Company owner says the seized products were a small portion of the total inventory, and employees were allowed to continue production while feds were there

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Federal agents this week seized 73,000 products containing 7-hydroxymitragine, commonly known as 7-OH, from three Kansas City-area warehouses.

The seized products included things like power bars, pills and liquids shots that are made with a concentrate of 7-OH, which is&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/16/fda-warns-kansas-city-manufacturer-of-illegal-marketing-pain-relieving-pills/">the main opioid-inducing element in kratom</a>.&nbsp;

The action came out of a partnership between the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Justice Department, according to the DOJ’s<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/pr/justice-department-seizes-unlawful-7-oh-products-three-warehouses" target="_blank">&nbsp;press release issued Tuesday</a>.

“While 7-OH occurs naturally in trace amounts in the plant kratom, products containing 7-OH as an added ingredient can be dangerous,” states a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26338216-shaman-complaint/" target="_blank">civil forfeiture complaint filed on Nov. 21</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. “In the human body, 7-OH is able to bind to opioid receptors, raising concerns about its potential for abuse.”

7-OH products are advertised as improving chronic pain and “mental clarity,” and they are sold in Missouri smoke shops, gas stations, convenience stores and online shops.&nbsp;

The FDA sent&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/16/fda-warns-kansas-city-manufacturer-of-illegal-marketing-pain-relieving-pills/">warning letters</a>&nbsp;in June to the facility owners, Shaman Botanicals LLC and Relax Relief Rejuvenate Trading LLC, stating the 7-OH products were considered “adulterated” and their labels were illegal under federal food laws.

On Nov. 12 and 13, FDA officials did an unannounced inspection of the three facilities, where they tagged and detained 76,000 units. Vince Sanders, who owns Shaman Botanicals LLC, said the company had the opportunity to appeal the FDA’s action, which they did. Shaman was the first company to make 7-OH products, Sanders said.

The DOJ filed a complaint to seize the detained products on Nov. 21, and officials from the FDA and U.S. Marshal Service seized the tagged boxes on Tuesday.

“The 7-OH products seized are illegal under federal law and pose risks to consumers, including children,” said R. Matthew Price, U.S. attorney for the Western District of Missouri. “We are committed to helping American consumers protect themselves from dangerous chemicals posing as health products.”

Price said the department will continue to work with the FDA “to ensure illegal products never enter the stream of commerce and pursue all possible civil and criminal remedies against those who violate federal laws.”

However, Sanders told The Independent Thursday the seized units were only a small portion of the 7-OH products that were at the warehouse during the FDA’s November inspection. And his employees were allowed to continue making products while the federal agents were tagging and later seizing products in the warehouse.&nbsp;

“This is the craziest part,” Sanders said. “We literally sat there continuing to make the same products that they were taking.”

Sanders said the agents explained that they were targeting the finished packages, but there were many more finished products in the warehouse than the ones that were detained and ultimately seized.&nbsp;

In the FDA’s June warning letter, the agency deemed that 7-OH is a “new dietary ingredient.” The letter states that a dietary supplement is adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act if it contains a new dietary ingredient that doesn’t have enough evidence to show it isn’t dangerous.

“Because there is inadequate information available to provide a reasonable assurance that 7-OH does not present a significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury, it is illegal to sell dietary supplement products containing it as an ingredient,” the release states.&nbsp;

Sanders told The Independent in July that his company conducted three research studies on the products, including using rodents and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25999061-dfr-mgn-25-001-27jun25-crrdoc/" target="_blank">beagles</a>, which he believes shows the products are safe.

“This is just destroying something that has the potential to save hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of lives long term,” Sanders said.

He said there will likely be a hearing on the recent action in the next few weeks.

On the same day the DOJ’s complaint was filed on Nov. 21,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/21/missouri-ag-launches-investigation-into-manufacturers-of-kratom-7-oh/">Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway</a>&nbsp;sent “civil investigative demand” letters to Sanders’ company and six other producers and distributors of 7-OH products.

The letters mandate the company hand over multiple types of documents, including lab test results, research on health risks and safety label information.

Consumers, Hanaway said in a press release, “may be exposed to unapproved, unsafe and deceptively marketed opioid-like drugs.”

According to the letters sent to each company, the attorney general’s investigation targets the distribution of products containing 7-OH or “any part of the plant Mitragyna speciosa,” which is the kratom plant.

“We are deeply concerned,” Hanaway said, “that Missourians are being sold drug-like substances under the guise of harmless supplements, with no FDA approval, no safety testing, and in some cases no meaningful disclosure of what these products actually contain.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764944590295.jpeg" alt="Federal agents seized thousands of 7-OH products from Kansas-city area warehouses on Dec. 2, including these 7-OH tablets that have opioid effects (photo courtesy of the FDA)." />
 <figcaption>Federal agents seized thousands of 7-OH products from Kansas-city area warehouses on Dec. 2, including these 7-OH tablets that have opioid effects (photo courtesy of the FDA).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Company owner says the seized products were a small portion of the total inventory, and employees were allowed to continue production while feds were there</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Federal agents this week seized 73,000 products containing 7-hydroxymitragine, commonly known as 7-OH, from three Kansas City-area warehouses.The seized products included things like power bars, pills and liquids shots that are made with a concentrate of 7-OH, which is&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/16/fda-warns-kansas-city-manufacturer-of-illegal-marketing-pain-relieving-pills/">the main opioid-inducing element in kratom</a>.&nbsp;The action came out of a partnership between the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Justice Department, according to the DOJ’s<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/pr/justice-department-seizes-unlawful-7-oh-products-three-warehouses" target="_blank">&nbsp;press release issued Tuesday</a>.“While 7-OH occurs naturally in trace amounts in the plant kratom, products containing 7-OH as an added ingredient can be dangerous,” states a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26338216-shaman-complaint/" target="_blank">civil forfeiture complaint filed on Nov. 21</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. “In the human body, 7-OH is able to bind to opioid receptors, raising concerns about its potential for abuse.”7-OH products are advertised as improving chronic pain and “mental clarity,” and they are sold in Missouri smoke shops, gas stations, convenience stores and online shops.&nbsp;The FDA sent&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/16/fda-warns-kansas-city-manufacturer-of-illegal-marketing-pain-relieving-pills/">warning letters</a>&nbsp;in June to the facility owners, Shaman Botanicals LLC and Relax Relief Rejuvenate Trading LLC, stating the 7-OH products were considered “adulterated” and their labels were illegal under federal food laws.On Nov. 12 and 13, FDA officials did an unannounced inspection of the three facilities, where they tagged and detained 76,000 units. Vince Sanders, who owns Shaman Botanicals LLC, said the company had the opportunity to appeal the FDA’s action, which they did. Shaman was the first company to make 7-OH products, Sanders said.The DOJ filed a complaint to seize the detained products on Nov. 21, and officials from the FDA and U.S. Marshal Service seized the tagged boxes on Tuesday.“The 7-OH products seized are illegal under federal law and pose risks to consumers, including children,” said R. Matthew Price, U.S. attorney for the Western District of Missouri. “We are committed to helping American consumers protect themselves from dangerous chemicals posing as health products.”Price said the department will continue to work with the FDA “to ensure illegal products never enter the stream of commerce and pursue all possible civil and criminal remedies against those who violate federal laws.”However, Sanders told The Independent Thursday the seized units were only a small portion of the 7-OH products that were at the warehouse during the FDA’s November inspection. And his employees were allowed to continue making products while the federal agents were tagging and later seizing products in the warehouse.&nbsp;“This is the craziest part,” Sanders said. “We literally sat there continuing to make the same products that they were taking.”Sanders said the agents explained that they were targeting the finished packages, but there were many more finished products in the warehouse than the ones that were detained and ultimately seized.&nbsp;In the FDA’s June warning letter, the agency deemed that 7-OH is a “new dietary ingredient.” The letter states that a dietary supplement is adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act if it contains a new dietary ingredient that doesn’t have enough evidence to show it isn’t dangerous.“Because there is inadequate information available to provide a reasonable assurance that 7-OH does not present a significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury, it is illegal to sell dietary supplement products containing it as an ingredient,” the release states.&nbsp;Sanders told The Independent in July that his company conducted three research studies on the products, including using rodents and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25999061-dfr-mgn-25-001-27jun25-crrdoc/" target="_blank">beagles</a>, which he believes shows the products are safe.“This is just destroying something that has the potential to save hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of lives long term,” Sanders said.He said there will likely be a hearing on the recent action in the next few weeks.On the same day the DOJ’s complaint was filed on Nov. 21,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/21/missouri-ag-launches-investigation-into-manufacturers-of-kratom-7-oh/">Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway</a>&nbsp;sent “civil investigative demand” letters to Sanders’ company and six other producers and distributors of 7-OH products.The letters mandate the company hand over multiple types of documents, including lab test results, research on health risks and safety label information.Consumers, Hanaway said in a press release, “may be exposed to unapproved, unsafe and deceptively marketed opioid-like drugs.”According to the letters sent to each company, the attorney general’s investigation targets the distribution of products containing 7-OH or “any part of the plant Mitragyna speciosa,” which is the kratom plant.“We are deeply concerned,” Hanaway said, “that Missourians are being sold drug-like substances under the guise of harmless supplements, with no FDA approval, no safety testing, and in some cases no meaningful disclosure of what these products actually contain.”

Feds seize thousands of 7-OH products from Kansas City warehouses

SHAWNEE COUNTY—A wanted fugitive is in custody after an arrest in Shawnee County.

On December 2, sheriff deputies were investigating the occupants of a vehicle at the KWIK Shop near Morse and Topeka, according to Deputy Abigal Christian. Deputies identified a possible wanted subject. The driver was immediately detained, and the passenger ran.

With assistance from patrol deputies, a K-9 Unit, a drone and the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), deputies conducted a search of the neighborhood west of the KWIK Shop and successfully apprehended the fleeing suspect.

Danny J. Belisle Jr., 50, of Topeka, was arrested and booked him into the Shawnee County Department&nbsp; of Corrections on requested charges of Felony interference with law enforcement. Belisle also had two felony warrants for his arrest

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764775528180.png" alt="Belisle photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Belisle photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—A wanted fugitive is in custody after an arrest in Shawnee County.On December 2, sheriff deputies were investigating the occupants of a vehicle at the KWIK Shop near Morse and Topeka, according to Deputy Abigal Christian. Deputies identified a possible wanted subject. The driver was immediately detained, and the passenger ran.With assistance from patrol deputies, a K-9 Unit, a drone and the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), deputies conducted a search of the neighborhood west of the KWIK Shop and successfully apprehended the fleeing suspect.Danny J. Belisle Jr., 50, of Topeka, was arrested and booked him into the Shawnee County Department&nbsp; of Corrections on requested charges of Felony interference with law enforcement. Belisle also had two felony warrants for his arrest

Drone and sheriff's K9 helped catch wanted Kansas suspect

Patients of NKC Health in North Kansas City finally learned in late November that their data was compromised in ‘one of the most massive breaches in the health care industry’

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/suzanneking/">Suzanne King</a>

In January, hackers gained access to a cache of Cerner electronic health records stored on a legacy network.

But some patients whose sensitive health and financial information may have been exposed are only now being notified — and many others still haven’t been told.

NKC Health, formerly North Kansas City Hospital, is one of the most recent hospitals to let patients know about a cyber incident involving Cerner, now Oracle Health. The Nov. 25&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nkchealth.org/news-and-media/notice-cerner-cyber-security-event" target="_blank">notice</a>&nbsp;said the hospital had only “recently learned” of the incident, which has been unraveling for months and reportedly dates back to January.

About a dozen hospitals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/healthcare-information-technology/ehrs/oracle-health-data-breach-hits-3-more-states/" target="_blank">across the country</a>, including Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri, have sent similar notices to patients. Oracle has not publicly disclosed the number of hospitals involved or how many patients may have been affected.

But Elena A. Belov, a lawyer representing victims of the data breach in a federal class action lawsuit filed in the Western District of Missouri, said she has been told by Oracle’s attorneys that 80 hospitals’ patient records may have been involved. And that could amount to millions of victims.

“This is one of the most massive breaches in the health care industry in the last couple of years,” said Belov, who practices with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.almeidalawgroup.com/" target="_blank">Almeida Law Group</a>. “We still don’t know the entire universe. The list of affected hospitals has not been made public.”

Oracle Health, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/health-tech/oracle-gets-european-approval-28m-cerner-deal-set-close-next-week" target="_blank">acquired</a>&nbsp;North Kansas City-based Cerner for $28 billion in 2022, did not reply to requests for comment about the incident. The company is the country’s second-largest electronic medical records vendor, managing patient data for about 20% of the nation’s hospitals and doctors’ offices.

News reports about the January data breach said it involved data on Cerner’s old network that had not yet been transferred to Oracle’s cloud network.

While details of the Cerner data breach began appearing in news reports last spring, and the company started informing customers about the incident this summer, Oracle did not announce it to the media, and left it up to its health care clients to report the breach to patients and to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights’&nbsp;<a href="https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/breach/breach_report.jsf" target="_blank">Breach Portal</a>.

“It goes to the big problem we have,” Belov said. “Even huge companies who are in the business of digital security like Oracle are not paying enough attention to security.”

Data security experts said the Cerner network hack illustrates just how vulnerable patients’ health and financial information can be.

During the first 11 months of 2025, health care organizations reported 493 data compromises, which involved more than 34 million victims, according to the<a href="https://www.idtheftcenter.org/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Identity Theft Resource Center</a>, a nonprofit that tracks and works to prevent such incidents.

Until 2024, health care accounted for the most data breaches of any industry for six years in a row. But last year the financial industry took the top spot and health care came in second. The trend continued this year.

James E. Lee, president of the Identity Theft Resource Center, said health care is particularly vulnerable to cyber attackers because it is so large and diverse.

“There are small providers in small towns, all the way to huge multinational health care organizations and everything in between,” he said.

Health care involves hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, labs and insurance companies, all of which have access to patients’ personal information, including identity data like Social Security numbers, names and addresses; financial data like credit card information; and personal health information like diagnoses and medications.

All it takes to break in is one legitimate login and password at one point in the system. That leaves plenty of room for weak links, Lee said.

Companies like Cerner, which digitize health records so every doctor and hospital has easy access to patient charts, have become a major part of the system. From its beginnings in 1979, Cerner’s founders promised the electronic management of health records would cut costs and bring better care.

“The idea of digitizing the records — from a patient perspective — was a good one,” Lee said. “What we didn’t anticipate, and it is true across all industries, is the level to which professional criminals would become engaged. These are professional, multinational organizations, not some kid sitting in a basement drinking Red Bull.”

NKC Health’s statement said its patients’ records may have been accessed as early as Jan. 22, but Oracle Health only informed them about the incident recently.

In its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nkchealth.org/news-and-media/notice-cerner-cyber-security-event" target="_blank">notice to patients</a>, NKC said Oracle Health told the hospital that “law enforcement investigators” had urged it to delay notifying patients and hospital customers “because it could have impeded their investigation.”

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), the federal law that deals with patient privacy, requires health care providers and their associates to notify patients when sensitive information has been compromised “without unnecessary delay,” and no later than 60 days after an incident. But&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-C/part-164/subpart-D" target="_blank">the law makes an exception</a>&nbsp;if law enforcement requests a delay.

News organizations&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/fbi-investigating-cyberattack-oracle-bloomberg-news-reports-2025-03-28/" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;in March that the FBI was looking into the attack, and in April, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2025/04/16/cisa-releases-guidance-credential-risks-associated-potential-legacy-oracle-cloud-compromise" target="_blank">security alert</a>, warning that “the nature of the reported activity presents potential risk to organizations and individuals.”

Oracle has informed some of its hospital and physician practice customers about the data breach individually.

Belov called the lack of transparency “really dismaying.”

“We’re losing valuable time for people to protect their information and their identities,” she said. “This is going to be a huge problem.”

Stolen data comes with ‘deadly outcomes’

Legal and health experts said breaches of health care information can be among the most concerning.

Beyond the potential loss of Social Security numbers, names, addresses and credit card information, victims of health care data breaches also risk much more worrisome losses, experts said.

If health records are altered or in some way compromised in a data breach, doctors might lose critical information about a patient’s medications or health history. And that could lead to medical errors or decisions that compromise care and endanger a patient.

“Stolen health data can lead to deadly outcomes,” Belov said.

That’s why many hospitals and doctors offices end up paying a ransom to get data back from hackers. Health care organizations often won’t talk about hacks. They worry that would make them look vulnerable and expose them to additional problems.

But a cybersecurity expert with the American Hospital Association&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/01/25/how-ransomware-attacks-at-kansas-city-hospitals-threaten-your-privacy/" target="_blank">has estimated</a>&nbsp;that at least a third of the time, hospitals end up paying a ransom to get information back. Unlike other industries that might be able to wait out criminals or rebuild databases, they need the information right away and can’t risk waiting.

“Patient lives are on the line when something critical happens,” said Alexander Boyd, a data privacy and security lawyer with the Polsinelli law firm.

Clients across industries regularly consult him about situations in which data has been compromised. And, among those cases, ransomware attacks happen “more often than we’d like.”

In those cases, criminals break into a company, encrypt the data and demand a payment to unlock it. When one of those attacks happens to a health care provider, it can be an emergency.

“It’s not just a money issue, it’s a well-being issue,” Boyd said. “If the health care provider doesn’t have good backups, sometimes the only option is to pay the ransom.”

Coveware, a company that helps clients respond to cyber extortion incidents, reports the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coveware.com/blog/2025/10/24/insider-threats-loom-while-ransom-payment-rates-plummet" target="_blank">average ransom payment</a>&nbsp;made by victims of cyberattacks has been falling. In the third quarter of this year, the average ransom payment for all industries was $376.94, a 66% drop from the previous quarter. The median payment was $140,000, down 65%.

Boyd said companies are getting better at avoiding attacks in the first place. More often they have data backed up so they don’t have to make ransom payments.

But when a client does have to negotiate with a hacker, Boyd turns to Coveware or another firm that specializes in dealing with the criminals. Those firms know through experience how much the hackers may be willing to negotiate and whether they may actually turn over an encryption key if their demands are met.

Typically, after coming to an agreement — after, perhaps, sending sample files to verify that the hackers actually can unlock them — clients pay the bitcoin ransom (there is no escrow) and then wait for the encryption key.

This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/12/04/some-patients-just-learning-about-january-cerner-data-breach/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764944895246.png" alt=" Oracle purchased Cerner in 2022 in a deal valued at $28 billion. The company’s old logo remains outside its former North Kansas City headquarters (Suzanne King/The Beacon)." />
 <figcaption> Oracle purchased Cerner in 2022 in a deal valued at $28 billion. The company’s old logo remains outside its former North Kansas City headquarters (Suzanne King/The Beacon).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Patients of NKC Health in North Kansas City finally learned in late November that their data was compromised in ‘one of the most massive breaches in the health care industry’</h2>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/suzanneking/">Suzanne King</a>In January, hackers gained access to a cache of Cerner electronic health records stored on a legacy network.But some patients whose sensitive health and financial information may have been exposed are only now being notified — and many others still haven’t been told.NKC Health, formerly North Kansas City Hospital, is one of the most recent hospitals to let patients know about a cyber incident involving Cerner, now Oracle Health. The Nov. 25&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nkchealth.org/news-and-media/notice-cerner-cyber-security-event" target="_blank">notice</a>&nbsp;said the hospital had only “recently learned” of the incident, which has been unraveling for months and reportedly dates back to January.About a dozen hospitals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/healthcare-information-technology/ehrs/oracle-health-data-breach-hits-3-more-states/" target="_blank">across the country</a>, including Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri, have sent similar notices to patients. Oracle has not publicly disclosed the number of hospitals involved or how many patients may have been affected.But Elena A. Belov, a lawyer representing victims of the data breach in a federal class action lawsuit filed in the Western District of Missouri, said she has been told by Oracle’s attorneys that 80 hospitals’ patient records may have been involved. And that could amount to millions of victims.“This is one of the most massive breaches in the health care industry in the last couple of years,” said Belov, who practices with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.almeidalawgroup.com/" target="_blank">Almeida Law Group</a>. “We still don’t know the entire universe. The list of affected hospitals has not been made public.”Oracle Health, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/health-tech/oracle-gets-european-approval-28m-cerner-deal-set-close-next-week" target="_blank">acquired</a>&nbsp;North Kansas City-based Cerner for $28 billion in 2022, did not reply to requests for comment about the incident. The company is the country’s second-largest electronic medical records vendor, managing patient data for about 20% of the nation’s hospitals and doctors’ offices.News reports about the January data breach said it involved data on Cerner’s old network that had not yet been transferred to Oracle’s cloud network.While details of the Cerner data breach began appearing in news reports last spring, and the company started informing customers about the incident this summer, Oracle did not announce it to the media, and left it up to its health care clients to report the breach to patients and to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights’&nbsp;<a href="https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/breach/breach_report.jsf" target="_blank">Breach Portal</a>.“It goes to the big problem we have,” Belov said. “Even huge companies who are in the business of digital security like Oracle are not paying enough attention to security.”<h2>Health care data breaches are common</h2>Data security experts said the Cerner network hack illustrates just how vulnerable patients’ health and financial information can be.During the first 11 months of 2025, health care organizations reported 493 data compromises, which involved more than 34 million victims, according to the<a href="https://www.idtheftcenter.org/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Identity Theft Resource Center</a>, a nonprofit that tracks and works to prevent such incidents.Until 2024, health care accounted for the most data breaches of any industry for six years in a row. But last year the financial industry took the top spot and health care came in second. The trend continued this year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764944731513.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>James E. Lee, president of the Identity Theft Resource Center, said health care is particularly vulnerable to cyber attackers because it is so large and diverse.“There are small providers in small towns, all the way to huge multinational health care organizations and everything in between,” he said.Health care involves hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, labs and insurance companies, all of which have access to patients’ personal information, including identity data like Social Security numbers, names and addresses; financial data like credit card information; and personal health information like diagnoses and medications.All it takes to break in is one legitimate login and password at one point in the system. That leaves plenty of room for weak links, Lee said.Companies like Cerner, which digitize health records so every doctor and hospital has easy access to patient charts, have become a major part of the system. From its beginnings in 1979, Cerner’s founders promised the electronic management of health records would cut costs and bring better care.“The idea of digitizing the records — from a patient perspective — was a good one,” Lee said. “What we didn’t anticipate, and it is true across all industries, is the level to which professional criminals would become engaged. These are professional, multinational organizations, not some kid sitting in a basement drinking Red Bull.”<h2>NKC Health incident</h2>NKC Health’s statement said its patients’ records may have been accessed as early as Jan. 22, but Oracle Health only informed them about the incident recently.In its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nkchealth.org/news-and-media/notice-cerner-cyber-security-event" target="_blank">notice to patients</a>, NKC said Oracle Health told the hospital that “law enforcement investigators” had urged it to delay notifying patients and hospital customers “because it could have impeded their investigation.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764944772112.png" alt="NKC Health, formerly North Kansas City Hospital, sits across the street from Cerner’s old headquarters in North Kansas City. (Suzanne King/The Beacon)" />
 <figcaption>NKC Health, formerly North Kansas City Hospital, sits across the street from Cerner’s old headquarters in North Kansas City. (Suzanne King/The Beacon)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), the federal law that deals with patient privacy, requires health care providers and their associates to notify patients when sensitive information has been compromised “without unnecessary delay,” and no later than 60 days after an incident. But&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-C/part-164/subpart-D" target="_blank">the law makes an exception</a>&nbsp;if law enforcement requests a delay.News organizations&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/fbi-investigating-cyberattack-oracle-bloomberg-news-reports-2025-03-28/" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;in March that the FBI was looking into the attack, and in April, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2025/04/16/cisa-releases-guidance-credential-risks-associated-potential-legacy-oracle-cloud-compromise" target="_blank">security alert</a>, warning that “the nature of the reported activity presents potential risk to organizations and individuals.”Oracle has informed some of its hospital and physician practice customers about the data breach individually.Belov called the lack of transparency “really dismaying.”“We’re losing valuable time for people to protect their information and their identities,” she said. “This is going to be a huge problem.”<h2>Stolen data comes with ‘deadly outcomes’</h2>Legal and health experts said breaches of health care information can be among the most concerning.Beyond the potential loss of Social Security numbers, names, addresses and credit card information, victims of health care data breaches also risk much more worrisome losses, experts said.If health records are altered or in some way compromised in a data breach, doctors might lose critical information about a patient’s medications or health history. And that could lead to medical errors or decisions that compromise care and endanger a patient.“Stolen health data can lead to deadly outcomes,” Belov said.That’s why many hospitals and doctors offices end up paying a ransom to get data back from hackers. Health care organizations often won’t talk about hacks. They worry that would make them look vulnerable and expose them to additional problems.But a cybersecurity expert with the American Hospital Association&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/01/25/how-ransomware-attacks-at-kansas-city-hospitals-threaten-your-privacy/" target="_blank">has estimated</a>&nbsp;that at least a third of the time, hospitals end up paying a ransom to get information back. Unlike other industries that might be able to wait out criminals or rebuild databases, they need the information right away and can’t risk waiting.“Patient lives are on the line when something critical happens,” said Alexander Boyd, a data privacy and security lawyer with the Polsinelli law firm.Clients across industries regularly consult him about situations in which data has been compromised. And, among those cases, ransomware attacks happen “more often than we’d like.”In those cases, criminals break into a company, encrypt the data and demand a payment to unlock it. When one of those attacks happens to a health care provider, it can be an emergency.“It’s not just a money issue, it’s a well-being issue,” Boyd said. “If the health care provider doesn’t have good backups, sometimes the only option is to pay the ransom.”Coveware, a company that helps clients respond to cyber extortion incidents, reports the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coveware.com/blog/2025/10/24/insider-threats-loom-while-ransom-payment-rates-plummet" target="_blank">average ransom payment</a>&nbsp;made by victims of cyberattacks has been falling. In the third quarter of this year, the average ransom payment for all industries was $376.94, a 66% drop from the previous quarter. The median payment was $140,000, down 65%.Boyd said companies are getting better at avoiding attacks in the first place. More often they have data backed up so they don’t have to make ransom payments.But when a client does have to negotiate with a hacker, Boyd turns to Coveware or another firm that specializes in dealing with the criminals. Those firms know through experience how much the hackers may be willing to negotiate and whether they may actually turn over an encryption key if their demands are met.Typically, after coming to an agreement — after, perhaps, sending sample files to verify that the hackers actually can unlock them — clients pay the bitcoin ransom (there is no escrow) and then wait for the encryption key.None of it is comfortable.“You hope and wait,” Boyd said.This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/12/04/some-patients-just-learning-about-january-cerner-data-breach/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

Some patients are just learning about Cerner health data breach in January

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting have made an arrest.

Just before 1a.m. on November 22, police responded to several reports of gunshots around SE 37th St. and SE Adams Street in Topeka, according to media release. While officers were investigating that area, they received information on a subject arriving at a local hospital by private vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds. That individual later identified as 16-year-old Kingston Scott of Topeka.

As a result of the investigation, police announced Friday a 16-year-old boy from Topeka, was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied vehicle with great bodily harm, Murder in the 1st degree; In the commission of a felony and&nbsp;Criminal discharge of firearm; Recklessly at occupied dwelling.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764973228137.png" alt="Kingston Scott -photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Kingston Scott -photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting have made an arrest.Just before 1a.m. on November 22, police responded to several reports of gunshots around SE 37th St. and SE Adams Street in Topeka, according to media release. While officers were investigating that area, they received information on a subject arriving at a local hospital by private vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds. That individual later identified as 16-year-old Kingston Scott of Topeka.As a result of the investigation, police announced Friday a 16-year-old boy from Topeka, was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied vehicle with great bodily harm, Murder in the 1st degree; In the commission of a felony and&nbsp;Criminal discharge of firearm; Recklessly at occupied dwelling.

16-year-old Kan. boy accused of killing 16-year-old

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a>

The U.S. Supreme Court said Friday justices will hear a case to decide if President Donald Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship is constitutional.

The court agreed to hear a case, before it is decided in a lower court, that deals with the Constitution’s 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to almost everyone born in the United States. The amendment’s birthright citizenship clause has been used to give citizenship to the children of immigrants in the country without legal authorization or on a temporary basis.

While a schedule for arguments has not yet been released by the court, it’s likely the case would be heard sometime in early 2026.

The Trump administration argued in its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/25/25-365/378052/20250926163053178_TrumpvBarbaraCertPet.pdf" target="_blank">petition</a>&nbsp;to the court that the amendment, which was adopted in 1868, was meant to apply to newly freed slaves. It was not meant to provide citizenship to the children of immigrants without legal status, Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote.

“Long after the Clause’s adoption, the mistaken view that birth on U.S. territory confers citizenship on anyone subject to the regulatory reach of U.S. law became pervasive, with destructive consequences,” Sauer&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/2025/09/29/repub/trump-asks-us-supreme-court-to-take-birthright-citizenship-case/" target="_blank">wrote in the September petition.</a>

The petition also sought Supreme Court review of a related challenge to the order by the states of Washington, Arizona, Illinois and Oregon. Friday’s court order did not grant a hearing on that case.

Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 20 seeking to redefine the birthright citizenship clause to exclude the children of immigrants in the country without legal authority or only temporarily. Democratic-led states and advocacy groups swiftly sued.

Courts have largely blocked enforcement of the order, although the Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/06/27/repub/us-supreme-court-limits-injunctions-allows-trump-to-act-on-birthright-citizenship-ban/" target="_blank">in June allowed it&nbsp;</a>to go into effect in the states that had not sued to preserve the right.

In a Friday afternoon statement, the American Civil Liberties Union, a leading civil rights group, noted that several federal judges had blocked enforcement and predicted the Supreme Court would preserve birthright citizenship.

“No president can change the 14th Amendment’s fundamental promise of citizenship,” Cecillia Wang, ACLU’s national legal director, said. “For over 150 years, it has been the law and our national tradition that everyone born on U.S. soil is a citizen from birth. The federal courts have unanimously held that President Trump’s executive order is contrary to the Constitution, a Supreme Court decision from 1898, and a law enacted by Congress. We look forward to putting this issue to rest once and for all in the Supreme Court this term.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672235865420.png" alt="Supreme Court Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States" />
 <figcaption>Supreme Court Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a>The U.S. Supreme Court said Friday justices will hear a case to decide if President Donald Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship is constitutional.The court agreed to hear a case, before it is decided in a lower court, that deals with the Constitution’s 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to almost everyone born in the United States. The amendment’s birthright citizenship clause has been used to give citizenship to the children of immigrants in the country without legal authorization or on a temporary basis.While a schedule for arguments has not yet been released by the court, it’s likely the case would be heard sometime in early 2026.The Trump administration argued in its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/25/25-365/378052/20250926163053178_TrumpvBarbaraCertPet.pdf" target="_blank">petition</a>&nbsp;to the court that the amendment, which was adopted in 1868, was meant to apply to newly freed slaves. It was not meant to provide citizenship to the children of immigrants without legal status, Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote.“Long after the Clause’s adoption, the mistaken view that birth on U.S. territory confers citizenship on anyone subject to the regulatory reach of U.S. law became pervasive, with destructive consequences,” Sauer&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/2025/09/29/repub/trump-asks-us-supreme-court-to-take-birthright-citizenship-case/" target="_blank">wrote in the September petition.</a>The petition also sought Supreme Court review of a related challenge to the order by the states of Washington, Arizona, Illinois and Oregon. Friday’s court order did not grant a hearing on that case.Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 20 seeking to redefine the birthright citizenship clause to exclude the children of immigrants in the country without legal authority or only temporarily. Democratic-led states and advocacy groups swiftly sued.Courts have largely blocked enforcement of the order, although the Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/06/27/repub/us-supreme-court-limits-injunctions-allows-trump-to-act-on-birthright-citizenship-ban/" target="_blank">in June allowed it&nbsp;</a>to go into effect in the states that had not sued to preserve the right.In a Friday afternoon statement, the American Civil Liberties Union, a leading civil rights group, noted that several federal judges had blocked enforcement and predicted the Supreme Court would preserve birthright citizenship.“No president can change the 14th Amendment’s fundamental promise of citizenship,” Cecillia Wang, ACLU’s national legal director, said. “For over 150 years, it has been the law and our national tradition that everyone born on U.S. soil is a citizen from birth. The federal courts have unanimously held that President Trump’s executive order is contrary to the Constitution, a Supreme Court decision from 1898, and a law enacted by Congress. We look forward to putting this issue to rest once and for all in the Supreme Court this term.”

Trump order ending birthright citizenship to be argued at US Supreme Court

CHRISTIAN COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 7a.m. Friday in Christian County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek driven by a 61-year-old Republic man was westbound on U.S. 60 one mile west of Billings. The SUV struck a 2018 GMC Sierra driven by a 68-year-old Aurora, Missouri man head-on. The driver of the pickup was improperly backing into a driveway facing the wrong direction on the highway at the time of the crash.

EMS transported the Subaru driver to Cox South where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; EMS transported a 35-year-old passenger in the pickup to Mercy&nbsp; Springfield. The driver and one additional passenger of the pickup had minor injuries.&nbsp; The occupants of the pickup were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CHRISTIAN COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 7a.m. Friday in Christian County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek driven by a 61-year-old Republic man was westbound on U.S. 60 one mile west of Billings. The SUV struck a 2018 GMC Sierra driven by a 68-year-old Aurora, Missouri man head-on. The driver of the pickup was improperly backing into a driveway facing the wrong direction on the highway at the time of the crash.EMS transported the Subaru driver to Cox South where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; EMS transported a 35-year-old passenger in the pickup to Mercy&nbsp; Springfield. The driver and one additional passenger of the pickup had minor injuries.&nbsp; The occupants of the pickup were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man killed in head-on crash with pickup backing into a driveway

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating three teen suspects after a high-speed chase and crash in Doulas County.

The owner of a GMC Yukon reported it stolen from outside a home near 24th and Louisiana in Lawrence on Tuesday.

Justdecided not to stop for officers and ultimately crashed into a pole. 

Just after 11a.m. Wedneday, an officer spotted multiple people in the vehicle in the 4700 block of Overland Drive in Lawrence, according to a statement from police. The driver led police north on Folks, east on Peterson,&nbsp; south on Monterey and refused to stop.

 Another officer was able to set up spikes and pop a tire along the route, but the driver continued on until a failed left turn at Overland Drive. The driver ran from the crash but was chased down and safely arrested without injury. The others surrendered. 

A 17-year-old boy was taken to the hospital to get checked out and released to a parent. A 14-year-old, who was reported as a runaway, went to the Juvenile Detention Center.

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating three teen suspects after a high-speed chase and crash in Doulas County.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1596425831802860%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The owner of a GMC Yukon reported it stolen from outside a home near 24th and Louisiana in Lawrence on Tuesday.Justdecided not to stop for officers and ultimately crashed into a pole. Just after 11a.m. Wedneday, an officer spotted multiple people in the vehicle in the 4700 block of Overland Drive in Lawrence, according to a statement from police. The driver led police north on Folks, east on Peterson,&nbsp; south on Monterey and refused to stop. Another officer was able to set up spikes and pop a tire along the route, but the driver continued on until a failed left turn at Overland Drive. The driver ran from the crash but was chased down and safely arrested without injury. The others surrendered. A 17-year-old boy was taken to the hospital to get checked out and released to a parent. A 14-year-old, who was reported as a runaway, went to the Juvenile Detention Center.

🎥Teens in stolen SUV crash into pole during Kan. police chase

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 &quot;The inaugural 2025 FIFA Peace Prize is proudly bestowed upon the President of the United States of America, the Honorable Donald J. Trump.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/uyx6j9FcXf">pic.twitter.com/uyx6j9FcXf</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1996996968334139529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 &quot;Please welcome the very first winner of the FIFA Peace Prize — the 45th and 47th President of the United States of America, Mr. Donald J. Trump!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/wPcObuFBKV">pic.twitter.com/wPcObuFBKV</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1996996980606672939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">FIFA President Gianni Infantino presents <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> with a medal upon him receiving the very first FIFA Peace Prize 🕊️ <a href="https://t.co/h6GSBsWJc9">https://t.co/h6GSBsWJc9</a> <a href="https://t.co/EMtCkdhfq2">pic.twitter.com/EMtCkdhfq2</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1996997442408251620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WATCH: FIFA President Gianni Infantino delivers remarks as he awards <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> with the very first FIFA Peace Prize: <a href="https://t.co/PQxeWizEOm">pic.twitter.com/PQxeWizEOm</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1996998560554917900?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on receiving the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize: &quot;This is truly one of the great honors of my life. Beyond awards... we saved millions and millions of lives.&quot; 🕊️ <a href="https://t.co/6H6qSUmvKC">pic.twitter.com/6H6qSUmvKC</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1996998595208171806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Donald J. Trump thanks his family after receiving the FIFA Peace Prize: &quot;I want to thank, by the way, my family — my great First Lady, Melania.&quot; ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/ZEPvi6DEXY">pic.twitter.com/ZEPvi6DEXY</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1996998932308664707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥FIFA awards President Trump their first peace prize

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations after a triffic stop.

Just after 11p.m. November 26, a K-9 Unit with the Shawnee County&nbsp; Sheriff’s Office&nbsp; conducted a traffic stop on a black 2017 Chevrolet Impala for speeding in&nbsp; the 300 block of SE 29th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, it was determined that the driver had a&nbsp; suspended driver’s license and a warrant for his arrest. Illegal narcotics, including cocaine, were&nbsp; also located.

Leo Rucker Jr., 40, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of&nbsp; Corrections on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of marijuana, Speeding; maximum limits, Driving while license suspended, Vehicle liability insurance; knowingly drive uninsured vehicle and&nbsp;&nbsp;Vehicles; operate vehicle without registration or with expired tag.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764776350902.png" alt="Rucker photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Rucker photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations after a triffic stop.Just after 11p.m. November 26, a K-9 Unit with the Shawnee County&nbsp; Sheriff’s Office&nbsp; conducted a traffic stop on a black 2017 Chevrolet Impala for speeding in&nbsp; the 300 block of SE 29th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, it was determined that the driver had a&nbsp; suspended driver’s license and a warrant for his arrest. Illegal narcotics, including cocaine, were&nbsp; also located.Leo Rucker Jr., 40, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of&nbsp; Corrections on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of marijuana, Speeding; maximum limits, Driving while license suspended, Vehicle liability insurance; knowingly drive uninsured vehicle and&nbsp;&nbsp;Vehicles; operate vehicle without registration or with expired tag.

Sheriff: Kan. driver accused of speeding had cocaine in the car

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Two-term Rep. Silas Miller was selected by the Sedgwick County Democratic Party to fill a vacancy in the Kansas Senate created by the resignation of Sen. Mary Ware.

Miller, elected to the House in 2022 and reelected without opposition in 2024, prevailed in a vote Thursday among Senate precinct committee members. He&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/02/longtime-lgbtq-advocate-returns-to-public-stage-as-candidate-for-kansas-senate-seat/">defeated Tom Witt</a>, a former executive director of Equality Kansas who retired from Statehouse lobbying in 2022, on a vote of 16-5.

Miller said he appreciated Ware as a political colleague and that he would have “big shoes to fill” while completing her unexpired term in the 25th District.

“Silas Miller is a forward-thinking leader who brings a wealth of life and legislative experience to the table,” said Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Johnson County Democrat. “We’re grateful that he has decided to step into the Senate chamber in this new capacity.”

Miller serves on the House education, election and insurance committees. He’s been the ranking Democrat on the House Federal and State Affairs Committee. In 2024, Miller proposed an unsuccessful amendment to a bill that would have removed cannabis from a list of illegal drugs in Kansas.

Ware, a retail store owner,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-senator-from-wichita-retires-opening-democratic-seat-ahead-of-legislative-session/">announced her decision to resign</a>&nbsp;Nov. 13. In 2018, she replaced Sen. Lynn Rogers in a precinct committee election. Rogers had stepped down after elected lieutenant governor on a ticket with Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

Ware was elected to a full term in the Senate during 2020 and reelected 2024. Last November, she carried the district with 57% of the vote against Republican Keenen Smith. She served on tax, commerce and agriculture committees in the Senate.

“While my time in the Senate is at an end, I will remain an involved private citizen and an advocate for the people of Wichita in this next era of my life,” Ware said.

Kristi Kirk, chair of the Sedgwick County Democratic Party, said Ware was known for her involvement with the community and as a unifying force in the Democratic Party.

“Mary could always be counted on to support not only her constituents, but was a champion for creating a full and safe future for Kansas children since joining the Senate,” Kirk said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764945122448.png" alt="Kansas Rep. Silas Miller, a Wichita Democrat, will replace retiring Sen. Mary Ware, also of Wichita. During a precinct election on Thursday, Miller won a majority of votes in a contest against Tom Witt, the former executive director of Kansas Equality. This image of Miller is from February 2023. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Rep. Silas Miller, a Wichita Democrat, will replace retiring Sen. Mary Ware, also of Wichita. During a precinct election on Thursday, Miller won a majority of votes in a contest against Tom Witt, the former executive director of Kansas Equality. This image of Miller is from February 2023. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Two-term Rep. Silas Miller was selected by the Sedgwick County Democratic Party to fill a vacancy in the Kansas Senate created by the resignation of Sen. Mary Ware.Miller, elected to the House in 2022 and reelected without opposition in 2024, prevailed in a vote Thursday among Senate precinct committee members. He&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/02/longtime-lgbtq-advocate-returns-to-public-stage-as-candidate-for-kansas-senate-seat/">defeated Tom Witt</a>, a former executive director of Equality Kansas who retired from Statehouse lobbying in 2022, on a vote of 16-5.Miller said he appreciated Ware as a political colleague and that he would have “big shoes to fill” while completing her unexpired term in the 25th District.“Silas Miller is a forward-thinking leader who brings a wealth of life and legislative experience to the table,” said Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Johnson County Democrat. “We’re grateful that he has decided to step into the Senate chamber in this new capacity.”Miller serves on the House education, election and insurance committees. He’s been the ranking Democrat on the House Federal and State Affairs Committee. In 2024, Miller proposed an unsuccessful amendment to a bill that would have removed cannabis from a list of illegal drugs in Kansas.Ware, a retail store owner,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-senator-from-wichita-retires-opening-democratic-seat-ahead-of-legislative-session/">announced her decision to resign</a>&nbsp;Nov. 13. In 2018, she replaced Sen. Lynn Rogers in a precinct committee election. Rogers had stepped down after elected lieutenant governor on a ticket with Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.Ware was elected to a full term in the Senate during 2020 and reelected 2024. Last November, she carried the district with 57% of the vote against Republican Keenen Smith. She served on tax, commerce and agriculture committees in the Senate.“While my time in the Senate is at an end, I will remain an involved private citizen and an advocate for the people of Wichita in this next era of my life,” Ware said.Kristi Kirk, chair of the Sedgwick County Democratic Party, said Ware was known for her involvement with the community and as a unifying force in the Democratic Party.“Mary could always be counted on to support not only her constituents, but was a champion for creating a full and safe future for Kansas children since joining the Senate,” Kirk said.

Kansas House Democrat chosen to complete term of former state senator

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a violent robbery in Manhattan have identified the teen suspects.

Just before 5:30p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report of aggravated robbery in the 700 block of Allen Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 23-year-old man reported three unknown men battered him and stole a handgun.&nbsp;After additional investigation into the incident, officers identified the three male suspects.

Terrion Toliver, 18, of Manhattan was arrested on December 4, 2025, at approximately 11:56 p.m on a requested charge of Aggravated Robbery. He is being held on a bond of $150,000.

Isaiah Ellis, 16, of Manhattan was arrested on December 4, 2025, at approximately 10:18 p.m on a requested charge of Aggravated Robbery. He remains confined in the North Central Kansas Juvenile Detention Facility.

Noah McFadden, 17, of Manhattan was arrested on December 5, 2025, at approximately 12:48 a.m on a requested charge of Aggravated Robbery. He is being held in the North Central Kansas Juvenile Detention Facility.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a violent robbery in Manhattan have identified the teen suspects.Just before 5:30p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report of aggravated robbery in the 700 block of Allen Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 23-year-old man reported three unknown men battered him and stole a handgun.&nbsp;After additional investigation into the incident, officers identified the three male suspects.Terrion Toliver, 18, of Manhattan was arrested on December 4, 2025, at approximately 11:56 p.m on a requested charge of Aggravated Robbery. He is being held on a bond of $150,000.Isaiah Ellis, 16, of Manhattan was arrested on December 4, 2025, at approximately 10:18 p.m on a requested charge of Aggravated Robbery. He remains confined in the North Central Kansas Juvenile Detention Facility.Noah McFadden, 17, of Manhattan was arrested on December 5, 2025, at approximately 12:48 a.m on a requested charge of Aggravated Robbery. He is being held in the North Central Kansas Juvenile Detention Facility.

Police: 3 Kansas teens arrested for violent robbery, gun theft

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a gun fight that sent three to area hospital.

Just after 11:30p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to a report of gunshots in the 2000 block of SW Tara Avenue in Topeka, according to Police&nbsp;Sergeant Chris Janes.

First responders found two men&nbsp; suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. American Medical Response transported both to an area hospital. Both are listed in critical condition. 

Just after 2a.m. Friday, another man arrived by personal vehicle to Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence. He was suffering from gunshot wounds. It is believed all 3 men were injured during the same incident.

Police released no additional details early Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764940858013.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a gun fight that sent three to area hospital.Just after 11:30p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to a report of gunshots in the 2000 block of SW Tara Avenue in Topeka, according to Police&nbsp;Sergeant Chris Janes.First responders found two men&nbsp; suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. American Medical Response transported both to an area hospital. Both are listed in critical condition. Just after 2a.m. Friday, another man arrived by personal vehicle to Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence. He was suffering from gunshot wounds. It is believed all 3 men were injured during the same incident.Police released no additional details early Friday.

Police: 3 hospitalized after Kansas gun fight

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On Dec. 4, at the direction of <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a> Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel in international waters operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization. Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was carrying illicit narcotics and… <a href="https://t.co/pqksvxM3HP">pic.twitter.com/pqksvxM3HP</a>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/1996726797086457886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥After 3 week pause, US military strikes another drug boat

WASHINGTON —President Trump on Thursday evening had the first lady light the National Christmas Tree.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764904009350.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —President Trump on Thursday evening had the first lady light the National Christmas Tree.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump and The First Lady Participate in the National Christmas Tree Lighting <a href="https://t.co/np5QSKP7eA">https://t.co/np5QSKP7eA</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1996723239284883938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MERRY CHRISTMAS!<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a> light the beautiful National Christmas Tree ✨🎄 <a href="https://t.co/Um3Qf1pEIo">pic.twitter.com/Um3Qf1pEIo</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1996734857943437453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

First lady lights the National Christmas Tree

JASPER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1p.m. Thursday in Jasper County.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Ford Escape driven by a 20-year-old Kirbyville woman was eastbound on MO 37 two miles south of Golden City.. The driver failed to yield at a stop sign and struck a northbound 2029 Ford Edge driven by an 82-year-old Golden City woman in a T-Bond collision.&nbsp;

The 82-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported the 20-year-old driver and her 21-year-old male passenger to Mercy Hospital in Joplin. The 82-year-old and the 21-year-old were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

JASPER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1p.m. Thursday in Jasper County.&nbsp;The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Ford Escape driven by a 20-year-old Kirbyville woman was eastbound on MO 37 two miles south of Golden City.. The driver failed to yield at a stop sign and struck a northbound 2029 Ford Edge driven by an 82-year-old Golden City woman in a T-Bond collision.&nbsp;The 82-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported the 20-year-old driver and her 21-year-old male passenger to Mercy Hospital in Joplin. The 82-year-old and the 21-year-old were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman killed in T-Bone collision 

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an armed disturbance that left a woman seriously injured.

Just after 12:30 p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a grocery store in 14600 block of West 119th&nbsp;Street in Olathe, regarding an armed disturbance involving a blunt force object, according to Sergeant John Moncayo.

Upon arrival, officers located an 85-year-old woman with serious injuries. The woman was ultimately transported to an area hospital in serious condition. A suspect was located on scene and taken into custody.&nbsp; Christopher A. Brewer, 50,&nbsp; who according to court documents used a hammer in the attack, is being held on a $35,000 bond on charges of aggravated battery, reckless bodily harm. He made his first court appearance Monday afternoon and is due back in court Dec. 11, according ton online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764620311539.png" alt="Brewer photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Brewer photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an armed disturbance that left a woman seriously injured.Just after 12:30 p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a grocery store in 14600 block of West 119th&nbsp;Street in Olathe, regarding an armed disturbance involving a blunt force object, according to Sergeant John Moncayo.Upon arrival, officers located an 85-year-old woman with serious injuries. The woman was ultimately transported to an area hospital in serious condition. A suspect was located on scene and taken into custody.&nbsp; Christopher A. Brewer, 50,&nbsp; who according to court documents used a hammer in the attack, is being held on a $35,000 bond on charges of aggravated battery, reckless bodily harm. He made his first court appearance Monday afternoon and is due back in court Dec. 11, according ton online jail records.

Suspect accused of hammer attack on 85-year-old Kan. woman

The ruling is a major win for the Trump administration and Texas Republicans, who engineered the map to give the GOP control of 30 of the state’s 38 congressional districts.

by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/author/eleanor-klibanoff/">Eleanor Klibanoff</a> <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/">Texas Tribune</a>

Texas can use its new, GOP friendly congressional map while a legal challenge plays out, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, temporarily pausing a lower court ruling that had blocked the map from going into effect.

With the Dec. 8 candidate filing deadline fast approaching, the high court’s decision likely means Texas’ new map will be used for the 2026 midterm elections.

Justice Samuel Alito ruled that it was “indisputable” that Texas’ motivation for redistricting was “pure and simple” partisan advantage, which the court has previously ruled is permissible. Alito rejected the argument that Texas had engaged in racial gerrymandering.

The ruling is a major win for Republicans in Texas and nationally. President Donald Trump had pushed Texas to redraw its map over the summer, hoping to secure five additional GOP seats to shore up the party’s narrow majority in the U.S. House through the midterms.

On Nov. 18, two federal judges&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2025/11/18/texas-redistricting-ruling-lawsuit-el-paso-court-2026-midterms/">barred</a>&nbsp;Texas from using the new map for 2026, saying there was evidence state lawmakers had racially gerrymandered in redrawing the lines. Galveston District Judge Jeffrey Brown, a Trump appointee, authored the opinion ordering Texas to return to its 2021 map, while 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Jerry Smith vociferously dissented.

The state asked the Supreme Court to overturn Brown’s ruling entirely, but that could take weeks or months to proceed through the court system, especially if the justices decide they want to hear arguments in Washington, D.C. With Thursday’s ruling, the justices have temporarily paused Brown’s ruling while that longer legal process can play out.

The ruling said the lower court, under Brown, “improperly inserted itself into an active primary campaign, causing much confusion and upsetting the delicate federal-state balance in elections.”

The new map, approved by the Texas Legislature and signed by Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://directory.texastribune.org/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a>&nbsp;in August, is engineered to give Republicans control of 30 of the state’s 38 congressional districts, up from the 25 they currently hold under the 2021 map. Numerous Republican candidates have stepped forward to run in the newly favorable districts, while several Democratic incumbents were pushed into nearby districts already occupied by another Democrat, forcing them to contemplate primaries or retire.

Brown’s ruling&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2025/11/18/texas-congressional-redistricting-map-ruling-2026-effect/">upended those calculations</a>. But in restoring the new map, the Supreme Court likely ensured that Republicans running for redrawn districts will get to campaign under the new lines in 2026.

Attorney General Ken Paxton celebrated the ruling, saying it was a win for Texas and every conservative who is tired of watching the left try to upend the political system with bogus lawsuits.”

Texas Democrats, meanwhile, condemned the outcome, with House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu of Houston saying the high court had “failed” Texans.

“This is what the end of the Voting Rights Act looks like: courts that won’t protect minority communities even when the evidence is staring them in the face,” Wu said.

In her dissent, Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan criticized the court for reversing Brown’s 160-page ruling “based on its perusal, over a holiday weekend, of a cold paper record.”

“Today’s order disrespects the work of a District Court that did everything one could ask to carry out its charge,” Kagan wrote on behalf of the liberal justices. “Today’s order disserves the millions of Texans whom the District Court found were assigned to their new districts based on their race.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764898399072.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The ruling is a major win for the Trump administration and Texas Republicans, who engineered the map to give the GOP control of 30 of the state’s 38 congressional districts.by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/author/eleanor-klibanoff/">Eleanor Klibanoff</a> <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/">Texas Tribune</a>Texas can use its new, GOP friendly congressional map while a legal challenge plays out, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, temporarily pausing a lower court ruling that had blocked the map from going into effect.With the Dec. 8 candidate filing deadline fast approaching, the high court’s decision likely means Texas’ new map will be used for the 2026 midterm elections.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755030421448.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Justice Samuel Alito ruled that it was “indisputable” that Texas’ motivation for redistricting was “pure and simple” partisan advantage, which the court has previously ruled is permissible. Alito rejected the argument that Texas had engaged in racial gerrymandering.The ruling is a major win for Republicans in Texas and nationally. President Donald Trump had pushed Texas to redraw its map over the summer, hoping to secure five additional GOP seats to shore up the party’s narrow majority in the U.S. House through the midterms.On Nov. 18, two federal judges&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2025/11/18/texas-redistricting-ruling-lawsuit-el-paso-court-2026-midterms/">barred</a>&nbsp;Texas from using the new map for 2026, saying there was evidence state lawmakers had racially gerrymandered in redrawing the lines. Galveston District Judge Jeffrey Brown, a Trump appointee, authored the opinion ordering Texas to return to its 2021 map, while 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Jerry Smith vociferously dissented.The state asked the Supreme Court to overturn Brown’s ruling entirely, but that could take weeks or months to proceed through the court system, especially if the justices decide they want to hear arguments in Washington, D.C. With Thursday’s ruling, the justices have temporarily paused Brown’s ruling while that longer legal process can play out.The ruling said the lower court, under Brown, “improperly inserted itself into an active primary campaign, causing much confusion and upsetting the delicate federal-state balance in elections.”The new map, approved by the Texas Legislature and signed by Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://directory.texastribune.org/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a>&nbsp;in August, is engineered to give Republicans control of 30 of the state’s 38 congressional districts, up from the 25 they currently hold under the 2021 map. Numerous Republican candidates have stepped forward to run in the newly favorable districts, while several Democratic incumbents were pushed into nearby districts already occupied by another Democrat, forcing them to contemplate primaries or retire.Brown’s ruling&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2025/11/18/texas-congressional-redistricting-map-ruling-2026-effect/">upended those calculations</a>. But in restoring the new map, the Supreme Court likely ensured that Republicans running for redrawn districts will get to campaign under the new lines in 2026.Attorney General Ken Paxton celebrated the ruling, saying it was a win for Texas and every conservative who is tired of watching the left try to upend the political system with bogus lawsuits.”Texas Democrats, meanwhile, condemned the outcome, with House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu of Houston saying the high court had “failed” Texans.“This is what the end of the Voting Rights Act looks like: courts that won’t protect minority communities even when the evidence is staring them in the face,” Wu said.In her dissent, Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan criticized the court for reversing Brown’s 160-page ruling “based on its perusal, over a holiday weekend, of a cold paper record.”“Today’s order disrespects the work of a District Court that did everything one could ask to carry out its charge,” Kagan wrote on behalf of the liberal justices. “Today’s order disserves the millions of Texans whom the District Court found were assigned to their new districts based on their race.”

Supreme Court lets Texas keep new congressional map

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a vehicle theft and have taken a Kansas teen into custody.

On December 2, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM, a deputy with the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office located a Toyota Avalon in the area of East 1st Street and Bonebrake Street that had been reported stolen out of Nebraska. The vehicle was unoccupied at the time it was recovered. The vehicle was processed and evidence was collected. The vehicle was towed for safekeeping until it can be returned to the owner.

Investigators with the Sheriff’s Office continued the investigation and developed a suspect the following day. The investigation led to the arrest of 19-year-old&nbsp; Christopher Madison Bryant of Abilene on a requested charge of theft of the vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764864386188.jpeg" alt="Bryant photo Dickinson Co." />
 <figcaption>Bryant photo Dickinson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a vehicle theft and have taken a Kansas teen into custody.On December 2, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM, a deputy with the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office located a Toyota Avalon in the area of East 1st Street and Bonebrake Street that had been reported stolen out of Nebraska. The vehicle was unoccupied at the time it was recovered. The vehicle was processed and evidence was collected. The vehicle was towed for safekeeping until it can be returned to the owner.Investigators with the Sheriff’s Office continued the investigation and developed a suspect the following day. The investigation led to the arrest of 19-year-old&nbsp; Christopher Madison Bryant of Abilene on a requested charge of theft of the vehicle.

Kan. teen arrested after reported stolen car recovered

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri’s Western District Court of Appeals agreed the ballot language set to go on the November 2026 ballot failed to sufficiently inform voters that a ‘yes’ vote would repeal abortion rights passed in 2024

A Missouri appeals court rewrote the language for a proposed abortion ban set to appear on the November 2026 ballot after the judges concluded Thursday the previous wording drafted by Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/03/missouri-appeals-court-arguments-abortion-ban-ballot-measure/">was riddled with errors.</a>

The judges found both the ballot language and the summary statement that will be posted at polling places “fail to sufficiently advise voters” that the proposed amendment would repeal and replace the reproductive rights amendment voters passed in November 2024 to legalize abortion.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Opinion.PDF?courtCode=WA&amp;di=506254" target="_blank">The new ballot language</a>&nbsp;certified by the Missouri Court of Appeals reads:&nbsp;

“Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

Western District Court of Appeals Presiding Judge W. Douglas Thomson and judges Thomas Chapman and Janet Sutton filed the opinion less than 24 hours after hearing arguments in their courtroom Wednesday afternoon.

Hoskins’ now-rejected ballot language, in-part, asked if voters wanted to: “Repeal Article I, section 36, approved in 2024; allow abortions for medical emergencies, fetal anomalies, rape, and incest.’”

Attorneys for Dr. Anna Fitz-James, who filed the lawsuit, picked this statement apart, scrutinizing the assumption that voters would know what “Article 1, section 3 of the constitution is, the exclusion of the 12-week gestation limit for survivors, as well as the misuse of a semi-colon, which could be interpreted to mean citizens would be newly gaining these abortion rights.

The appeals court agreed with them on all three counts.

The judges also re-wrote Hoskins’ initial ballot language that asked if voters wanted to: “Guarantee women’s medical care for emergencies, ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages.”

The appeals court found that wording to be “misleading,” because while the proposed amendment would prevent the state from interfering with an individual’s ability to access such care, it “does not guarantee the care itself.”

Fitz-James also argued the proposed amendment violates a&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III+++50&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">statute</a>&nbsp;that prevents ballot measures from encompassing more than one subject. She argued that gender-affirming care is a different subject from reproductive health care.

The appeals judges agreed with the lower court’s assessment that the proposed amendment “passes constitutional muster” and does not violate the single subject rule.&nbsp;

“Because gender transition surgeries or hormone therapies may affect the ability to reproduce, gender transition surgeries and hormone therapies may be connected with, or incident to, reproductive health care,” the judges wrote.&nbsp;

Abortion rights groups have accused lawmakers of including the ban to win over more voters. Gender-affirming health care for minors is&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/15/how-missouri-became-a-battleground-over-gender-affirming-care/">currently banned in Missouri,</a>&nbsp;though a challenge to the law is before the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/24/ruling-upholding-missouri-transgender-care-ban-had-factual-errors-attorneys-argue/">state supreme court.&nbsp;</a>

But they disagreed with how Hoskins worded this part of the language, which initially asked if voters wanted to “prohibit sex-change procedures for children.” The judges said this wording incorrectly attempted to use the words “gender” and “sex” interchangeably.&nbsp;

The court also re-wrote the ballot summary to reflect the new ballot language.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764874419281.png" alt=" Students hold up anti-abortion signs at the Midwest March for Life on May 1, 2024, at the Missouri State Capitol (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Students hold up anti-abortion signs at the Midwest March for Life on May 1, 2024, at the Missouri State Capitol (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>Missouri’s Western District Court of Appeals agreed the ballot language set to go on the November 2026 ballot failed to sufficiently inform voters that a ‘yes’ vote would repeal abortion rights passed in 2024</h2>A Missouri appeals court rewrote the language for a proposed abortion ban set to appear on the November 2026 ballot after the judges concluded Thursday the previous wording drafted by Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/03/missouri-appeals-court-arguments-abortion-ban-ballot-measure/">was riddled with errors.</a>The judges found both the ballot language and the summary statement that will be posted at polling places “fail to sufficiently advise voters” that the proposed amendment would repeal and replace the reproductive rights amendment voters passed in November 2024 to legalize abortion.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Opinion.PDF?courtCode=WA&amp;di=506254" target="_blank">The new ballot language</a>&nbsp;certified by the Missouri Court of Appeals reads:&nbsp;“Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:<ul>
 <li>Repeal the 2024 voter-approved Amendment providing reproductive healthcare rights, including abortion through fetal viability;</li><li>Allow abortions for rape and incest (under twelve-weeks’ gestation), emergencies, and fetal anomalies;</li><li>Allow legislation regulating abortion;</li><li>Ensure parental consent for minors’ abortions;</li><li>Prohibit gender transition procedures for minors?”</li>
 </ul>Western District Court of Appeals Presiding Judge W. Douglas Thomson and judges Thomas Chapman and Janet Sutton filed the opinion less than 24 hours after hearing arguments in their courtroom Wednesday afternoon.Hoskins’ now-rejected ballot language, in-part, asked if voters wanted to: “Repeal Article I, section 36, approved in 2024; allow abortions for medical emergencies, fetal anomalies, rape, and incest.’”Attorneys for Dr. Anna Fitz-James, who filed the lawsuit, picked this statement apart, scrutinizing the assumption that voters would know what “Article 1, section 3 of the constitution is, the exclusion of the 12-week gestation limit for survivors, as well as the misuse of a semi-colon, which could be interpreted to mean citizens would be newly gaining these abortion rights.The appeals court agreed with them on all three counts.The judges also re-wrote Hoskins’ initial ballot language that asked if voters wanted to: “Guarantee women’s medical care for emergencies, ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages.”The appeals court found that wording to be “misleading,” because while the proposed amendment would prevent the state from interfering with an individual’s ability to access such care, it “does not guarantee the care itself.”Fitz-James also argued the proposed amendment violates a&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III+++50&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">statute</a>&nbsp;that prevents ballot measures from encompassing more than one subject. She argued that gender-affirming care is a different subject from reproductive health care.The appeals judges agreed with the lower court’s assessment that the proposed amendment “passes constitutional muster” and does not violate the single subject rule.&nbsp;“Because gender transition surgeries or hormone therapies may affect the ability to reproduce, gender transition surgeries and hormone therapies may be connected with, or incident to, reproductive health care,” the judges wrote.&nbsp;Abortion rights groups have accused lawmakers of including the ban to win over more voters. Gender-affirming health care for minors is&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/15/how-missouri-became-a-battleground-over-gender-affirming-care/">currently banned in Missouri,</a>&nbsp;though a challenge to the law is before the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/24/ruling-upholding-missouri-transgender-care-ban-had-factual-errors-attorneys-argue/">state supreme court.&nbsp;</a>But they disagreed with how Hoskins worded this part of the language, which initially asked if voters wanted to “prohibit sex-change procedures for children.” The judges said this wording incorrectly attempted to use the words “gender” and “sex” interchangeably.&nbsp;The court also re-wrote the ballot summary to reflect the new ballot language.&nbsp;A new law passed this year allows the secretary of state three attempts to write fair ballot language. Hoskins has so far used two, but the appeals court ruled Thursday that he wouldn’t be given his third try at the wording.The latest decision is expected to be appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court.&nbsp;The proposed constitutional amendment was drafted and approved by Missouri’s Republican supermajority in May. A lawsuit over the initial ballot language, which failed to state the amendment would ban abortion, was filed in July by Fitz-James. Fitz-James, who submitted the language for the reproductive rights initiative petition, said the latest amendment was intentionally deceptive.&nbsp;While abortion up until the point of fetal viability is a constitutional right in Missouri because of&nbsp; the abortion rights amendment voters approved, only several dozen abortions have occurred as legal battles over abortion regulations that remain in state statute play out in the courts.&nbsp;