<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JONEL%20ALECCIA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JONEL ALECCIA AP Health Writer</a>

U.S. regulators on Wednesday banned the dye called Red 3 from the nation’s food supply, nearly 35 years after it was barred from cosmetics because of potential cancer risk.

Food and Drug Administration officials granted a 2022 petition filed by two dozen food safety and health advocates, who urged the agency to revoke authorization for the substance that gives some candies, snack cakes and maraschino cherries a bright red hue.

The agency said it was taking the action as a “matter of law” because some studies have found that the dye caused cancer in lab rats. Officials cited a statute known as the Delaney Clause, which requires FDA to ban any additive found to cause cancer in people or animals.

The dye is known as erythrosine, FD&amp;C Red No. 3 or Red 3. The ban removes it from the list of approved color additives in foods, dietary supplements and oral medicines, such as cough syrups. More than three decades ago, the FDA declined to authorize use of Red 3 in cosmetics and externally applied drugs because a study showed it caused cancer when eaten by rats.

“The FDA is taking action that will remove the authorization for the use of FD&amp;C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs," said Jim Jones, the FDA's deputy commissioner for human foods. “Evidence shows cancer in laboratory male rats exposed to high levels of FD&amp;C Red No.3. Importantly, the way that FD&amp;C Red No. 3 causes cancer in male rats does not occur in humans.”

Food manufacturers will have until January 2027 to remove the dye from their products, while makers of ingested drugs have until January 2028 to do the same. Other countries still allow for certain uses of the dye, but imported foods must meet the new U.S. requirement.

“This is a welcome, but long overdue, action from the FDA: removing the unsustainable double standard in which Red 3 was banned from lipstick but permitted in candy,” said Dr. Peter Lurie, director of the group Center for Science in the Public Interest, which led the petition effort.

It's not clear whether the ban will face legal challenges from food manufacturers because evidence hasn’t determined that the dye causes cancer when consumed by humans. At a hearing in December, FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf suggested that's a risk.

“When we do ban something, it will go to court,” he told members of Congress on Dec. 5. “And if we don't have the scientific evidence, we will lose in court.”

When the FDA declined to allow Red 3 in cosmetics and topical drugs in 1990, the color additive was already permitted in foods and ingested drugs. Because research showed then that the way the dye causes cancer in rats does not apply to humans, "the FDA did not take action to revoke the authorization of Red No. 3 in food,” the agency&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/fdc-red-no-3">has said on its website</a>.

Health advocates for years have asked the FDA to reconsider that decision, including the 2022 petition led by CSPI. In November, nearly two dozen members of Congress sent a letter demanding that FDA officials ban Red 3.

Lawmakers cited the Delaney Clause and said the action was especially important to protect children, who consume more of the dye on a bodyweight basis than adults, the lawmakers said.

“The FDA should act quickly to protect the nation's youth from this harmful dye, used simply to give food and drinks a bright red color,” the letter said. “No aesthetic reason could justify the use of a carcinogen in our food supply.”

Red 3 is banned for food use in Europe, Australia and New Zealand except in certain kinds of cherries. The dye will be banned in California starting in January 2027.

The International Association of Color Manufacturers defends the dye, saying that it is safe in levels typically consumed by humans. The group points to research by scientific committees operated by the United Nations and the World Health Organization, including a 2018 review that reaffirmed the safety of Red 3 in food.

Some food manufacturers have already reformulated products to remove Red 3. In its place they use beet juice; carmine, a dye made from insects; and pigments from foods such as purple sweet potato, radish and red cabbage, according to Sensient Food Colors, a St. Louis-based supplier of food colors and flavorings.

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

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JONEL%20ALECCIA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JONEL ALECCIA AP Health Writer</a>U.S. regulators on Wednesday banned the dye called Red 3 from the nation’s food supply, nearly 35 years after it was barred from cosmetics because of potential cancer risk.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, the FDA is issuing an order to revoke the authorization for the use of FD&amp;C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs in response to a 2022 color additive petition that requested the agency to review whether the Delaney Clause applied. <a href="https://t.co/Qd0NFOIUz8">https://t.co/Qd0NFOIUz8</a> <a href="https://t.co/Bpr6XNC8OR">pic.twitter.com/Bpr6XNC8OR</a>&mdash; U.S. FDA Human Foods Program (@FDAfood) <a href="https://twitter.com/FDAfood/status/1879532094730227991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Food and Drug Administration officials granted a 2022 petition filed by two dozen food safety and health advocates, who urged the agency to revoke authorization for the substance that gives some candies, snack cakes and maraschino cherries a bright red hue.The agency said it was taking the action as a “matter of law” because some studies have found that the dye caused cancer in lab rats. Officials cited a statute known as the Delaney Clause, which requires FDA to ban any additive found to cause cancer in people or animals.The dye is known as erythrosine, FD&amp;C Red No. 3 or Red 3. The ban removes it from the list of approved color additives in foods, dietary supplements and oral medicines, such as cough syrups. More than three decades ago, the FDA declined to authorize use of Red 3 in cosmetics and externally applied drugs because a study showed it caused cancer when eaten by rats.“The FDA is taking action that will remove the authorization for the use of FD&amp;C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs," said Jim Jones, the FDA's deputy commissioner for human foods. “Evidence shows cancer in laboratory male rats exposed to high levels of FD&amp;C Red No.3. Importantly, the way that FD&amp;C Red No. 3 causes cancer in male rats does not occur in humans.”Food manufacturers will have until January 2027 to remove the dye from their products, while makers of ingested drugs have until January 2028 to do the same. Other countries still allow for certain uses of the dye, but imported foods must meet the new U.S. requirement.Consumer advocates praised the decision.“This is a welcome, but long overdue, action from the FDA: removing the unsustainable double standard in which Red 3 was banned from lipstick but permitted in candy,” said Dr. Peter Lurie, director of the group Center for Science in the Public Interest, which led the petition effort.It's not clear whether the ban will face legal challenges from food manufacturers because evidence hasn’t determined that the dye causes cancer when consumed by humans. At a hearing in December, FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf suggested that's a risk.“When we do ban something, it will go to court,” he told members of Congress on Dec. 5. “And if we don't have the scientific evidence, we will lose in court.”When the FDA declined to allow Red 3 in cosmetics and topical drugs in 1990, the color additive was already permitted in foods and ingested drugs. Because research showed then that the way the dye causes cancer in rats does not apply to humans, "the FDA did not take action to revoke the authorization of Red No. 3 in food,” the agency&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/fdc-red-no-3">has said on its website</a>.Health advocates for years have asked the FDA to reconsider that decision, including the 2022 petition led by CSPI. In November, nearly two dozen members of Congress sent a letter demanding that FDA officials ban Red 3.Lawmakers cited the Delaney Clause and said the action was especially important to protect children, who consume more of the dye on a bodyweight basis than adults, the lawmakers said.“The FDA should act quickly to protect the nation's youth from this harmful dye, used simply to give food and drinks a bright red color,” the letter said. “No aesthetic reason could justify the use of a carcinogen in our food supply.”Red 3 is banned for food use in Europe, Australia and New Zealand except in certain kinds of cherries. The dye will be banned in California starting in January 2027.The International Association of Color Manufacturers defends the dye, saying that it is safe in levels typically consumed by humans. The group points to research by scientific committees operated by the United Nations and the World Health Organization, including a 2018 review that reaffirmed the safety of Red 3 in food.Some food manufacturers have already reformulated products to remove Red 3. In its place they use beet juice; carmine, a dye made from insects; and pigments from foods such as purple sweet potato, radish and red cabbage, according to Sensient Food Colors, a St. Louis-based supplier of food colors and flavorings.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

FDA bans red dye No. 3 from foods

Minority party endorses idea of raising state’s $7.25 minimum wage

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

TOPEKA — Kansas Democrats vowed on the second day of the legislative session Tuesday to concentrate on reforms that addressed the rising cost of housing, health care, groceries, child care and fuel.

The news conference at the Capitol attended by Democrats from the House and Senate followed Monday’s messaging effort by Republican leaders in both legislative chambers and preceded Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s State of the State speech Wednesday night. The Democratic legislators didn’t release a set of specific bills that could advance their cost-of-living agenda.

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes repeated a prominent GOP talking point during the 2024 election cycle that many Kansans were struggling to keep up financially as escalating prices made nearly every aspect of their lives more challenging.

“They don’t believe the economy is working for them,” said Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat. “While Kansans are working hard, often that hard work benefits shareholders and corporations — leaving workers and their families behind. That is wrong. Everything we do this session should be focused on making life more affordable.”

She said legislation put forward by GOP lawmakers should be scrutinized according to a fundamental question. The litmus test: Would it make life more affordable for Kansans?

Under that metric, Sykes said the renewed push by Republicans to divert state tax dollars from K-12 public schools to private schools would fail. She said the same answer would apply to rehashed legislative proposals to repeal voting rights, including use of ballot drop boxes and the three-day grace period for mail ballots to be counted after Election Day.

House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard, also a Lenexa Democrat, said the minority party would strive to raise the state’s minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. He didn’t, however, identify a target for elevating the compensation rate.

“Raising the minimum wage is the first step to addressing income inequality throughout the state,” Woodard said. “At a time when the entire country is feeling the impact of inflation, Kansas must appropriately compensate workers who need it most.”

In three nearby states, the minimum wage is about double the rate in Kansas. Examples: Colorado, $14.81 per hour; Missouri, $13.75; and Nebraska, $13.50. Oklahoma at $7.25 is the equal of Kansas.

Democratic legislators would also encourage passage of measures that expanded quality health care, including broadband access for use in telehealth programs. The state should invest in better access to mental health services, Woodard said.

Woodard said the Legislature should continue to grapple with a 30-year trend that shifted more of the property-tax burden onto residential owners. High property taxes disproportionately burden middle-class homeowners and the elderly on fixed incomes, he said.

He said restoration of a homestead property tax rebate program for renters — it was discontinued more than a decade ago — would be helpful to Kansans who didn’t own a residence.

In terms of property tax relief, Sykes said the Democratic caucus didn’t have a fixed position but wanted results of the upcoming debate to be financially sustainable and offer relief to all Kansans rather than certain economic classes.

Sykes asserted GOP legislative leadership was “misrepresenting what actually happened” on property taxes during closed-door discussions in the June special session. Sykes said the governor set a financial maximum on the total value of reductions that would be acceptable to her in terms of sales, income and property taxes.

“Republican leadership reduced the property tax portion in order to get income taxes,” Sykes said. “They chose to have a lesser amount on property tax in order … to change the income tax structure.”

Hawkins and Masterson, the respective GOP leaders of the House and Senate, maintained it was the governor who insisted property tax reform had to take a back seat to income tax cuts. In the end, the governor signed a $1.2 billion, three-year reform bill that was anchored to income tax reductions.

Kelly is on the record urging the 2025 Legislature to put off another major tax-cut effort until the full impact of last year’s reform was known.

Masterson said the Legislature would attempt to place on a statewide ballot a proposed change to the Kansas Constitution that would put a lid on the rate of increase in property tax collections. The state depends primarily on sales and income taxes for its budget, leaving the property tax to cities, counties and schools.

“What the state can do primarily is a constitutional amendment that would create caps and change the processes in which that’s affecting people. People see these rapid appraisal increases, which turns into rapid tax increases,” Masterson said.

Sykes, on the other hand, said it could be a mistake to undermine the capacity of local government to operate by depriving municipalities of property tax revenue.

“What we do in Topeka cannot cause more harm to our cities and counties,” she said. “We want the firefighter to come. We want the police to be able to. We want good roads. We have to partner with them and work collaboratively.”

Senate Bill 1, which passed by overwhelming bipartisan margins during the special session in June, included an increase in the amount of residential property exempted from the statewide property tax that helped fund K-12 public schools. The school-finance law was changed starting in the 2024 tax year so the exemption from the 20-mill levy for K-12 schools increased to $75,000, up from $42,000.

Hawkins said Republicans and Democrats in the House were frustrated because Kelly stiff-armed the opportunity to enact bigger property tax adjustments. He expected changes during the 2025 session to be approved with bipartisan majorities.

“Democrats … have said they will be voting for property tax relief,” Hawkins said during an interview on KCUR. “Will all of them? No. There’s some of them that will follow the governor. If the governor tells them, ‘No, don’t do it.’ But there are going to be some that are a little bit more independent-minded that realize it is a very important thing for the people of Kansas.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736949640692.png" alt="Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes and House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard, both of Lenexa, said during a news conference Tuesday at the Capitol that Democrats in the 2025 legislative session would concentrate on issues that reduced the burden of basic cost increases on Kansans. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes and House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard, both of Lenexa, said during a news conference Tuesday at the Capitol that Democrats in the 2025 legislative session would concentrate on issues that reduced the burden of basic cost increases on Kansans. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Minority party endorses idea of raising state’s $7.25 minimum wage</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas Democrats vowed on the second day of the legislative session Tuesday to concentrate on reforms that addressed the rising cost of housing, health care, groceries, child care and fuel.The news conference at the Capitol attended by Democrats from the House and Senate followed Monday’s messaging effort by Republican leaders in both legislative chambers and preceded Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s State of the State speech Wednesday night. The Democratic legislators didn’t release a set of specific bills that could advance their cost-of-living agenda.Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes repeated a prominent GOP talking point during the 2024 election cycle that many Kansans were struggling to keep up financially as escalating prices made nearly every aspect of their lives more challenging.“They don’t believe the economy is working for them,” said Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat. “While Kansans are working hard, often that hard work benefits shareholders and corporations — leaving workers and their families behind. That is wrong. Everything we do this session should be focused on making life more affordable.”She said legislation put forward by GOP lawmakers should be scrutinized according to a fundamental question. The litmus test: Would it make life more affordable for Kansans?Under that metric, Sykes said the renewed push by Republicans to divert state tax dollars from K-12 public schools to private schools would fail. She said the same answer would apply to rehashed legislative proposals to repeal voting rights, including use of ballot drop boxes and the three-day grace period for mail ballots to be counted after Election Day.House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard, also a Lenexa Democrat, said the minority party would strive to raise the state’s minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. He didn’t, however, identify a target for elevating the compensation rate.“Raising the minimum wage is the first step to addressing income inequality throughout the state,” Woodard said. “At a time when the entire country is feeling the impact of inflation, Kansas must appropriately compensate workers who need it most.”In three nearby states, the minimum wage is about double the rate in Kansas. Examples: Colorado, $14.81 per hour; Missouri, $13.75; and Nebraska, $13.50. Oklahoma at $7.25 is the equal of Kansas.Democratic legislators would also encourage passage of measures that expanded quality health care, including broadband access for use in telehealth programs. The state should invest in better access to mental health services, Woodard said.Woodard said the Legislature should continue to grapple with a 30-year trend that shifted more of the property-tax burden onto residential owners. High property taxes disproportionately burden middle-class homeowners and the elderly on fixed incomes, he said.He said restoration of a homestead property tax rebate program for renters — it was discontinued more than a decade ago — would be helpful to Kansans who didn’t own a residence.In terms of property tax relief, Sykes said the Democratic caucus didn’t have a fixed position but wanted results of the upcoming debate to be financially sustainable and offer relief to all Kansans rather than certain economic classes.Sykes asserted GOP legislative leadership was “misrepresenting what actually happened” on property taxes during closed-door discussions in the June special session. Sykes said the governor set a financial maximum on the total value of reductions that would be acceptable to her in terms of sales, income and property taxes.“Republican leadership reduced the property tax portion in order to get income taxes,” Sykes said. “They chose to have a lesser amount on property tax in order … to change the income tax structure.”Hawkins and Masterson, the respective GOP leaders of the House and Senate, maintained it was the governor who insisted property tax reform had to take a back seat to income tax cuts. In the end, the governor signed a $1.2 billion, three-year reform bill that was anchored to income tax reductions.Kelly is on the record urging the 2025 Legislature to put off another major tax-cut effort until the full impact of last year’s reform was known.Masterson said the Legislature would attempt to place on a statewide ballot a proposed change to the Kansas Constitution that would put a lid on the rate of increase in property tax collections. The state depends primarily on sales and income taxes for its budget, leaving the property tax to cities, counties and schools.“What the state can do primarily is a constitutional amendment that would create caps and change the processes in which that’s affecting people. People see these rapid appraisal increases, which turns into rapid tax increases,” Masterson said.Sykes, on the other hand, said it could be a mistake to undermine the capacity of local government to operate by depriving municipalities of property tax revenue.“What we do in Topeka cannot cause more harm to our cities and counties,” she said. “We want the firefighter to come. We want the police to be able to. We want good roads. We have to partner with them and work collaboratively.”Senate Bill 1, which passed by overwhelming bipartisan margins during the special session in June, included an increase in the amount of residential property exempted from the statewide property tax that helped fund K-12 public schools. The school-finance law was changed starting in the 2024 tax year so the exemption from the 20-mill levy for K-12 schools increased to $75,000, up from $42,000.Hawkins said Republicans and Democrats in the House were frustrated because Kelly stiff-armed the opportunity to enact bigger property tax adjustments. He expected changes during the 2025 session to be approved with bipartisan majorities.“Democrats … have said they will be voting for property tax relief,” Hawkins said during an interview on KCUR. “Will all of them? No. There’s some of them that will follow the governor. If the governor tells them, ‘No, don’t do it.’ But there are going to be some that are a little bit more independent-minded that realize it is a very important thing for the people of Kansas.”

Kansas House, Senate Democrats want to focus ’25 session on cost-of-living issues

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — One day after Michael Thomas Lewis was charged with felony stalking of Indiana Fever star and WNBA rookie of the year Caitlin Clark, the 55-year-old Texas man shouted “guilty as charged” as soon as he sat down in a courtroom Tuesday.

Lewis is accused of repeated and continued harassment of the 22-year-old Clark beginning on Dec. 16, the Marion County prosecutor’s office wrote in a court filing.

WISH-TV of Indianapolis reported that Lewis behaved “very erratically” in his first court appearance and, at times, appeared to be laughing and joking while noting he had not been taking his medication while jailed or while living out of his car.

Prosecutors said they were seeking a higher than standard bond because Lewis traveled from his home in Texas to Indianapolis “with the intent to be in close proximity to the victim.” Lewis was ordered held on a $50,000 bond, and if the bond is posted, he will be required to wear an ankle monitor and remain in Indiana.

The court also filed a not guilty plea on Lewis' behalf, and Judge Angela Davis suggested Lewis “remain silent” in jail and only speak with his attorney.

Lewis received a no-contact order and the stay-away order sought by prosecutors that bars him from being within 500 feet of either of the two arenas where the Fever play their home games.

His pretrial hearing will be held remotely on March 31.

In one post on X, Lewis said he had been repeatedly been driving by Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana Pacers' home arena where the Fever also play. In another, he said he had “one foot on a banana peel and the other on a stalking charge.” Other messages directed at Clark were sexually explicit.

The social media posts “actually caused Caitlin Clark to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened” and an implicit or explicit threat also was made “with the intent to place Caitlin Clark in reasonable fear of sexual battery,” prosecutors wrote in the Marion County Superior Court filing.

The FBI learned the X account belonged to Lewis and that the messages were sent from IP addresses associated with an Indianapolis hotel and downtown public library.

Indianapolis police spoke with Lewis on Jan. 8 at his hotel room. He told officers he was in Indianapolis on vacation. When asked why he was making so many posts about Clark, Lewis replied: “Just the same reason everybody makes posts,” according to court documents.

He told police that he didn’t mean any harm and that he fantasized about being in a relationship with Clark.

The Associated Press named Clark its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-female-athlete-of-year-clark-7e5aa066120ee2b1f85b6ab1098b7a8d">Female Athlete of the Year</a>&nbsp;for 2024. After leading Iowa to last year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-iowa-south-carolina-ratings-fe3c29aabbea557d83a911afb4ebf637">national championship game</a>, she was the top pick in the WNBA draft and went on to win&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caitlin-clark-rookie-year-wnba-ecfc3070241f5c659402e0843c433808">rookie of the year</a>&nbsp;honors in the league.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728043885875.png" alt="Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)" />
 <figcaption>Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)</figcaption>
 </figure>INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — One day after Michael Thomas Lewis was charged with felony stalking of Indiana Fever star and WNBA rookie of the year Caitlin Clark, the 55-year-old Texas man shouted “guilty as charged” as soon as he sat down in a courtroom Tuesday.Lewis is accused of repeated and continued harassment of the 22-year-old Clark beginning on Dec. 16, the Marion County prosecutor’s office wrote in a court filing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736813656061.png" alt="Lewis photo Marion County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Lewis photo Marion County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>WISH-TV of Indianapolis reported that Lewis behaved “very erratically” in his first court appearance and, at times, appeared to be laughing and joking while noting he had not been taking his medication while jailed or while living out of his car.Prosecutors said they were seeking a higher than standard bond because Lewis traveled from his home in Texas to Indianapolis “with the intent to be in close proximity to the victim.” Lewis was ordered held on a $50,000 bond, and if the bond is posted, he will be required to wear an ankle monitor and remain in Indiana.The court also filed a not guilty plea on Lewis' behalf, and Judge Angela Davis suggested Lewis “remain silent” in jail and only speak with his attorney.Lewis received a no-contact order and the stay-away order sought by prosecutors that bars him from being within 500 feet of either of the two arenas where the Fever play their home games.His pretrial hearing will be held remotely on March 31.In one post on X, Lewis said he had been repeatedly been driving by Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana Pacers' home arena where the Fever also play. In another, he said he had “one foot on a banana peel and the other on a stalking charge.” Other messages directed at Clark were sexually explicit.The social media posts “actually caused Caitlin Clark to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened” and an implicit or explicit threat also was made “with the intent to place Caitlin Clark in reasonable fear of sexual battery,” prosecutors wrote in the Marion County Superior Court filing.The FBI learned the X account belonged to Lewis and that the messages were sent from IP addresses associated with an Indianapolis hotel and downtown public library.Indianapolis police spoke with Lewis on Jan. 8 at his hotel room. He told officers he was in Indianapolis on vacation. When asked why he was making so many posts about Clark, Lewis replied: “Just the same reason everybody makes posts,” according to court documents.He told police that he didn’t mean any harm and that he fantasized about being in a relationship with Clark.The Associated Press named Clark its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-female-athlete-of-year-clark-7e5aa066120ee2b1f85b6ab1098b7a8d">Female Athlete of the Year</a>&nbsp;for 2024. After leading Iowa to last year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-iowa-south-carolina-ratings-fe3c29aabbea557d83a911afb4ebf637">national championship game</a>, she was the top pick in the WNBA draft and went on to win&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caitlin-clark-rookie-year-wnba-ecfc3070241f5c659402e0843c433808">rookie of the year</a>&nbsp;honors in the league.

Wild court appearance for man accused of stalking Caitlin Clark

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating three separate homicides in Kansas City that occurred Tuesday.

The deceased is identified as Alex Benson, BM, 05/17/2002.

Just before 12:15a.m. Tuesday, officers were patrolling in the area of E 30th Street and Indiana Avenue when they observed a vehicle stopped in the roadway and facing oncoming traffic, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Officers stopped to check the vehicle and any occupants that may be inside. As they approached the vehicle, an adult male victim could be seen inside suffering from apparent gunshot trauma and unresponsive.

EMS responded to the scene and declared the victim deceased.&nbsp;

Just after 2:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting at an apartment complex in the area of 6300 Manchester Avenue in Kansas City, according to Officer Gonzalez.

When officers arrived on scene, they made contact with the calling party who advised someone was shot inside. Officers entered the residence and located a man suffering from apparent, gunshot trauma and unresponsive. EMS personnel responded to the scene and declared the victim deceased.

Police had no preliminary information at this time that would indicate what lead up to the shooting and have not reported an arrest or suspect information.&nbsp; The name of the victim has not been released.

Just after 4:30p.m. police were dispatched to the 3900 block of N Lister Avenue on a reported shooting disturbance. Upon arrival, officers located an a victim lying outside of a nearby residence suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS transported the victim to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased, according to Officer Gonzalez.

Officers located another adult male victim inside of the home suffering from gunshot trauma who was transported to the hospital with critical injuries. Preliminary investigation indicates the shooting may have started over an argument. We are working to determine the relationship between both shooting victims and identify a person of interest. Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to begin collecting evidence and gathering witness statements

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736904780718.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation near 6300 Manchester Avenue on Tuesday afternoon- Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation near 6300 Manchester Avenue on Tuesday afternoon- Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating three separate homicides in Kansas City that occurred Tuesday.The deceased is identified as Alex Benson, BM, 05/17/2002.Just before 12:15a.m. Tuesday, officers were patrolling in the area of E 30th Street and Indiana Avenue when they observed a vehicle stopped in the roadway and facing oncoming traffic, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Officers stopped to check the vehicle and any occupants that may be inside. As they approached the vehicle, an adult male victim could be seen inside suffering from apparent gunshot trauma and unresponsive.EMS responded to the scene and declared the victim deceased.&nbsp;Just after 2:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting at an apartment complex in the area of 6300 Manchester Avenue in Kansas City, according to Officer Gonzalez.When officers arrived on scene, they made contact with the calling party who advised someone was shot inside. Officers entered the residence and located a man suffering from apparent, gunshot trauma and unresponsive. EMS personnel responded to the scene and declared the victim deceased.Police had no preliminary information at this time that would indicate what lead up to the shooting and have not reported an arrest or suspect information.&nbsp; The name of the victim has not been released.Just after 4:30p.m. police were dispatched to the 3900 block of N Lister Avenue on a reported shooting disturbance. Upon arrival, officers located an a victim lying outside of a nearby residence suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS transported the victim to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased, according to Officer Gonzalez.Officers located another adult male victim inside of the home suffering from gunshot trauma who was transported to the hospital with critical injuries. Preliminary investigation indicates the shooting may have started over an argument. We are working to determine the relationship between both shooting victims and identify a person of interest. Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to begin collecting evidence and gathering witness statements

Police: 3 homicides in Kansas City on Tuesday

TOPEKA –Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach on Tuesday announced his office has filed a lawsuit against SARJ LLC, the operator of 13 adult websites.

<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showdocument?id=22872&amp;t=638724608498177132">Click here to read the</a> petition

The Kansas Attorney General's Office filed the suit in Shawnee County District Court. Since July 1, 2024, Kansas law has required that adult websites verify the age of its users. 

SARJ LLC's websites distribute erotic films, photography, and live streaming platforms without verifying the age of users. The lawsuit marks the first such suit under the 2024 law.

"Protecting our children against the harmful effects of pornography is a high priority for all Kansans. This law is making a difference. When the Kansas Legislature passes a law, I will enforce it faithfully to the letter of the law. That is what the people of Kansas elected me to do," Kobach said.Under Kansas law, SARJ LLC's practices are subject to civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation per day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736891986982.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach on Tuesday announced his office has filed a lawsuit against SARJ LLC, the operator of 13 adult websites.<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showdocument?id=22872&amp;t=638724608498177132">Click here to read the</a> petitionThe Kansas Attorney General's Office filed the suit in Shawnee County District Court. Since July 1, 2024, Kansas law has required that adult websites verify the age of its users. SARJ LLC's websites distribute erotic films, photography, and live streaming platforms without verifying the age of users. The lawsuit marks the first such suit under the 2024 law."Protecting our children against the harmful effects of pornography is a high priority for all Kansans. This law is making a difference. When the Kansas Legislature passes a law, I will enforce it faithfully to the letter of the law. That is what the people of Kansas elected me to do," Kobach said.Under Kansas law, SARJ LLC's practices are subject to civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation per day.

Read the petition: Kan. AG sues adult website for lack of age verification

&nbsp;PALM BEACH —The Presidential inauguration is January 20.&nbsp; On Tuesday night, the Chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Company, James Quincey presented President-elect Trump the first ever Presidential Commemorative Inaugural Diet Coke bottle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736905668769.png" alt="Photo courtesy Margo Martin Deputy Director of Communications, Donald J. Trump for President&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Margo Martin Deputy Director of Communications, Donald J. Trump for President&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;PALM BEACH —The Presidential inauguration is January 20.&nbsp; On Tuesday night, the Chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Company, James Quincey presented President-elect Trump the first ever Presidential Commemorative Inaugural Diet Coke bottle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736905639822.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trump is a long-time Diet Coke fanatic.

Coca-Cola gives Trump commemorative inaugural Diet Coke bottle

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fires burning homes and businesses in Los Angeles for a week have killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wildfires-southern-california-2dc4d256d8681f7d035f64730982aef0">at least 25 people</a>, displaced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/la-wildfire-flee-evacuation-wind-palisades-f302b4cd347f9a4f4fe707fa0a717aca">thousands of others</a>&nbsp;and destroyed more than 12,000 buildings in what might be the most expensive set of conflagrations in the nation's history.

The blazes started Jan. 7, fueled by fierce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wind-wildfires-climate-change-weather-42b55ae1e66b56a6375300e448f01946">Santa Ana winds</a>&nbsp;that have posed problems for the large forces of firefighters deployed across several areas of the sprawling city. Cal Fire reported that the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth and Hurst fires have consumed about 63 square miles (163 square kilometers). Cal Fire reported containment of the Palisades Fire at 17% and the Eaton Fire at 35% on Tuesday.

The Palisades Fire, along the coast, has been blamed for eight deaths, while the Eaton Fire farther inland has been blamed for 17 others, the LA County medical examiner's office said. Nearly 30 people were missing.

Investigators are still trying to determine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-fires-possible-causes-6112488f835e45f53c67d4d03d7a1e4f">what sparked the fires</a>. They could be the nation's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-natural-disasters-losses-insurance-recovery-d2f24e44d75503118643151eaee947fb">costliest ever</a>. Government agencies haven't provided preliminary damage estimates yet, but AccuWeather, a company that provides data on weather and its impact, puts the damage and economic losses at $250 billion to $275 billion.

Here's a closer look at what to know about the fires.

Strong winds kick up in the fire-plagued city

Dry winds gusted Tuesday up to 50 mph (80 kph) in the mountains around LA, said meteorologist Todd Hall of the National Weather Service. That could increase, with the potential for more powerful gusts across the mountains into coastal and valley areas.

A red-flag warning already has been in effect, but the weather service has issued a rare warning about a “particularly dangerous situation” related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-fires-things-to-know-winds-f93d41dc901e352b63e86ab67ef7790e">severe fire conditions.</a>&nbsp;Strong winds are predicted through Wednesday, forecasters said.

The Santa Ana winds have turned seasonal wildfires into infernos that have leveled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-pacific-palisades-wildfires-los-angeles-4b67b7f29d0d6eb7321a52ef60c17d60">neighborhoods</a>&nbsp;in and around Los Angeles where there has been no significant rainfall in over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fire-devastation-climate-change-santa-ana-winds-a46e2bb6785b1e325f6076fb22c8fcc5">eight months</a>.

Southern California’s winds typically flow onshore from the Pacific, carrying moist air onto land. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wind-wildfires-climate-change-weather-42b55ae1e66b56a6375300e448f01946">Santa Ana winds</a>&nbsp;are warm currents that move in the opposite direction. They usually occur from September through May.

FEMA delivers cash assistance to affected households

About 40,000 people have applied for assistance from Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has already disbursed more than $8 million for immediate needs like water, food, baby formula and gas. The initial money goes directly into bank accounts, regional FEMA administrator Robert J. Fenton, Jr. said Tuesday, denying misinformation about vouchers.

President Joe Biden did say that the federal government would pay 100% of the firefighting and recovery costs in the first 180 days. But that doesn’t mean FEMA will cover 100% of individual families’ costs — the maximum amount FEMA can provide is $43,600, Fenton said.

Representatives from FEMA, the Small Business Administration, the state and several charities gathered to explain the process at a disaster recovery center at UCLA Research Park West and Pasadena City College Community Education Center.

FEMA offers up to $770 to help cover the evacuees' immediate needs, but its larger grants generally aren’t available until after insurance companies pay out. Someone who receives a maximum grant from FEMA might be eligible for another $10,000 grant from the state.

For other needs beyond what insurance and FEMA covers, the Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans: Businesses can borrow up to $2 million, while homeowners can borrow up to $500,000 for rebuilding and another $100,000 for personal property.

<a href="https://recovery.lacounty.gov/">LA County Recovers</a>, a government-run program, posted interactive maps on its website that show the damage.

The maps for the&nbsp;<a href="https://recovery.lacounty.gov/eaton-fire/">Eaton</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://recovery.lacounty.gov/palisades-fire/">Palisades</a>&nbsp;fires allow users to click on an icon and get a description of the type of structure, such as a home or commercial building, and the type of damage, such as “major” or “destroyed.”

Addresses may be entered into a search bar to find a specific location. Users can also see photos of the damaged buildings.

Nine people have been charged with looting, including a group that stole an Emmy award from a house that had been evacuated, said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.

Another pair took more than $200,000 worth of items in a neighborhood filled with mansions, he said.

Price gouging has become an issue with hotels, short-term rentals and medical supplies. Scammers are also soliciting donations for bogus relief efforts, authorities said.

And three people were arrested outside the fire zones since Sunday for starting small fires, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said. The fires were spotted by alert citizens and quickly extinguished. One person was using a barbecue lighter to start fires. Another lit a trash can on fire. The third was caught lighting brush on fire. All were arrested on suspicion of arson, McDonnell said.

Sewer, water and power infrastructure across the region has been significantly damaged, and&nbsp;<a href="https://lacounty.gov/emergency/">several utilities</a>&nbsp;have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-los-angeles-wildfires-drinking-water-contamination-121cc5d8ff22e577342e7fa79de791ae">declared their drinking water unsafe</a>&nbsp;until extensive testing can prove otherwise.

Toxic chemicals from the fires can get into damaged drinking water systems. Experts say filtering or boiling won’t help.

Los Angeles County has more than 200 water service providers, but so far only&nbsp;<a href="https://lacounty.gov/emergency/">a handful</a>&nbsp;believe that damage or loss of pressure may have resulted in chemical contamination and have issued “Do Not Drink” notices.

Utilities are focused on ensuring there’s enough water for fighting fires, though some are beginning to test for contaminants. It can take weeks to months of testing before water can be declared safe for drinking.

Thousands remain evacuated or without power

About 88,000 people from highly populated neighborhoods including Pacific Palisades, Altadena and others remained under evacuation orders Tuesday. Another 84,800 might be ordered to evacuate. An overnight curfew remains in effect for evacuated areas, and violators have been arrested, authorities said.

<a href="https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Facility-Evacuations.aspx">Around 850</a>&nbsp;patients and residents of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-escape-evacuate-senior-citizens-7068811f9be7a03c4932817320d97b73">nursing homes</a>, assisted living facilities and group homes were evacuated after the blazes last week, according to the California Department of Public Health.

More than 80,000 customers, more than half in Los Angeles County, were without power across California on Tuesday, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://poweroutage.us/">PowerOutage.us</a>, which tracks outages nationwide.

Thousands have fled and many have lost their homes, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-los-angeles-celebrities-1337e6e1f6d631aa931684ad185310cd">Hollywood stars</a>&nbsp;Billy Crystal and Mandy Moore, and Los Angeles&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-lakers-redick-faef4a6bb8f137017ca716ebb7c511d6">Lakers head coach JJ Redick</a>.

The fires scorched more than landmarks and celebrity homes

Although the fires have reduced a number of celebrity mansions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/landmarks-destroyed-california-wildfires-135b5d227f3ea1b5b9f877b48e3bbdb9">movie landmarks</a>&nbsp;to ashes, they also burned through more affordable communities such as Altadena, which has served&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfire-pacific-palisades-pasadena-altadena-inequality-63ea76d186740359f7f5dd188896354f">generations of Black families</a>&nbsp;who might have faced discriminatory housing practices elsewhere.

The fires have also destroyed several&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-destroyed-churches-synagogue-mosque-eba09c35bd7c851c57574171aa4ed34d">places of worship</a>, including a mosque, a synagogue, a Catholic parish and a half-dozen Protestant churches.

Investigators are looking into what caused the fires

Investigators haven't determined the cause. But a person whose home was destroyed in the Eaton blaze claims in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-eaton-cause-utility-fireworks-eb0f4f71e437f1ba692f929e9633c856">a lawsuit filed Monday</a>&nbsp;that Southern California Edison’s equipment sparked it. Gabriela Ornelas, an Edison spokesperson, said the utility is aware that a lawsuit has been filed, but has not yet reviewed it.

Lightning is the most common source of fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association, but investigators quickly ruled that out. There were no reports of lightning in the Palisades area or the terrain around the Eaton Fire, which started in eastern Los Angeles County.

The next two most common causes are fires that are intentionally set or caused by electricity lines.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736908788007.png" alt="Image Red Cross Los Angeles" />
 <figcaption>Image Red Cross Los Angeles</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fires burning homes and businesses in Los Angeles for a week have killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wildfires-southern-california-2dc4d256d8681f7d035f64730982aef0">at least 25 people</a>, displaced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/la-wildfire-flee-evacuation-wind-palisades-f302b4cd347f9a4f4fe707fa0a717aca">thousands of others</a>&nbsp;and destroyed more than 12,000 buildings in what might be the most expensive set of conflagrations in the nation's history.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Wildfire-impacted residents can pick up their mail at relocated post offices or have mail forwarded to a temporary location. Learn more: <a href="https://t.co/EIu0j3dkyZ">https://t.co/EIu0j3dkyZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/zPRzYuTPaY">pic.twitter.com/zPRzYuTPaY</a>&mdash; Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) <a href="https://twitter.com/CountyofLA/status/1879353054094618902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The blazes started Jan. 7, fueled by fierce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wind-wildfires-climate-change-weather-42b55ae1e66b56a6375300e448f01946">Santa Ana winds</a>&nbsp;that have posed problems for the large forces of firefighters deployed across several areas of the sprawling city. Cal Fire reported that the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth and Hurst fires have consumed about 63 square miles (163 square kilometers). Cal Fire reported containment of the Palisades Fire at 17% and the Eaton Fire at 35% on Tuesday.The Palisades Fire, along the coast, has been blamed for eight deaths, while the Eaton Fire farther inland has been blamed for 17 others, the LA County medical examiner's office said. Nearly 30 people were missing.Investigators are still trying to determine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-fires-possible-causes-6112488f835e45f53c67d4d03d7a1e4f">what sparked the fires</a>. They could be the nation's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-natural-disasters-losses-insurance-recovery-d2f24e44d75503118643151eaee947fb">costliest ever</a>. Government agencies haven't provided preliminary damage estimates yet, but AccuWeather, a company that provides data on weather and its impact, puts the damage and economic losses at $250 billion to $275 billion.Here's a closer look at what to know about the fires.<h2>Strong winds kick up in the fire-plagued city</h2>Dry winds gusted Tuesday up to 50 mph (80 kph) in the mountains around LA, said meteorologist Todd Hall of the National Weather Service. That could increase, with the potential for more powerful gusts across the mountains into coastal and valley areas.A red-flag warning already has been in effect, but the weather service has issued a rare warning about a “particularly dangerous situation” related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-fires-things-to-know-winds-f93d41dc901e352b63e86ab67ef7790e">severe fire conditions.</a>&nbsp;Strong winds are predicted through Wednesday, forecasters said.The Santa Ana winds have turned seasonal wildfires into infernos that have leveled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-pacific-palisades-wildfires-los-angeles-4b67b7f29d0d6eb7321a52ef60c17d60">neighborhoods</a>&nbsp;in and around Los Angeles where there has been no significant rainfall in over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fire-devastation-climate-change-santa-ana-winds-a46e2bb6785b1e325f6076fb22c8fcc5">eight months</a>.Southern California’s winds typically flow onshore from the Pacific, carrying moist air onto land. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wind-wildfires-climate-change-weather-42b55ae1e66b56a6375300e448f01946">Santa Ana winds</a>&nbsp;are warm currents that move in the opposite direction. They usually occur from September through May.<h2>FEMA delivers cash assistance to affected households</h2>About 40,000 people have applied for assistance from Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has already disbursed more than $8 million for immediate needs like water, food, baby formula and gas. The initial money goes directly into bank accounts, regional FEMA administrator Robert J. Fenton, Jr. said Tuesday, denying misinformation about vouchers.President Joe Biden did say that the federal government would pay 100% of the firefighting and recovery costs in the first 180 days. But that doesn’t mean FEMA will cover 100% of individual families’ costs — the maximum amount FEMA can provide is $43,600, Fenton said.Representatives from FEMA, the Small Business Administration, the state and several charities gathered to explain the process at a disaster recovery center at UCLA Research Park West and Pasadena City College Community Education Center.FEMA offers up to $770 to help cover the evacuees' immediate needs, but its larger grants generally aren’t available until after insurance companies pay out. Someone who receives a maximum grant from FEMA might be eligible for another $10,000 grant from the state.For other needs beyond what insurance and FEMA covers, the Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans: Businesses can borrow up to $2 million, while homeowners can borrow up to $500,000 for rebuilding and another $100,000 for personal property.<h2>Interactive maps show damaged homes</h2><a href="https://recovery.lacounty.gov/">LA County Recovers</a>, a government-run program, posted interactive maps on its website that show the damage.The maps for the&nbsp;<a href="https://recovery.lacounty.gov/eaton-fire/">Eaton</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://recovery.lacounty.gov/palisades-fire/">Palisades</a>&nbsp;fires allow users to click on an icon and get a description of the type of structure, such as a home or commercial building, and the type of damage, such as “major” or “destroyed.”Addresses may be entered into a search bar to find a specific location. Users can also see photos of the damaged buildings.<h2>Looting, price gouging and arson</h2>Nine people have been charged with looting, including a group that stole an Emmy award from a house that had been evacuated, said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.Another pair took more than $200,000 worth of items in a neighborhood filled with mansions, he said.Price gouging has become an issue with hotels, short-term rentals and medical supplies. Scammers are also soliciting donations for bogus relief efforts, authorities said.And three people were arrested outside the fire zones since Sunday for starting small fires, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said. The fires were spotted by alert citizens and quickly extinguished. One person was using a barbecue lighter to start fires. Another lit a trash can on fire. The third was caught lighting brush on fire. All were arrested on suspicion of arson, McDonnell said.<h2>Water safety worries utilities</h2>Sewer, water and power infrastructure across the region has been significantly damaged, and&nbsp;<a href="https://lacounty.gov/emergency/">several utilities</a>&nbsp;have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-los-angeles-wildfires-drinking-water-contamination-121cc5d8ff22e577342e7fa79de791ae">declared their drinking water unsafe</a>&nbsp;until extensive testing can prove otherwise.Toxic chemicals from the fires can get into damaged drinking water systems. Experts say filtering or boiling won’t help.Los Angeles County has more than 200 water service providers, but so far only&nbsp;<a href="https://lacounty.gov/emergency/">a handful</a>&nbsp;believe that damage or loss of pressure may have resulted in chemical contamination and have issued “Do Not Drink” notices.Utilities are focused on ensuring there’s enough water for fighting fires, though some are beginning to test for contaminants. It can take weeks to months of testing before water can be declared safe for drinking.<h2>Thousands remain evacuated or without power</h2>About 88,000 people from highly populated neighborhoods including Pacific Palisades, Altadena and others remained under evacuation orders Tuesday. Another 84,800 might be ordered to evacuate. An overnight curfew remains in effect for evacuated areas, and violators have been arrested, authorities said.<a href="https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Facility-Evacuations.aspx">Around 850</a>&nbsp;patients and residents of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-escape-evacuate-senior-citizens-7068811f9be7a03c4932817320d97b73">nursing homes</a>, assisted living facilities and group homes were evacuated after the blazes last week, according to the California Department of Public Health.More than 80,000 customers, more than half in Los Angeles County, were without power across California on Tuesday, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://poweroutage.us/">PowerOutage.us</a>, which tracks outages nationwide.Thousands have fled and many have lost their homes, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-los-angeles-celebrities-1337e6e1f6d631aa931684ad185310cd">Hollywood stars</a>&nbsp;Billy Crystal and Mandy Moore, and Los Angeles&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-lakers-redick-faef4a6bb8f137017ca716ebb7c511d6">Lakers head coach JJ Redick</a>.<h2>The fires scorched more than landmarks and celebrity homes</h2>Although the fires have reduced a number of celebrity mansions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/landmarks-destroyed-california-wildfires-135b5d227f3ea1b5b9f877b48e3bbdb9">movie landmarks</a>&nbsp;to ashes, they also burned through more affordable communities such as Altadena, which has served&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfire-pacific-palisades-pasadena-altadena-inequality-63ea76d186740359f7f5dd188896354f">generations of Black families</a>&nbsp;who might have faced discriminatory housing practices elsewhere.The fires have also destroyed several&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-destroyed-churches-synagogue-mosque-eba09c35bd7c851c57574171aa4ed34d">places of worship</a>, including a mosque, a synagogue, a Catholic parish and a half-dozen Protestant churches.<h2>Investigators are looking into what caused the fires</h2>Investigators haven't determined the cause. But a person whose home was destroyed in the Eaton blaze claims in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-eaton-cause-utility-fireworks-eb0f4f71e437f1ba692f929e9633c856">a lawsuit filed Monday</a>&nbsp;that Southern California Edison’s equipment sparked it. Gabriela Ornelas, an Edison spokesperson, said the utility is aware that a lawsuit has been filed, but has not yet reviewed it.Lightning is the most common source of fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association, but investigators quickly ruled that out. There were no reports of lightning in the Palisades area or the terrain around the Eaton Fire, which started in eastern Los Angeles County.The next two most common causes are fires that are intentionally set or caused by electricity lines.

Los Angeles fires: Death toll climbs; dozens still missing

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man and woman have been charged with felonies in connection with missing Abbi Schaeffer, who was found dead in South Kansas City in 2023, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

Jacob Block&nbsp;faces one count of Accessory Abandonment of a Corpse and one count of Accessory Tampering with Physical Evidence. Eunice Carlo-Martinez&nbsp;faces the same charges.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2473/Block-Jacob---PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, on May 23, 2022, Ring camera footage showed Schaeffer, entering the defendant's grey BMW from her residence in Clay County, and the vehicle leaving the area. Additional camera footage shows the defendant and&nbsp;Schaeffer, entering a residence in Jackson County, but Schaeffer is never seen exiting.

Over the next few days, the defendant and&nbsp;codefendant are captured on video surveillance exiting and entering the residence several times. Camera footage shows the codefendant moving mop buckets and deactivating and then reactivating one of the cameras.

Two days after&nbsp;Schaeffer is last seen entering the residence, camera footage shows the defendant and the codefendant loading a U-Haul with a large black box-like object and then leaving the residence.

On April 1, 2023, skeletal remains were found in a broken box in a ditch off a roadway. The box looked like the same size and color the defendant was seen loading into the U-Haul truck.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2474/Carlo-Martinez-Eunice---PC-Statement_Redacted">Detectives conducted a search</a>&nbsp;of the defendant and codefendant's cell phones and found photos and videos in the residence of the wooden box, which appeared to be the same one found at the crime scene. A lab report later determined the box in the photos and videos and the one at the crime scene were the same.

Detectives also conducted searches of the defendant and codefendant's Facebook accounts, which revealed messages indicating they gave Schaeffer, Fentanyl, and she suffered an overdose.

According to the Medical Examiner's Office, due to the level of decomposition,&nbsp;Schaeffer's cause of death could not be determined. However,&nbsp;Schaeffer brain tissue did contain fentanyl metabolites.&nbsp;

Prosecutors requested a $150,000 cash-only bond for both Block and Carlo-Martinez.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736614535780.png" alt="Abbi Schaeffer photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Abbi Schaeffer photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man and woman have been charged with felonies in connection with missing Abbi Schaeffer, who was found dead in South Kansas City in 2023, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.Jacob Block&nbsp;faces one count of Accessory Abandonment of a Corpse and one count of Accessory Tampering with Physical Evidence. Eunice Carlo-Martinez&nbsp;faces the same charges.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2473/Block-Jacob---PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, on May 23, 2022, Ring camera footage showed Schaeffer, entering the defendant's grey BMW from her residence in Clay County, and the vehicle leaving the area. Additional camera footage shows the defendant and&nbsp;Schaeffer, entering a residence in Jackson County, but Schaeffer is never seen exiting.Over the next few days, the defendant and&nbsp;codefendant are captured on video surveillance exiting and entering the residence several times. Camera footage shows the codefendant moving mop buckets and deactivating and then reactivating one of the cameras.Two days after&nbsp;Schaeffer is last seen entering the residence, camera footage shows the defendant and the codefendant loading a U-Haul with a large black box-like object and then leaving the residence.On April 1, 2023, skeletal remains were found in a broken box in a ditch off a roadway. The box looked like the same size and color the defendant was seen loading into the U-Haul truck.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2474/Carlo-Martinez-Eunice---PC-Statement_Redacted">Detectives conducted a search</a>&nbsp;of the defendant and codefendant's cell phones and found photos and videos in the residence of the wooden box, which appeared to be the same one found at the crime scene. A lab report later determined the box in the photos and videos and the one at the crime scene were the same.Detectives also conducted searches of the defendant and codefendant's Facebook accounts, which revealed messages indicating they gave Schaeffer, Fentanyl, and she suffered an overdose.According to the Medical Examiner's Office, due to the level of decomposition,&nbsp;Schaeffer's cause of death could not be determined. However,&nbsp;Schaeffer brain tissue did contain fentanyl metabolites.&nbsp;Prosecutors requested a $150,000 cash-only bond for both Block and Carlo-Martinez.

Two charged in connection with missing KC woman found dead

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.

Just before 4 a.m. January 12., a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on an  Acura passenger vehicle on 150th Road, just west of U.S. 75 Highway in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse

.  Nichole Hoyal Allen, 40, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license suspended, improper driving on laned roadway and a defective tag lamp.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736890783002.png" alt="Allen-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Allen-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.Just before 4 a.m. January 12., a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on an Acura passenger vehicle on 150th Road, just west of U.S. 75 Highway in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. Nichole Hoyal Allen, 40, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license suspended, improper driving on laned roadway and a defective tag lamp.

Kan. woman with suspended license was transporting meth

WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith said his team “stood up for the rule of law” as it investigated President-elect Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election</a>, writing in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25486139-report-of-special-counsel-smith-volume-1-january-2025/">a much-anticipated report</a>&nbsp;released Tuesday that he stands fully behind his decision to bring criminal charges that he believes would have resulted in a conviction had voters not returned Trump to the White House.

<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25486132/report-of-special-counsel-smith-volume-1-january-2025.pdf">Click here to read</a> the report

"The throughline of all of Mr. Trump’s criminal efforts was deceit — knowingly false claims of election fraud — and the evidence shows that Mr. Trump used these lies as a weapon to defeat a federal government function foundational to the United States’ democratic process,” the report states.

The report, arriving just days before Trump is to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-inauguration-security-a3df8ed878f2c0587f7038d68a0447f6">return to office on Jan. 20</a>, focuses fresh attention on the Republican's frantic but failed effort to cling to power in 2020 after he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. With the prosecution foreclosed thanks to Trump’s 2024 election victory, the document is expected to be the final Justice Department chronicle of a dark chapter in American history that threatened to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power, a bedrock of democracy for centuries, and complements already released indictments and reports.

Trump responded early Tuesday with a post on his Truth Social platform, claiming he was “totally innocent” and calling Smith “a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election.” He added, “THE VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN!!!”

Trump had been indicted in August 2023 on charges of working to overturn the election, but the case was delayed by appeals and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/elections/2024/supreme-court-rules-ex-presidents-have-broad-immunity-dimming-chance-of-a-pre-election-trump-trial/">ultimately significantly narrowed by a conservative-majority Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;that held for the first time that former presidents enjoy sweeping immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts. That decision, Smith's report states, left open unresolved legal issues that would likely have required another trip to the Supreme Court in order for the case to have moved forward.

Though Smith sought to salvage the indictment, the team dismissed it in November because of longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face federal prosecution.

“The Department’s view that the Constitution prohibits the continued indictment and prosecution of a President is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Office stands fully behind,” the report states. “Indeed, but for Mr. Trump’s election and imminent return to the Presidency, the Office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial.”

The Justice Department transmitted the report to Congress early Tuesday after a judge refused a defense effort to block its release. A separate volume of the report focused on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-indictment-classified-documents-miami-8315a5b23c18f27083ed64eef21efff3">Trump's hoarding of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago</a>, actions that formed the basis of a separate indictment against Trump, will remain under wraps for now.

The report is unsparing in its details about schemes undertaken by Trump to undo the presidential contest, accusing him of an “unprecedented criminal effort to overturn the legitimate results of the election in order to retain power.”

It recounts his role in trying to force the Justice Department to use its law enforcement authorities to advance his personal interests, participating in a scheme to enlist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-joe-biden-presidential-elections-election-2020-electoral-college-311f88768b65f7196f52a4757dc162e4">fake electors</a>&nbsp;in battleground states won by Biden and having directed “an angry mob to the United States Capitol to obstruct the congressional certification of the presidential election and then leverage rioters’ violence to further delay it.”

And it documents his fallout with his vice president, Mike Pence, over Trump's demands that he refuse to certify the electoral count before Congress on Jan. 6, 2021. It says that just before he left the White House to deliver a speech at the Ellipse that day, he called Pence one last time and that when the vice president told him that he planned to issue a public statement that he lacked the authority to do as Trump had requested, "Mr. Trump expressed anger at him. He then directed staffers to re-insert into his planned Ellipse speech some language that he had drafted earlier targeting Mr. Pence.”

Though most of the details of Trump's efforts to undo the election are already well established, the document includes for the first time a detailed assessment from Smith about his investigation, as well as a defense by Smith against criticism by Trump and his allies that the inquiry was politicized or that he worked in collaboration with the White House — an assessment he called “laughable.”

“While we were not able to bring the cases we charged to trial, I believe the fact that our team stood up for the rule of law matters," Smith wrote in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland attached to the report. "I believe the example our team set for others to fight for justice without regard for the personal costs matters.”

The special counsel also laid out the challenges it faced in its investigation, including Trump’s assertion of executive privilege to try to block witnesses from providing evidence,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-trump-grand-jury-2020-jan-6-9dac6db37ab8923ff1b0f09f3a9a32c8">which forced prosecutors into sealed court battles before the case was charged</a>.

Another “significant challenge” was Trump’s “ability and willingness to use his influence and following on social media to target witnesses, courts, prosecutors,” which led prosecutors to seek a gag order to protect potential witnesses from harassment, Smith wrote.

“Mr. Trump’s resort to intimidation and harassment during the investigation was not new, as demonstrated by his actions during the charged conspiracies,” Smith wrote.

“A fundamental component of Mr. Trump’s conduct underlying the charges in the Election Case was his pattern of using social media — at the time, Twitter — to publicly attack and seek to influence state and federal officials, judges, and election workers who refused to support false claims that the election had been stolen or who otherwise resisted complicity in Mr. Trump’s scheme," he added.

Smith also for the first time explained the thought process behind his team's prosecution decisions, writing that his office decided not to charge Trump with incitement in part because of free speech concerns, or with insurrection because he was the sitting president at the time and there was doubt about proceeding to trial with the offense — of which there was no record of having been prosecuted before.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736860942138.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith said his team “stood up for the rule of law” as it investigated President-elect Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election</a>, writing in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25486139-report-of-special-counsel-smith-volume-1-january-2025/">a much-anticipated report</a>&nbsp;released Tuesday that he stands fully behind his decision to bring criminal charges that he believes would have resulted in a conviction had voters not returned Trump to the White House.<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25486132/report-of-special-counsel-smith-volume-1-january-2025.pdf">Click here to read</a> the report"The throughline of all of Mr. Trump’s criminal efforts was deceit — knowingly false claims of election fraud — and the evidence shows that Mr. Trump used these lies as a weapon to defeat a federal government function foundational to the United States’ democratic process,” the report states.The report, arriving just days before Trump is to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-inauguration-security-a3df8ed878f2c0587f7038d68a0447f6">return to office on Jan. 20</a>, focuses fresh attention on the Republican's frantic but failed effort to cling to power in 2020 after he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. With the prosecution foreclosed thanks to Trump’s 2024 election victory, the document is expected to be the final Justice Department chronicle of a dark chapter in American history that threatened to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power, a bedrock of democracy for centuries, and complements already released indictments and reports.Trump responded early Tuesday with a post on his Truth Social platform, claiming he was “totally innocent” and calling Smith “a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election.” He added, “THE VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN!!!”Trump had been indicted in August 2023 on charges of working to overturn the election, but the case was delayed by appeals and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/elections/2024/supreme-court-rules-ex-presidents-have-broad-immunity-dimming-chance-of-a-pre-election-trump-trial/">ultimately significantly narrowed by a conservative-majority Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;that held for the first time that former presidents enjoy sweeping immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts. That decision, Smith's report states, left open unresolved legal issues that would likely have required another trip to the Supreme Court in order for the case to have moved forward.Though Smith sought to salvage the indictment, the team dismissed it in November because of longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face federal prosecution.“The Department’s view that the Constitution prohibits the continued indictment and prosecution of a President is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Office stands fully behind,” the report states. “Indeed, but for Mr. Trump’s election and imminent return to the Presidency, the Office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial.”The Justice Department transmitted the report to Congress early Tuesday after a judge refused a defense effort to block its release. A separate volume of the report focused on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-indictment-classified-documents-miami-8315a5b23c18f27083ed64eef21efff3">Trump's hoarding of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago</a>, actions that formed the basis of a separate indictment against Trump, will remain under wraps for now.The report is unsparing in its details about schemes undertaken by Trump to undo the presidential contest, accusing him of an “unprecedented criminal effort to overturn the legitimate results of the election in order to retain power.”It recounts his role in trying to force the Justice Department to use its law enforcement authorities to advance his personal interests, participating in a scheme to enlist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-joe-biden-presidential-elections-election-2020-electoral-college-311f88768b65f7196f52a4757dc162e4">fake electors</a>&nbsp;in battleground states won by Biden and having directed “an angry mob to the United States Capitol to obstruct the congressional certification of the presidential election and then leverage rioters’ violence to further delay it.”And it documents his fallout with his vice president, Mike Pence, over Trump's demands that he refuse to certify the electoral count before Congress on Jan. 6, 2021. It says that just before he left the White House to deliver a speech at the Ellipse that day, he called Pence one last time and that when the vice president told him that he planned to issue a public statement that he lacked the authority to do as Trump had requested, "Mr. Trump expressed anger at him. He then directed staffers to re-insert into his planned Ellipse speech some language that he had drafted earlier targeting Mr. Pence.”Though most of the details of Trump's efforts to undo the election are already well established, the document includes for the first time a detailed assessment from Smith about his investigation, as well as a defense by Smith against criticism by Trump and his allies that the inquiry was politicized or that he worked in collaboration with the White House — an assessment he called “laughable.”“While we were not able to bring the cases we charged to trial, I believe the fact that our team stood up for the rule of law matters," Smith wrote in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland attached to the report. "I believe the example our team set for others to fight for justice without regard for the personal costs matters.”The special counsel also laid out the challenges it faced in its investigation, including Trump’s assertion of executive privilege to try to block witnesses from providing evidence,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-trump-grand-jury-2020-jan-6-9dac6db37ab8923ff1b0f09f3a9a32c8">which forced prosecutors into sealed court battles before the case was charged</a>.Another “significant challenge” was Trump’s “ability and willingness to use his influence and following on social media to target witnesses, courts, prosecutors,” which led prosecutors to seek a gag order to protect potential witnesses from harassment, Smith wrote.“Mr. Trump’s resort to intimidation and harassment during the investigation was not new, as demonstrated by his actions during the charged conspiracies,” Smith wrote.“A fundamental component of Mr. Trump’s conduct underlying the charges in the Election Case was his pattern of using social media — at the time, Twitter — to publicly attack and seek to influence state and federal officials, judges, and election workers who refused to support false claims that the election had been stolen or who otherwise resisted complicity in Mr. Trump’s scheme," he added.Smith also for the first time explained the thought process behind his team's prosecution decisions, writing that his office decided not to charge Trump with incitement in part because of free speech concerns, or with insurrection because he was the sitting president at the time and there was doubt about proceeding to trial with the offense — of which there was no record of having been prosecuted before.____

Read Special counsel's final report on federal prosecution of Donald Trump 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent crime.

Just after 10p.m. January 12,, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received notification of a stabbing in the 7300 block of SW Robins Drive, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

At the scene, deputies located a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman both suffering from stab wounds. One victim was transported by American Medical Response (AMR) to a local hospital with series injuries

Deputies arrested 37-year-old Chadwyck P. N. L. Myers, 37, of Topeka into custody on requested charges of Aggravated battery and&nbsp;Criminal damage to property. The suspect and the victims were known to each other, according to Deputy Christian.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736896046123.png" alt="Myers-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Myers-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent crime.Just after 10p.m. January 12,, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received notification of a stabbing in the 7300 block of SW Robins Drive, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.At the scene, deputies located a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman both suffering from stab wounds. One victim was transported by American Medical Response (AMR) to a local hospital with series injuriesDeputies arrested 37-year-old Chadwyck P. N. L. Myers, 37, of Topeka into custody on requested charges of Aggravated battery and&nbsp;Criminal damage to property. The suspect and the victims were known to each other, according to Deputy Christian.

Sheriff: Kan. man stabbed 78-year-old man, 68-year-old woman

BARTON COUNTY —The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has completed an investigation on the death of a prisoner being held at the Barton County jail.

Around 9 p.m., on January 11, Conner Clifton, 28, was found hanging in his individual cell at the Barton County Detention Facility. EMS was called and life-saving measures were attempted on Clifton, but he was pronounced deceased, according to a statement from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

The Barton County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to respond.&nbsp;KBI investigates deaths that occur in Kansas jails and prisons via state statutes, unless the inmate who dies was being regularly attended by a physician.&nbsp;

On Jan. 13, an autopsy was completed and his manner of death was ruled suicide.

On December 22, Clifton was booked into the Barton County Detention Center on requested charges of interference with law enforcement officers, no proof of liability insurance on a vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, and expired or no registration. His first appearance in the case was Monday morning. Clifton also had pending cases in Stafford and Ness counties, according to online jail records.

BARTON COUNTY —The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has completed an investigation on the death of a prisoner being held at the Barton County jail.Around 9 p.m., on January 11, Conner Clifton, 28, was found hanging in his individual cell at the Barton County Detention Facility. EMS was called and life-saving measures were attempted on Clifton, but he was pronounced deceased, according to a statement from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.The Barton County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to respond.&nbsp;KBI investigates deaths that occur in Kansas jails and prisons via state statutes, unless the inmate who dies was being regularly attended by a physician.&nbsp;On Jan. 13, an autopsy was completed and his manner of death was ruled suicide.On December 22, Clifton was booked into the Barton County Detention Center on requested charges of interference with law enforcement officers, no proof of liability insurance on a vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, and expired or no registration. His first appearance in the case was Monday morning. Clifton also had pending cases in Stafford and Ness counties, according to online jail records.

KBI investigates jail death in Barton County 

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

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly praised labor unions for contributing to unprecedented economic growth in Kansas and touted her administration’s economic development gains in a speech at an annual labor rally Tuesday at the Statehouse.

The rally, billed as Solidarity Day, packed the first floor rotunda with representatives from a range of unions. Labor leaders encouraged workers to talk to lawmakers about policies that include prevailing wage requirements, private school vouchers and tax relief.

The Democratic governor touted her administration’s ability to secure economic development projects with good-paying jobs, including Panasonic’s vehicle battery plant in De Soto. She said her administration developed a comprehensive economic development plan to prepare the state for long-term success with investments in workforce development and infrastructure.

“I’ve often said that my goal as your governor is to make Kansas the best place to live and raise a family,” Kelly said. “Together, we’re building a foundation for that to be a reality for all working Kansans.”

She talked about investments made in transportation and the state pension fund, and the modernization of an unemployment computer system that was last updated the day Elvis died.

And she signed a comprehensive overhaul of worker compensation laws, which includes increased benefits for injured workers beginning July 2027.

“These measures are not just policies,” Kelly said. “They are a recognition of your value and a promise to prioritize your well-being.”

She urged lawmakers in the upcoming session to embrace tax policies that support long-term fiscal responsibility rather than short-sighted cuts that jeopardize essential services. She also said lawmakers “must resist” attempts to privatize public services or erode the rights of working Kansans.

“As your governor, I will continue to stand with you and to protect and advance the rights of working Kansans,” Kelly said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736883667906.jpeg" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly speaks with John Nave, executive vice president of Kansas AFL-CIO, before a labor rally on Jan. 14, 2025, at the Statehouse. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly speaks with John Nave, executive vice president of Kansas AFL-CIO, before a labor rally on Jan. 14, 2025, at the Statehouse. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly praised labor unions for contributing to unprecedented economic growth in Kansas and touted her administration’s economic development gains in a speech at an annual labor rally Tuesday at the Statehouse.The rally, billed as Solidarity Day, packed the first floor rotunda with representatives from a range of unions. Labor leaders encouraged workers to talk to lawmakers about policies that include prevailing wage requirements, private school vouchers and tax relief.The Democratic governor touted her administration’s ability to secure economic development projects with good-paying jobs, including Panasonic’s vehicle battery plant in De Soto. She said her administration developed a comprehensive economic development plan to prepare the state for long-term success with investments in workforce development and infrastructure.“I’ve often said that my goal as your governor is to make Kansas the best place to live and raise a family,” Kelly said. “Together, we’re building a foundation for that to be a reality for all working Kansans.”She talked about investments made in transportation and the state pension fund, and the modernization of an unemployment computer system that was last updated the day Elvis died.And she signed a comprehensive overhaul of worker compensation laws, which includes increased benefits for injured workers beginning July 2027.“These measures are not just policies,” Kelly said. “They are a recognition of your value and a promise to prioritize your well-being.”She urged lawmakers in the upcoming session to embrace tax policies that support long-term fiscal responsibility rather than short-sighted cuts that jeopardize essential services. She also said lawmakers “must resist” attempts to privatize public services or erode the rights of working Kansans.“As your governor, I will continue to stand with you and to protect and advance the rights of working Kansans,” Kelly said.

Kansas governor praises unions, touts economic development in labor rally speech

B<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DEE-ANN%20DURBIN%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">y DEE-ANN DURBIN AP Business Writer</a>

If you want to hang out or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-national-national-ead6289a9cce4e8e9051d74d355c2205">use the restroom</a>&nbsp;at Starbucks, you’re going to have to buy something.

Starbucks on Monday said it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-small-business-2305a7e4e6de4b71bdd38631882c7bd4">reversing a policy</a>&nbsp;that invited everyone into its stores. A new code of conduct – which will be posted in all company-owned North American stores – also bans discrimination or harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use and panhandling.

Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson said the new rules are designed to help prioritize paying customers. Anderson said most other retailers already have similar rules.

“We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores,” Anderson said. “By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.”

The code of conduct warns that violators will be asked to leave, and says the store may call law enforcement, if necessary. Starbucks said employees would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d3b58087b85a430ab45855944bc76310">receive training</a>&nbsp;on enforcing the new policy.

The new rules reverse an open-door policy put in place in 2018, after two Black men were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks where they had gone for a business meeting. The individual store had a policy of asking non-paying customers to leave, and the men hadn't bought anything. But the arrest, which was caught on video, was a major embarrassment for the company.

At the time, Starbucks Chairman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-howard-schultz-053345a59f1bdb53b9f55355865b216e">Howard Schultz</a>&nbsp;said he didn’t want people to feel “less than” if they were refused access.

“We don’t want to become a public bathroom, but we’re going to make the right decision a hundred percent of the time and give people the key," Schultz said.

Since then, though, employees and customers have struggled with unruly and even dangerous behavior in stores. In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-portland-seattle-183c298121860422c7b93b7b5a13c088">Starbucks closed 16 stores</a>&nbsp;around the country — including six in Los Angeles and six in its hometown of Seattle — for repeated safety issues, including drug use and other disruptive behaviors that threatened staff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736805805951.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>B<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DEE-ANN%20DURBIN%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">y DEE-ANN DURBIN AP Business Writer</a>If you want to hang out or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-national-national-ead6289a9cce4e8e9051d74d355c2205">use the restroom</a>&nbsp;at Starbucks, you’re going to have to buy something.Starbucks on Monday said it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-small-business-2305a7e4e6de4b71bdd38631882c7bd4">reversing a policy</a>&nbsp;that invited everyone into its stores. A new code of conduct – which will be posted in all company-owned North American stores – also bans discrimination or harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use and panhandling.Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson said the new rules are designed to help prioritize paying customers. Anderson said most other retailers already have similar rules.“We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores,” Anderson said. “By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.”The code of conduct warns that violators will be asked to leave, and says the store may call law enforcement, if necessary. Starbucks said employees would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d3b58087b85a430ab45855944bc76310">receive training</a>&nbsp;on enforcing the new policy.The new rules reverse an open-door policy put in place in 2018, after two Black men were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks where they had gone for a business meeting. The individual store had a policy of asking non-paying customers to leave, and the men hadn't bought anything. But the arrest, which was caught on video, was a major embarrassment for the company.At the time, Starbucks Chairman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-howard-schultz-053345a59f1bdb53b9f55355865b216e">Howard Schultz</a>&nbsp;said he didn’t want people to feel “less than” if they were refused access.“We don’t want to become a public bathroom, but we’re going to make the right decision a hundred percent of the time and give people the key," Schultz said.Since then, though, employees and customers have struggled with unruly and even dangerous behavior in stores. In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-portland-seattle-183c298121860422c7b93b7b5a13c088">Starbucks closed 16 stores</a>&nbsp;around the country — including six in Los Angeles and six in its hometown of Seattle — for repeated safety issues, including drug use and other disruptive behaviors that threatened staff.