executive privilege</a>, putting Navarro in an “untenable position,” and they had asked for a sentence of probation and a $100 fine.

The judge ordered Navarro to pay a $9,500 fine.

Defense attorney Stanley Woodward said Navarro believed that he was “duty bound” to assert executive privilege.

“He need not be punished to prove a point,” Woodward told the judge.

Bannon, who also made executive-privilege arguments, was convicted of two counts.

Navarro’s sentencing comes after a judge rejected his bid for a new trial. His attorneys had argued that jurors may have been improperly influenced by political protesters outside the courthouse when they took a break from deliberations. Shortly after their break, the jurors found Navarro guilty of two misdemeanor counts of contempt of Congress.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706205024532.png" alt="File photo -In September, Peter Navarro reacted to a jury finding him guilty of contempt of Congress-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo -In September, Peter Navarro reacted to a jury finding him guilty of contempt of Congress-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Trump White House official&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/peter-navarro">Peter Navarro</a>, who was convicted of contempt of Congress for refusing to cooperate with a congressional investigation into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-5a1ad57112fde21084f028913b9fdc94">the Jan. 6, 2021, attack</a>&nbsp;on the U.S. Capitol, was sentenced on Thursday to four months behind bars.He was the second Trump aide convicted of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-bannon-donald-trump-congress-mark-meadows-subpoenas-70fcf59323df874b4a0def1f4c1222cc">contempt of Congress charges</a>. Former White House adviser Steve Bannon previously received&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-steve-bannon-congress-donald-trump-sentencing-36d412eba9e1609a030859852378ae3d">a four-month sentence</a>&nbsp;but is free pending appeal.Navarro was found guilty of defying a subpoena for documents and a deposition from the House Jan. 6 committee. He served as a White House trade adviser under then-President Donald Trump and later promoted the Republican’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">baseless claims</a>&nbsp;of mass voter fraud in the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden.U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta told Navarro that it took “chutzpah” for him to assert that he accepted responsibility for his actions while also suggesting that his prosecution was politically motivated.“You are not a victim. You are not the object of a political prosecution,” the judge said. “These are circumstances of your own making."Navarro's attorneys filed a notice that he is appealing his conviction and sentence.Navarro has said he couldn’t cooperate with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-committee-final-report-trump-bcfea6162fe9cfa0d120e86d069af0e4">the committee</a>&nbsp;because Trump had invoked executive privilege. The judge barred him from making that argument at trial, however, finding that he didn’t show Trump had actually invoked it.Navarro said in court before his sentencing Thursday that the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack had led him to believe that it accepted his invocation of executive privilege.“Nobody in my position should be put in conflict between the legislative branch and the executive branch,” he told the judge.Mehta said that asserting executive privilege is not “magic dust to avoid a duty."“It's not a get-out-of-jail-free card,” the judge added.A federal prosecutor, John Crabb Jr., told the judge that the Justice Department enforces the law “without fear, favor or political influence.”“This is a righteous prosecution,” Crabb said.More than 1,200 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. More than 100 police officers were injured during clashes with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">the mob of Trump supporters</a>&nbsp;who disrupted the joint session of Congress for certifying Biden's victory over Trump.The House committee spent 18 months investigating the insurrection, interviewing over 1,000 witnesses, holding 10 hearings and obtaining more than 1 million pages of documents.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-committee-final-report-trump-bcfea6162fe9cfa0d120e86d069af0e4">In its final report</a>, the panel ultimately concluded that Trump criminally engaged in a “multi-part conspiracy” to overturn the election results and failed to act to stop his supporters from storming the Capitol.Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has denied doing anything wrong.Navarro’s lawyers had advised him not to address the judge on Thursday, but he said he wanted to speak after hearing the judge express disappointment in him. Responding to a question about why he didn’t initially seek a lawyer’s counsel, he told the judge, “I didn’t know what to do, sir.”The judge said Navarro should have known how to respond to a subpoena from the House committee because he received one several weeks after Bannon was charged with criminal contempt of Congress.“I know you think it's a political hatchet job,” Mehta told Navarro. "(The House committee) had a job to do, and you made it harder. It's really that simple."The judge is allowing Navarro’s defense to submit a written brief on the question of allowing him to remain free pending appeal.Justice Department prosecutors said Navarro tried to “hide behind claims of privilege” even before he knew what the committee wanted, showing a “disdain” for the committee that should warrant a longer sentence. Prosecutors had asked a judge to sentence him to six months behind bars and impose a $200,000 fine.Defense attorneys said Trump did claim&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1890f544201941b490a8fd165c63203e">executive privilege</a>, putting Navarro in an “untenable position,” and they had asked for a sentence of probation and a $100 fine.The judge ordered Navarro to pay a $9,500 fine.Defense attorney Stanley Woodward said Navarro believed that he was “duty bound” to assert executive privilege.“He need not be punished to prove a point,” Woodward told the judge.Bannon, who also made executive-privilege arguments, was convicted of two counts.Navarro’s sentencing comes after a judge rejected his bid for a new trial. His attorneys had argued that jurors may have been improperly influenced by political protesters outside the courthouse when they took a break from deliberations. Shortly after their break, the jurors found Navarro guilty of two misdemeanor counts of contempt of Congress.

Trump advisor appeals prison sentence for defying House Jan. 6 subpoena

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting.

Just before at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Wichita Police Department was alerted to a Domestic Violence Incident at the 100 block of South Ridge Road in Wichita, according to Police Spokesperson Andrew Ford.

 When officers arrived, they learned a suspect stole a vehicle at knifepoint from a roommate. Other officers located the stolen vehicle in the area of Bayley and Schweiter and a vehicle pursuit ensued. That pursuit ended around Harry Street and Green. 

The suspect then barricaded himself in a residence with an innocent individual after threatening violence to the police with a knife.

The combined Wichita Police and Sedgwick County Sheriff SWAT team was activated, along with Crisis Negotiators. At approximately 3:04 a.m. Thursday, shots were fired by a Sedgwick County Deputy that struck the suspect. The suspect was transported to a local hospital and was later pronounced deceased by medical personnel, according to Ford.

KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team are in charge of the investigation.

&nbsp;The shooting, involving the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office, occurred just after 3 a.m. Thursday at a residence in the 2400 block of East Harry in Wichita, according to Melissa Underwood spokesperson for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

A suspect was shot and died as a result of his injuries. No officers were injured during the shooting.

KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team are in charge of the investigation.&nbsp; Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706197350986.png" alt="Police on the scene early Thursday-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene early Thursday-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting.Just before at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Wichita Police Department was alerted to a Domestic Violence Incident at the 100 block of South Ridge Road in Wichita, according to Police Spokesperson Andrew Ford. When officers arrived, they learned a suspect stole a vehicle at knifepoint from a roommate. Other officers located the stolen vehicle in the area of Bayley and Schweiter and a vehicle pursuit ensued. That pursuit ended around Harry Street and Green. The suspect then barricaded himself in a residence with an innocent individual after threatening violence to the police with a knife.The combined Wichita Police and Sedgwick County Sheriff SWAT team was activated, along with Crisis Negotiators. At approximately 3:04 a.m. Thursday, shots were fired by a Sedgwick County Deputy that struck the suspect. The suspect was transported to a local hospital and was later pronounced deceased by medical personnel, according to Ford.KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team are in charge of the investigation.------------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting.&nbsp;The shooting, involving the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office, occurred just after 3 a.m. Thursday at a residence in the 2400 block of East Harry in Wichita, according to Melissa Underwood spokesperson for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.A suspect was shot and died as a result of his injuries. No officers were injured during the shooting.KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team are in charge of the investigation.&nbsp; Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Man who stole vehicle at knifepoint dies in Kan. deputy shooting

CANADIAN COUNTY, Okla.—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the cause of a crash that injured an Oklahoma State Trooper and a driver during a traffic stop.

On Wednesday, the patrol released dash camera video from the incident&nbsp; when Trooper Jesse Gregory #362 was struck by a driver on Interstate 40 at Cimarron Road. He was speaking to the driver of his traffic stop when another vehicle ran into them.

The Patrol explains they released this video as a graphic reminder of the consequences of distracted or impaired driving and the importance of the slow down, move over law. 

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is in the middle of a distracted driving emphasis right now in honor of Trooper Nicholas Dees, who lost his life in the line of duty after being struck by a distracted driver.

Fortunately, Trooper Gregory is expected to be ok. In fact, all three people involved in this incident were treated and released.&nbsp;

CANADIAN COUNTY, Okla.—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the cause of a crash that injured an Oklahoma State Trooper and a driver during a traffic stop.On Wednesday, the patrol released dash camera video from the incident&nbsp; when Trooper Jesse Gregory #362 was struck by a driver on Interstate 40 at Cimarron Road. He was speaking to the driver of his traffic stop when another vehicle ran into them.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO This is the dash camera from last Thursday, January 18, when Trooper Jesse Gregory #362 was struck by a driver on I-40 at Cimarron Road. He was speaking to the driver of his traffic stop when another vehicle ran into them.<a href="https://t.co/K3eI2DSPcn">https://t.co/K3eI2DSPcn</a> <a href="https://t.co/wyfPMVExh9">pic.twitter.com/wyfPMVExh9</a>&mdash; OK Highway Patrol/DPS (@OHPDPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/OHPDPS/status/1750186314593366319?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Patrol explains they released this video as a graphic reminder of the consequences of distracted or impaired driving and the importance of the slow down, move over law. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is in the middle of a distracted driving emphasis right now in honor of Trooper Nicholas Dees, who lost his life in the line of duty after being struck by a distracted driver.Fortunately, Trooper Gregory is expected to be ok. In fact, all three people involved in this incident were treated and released.&nbsp;

Dash cam video shows trooper and driver struck during traffic stop

NEW YORK (AP)—Melanie, the singer-songwriter who rose through the New York folk scene, performed at Woodstock and had a series of 1970s hits including the enduring cultural phenomenon “Brand New Key," has died.

Her publicist Billy James told The Associated Press that Melanie died Tuesday. She was 76 and lived in central Tennessee. The cause was not immediately revealed.

“Our world is much dimmer, the colors of a dreary, rainy Tennessee pale with her absence today,” her children Leilah, Jeordie and Beau Jarred, said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/therealmelaniesafka/posts/pfbid0VXHJvGvN2e8deibnbntrZRMr7eUmhQaFwkfpa5rT73jmjc51nCZj5UDzwgigveijl">post on her Facebook page</a>&nbsp;announcing her death.

With a voice that could shift from high-pitched and coy to a deep soulful rasp, Melanie wrote and sang hits including “Look What They’ve Done to My Song Ma" and “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)."

She was best known for “Brand New Key,” a song from her 1971 album “Gather Me” that she wrote about about a girl who bikes and skates past the house of a boy she longs for. It became a No. 1 hit in the U.S. and several other countries.

With echoes of the popular songs of the ‘20s and ’30s, it combines a youthful simplicity with a winking adult sophistication in its chorus:

“Well, I’ve got a brand-new pair of roller skates, you’ve got a brand-new key, I think that we should get together, and try them on to see.”

She would say in later interviews that she didn't necessarily intend sexual innuendo in the song, but those who heard it weren't necessarily wrong.

“I probably have a quirky way of writing, and I think I was misunderstood,” she told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2014/10/09/woodstock-star-melanie-safka-plans-rare-show/16871675/">the Tennessean</a>&nbsp;newspaper in 2014. “I had this smiling, cherubic thing, and I think that worked against me. Girls with guitars who were relevant were angst-filled and angular.”

The song has had several revivals in the decades since. It had a key place in Paul Thomas Anderson's 1997 film “Boogie Nights” and was lip-synced by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eonline.com/news/754008/melissa-mccarthy-gets-a-standing-ovation-for-the-messiest-most-surprising-lip-sync-battle-yet">Jimmy Fallon</a>&nbsp;on “The Tonight Show” in 2016.

Born Melanie Safka, the daughter of a jazz singer, in Queens, New York, she studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and performed in the coffee houses of Greenwich Village and other New York folk hubs.

She released her self-titled debut album in 1969, and had hit songs in Europe with “Bobo's Party” and “Beautiful People.”

That summer, she was one of only three female solo performers, along with Joan Baez and Janis Joplin, to perform at the generation-defining Woodstock Music and Art Fair in upstate New York.

The candles the crowd held up during her opening-night set at the festival inspired her first U.S. hit, 1970's “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)” which went to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. That same year came “Look What They've Done to My Song Ma,” which would be covered by artists from Ray Charles to Miley Cyrus and adapted into commercial jingles for decades after.

“People in the Front Row,” a danceable jam from 1971's “Garden in the City,” got prominent placement in the most recent season of “Black Mirror.”

By the mid-1970s her popularity waned, but she would maintain a following and keep recording and playing live into the 2010s.

Melanie was married to her manager and producer Peter Schekeryk from 1968 until his death in 2010. They had three kids together.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706193486058.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP)—Melanie, the singer-songwriter who rose through the New York folk scene, performed at Woodstock and had a series of 1970s hits including the enduring cultural phenomenon “Brand New Key," has died.Her publicist Billy James told The Associated Press that Melanie died Tuesday. She was 76 and lived in central Tennessee. The cause was not immediately revealed.“Our world is much dimmer, the colors of a dreary, rainy Tennessee pale with her absence today,” her children Leilah, Jeordie and Beau Jarred, said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/therealmelaniesafka/posts/pfbid0VXHJvGvN2e8deibnbntrZRMr7eUmhQaFwkfpa5rT73jmjc51nCZj5UDzwgigveijl">post on her Facebook page</a>&nbsp;announcing her death.With a voice that could shift from high-pitched and coy to a deep soulful rasp, Melanie wrote and sang hits including “Look What They’ve Done to My Song Ma" and “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)."She was best known for “Brand New Key,” a song from her 1971 album “Gather Me” that she wrote about about a girl who bikes and skates past the house of a boy she longs for. It became a No. 1 hit in the U.S. and several other countries.With echoes of the popular songs of the ‘20s and ’30s, it combines a youthful simplicity with a winking adult sophistication in its chorus:“Well, I’ve got a brand-new pair of roller skates, you’ve got a brand-new key, I think that we should get together, and try them on to see.”She would say in later interviews that she didn't necessarily intend sexual innuendo in the song, but those who heard it weren't necessarily wrong.“I probably have a quirky way of writing, and I think I was misunderstood,” she told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2014/10/09/woodstock-star-melanie-safka-plans-rare-show/16871675/">the Tennessean</a>&nbsp;newspaper in 2014. “I had this smiling, cherubic thing, and I think that worked against me. Girls with guitars who were relevant were angst-filled and angular.”The song has had several revivals in the decades since. It had a key place in Paul Thomas Anderson's 1997 film “Boogie Nights” and was lip-synced by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eonline.com/news/754008/melissa-mccarthy-gets-a-standing-ovation-for-the-messiest-most-surprising-lip-sync-battle-yet">Jimmy Fallon</a>&nbsp;on “The Tonight Show” in 2016.Born Melanie Safka, the daughter of a jazz singer, in Queens, New York, she studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and performed in the coffee houses of Greenwich Village and other New York folk hubs.She released her self-titled debut album in 1969, and had hit songs in Europe with “Bobo's Party” and “Beautiful People.”That summer, she was one of only three female solo performers, along with Joan Baez and Janis Joplin, to perform at the generation-defining Woodstock Music and Art Fair in upstate New York.The candles the crowd held up during her opening-night set at the festival inspired her first U.S. hit, 1970's “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)” which went to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. That same year came “Look What They've Done to My Song Ma,” which would be covered by artists from Ray Charles to Miley Cyrus and adapted into commercial jingles for decades after.“People in the Front Row,” a danceable jam from 1971's “Garden in the City,” got prominent placement in the most recent season of “Black Mirror.”By the mid-1970s her popularity waned, but she would maintain a following and keep recording and playing live into the 2010s.Melanie was married to her manager and producer Peter Schekeryk from 1968 until his death in 2010. They had three kids together.

Melanie, 'Brand New Key' singer-songwriter, dies at 76

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — With federal abortion protections overturned, state legislatures now have the chance to enact significant change, said Kansas City, Kansas, Archbishop Joseph Naumann during a Wednesday morning anti-abortion mass at the Topeka Performing Arts Center.

Naumann urged young people in attendance to vote and advocate against abortion with their peers before speaking against President Joe Biden, who is a practicing Catholic but has supported abortion rights and protections.&nbsp;

“Sadly, President Biden is the perfect example of the religiously and ethically incoherent, claiming to believe that human life begins at conception and personally opposing abortion, while doing everything within his power to promote and institutionalize abortion not only in the U.S. but around the world,” Naumann said.&nbsp;

Following the mass, Catholic Kansans merged with other anti-abortion groups and marched to the Statehouse waving signs as part of the annual Kansas March and Rally for Life.&nbsp;

At the steps of the Statehouse, Naumann’s message of state-level change was echoed by multiple Republican state legislators, who vowed to pass more anti-abortion bills this legislative session.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This year, you’re going to see more from us,” said House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita. “And you’ll see more overrides because that’s what it will take.”

During the rally, Jeanne Gawdun, a spokeswoman for Kansans for Life, said the state was “blessed” to have so many anti-abortion lawmakers.&nbsp;

“We have a very critical election coming up,” Gawdun said. “Right now, we are so blessed to have a supermajority of pro-life legislators in both chambers, and we will need that with two more years of Gov. Kelly,&nbsp; the most pro-abortion governor in the state’s history. We expect more vetoes of our legislation. So come this fall, we’re going to need everybody to get involved in the campaigns for these pro-life legislators so they can come back and work again to protect women and babies.”

Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Kansas has become one of the few states left in the region that protects abortion rights. State law allows abortions up to 22 weeks after gestation and in cases where the mother’s life is in danger.

The Kansas Supreme Court in 2019 determined the state constitution’s right to bodily autonomy extends to the decision to terminate a pregnancy.&nbsp;

Voters in August of 2022 overwhelmingly rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have allowed lawmakers to ban abortion without exception.&nbsp;

Despite consistent statewide support for abortion rights, Republican lawmakers have continued to introduce anti-abortion legislation. During the 2023 legislative session, the Republican&nbsp;supermajority was able to override Kelly’s veto of the “Born-Alive” bill and an “abortion reversal” bill, both of which became law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The “reversal” law requires abortion providers to tell patients it might be possible to reverse a medication abortion, although this concept is based on junk science and has been known to cause hemorrhaging. The requirement is one of several abortion restrictions&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/30/disproven-and-unsupportable-kansas-judge-blocks-junk-science-abortion-restrictions/">currently blocked by a Kansan judge</a>.&nbsp;

The “Born Alive” law bans physicians from euthanizing infants who survive abortions, though there is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/12/medical-experts-question-kansas-lawmakers-anti-abortion-testimony-for-born-alive-law/">no evidence that this happens</a>. Medical experts have characterized the legislation as a scare tactic against abortion.

&nbsp;In Kansas, the law was implemented July 1 as the Born Alive Infants Protection Act, following<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/05/18/church-and-state-kansas-republicans-ignore-voters-and-pass-new-anti-abortion-laws/">&nbsp;a two-thirds majority override of Kelly’s veto in the Legislature</a>.

“What a glorious veto override it was,” Hawkins said.&nbsp;

Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, said the “tragedy” of the Kansas Supreme Court decision had led to increased legal scrutiny of abortion measures. He said he was “shocked” by Kelly’s veto override of the legislation and her characterization of the bill as “misleading and unnecessary.”&nbsp;

The two said they were prepared to override Kelly’s vetoes this legislative session.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706188787374.png" alt=" Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins speak at the Jan. 24, 2024 annual anti-abortion rally. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins speak at the Jan. 24, 2024 annual anti-abortion rally. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — With federal abortion protections overturned, state legislatures now have the chance to enact significant change, said Kansas City, Kansas, Archbishop Joseph Naumann during a Wednesday morning anti-abortion mass at the Topeka Performing Arts Center.Naumann urged young people in attendance to vote and advocate against abortion with their peers before speaking against President Joe Biden, who is a practicing Catholic but has supported abortion rights and protections.&nbsp;“Sadly, President Biden is the perfect example of the religiously and ethically incoherent, claiming to believe that human life begins at conception and personally opposing abortion, while doing everything within his power to promote and institutionalize abortion not only in the U.S. but around the world,” Naumann said.&nbsp;Following the mass, Catholic Kansans merged with other anti-abortion groups and marched to the Statehouse waving signs as part of the annual Kansas March and Rally for Life.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706188757356.png" alt="Kansas City, Kansas, Archbishop Joseph Naumann appears at the Kansas March &amp; Rally for Life on Wednesday. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City, Kansas, Archbishop Joseph Naumann appears at the Kansas March &amp; Rally for Life on Wednesday. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>At the steps of the Statehouse, Naumann’s message of state-level change was echoed by multiple Republican state legislators, who vowed to pass more anti-abortion bills this legislative session.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This year, you’re going to see more from us,” said House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita. “And you’ll see more overrides because that’s what it will take.”During the rally, Jeanne Gawdun, a spokeswoman for Kansans for Life, said the state was “blessed” to have so many anti-abortion lawmakers.&nbsp;“We have a very critical election coming up,” Gawdun said. “Right now, we are so blessed to have a supermajority of pro-life legislators in both chambers, and we will need that with two more years of Gov. Kelly,&nbsp; the most pro-abortion governor in the state’s history. We expect more vetoes of our legislation. So come this fall, we’re going to need everybody to get involved in the campaigns for these pro-life legislators so they can come back and work again to protect women and babies.”Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Kansas has become one of the few states left in the region that protects abortion rights. State law allows abortions up to 22 weeks after gestation and in cases where the mother’s life is in danger.The Kansas Supreme Court in 2019 determined the state constitution’s right to bodily autonomy extends to the decision to terminate a pregnancy.&nbsp;Voters in August of 2022 overwhelmingly rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have allowed lawmakers to ban abortion without exception.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706188696544.png" alt=" Anti-abortion Kansans hold signs during the Jan. 24, 2024 annual March for Life. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Anti-abortion Kansans hold signs during the Jan. 24, 2024 annual March for Life. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Despite consistent statewide support for abortion rights, Republican lawmakers have continued to introduce anti-abortion legislation. During the 2023 legislative session, the Republican&nbsp;supermajority was able to override Kelly’s veto of the “Born-Alive” bill and an “abortion reversal” bill, both of which became law.&nbsp;&nbsp;The “reversal” law requires abortion providers to tell patients it might be possible to reverse a medication abortion, although this concept is based on junk science and has been known to cause hemorrhaging. The requirement is one of several abortion restrictions&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/30/disproven-and-unsupportable-kansas-judge-blocks-junk-science-abortion-restrictions/">currently blocked by a Kansan judge</a>.&nbsp;The “Born Alive” law bans physicians from euthanizing infants who survive abortions, though there is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/12/medical-experts-question-kansas-lawmakers-anti-abortion-testimony-for-born-alive-law/">no evidence that this happens</a>. Medical experts have characterized the legislation as a scare tactic against abortion.&nbsp;In Kansas, the law was implemented July 1 as the Born Alive Infants Protection Act, following<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/05/18/church-and-state-kansas-republicans-ignore-voters-and-pass-new-anti-abortion-laws/">&nbsp;a two-thirds majority override of Kelly’s veto in the Legislature</a>.“What a glorious veto override it was,” Hawkins said.&nbsp;Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, said the “tragedy” of the Kansas Supreme Court decision had led to increased legal scrutiny of abortion measures. He said he was “shocked” by Kelly’s veto override of the legislation and her characterization of the bill as “misleading and unnecessary.”&nbsp;The two said they were prepared to override Kelly’s vetoes this legislative session.

At annual rally, Kansas GOP lawmakers vow to bring more anti-abortion measures

SHELBY COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that injured a suspect and a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper.

Just before 8p.m. Wednesdaym Northeast Missouri Emergency Communications requested&nbsp; assistance locating a suspect alleged to have previously fled in a vehicle from Adams County, Illinois Sheriff's Deputies and Quincy Police, according to a statement from the MSHP Troop B.

The suspect vehicle was believe to have entered Missouri westbound on U.S. 36. At 8:16p.m. MSHP troopers located the vehicle west of Hannibal and attempted a stop resulting in a pursuit.

Troopers successfully deployed spike strips and the vehicle exited U.S. 36 at Missouri 151 in Clarence and stopped. The driver exited the vehicle armed with a rifle and began firing at troopers. Troopers returned fire striking the suspect. The suspect sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital.&nbsp;

During the exchange of gunfire, a MSHP trooper was wounded. The trooper was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; The MSHP's Division of Drug and Crime Control is in charge of the investigation.&nbsp; Authorities have not released the name of the suspect,&nbsp; possible charges of additional details.

SHELBY COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that injured a suspect and a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper.Just before 8p.m. Wednesdaym Northeast Missouri Emergency Communications requested&nbsp; assistance locating a suspect alleged to have previously fled in a vehicle from Adams County, Illinois Sheriff's Deputies and Quincy Police, according to a statement from the MSHP Troop B.The suspect vehicle was believe to have entered Missouri westbound on U.S. 36. At 8:16p.m. MSHP troopers located the vehicle west of Hannibal and attempted a stop resulting in a pursuit.Troopers successfully deployed spike strips and the vehicle exited U.S. 36 at Missouri 151 in Clarence and stopped. The driver exited the vehicle armed with a rifle and began firing at troopers. Troopers returned fire striking the suspect. The suspect sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital.&nbsp;During the exchange of gunfire, a MSHP trooper was wounded. The trooper was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; The MSHP's Division of Drug and Crime Control is in charge of the investigation.&nbsp; Authorities have not released the name of the suspect,&nbsp; possible charges of additional details.

Missouri State Trooper wounded in gunfight with suspect

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — The United Auto Workers of America endorsed the re-election of President Joe Biden Wednesday, just months after he became the first sitting U.S. president&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/09/26/biden-makes-historic-visit-to-metro-detroit-picket-line-to-rally-with-striking-auto-workers/">to walk a picket line</a>&nbsp;with striking autoworkers in Michigan.

Speaking at the UAW’s biannual political conference in Washington, D.C., Biden told the crowd “I was so damn proud to stand on that picket line with you” — a moment that seemed to lock in the union’s coveted endorsement, crucial in the swing state of Michigan.

The president delivered the keynote address to hundreds of UAW leaders one day after winning a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2024/01/23/new-hampshire-primary-live-trump-vs-haley-biden-write-in-campaign/">write-in campaign</a>&nbsp;in the New Hampshire primary, where former President Donald Trump scored&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2024/01/24/wednesday-morning-numbers-show-definitive-trump-lead-over-haley/">a second win</a>&nbsp;for the Republican side.

“If I’m gonna be in a fight, I want to be in a fight with you, the UAW,” Biden told the crowd at the Marriott Marquis in downtown D.C. “I mean it, we have a big fight in front of us. We’re fundamentally changing the economy of this country, and everybody’s getting a little worried about it, the very powerful.”

In a rousing endorsement speech to his members, UAW President Shawn Fain laid out a binary scenario for November.

“Rarely as a union do you get so clear of a choice between two candidates,” Fain said at the conference themed “Stand Up For Our Future,” a nod to the union’s historic “Stand Up” strike in September against the nation’s three big automakers.

“It’s not about who you like, it’s not about your party, it’s not about this b—– about age. It’s not about anything but our best shot at taking back power for the working class,” Fain said.

“Donald Trump is a scab,” Fain said to loud applause and whistling. “Donald Trump is a billionaire and that’s who he represents. If Donald Trump ever worked in an auto plant, he wouldn’t be a UAW member. He’d be a company man, trying to squeeze the American autoworker.

“Donald Trump stands against everything the UAW stands for. When you go back to our core issues — Wages. Retirement. Health care. Time. That’s what this election is about,” Fain said.

The union’s board voted unanimously to endorse Biden, Fain told reporters after the event.

When asked if he spoke to Trump before issuing the endorsement, Fain said he didn’t think there was a need.

“Because I know what he said, I know what his track record has been. And he has never stood for working class people. And, you know, talk is cheap, actions speak louder. We saw what he did prior to being president. We saw what he did when he was president, and what he continues to do.”

UAW workers walked off the job in September after contract negotiations with Ford Motor Company, Stellantis and General Motors&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/blog/uaw-president-sets-new-deadline-for-automakers-promising-additional-strikes/">collapsed</a>. The labor dispute stretched across more than 20 states, with Michigan at the epicenter.

Fain&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/09/26/biden-makes-historic-visit-to-metro-detroit-picket-line-to-rally-with-striking-auto-workers/">invited Biden</a>&nbsp;to address the striking workers on Sept. 26 in the Detroit suburb of Belleville, where the president told them, “You deserve what you’ve earned, and you’ve earned a hell of a lot more than what you’re getting paid now.”

Trump delivered remarks a day later at a non-unionized auto parts manufacturer in Macomb County, an event he planned to counter the second televised Republican presidential debate.

There he asked for support,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?530700-1/president-trump-holds-rally-detroit">saying</a>&nbsp;“hopefully your leaders at the United Auto Workers will endorse Donald Trump,” despite the event being unaffiliated with the labor organization.

Fain and Biden on Wednesday both recounted the former president’s speech at the non-union location during one of the largest labor strikes in recent U.S. history.

The strike ended in November after the union&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/10/30/uaw-reaches-tentative-pact-with-general-motors-the-last-detroit-three-holdout/">struck agreements</a>&nbsp;with the three big automakers.

Fain also faulted Trump for what he described as disparaging comments about the recovery of the auto industry after the 2008 financial collapse and said Trump “stood by” as the General Motors plant in Lordstown, Ohio, closed in 2019.

“Instead of talking trash about our union, Joe Biden stood with us,” Fain said.

The UAW leader told reporters that he expects his membership to engage in political actions like rallying, door knocking and phone banking in the coming year.

When asked if he had concerns about Biden not calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, Fain said “the alternative’s even worse. Trump moved the (Israeli) embassy when he was president. Obviously he’s not going to do anything.”

The UAW has formally called for a ceasefire, and Fain said the union will continue to do so.

A handful of protesters unfurled a Palestinian flag and shouted “ceasefire now” during Biden’s speech Wednesday. Biden paused briefly as large swaths of the crowd began shouting “UAW” to drown out the protesters as security escorted them out of the room.

Fain said he was not concerned about members “exercising their voice.” It was the second day in a row that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-harris-vow-restore-protections-abortion-rights-2024-campaign-launches">protesters interrupted</a>&nbsp;a Biden event.

In addition to the UAW’s endorsement, Biden has picked up several others, including from the AFL-CIO, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the United Farm Workers, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the American Federation of Teachers.

As of Wednesday evening Trump’s campaign had not released a statement in response to the UAW’s endorsement of Biden.

However, the campaign released images of September posts on X by @TeamTrump stating that “PRESIDENT TRUMP is a great champion of American workers. He SAVED the American auto industry once, and he will do it again.”

On Truth Social, Trump’s social media platform where he posts daily, the former president had only posted Wednesday about his caucus and primary wins in Iowa and New Hampshire.

He also posted in all capital letters Wednesday just before 4 p.m. Eastern: “MASSIVE PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT BY CROOKED JOE AND THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION AGAINST HIS POLITICAL OPPONENT!”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706150075714.png" alt="Photo courtesy UAW" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy UAW</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — The United Auto Workers of America endorsed the re-election of President Joe Biden Wednesday, just months after he became the first sitting U.S. president&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/09/26/biden-makes-historic-visit-to-metro-detroit-picket-line-to-rally-with-striking-auto-workers/">to walk a picket line</a>&nbsp;with striking autoworkers in Michigan.Speaking at the UAW’s biannual political conference in Washington, D.C., Biden told the crowd “I was so damn proud to stand on that picket line with you” — a moment that seemed to lock in the union’s coveted endorsement, crucial in the swing state of Michigan.The president delivered the keynote address to hundreds of UAW leaders one day after winning a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2024/01/23/new-hampshire-primary-live-trump-vs-haley-biden-write-in-campaign/">write-in campaign</a>&nbsp;in the New Hampshire primary, where former President Donald Trump scored&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2024/01/24/wednesday-morning-numbers-show-definitive-trump-lead-over-haley/">a second win</a>&nbsp;for the Republican side.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/UAW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UAW</a> President <a href="https://twitter.com/ShawnFainUAW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShawnFainUAW</a>: &quot;If our endorsements must be earned, Joe Biden has earned it...the UAW is endorsing Joe Biden for president of the United States.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/24syQyX1BI">pic.twitter.com/24syQyX1BI</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1750250575667556430?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“If I’m gonna be in a fight, I want to be in a fight with you, the UAW,” Biden told the crowd at the Marriott Marquis in downtown D.C. “I mean it, we have a big fight in front of us. We’re fundamentally changing the economy of this country, and everybody’s getting a little worried about it, the very powerful.”In a rousing endorsement speech to his members, UAW President Shawn Fain laid out a binary scenario for November.“Rarely as a union do you get so clear of a choice between two candidates,” Fain said at the conference themed “Stand Up For Our Future,” a nod to the union’s historic “Stand Up” strike in September against the nation’s three big automakers.“It’s not about who you like, it’s not about your party, it’s not about this b—– about age. It’s not about anything but our best shot at taking back power for the working class,” Fain said.“Donald Trump is a scab,” Fain said to loud applause and whistling. “Donald Trump is a billionaire and that’s who he represents. If Donald Trump ever worked in an auto plant, he wouldn’t be a UAW member. He’d be a company man, trying to squeeze the American autoworker.“Donald Trump stands against everything the UAW stands for. When you go back to our core issues — Wages. Retirement. Health care. Time. That’s what this election is about,” Fain said.The union’s board voted unanimously to endorse Biden, Fain told reporters after the event.When asked if he spoke to Trump before issuing the endorsement, Fain said he didn’t think there was a need.“Because I know what he said, I know what his track record has been. And he has never stood for working class people. And, you know, talk is cheap, actions speak louder. We saw what he did prior to being president. We saw what he did when he was president, and what he continues to do.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Working people are going to get their fair share. You&#39;ve earned it. You fought for it and you deserve it!&quot; — <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/yFX6j1a3xa">pic.twitter.com/yFX6j1a3xa</a>&mdash; UAW (@UAW) <a href="https://twitter.com/UAW/status/1750249367980667184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>Biden’s support of UAW strikers</h2>UAW workers walked off the job in September after contract negotiations with Ford Motor Company, Stellantis and General Motors&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/blog/uaw-president-sets-new-deadline-for-automakers-promising-additional-strikes/">collapsed</a>. The labor dispute stretched across more than 20 states, with Michigan at the epicenter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695751581443.png" alt="White House photo" />
 <figcaption>White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Fain&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/09/26/biden-makes-historic-visit-to-metro-detroit-picket-line-to-rally-with-striking-auto-workers/">invited Biden</a>&nbsp;to address the striking workers on Sept. 26 in the Detroit suburb of Belleville, where the president told them, “You deserve what you’ve earned, and you’ve earned a hell of a lot more than what you’re getting paid now.”Trump delivered remarks a day later at a non-unionized auto parts manufacturer in Macomb County, an event he planned to counter the second televised Republican presidential debate.There he asked for support,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?530700-1/president-trump-holds-rally-detroit">saying</a>&nbsp;“hopefully your leaders at the United Auto Workers will endorse Donald Trump,” despite the event being unaffiliated with the labor organization.Fain and Biden on Wednesday both recounted the former president’s speech at the non-union location during one of the largest labor strikes in recent U.S. history.The strike ended in November after the union&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/10/30/uaw-reaches-tentative-pact-with-general-motors-the-last-detroit-three-holdout/">struck agreements</a>&nbsp;with the three big automakers.Fain also faulted Trump for what he described as disparaging comments about the recovery of the auto industry after the 2008 financial collapse and said Trump “stood by” as the General Motors plant in Lordstown, Ohio, closed in 2019.“Instead of talking trash about our union, Joe Biden stood with us,” Fain said.The UAW leader told reporters that he expects his membership to engage in political actions like rallying, door knocking and phone banking in the coming year.<h2>Israel-Hamas</h2>When asked if he had concerns about Biden not calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, Fain said “the alternative’s even worse. Trump moved the (Israeli) embassy when he was president. Obviously he’s not going to do anything.”The UAW has formally called for a ceasefire, and Fain said the union will continue to do so.A handful of protesters unfurled a Palestinian flag and shouted “ceasefire now” during Biden’s speech Wednesday. Biden paused briefly as large swaths of the crowd began shouting “UAW” to drown out the protesters as security escorted them out of the room.Fain said he was not concerned about members “exercising their voice.” It was the second day in a row that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-harris-vow-restore-protections-abortion-rights-2024-campaign-launches">protesters interrupted</a>&nbsp;a Biden event.<h2>Other union endorsements</h2>In addition to the UAW’s endorsement, Biden has picked up several others, including from the AFL-CIO, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the United Farm Workers, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the American Federation of Teachers.As of Wednesday evening Trump’s campaign had not released a statement in response to the UAW’s endorsement of Biden.However, the campaign released images of September posts on X by @TeamTrump stating that “PRESIDENT TRUMP is a great champion of American workers. He SAVED the American auto industry once, and he will do it again.”On Truth Social, Trump’s social media platform where he posts daily, the former president had only posted Wednesday about his caucus and primary wins in Iowa and New Hampshire.He also posted in all capital letters Wednesday just before 4 p.m. Eastern: “MASSIVE PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT BY CROOKED JOE AND THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION AGAINST HIS POLITICAL OPPONENT!”

🎥UAW delivers rousing endorsement for Biden over ‘scab’ Trump

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a house fire in Kansas City.

Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, crews&nbsp;responded to the report of a house fire in the 700 block of Benton, according to&nbsp;Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

First responders observed smoke and fire from the second floor of the two and a half story home.

Offensive interior operations were initiated, including searches of the home. All searches came back clear.&nbsp; The fire was placed under control 8p.m., according to Hopkins.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported. Authorities have not released a damage estimate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706150526614.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Fire" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Fire</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a house fire in Kansas City.Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, crews&nbsp;responded to the report of a house fire in the 700 block of Benton, according to&nbsp;Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.First responders observed smoke and fire from the second floor of the two and a half story home.Offensive interior operations were initiated, including searches of the home. All searches came back clear.&nbsp; The fire was placed under control 8p.m., according to Hopkins.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported. Authorities have not released a damage estimate.

Cause of Kansas City house fire under investigation

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for making counterfeit United States currency.

According to court documents, Joseph Bulis, 38, of Wichita pleaded guilty in October 2023, to one count of manufacturing counterfeit currency and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

In July 2022, law enforcement went to Bulis’ hotel room in Wichita where they discovered a printer and paraphernalia used to manufacture counterfeit currency. They also found $3,000 in counterfeit money in the forms of $100 and $20 bills. Bulis fled when law enforcement arrived. 

When he was later apprehended, he had a backpack containing drawing paper, uncut counterfeit bills, and cutting tools.

In a separate incident, Bulis was contacted by law enforcement during a traffic stop and found to have a gun in the vehicle. He is prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior felony conviction. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706110555613.png" alt="Bulis is being held in Butler County" />
 <figcaption>Bulis is being held in Butler County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for making counterfeit United States currency.According to court documents, Joseph Bulis, 38, of Wichita pleaded guilty in October 2023, to one count of manufacturing counterfeit currency and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.In July 2022, law enforcement went to Bulis’ hotel room in Wichita where they discovered a printer and paraphernalia used to manufacture counterfeit currency. They also found $3,000 in counterfeit money in the forms of $100 and $20 bills. Bulis fled when law enforcement arrived. When he was later apprehended, he had a backpack containing drawing paper, uncut counterfeit bills, and cutting tools.In a separate incident, Bulis was contacted by law enforcement during a traffic stop and found to have a gun in the vehicle. He is prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior felony conviction.

Man was printing counterfeit cash in his Kansas hotel room

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after an arrest.

Just after 7p.m. Jan. 19, the Shawnee County Emergency 911 Dispatch Center received notification of a theft that had just occurred in the 300 block of SE 53rd Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The caller reported seeing a man with a white pickup truck and attached trailer on their home surveillance video taking their basketball goal.

While in route to the scene, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office observed the suspect vehicle near SE Berryton Road and SE 53rd Street. 

The deputy took 43-year-old Travis D. Walker, 43, of Topeka and 44-year-old Jennifer M. Kirwin into custody.Walker booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of theft, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license suspended, criminal use of weapons, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon and vehicle registration violations. 

Walker also had a warrant for his arrest. Kirwin had warrants for her arrest out of Riley County and Pottawatomie County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705933532753.png" alt="Walker-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Walker-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after an arrest.Just after 7p.m. Jan. 19, the Shawnee County Emergency 911 Dispatch Center received notification of a theft that had just occurred in the 300 block of SE 53rd Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705933592797.png" alt="Kirwin photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kirwin photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The caller reported seeing a man with a white pickup truck and attached trailer on their home surveillance video taking their basketball goal.While in route to the scene, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office observed the suspect vehicle near SE Berryton Road and SE 53rd Street. The deputy took 43-year-old Travis D. Walker, 43, of Topeka and 44-year-old Jennifer M. Kirwin into custody.Walker booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of theft, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license suspended, criminal use of weapons, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon and vehicle registration violations. Walker also had a warrant for his arrest. Kirwin had warrants for her arrest out of Riley County and Pottawatomie County.

Home surveillance camera helped catch Kan. theft suspects

CONCORD, N.H. — Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign says it has gathered enough signatures from registered voters in New Hampshire to qualify for the state's ballot in the general election.

The independent candidate already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-kennedy-president-election-utah-ballot-863513ec2bf75d1efc9b202cb8ddcc4a">has qualified</a>&nbsp;for the ballot in another state, Utah.

Some have questioned whether he or another independent or third-party candidate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-presidential-campaign-independent-2024-30d940109c4956de9c81f332ec418463">could play spoiler</a>&nbsp;in a close presidential race this fall.

But the candidate, who is known for his environmental conservation work and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-kennedy-election-2024-president-campaign-621c9e9641381a1b2677df9de5a09731">anti-vaccine empire</a>, has a long road ahead. Each state sets its own requirements to qualify for the ballot, and the process can be costly for candidates not backed by the major parties.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704300369387.png" alt="Robert F. Kennedy Jr.- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Robert F. Kennedy Jr.- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>CONCORD, N.H. — Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign says it has gathered enough signatures from registered voters in New Hampshire to qualify for the state's ballot in the general election.The independent candidate already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-kennedy-president-election-utah-ballot-863513ec2bf75d1efc9b202cb8ddcc4a">has qualified</a>&nbsp;for the ballot in another state, Utah.Some have questioned whether he or another independent or third-party candidate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-presidential-campaign-independent-2024-30d940109c4956de9c81f332ec418463">could play spoiler</a>&nbsp;in a close presidential race this fall.But the candidate, who is known for his environmental conservation work and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-kennedy-election-2024-president-campaign-621c9e9641381a1b2677df9de5a09731">anti-vaccine empire</a>, has a long road ahead. Each state sets its own requirements to qualify for the ballot, and the process can be costly for candidates not backed by the major parties.

RFK Jr.'s campaign qualifies for another state's general election ballot

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a deadly shooting that may be the result of a road-rage incident have identified the victim as 20-year-old Joshua Batemon.

Just before 2a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting call in the 1500 block of North Poplar Avenue in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.&nbsp;

First responders discovered Batemon with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported a second victim, an 18-year-old, to an area hospital. He&nbsp;remains in extremely critical condition.

Investigators spoke with person(s) of interest in connection to the shooting to determine what led to this tragic incident. Preliminary information relayed to investigators suggested all individuals involved know each other and that a possible road rage incident in the 1900 block of Broadway hours prior may have led to the subsequent shooting, according to Rebolledo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706096810792.png" alt="Police working at the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police working at the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a deadly shooting that may be the result of a road-rage incident have identified the victim as 20-year-old Joshua Batemon.Just before 2a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting call in the 1500 block of North Poplar Avenue in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.&nbsp;First responders discovered Batemon with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported a second victim, an 18-year-old, to an area hospital. He&nbsp;remains in extremely critical condition.Investigators spoke with person(s) of interest in connection to the shooting to determine what led to this tragic incident. Preliminary information relayed to investigators suggested all individuals involved know each other and that a possible road rage incident in the 1900 block of Broadway hours prior may have led to the subsequent shooting, according to Rebolledo.

Road-rage: Police ID victim in deadly Kan. shooting

Gov. Laura Kelly supports concept, but House and Senate have yet to make a deal

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Delaney Jones’ grandmother, a survivor of European concentration camps during the Holocaust of World War II, suffered from a type of cancer that was often detected late, spread rapidly and had a poor prognosis.

“She got really, really sick with pancreatic cancer late in life,” Jones said. “She said nothing she went through in the camps hurt like this.”

She endured chemotherapy treatment for cancer and striking side effects of prescription pain medications, but relief from agony appeared to be beyond her grasp. The family’s matriarch eventually found comfort in cannabis oil, which contained THC not legal in Kansas but offered in other states in conjunction with palliative medical care or simply for recreational use.

“It helped her get rid of the pain and the nausea, even the fatigue at times. It did not have the side effects of opiate painkillers. We were super, super grateful to see really the magical work that marijuana did in her end-of-life care,” Jones said.

Jones, a graduate student at Wichita State University, was part of a roundtable discussion Tuesday about the campaign to convince the 2024 Kansas Legislature to approve a bill legalizing medical marijuana. Thirty-eight states, the District of Columbia and three U.S. territories have legalized medicinal use of cannabis products, but the Kansas Senate and Kansas House have yet to agree on a path forward.

The scheduled day of action at the Capitol with the Kansas Cannabis Coalition, Loud Light and ACLU of Kansas was converted to an online format due to poor weather conditions that made driving unsafe.

Cheryl Kumberg, a registered nurse and president of Kansas Cannabis Coalition, said she assumed the Legislature would take a year or two to complete work on a medical marijuana bill. That was five years ago, she said, and Republican leaders in the Legislature have collaborated to slow progress to a crawl.

“I’m here in open-mouth amazement that we are still discussing passing a medical marijuana bill,” Kumberg said. “It is just the same excuses all these years. The same rhetoric from opponents and legislators. We’re just like this little island.”

Kansas should be wary of cities creating a patchwork of ordinances that decriminalized marijuana possession, said Kelly Rippel, cofounder of Kansans for Hemp and part of the Kansas Cannabis Coalition. He said Kansas should be wary of de facto legalization of marijuana in communities that independently concluded the cost of enforcement exceeded the benefit.

“We’ll just have this sort of understanding or unwritten rules and laws that we won’t prosecute cannabis. It leads to inconsistency around enforcement, not only in communities, but also the district attorneys in counties. We need to have something on the books that says, ‘We are not going to criminalize this, especially for personal possession,'” Rippel said.

He said Kansas lawmakers should work on conviction expungements and the sealing of criminal records related to marijuana convictions.

Latanya Goodloe, executive director of Ladies That Lean in Kansas City, Kansas, said she was convicted of possession of marijuana with intent to sell and served four years in prison. She completed requirements of parole in 2009, but had continued to deal with criminal justice consequences of being a felon.

She said there were racial and economic justice components to debate about medical marijuana. Legislation in Kansas moving the state toward legalization should create fairness in the marketplace and recognize damage done in marginalized communities during the nation’s war on drugs, she said.

“No monopoly,” she said. “Engaging the public, sustainable regulations are key components to shaping a system that addresses both health concerns and economic considerations. At this point, we have no reason to not put marijuana on the table.”

Sharon Brett, legal director of ACLU of Kansas, said state government opposition to legal distribution of medical cannabis interfered with personal health care choices of Kansans and conflicted with polling that demonstrated statewide popularity of medical marijuana reform. There were parallels in Kansas between actions of state legislators to outlaw access to abortion services and ongoing actions to perpetuate criminalization of marijuana use, she said.

She was referencing the August 2022 rejection by Kansas voters of the proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that would have declared there was nothing in the state Bill of Rights granting women bodily autonomy and the right to end a pregnancy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706123101882.png" alt=" Alejandro Rangel-Lopez, in a plant-oriented costume, contributed to a panel discussion about reasons for the 2024 Legislature to consider adopting a bill legalizing medical cannabis. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from online forum hosted by Kansas Cannabis Coalition, Loud Light and ACLU of Kansas)" />
 <figcaption> Alejandro Rangel-Lopez, in a plant-oriented costume, contributed to a panel discussion about reasons for the 2024 Legislature to consider adopting a bill legalizing medical cannabis. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from online forum hosted by Kansas Cannabis Coalition, Loud Light and ACLU of Kansas)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Gov. Laura Kelly supports concept, but House and Senate have yet to make a deal</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Delaney Jones’ grandmother, a survivor of European concentration camps during the Holocaust of World War II, suffered from a type of cancer that was often detected late, spread rapidly and had a poor prognosis.“She got really, really sick with pancreatic cancer late in life,” Jones said. “She said nothing she went through in the camps hurt like this.”She endured chemotherapy treatment for cancer and striking side effects of prescription pain medications, but relief from agony appeared to be beyond her grasp. The family’s matriarch eventually found comfort in cannabis oil, which contained THC not legal in Kansas but offered in other states in conjunction with palliative medical care or simply for recreational use.“It helped her get rid of the pain and the nausea, even the fatigue at times. It did not have the side effects of opiate painkillers. We were super, super grateful to see really the magical work that marijuana did in her end-of-life care,” Jones said.Jones, a graduate student at Wichita State University, was part of a roundtable discussion Tuesday about the campaign to convince the 2024 Kansas Legislature to approve a bill legalizing medical marijuana. Thirty-eight states, the District of Columbia and three U.S. territories have legalized medicinal use of cannabis products, but the Kansas Senate and Kansas House have yet to agree on a path forward.The scheduled day of action at the Capitol with the Kansas Cannabis Coalition, Loud Light and ACLU of Kansas was converted to an online format due to poor weather conditions that made driving unsafe.Cheryl Kumberg, a registered nurse and president of Kansas Cannabis Coalition, said she assumed the Legislature would take a year or two to complete work on a medical marijuana bill. That was five years ago, she said, and Republican leaders in the Legislature have collaborated to slow progress to a crawl.“I’m here in open-mouth amazement that we are still discussing passing a medical marijuana bill,” Kumberg said. “It is just the same excuses all these years. The same rhetoric from opponents and legislators. We’re just like this little island.”Kansas should be wary of cities creating a patchwork of ordinances that decriminalized marijuana possession, said Kelly Rippel, cofounder of Kansans for Hemp and part of the Kansas Cannabis Coalition. He said Kansas should be wary of de facto legalization of marijuana in communities that independently concluded the cost of enforcement exceeded the benefit.“We’ll just have this sort of understanding or unwritten rules and laws that we won’t prosecute cannabis. It leads to inconsistency around enforcement, not only in communities, but also the district attorneys in counties. We need to have something on the books that says, ‘We are not going to criminalize this, especially for personal possession,'” Rippel said.He said Kansas lawmakers should work on conviction expungements and the sealing of criminal records related to marijuana convictions.Latanya Goodloe, executive director of Ladies That Lean in Kansas City, Kansas, said she was convicted of possession of marijuana with intent to sell and served four years in prison. She completed requirements of parole in 2009, but had continued to deal with criminal justice consequences of being a felon.She said there were racial and economic justice components to debate about medical marijuana. Legislation in Kansas moving the state toward legalization should create fairness in the marketplace and recognize damage done in marginalized communities during the nation’s war on drugs, she said.“No monopoly,” she said. “Engaging the public, sustainable regulations are key components to shaping a system that addresses both health concerns and economic considerations. At this point, we have no reason to not put marijuana on the table.”Sharon Brett, legal director of ACLU of Kansas, said state government opposition to legal distribution of medical cannabis interfered with personal health care choices of Kansans and conflicted with polling that demonstrated statewide popularity of medical marijuana reform. There were parallels in Kansas between actions of state legislators to outlaw access to abortion services and ongoing actions to perpetuate criminalization of marijuana use, she said.She was referencing the August 2022 rejection by Kansas voters of the proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that would have declared there was nothing in the state Bill of Rights granting women bodily autonomy and the right to end a pregnancy.Meanwhile, the House passed a medical marijuana bill in 2021, but it was ignored by the Senate. No comprehensive medical marijuana bill has made it to Kansas governor’s desk.In both policy realms, Brett said, public sentiment chronicled in polling or at the ballot box should be recognized by the state’s elected public officials.“Refusal of the Legislature to legalize medical marijuana is the Legislature essentially inserting itself into medical decisions that should be made between a patient and their doctor,” Brett said. “This policy choice is about liberty and autonomy. It is about who is getting to decide important medical decisions — you and your doctors or politicians in Topeka.”