JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a robbery have a suspect in custody.

On Tuesday night, police in Overland Park&nbsp;responded to an armed robbery at a business in the 7400 block of Shawnee Mission Parkway, according to a social media report.

Police located a suspect and officers engaged in a vehicle pursuit that traveled into Missouri.  The suspect was taken into custody in Lee's Summit.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the suspect or possible charges.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a robbery have a suspect in custody.On Tuesday night, police in Overland Park&nbsp;responded to an armed robbery at a business in the 7400 block of Shawnee Mission Parkway, according to a social media report.Police located a suspect and officers engaged in a vehicle pursuit that traveled into Missouri. The suspect was taken into custody in Lee's Summit.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the suspect or possible charges.

Kansas armed robbery suspect captured in Missouri

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a deadly fire in Topeka.&nbsp;

Just before 5:30a.m. Tuesday,&nbsp;firefighters from the Topeka Fire Department responded to a house fire at 435 SE California Avenue, according to Fire Marshal&nbsp;Alan Stahl.

 Upon arrival, crews found a single story house with smoke and flames. Crews extinguished the fire and during a search of the home they found the body of a man who was deceased. He&nbsp;has been identified as 34-year-old Daron Weather. His cause of death remains under investigation.

Fire officials have also not released an estimate of damage to the residence from the fire.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a deadly fire in Topeka.&nbsp;Just before 5:30a.m. Tuesday,&nbsp;firefighters from the Topeka Fire Department responded to a house fire at 435 SE California Avenue, according to Fire Marshal&nbsp;Alan Stahl. Upon arrival, crews found a single story house with smoke and flames. Crews extinguished the fire and during a search of the home they found the body of a man who was deceased. He&nbsp;has been identified as 34-year-old Daron Weather. His cause of death remains under investigation.Fire officials have also not released an estimate of damage to the residence from the fire.

Fire Marshal IDs victim in deadly Kansas house fire

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.

Just after 2a.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to the 3700 block of St. John Avenue on a reported shooting, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Upon arrival, no shooting victims were immediately located at the scene. While officers were speaking with bystanders in the area, they were notified a shooting victim arrived by a private vehicle at an area hospital. The victim was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. 

Further investigation revealed the incident may have occurred at a separate location near Sunrise Drive and Cliff Drive Place.

Just after 6a.m. detectives were notified by hospital staff the victim had been pronounced deceased. There is currently no preliminary information regarding what lead up to the shooting. A subject of interest has not been identified and no one is in custody at this time.Homicide detectives have assumed responsibility for the case.&nbsp; Police have not released the victim's name or additional details.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just after 2a.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to the 3700 block of St. John Avenue on a reported shooting, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Upon arrival, no shooting victims were immediately located at the scene. While officers were speaking with bystanders in the area, they were notified a shooting victim arrived by a private vehicle at an area hospital. The victim was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Further investigation revealed the incident may have occurred at a separate location near Sunrise Drive and Cliff Drive Place.Just after 6a.m. detectives were notified by hospital staff the victim had been pronounced deceased. There is currently no preliminary information regarding what lead up to the shooting. A subject of interest has not been identified and no one is in custody at this time.Homicide detectives have assumed responsibility for the case.&nbsp; Police have not released the victim's name or additional details.

Homicide: Shooting victim dies after arriving at KC hospital

KANSAS CITY—Prosecutors secured a guilty plea in the fatal wrong-way crash that occurred on 291 Highway near Sugar Creek, Missouri in 2022, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson/.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2516/2316-CR01585-01-Dominic-ConwayRedacted">Dominic Conway, 42,&nbsp; pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;to Driving While Intoxicated and Involuntary Manslaughter in the 1st Degree. The defendant was also sentenced to the maximum sentence for the DWI charge—six months, and seven years on the involuntary manslaughter charge. The counts are running concurrently with one another.&nbsp;

According to court records, Sugar Creek police were called to the scene of a head-on crash on Missouri 291 Highway on Oct. 14, 2022. 

The victim. Independence, Mo. firefighter Harold "Gene" Eddins, Jr., was driving home after finishing his shift at the fire department when the crash occurred.&nbsp; He died at the scene of the crash.

The investigation determined Eddins was driving northbound on the highway when he encountered Conway's vehicle, which was driving the wrong-way on the divided, four-lane roadway. The two vehicles struck head-on. The defendant was impaired at the time of the crash, and his blood alcohol content was at least .490 when the crash occurred.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740521420729.png" alt="Conway photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Conway photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Prosecutors secured a guilty plea in the fatal wrong-way crash that occurred on 291 Highway near Sugar Creek, Missouri in 2022, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson/.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2516/2316-CR01585-01-Dominic-ConwayRedacted">Dominic Conway, 42,&nbsp; pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;to Driving While Intoxicated and Involuntary Manslaughter in the 1st Degree. The defendant was also sentenced to the maximum sentence for the DWI charge—six months, and seven years on the involuntary manslaughter charge. The counts are running concurrently with one another.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740521548480.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>According to court records, Sugar Creek police were called to the scene of a head-on crash on Missouri 291 Highway on Oct. 14, 2022. The victim. Independence, Mo. firefighter Harold "Gene" Eddins, Jr., was driving home after finishing his shift at the fire department when the crash occurred.&nbsp; He died at the scene of the crash.The investigation determined Eddins was driving northbound on the highway when he encountered Conway's vehicle, which was driving the wrong-way on the divided, four-lane roadway. The two vehicles struck head-on. The defendant was impaired at the time of the crash, and his blood alcohol content was at least .490 when the crash occurred.

Prison for wrong-way crash that killed KC area firefighter

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

The first bill passed by the Missouri House that is headed to the Senate floor for debate would&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/13/missouri-house-votes-on-party-lines-to-eliminate-income-tax-on-capital-gains/">exempt long-term capital gains</a>&nbsp;from the state income tax.

On a 3-2 party-line vote, the Senate General Laws committee approved&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB594&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">the bill</a>&nbsp;to create the new tax deduction. The bill passed the House on Feb. 13, also on a party-line vote, with Republicans supporting the measure and Democrats opposed.

If passed into law, the proposal sponsored by House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins, a Republican from Bowling Green, would&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/fiscal/fispdf/1683H.02P.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">reduce state revenue</a>&nbsp;by about $335 million in the year starting July 1 and permanently reduce revenue by about $234 million per year.

The committee took quick action, Chairman Curtis Trent of Springfield said, because it had already voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=149" target="_blank">approve identical legislation</a>&nbsp;filed in the Senate. That bill is on the Senate calendar awaiting debate.

“This has been a priority in both chambers, and there’s no reason to delay, you know, passage of it through the process,” Trent said after the vote.

The bill would allow Missourians to deduct any income reported on their federal returns as long-term capital gains from the income subject to the state income tax.&nbsp;

Federal law taxes long-term capital gains, defined as assets held for more than one year, at lower rates than income from wages. Current Missouri law does not make a distinction between the two sources of income.

State Rep. George Hruza, a Republican from St. Louis County, said during Tuesday’s hearing that eliminating the state taxes on capital gains will boost the Missouri economy by encouraging investment, both from the sale of existing assets and from newcomers to the state.

“This frees up capital because right now, people don’t sell their property because of capital gains tax,” Hruza said.

While it may become the first tax-cut bill debated in both chambers, it is by no means the largest being considered. Last week, the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee approved a pair of bills that would, if approved by voters,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/19/plan-to-shift-from-income-tax-to-sales-tax-advances-to-missouri-senate/">eliminate the state income</a>&nbsp;tax in 2027.

The debate on taxes comes as Missouri is in a period of sluggish revenue growth. Through Monday, general revenue receipts are down nearly 2% from the fiscal year that ended June 30.

Revenue increased 1.5% in the most recent fiscal year and it is projected to grow by 1.6% in the coming fiscal year.

The revenue reduction from a cut in the capital gains tax would be greater than the anticipated growth in the coming fiscal year.

Eliminating the tax on capital gains could cost more than the estimate and would mainly benefit wealthy taxpayers, Brian Colby, vice president of the Missouri Budget Project told the committee.

“We just want to go on the record with heartburn about the fiscal note,” Colby said, “and the concern about the distribution of the tax break that skews way up higher in the income scale.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740531588475.png" alt=" Sen. Curtis Trent, a Republican from Springfield, introduces a bill on the Senate floor on Feb. 12, 2024 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Sen. Curtis Trent, a Republican from Springfield, introduces a bill on the Senate floor on Feb. 12, 2024 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The first bill passed by the Missouri House that is headed to the Senate floor for debate would&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/13/missouri-house-votes-on-party-lines-to-eliminate-income-tax-on-capital-gains/">exempt long-term capital gains</a>&nbsp;from the state income tax.On a 3-2 party-line vote, the Senate General Laws committee approved&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB594&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">the bill</a>&nbsp;to create the new tax deduction. The bill passed the House on Feb. 13, also on a party-line vote, with Republicans supporting the measure and Democrats opposed.If passed into law, the proposal sponsored by House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins, a Republican from Bowling Green, would&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/fiscal/fispdf/1683H.02P.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">reduce state revenue</a>&nbsp;by about $335 million in the year starting July 1 and permanently reduce revenue by about $234 million per year.The committee took quick action, Chairman Curtis Trent of Springfield said, because it had already voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=149" target="_blank">approve identical legislation</a>&nbsp;filed in the Senate. That bill is on the Senate calendar awaiting debate.“This has been a priority in both chambers, and there’s no reason to delay, you know, passage of it through the process,” Trent said after the vote.The bill would allow Missourians to deduct any income reported on their federal returns as long-term capital gains from the income subject to the state income tax.&nbsp;Federal law taxes long-term capital gains, defined as assets held for more than one year, at lower rates than income from wages. Current Missouri law does not make a distinction between the two sources of income.State Rep. George Hruza, a Republican from St. Louis County, said during Tuesday’s hearing that eliminating the state taxes on capital gains will boost the Missouri economy by encouraging investment, both from the sale of existing assets and from newcomers to the state.“This frees up capital because right now, people don’t sell their property because of capital gains tax,” Hruza said.While it may become the first tax-cut bill debated in both chambers, it is by no means the largest being considered. Last week, the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee approved a pair of bills that would, if approved by voters,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/19/plan-to-shift-from-income-tax-to-sales-tax-advances-to-missouri-senate/">eliminate the state income</a>&nbsp;tax in 2027.The debate on taxes comes as Missouri is in a period of sluggish revenue growth. Through Monday, general revenue receipts are down nearly 2% from the fiscal year that ended June 30.Revenue increased 1.5% in the most recent fiscal year and it is projected to grow by 1.6% in the coming fiscal year.The revenue reduction from a cut in the capital gains tax would be greater than the anticipated growth in the coming fiscal year.Eliminating the tax on capital gains could cost more than the estimate and would mainly benefit wealthy taxpayers, Brian Colby, vice president of the Missouri Budget Project told the committee.“We just want to go on the record with heartburn about the fiscal note,” Colby said, “and the concern about the distribution of the tax break that skews way up higher in the income scale.”

Missouri Senate committee moves quickly on capital gains tax cut

JACKSON COUNTY– Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations.

On Feb. 20, Jackson County Deputies and Detectives executed a search warrant on the residences of 405 W 5th Street and 407 W 5th Street in Soldier for illegal drugs or narcotics, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

During the search deputies discovered illegal narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and weapons. 

Christopher Kolterman, 52, of Soldier, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; &nbsp;possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740361072786.png" alt="Kolterman photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Kolterman photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY– Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations.On Feb. 20, Jackson County Deputies and Detectives executed a search warrant on the residences of 405 W 5th Street and 407 W 5th Street in Soldier for illegal drugs or narcotics, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.During the search deputies discovered illegal narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and weapons. Christopher Kolterman, 52, of Soldier, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; &nbsp;possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm.

Sheriff: Kansas felon was hiding drugs and gun at home

Tours of the White House resumed on Tuesday under the new administration.

President Trump&nbsp;stopped to say hello to the first official White House tour group of the year.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/visit/">Click here to</a> book a White House tour.

Tours of the White House resumed on Tuesday under the new administration.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> stops to say hello to the first official White House tour group of the year! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/fjPlKQgzI1">pic.twitter.com/fjPlKQgzI1</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1894426618480697563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>President Trump&nbsp;stopped to say hello to the first official White House tour group of the year.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Happening now, behind the scenes as President Trump stops by to say hello to a group touring the <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WhiteHouse</a>… Book your tour today at: <a href="https://t.co/kdwqkyOt2h">https://t.co/kdwqkyOt2h</a> <a href="https://t.co/3OnYE5ijjo">pic.twitter.com/3OnYE5ijjo</a>&mdash; Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scavino47/status/1894431242982232345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/visit/">Click here to</a> book a White House tour.

🎥President Trump Surprises First White House Tour Group in Years

The emergency rules would have allowed gamblers to place bets sometime this summer. Now the Missouri Gaming Commission will be racing against the Dec. 1 deadline to issue licenses

A dispute over whether the Missouri Gaming Commission can issue emergency rules to implement sports wagering will delay the licensing of casinos and online operators until fall, the executive director of the Missouri Gaming Commission said Monday.

Last week, Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected the gaming commission emergency rules intended to allow it to accept license applications. The notice to the gaming commission did not specify why the rule was rejected.

“The only answer we were given is that it didn’t meet the requirements under the statute,” Executive Director Mike Leara said.

In an email to The Independent, a spokeswoman for Hoskins wrote that the “emergency rules have been rejected due to lack of emergency.”

Hoskins further clarified his position in a Monday afternoon statement, saying the constitutional deadline for the start of sports betting, Dec. 1, can be achieved without emergency rules.

“The standard rulemaking process is more than capable of achieving the desired outcome within the necessary time frame,” Hoskins said. “In fact, under the proper procedure, the proposed rules could be effective by Sept. 30, 2025—well ahead of the December 1 deadline. This confirms that there is no legitimate justification for bypassing the standard rulemaking process, which is designed to give the public the chance to weigh in on decisions that affect them.”

Amendment 2,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/27/passage-of-missouri-sports-wagering-seems-assured-despite-narrow-margin/">narrowly approved by voters</a>&nbsp;in November, legalizes betting on sporting events through online platforms, at the state’s 13 casinos and in special districts near major pro sports stadiums.

Following Hoskins action, Leara said the deadline will be met, but it will be difficult.

“We’re going to make it one way or another, but we will make it,” Leara said.

Missouri agencies write rules to implement state laws and submit them to the Secretary of State’s office for publication in the Missouri Register. Emergency rules take effect immediately upon publication, while other rules must go through a comment and revision process.

Under the&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=536.025&amp;bid=47746&amp;hl=" target="_blank">law allowing emergency rules</a>, the new regulation must address something that is an “immediate danger to the public health, safety or welfare requires emergency action” or that it “is necessary to preserve a compelling governmental interest that requires an early effective date.”

The Secretary of State’s office told the gaming commission that the proposed rules “do not meet the requirements” of the statute.

Soon after the election, Leara said emergency rules would make it possible for companies to start offering sports betting by summer. The emergency is the “compelling governmental interest” of making the Dec. 1 deadline, he said.

“My primary motivation was that we would have these rules in place so that we could start the vetting process and not be rushed into making a decision,” Leara said.

Under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mgc.dps.mo.gov/RulesNRegs/_CSR_proposed.html" target="_blank">rules being proposed</a>, every casino operating company, the six major league sports franchises and two internet-only companies could offer online wagering. Each of the 13 individual casinos and the major league franchises could have a retail location for in-person betting.

The interpretation of how many online licenses would be available has been changing. During the campaign, Caesars Entertainment spent $15 million on an opposition campaign because it would be allowed only one online platform to cover its three casinos in the state.

About a month before the election, Leara said, the attorney general’s office said Amendment 2 allowed an online platform linked to each casino. Now, the interpretation has changed again, he said.

“It is now their opinion that each parent company gets a mobile license,” Leara said.

The licensing process will be complex because the online bookmakers, the casino companies and the major sports franchises all have to undergo licensing investigations, Leara said. So do all the vendors that supply the bookmakers and all the employees who work at the retail sports wager sites.

“Some of these licenses will be easy, because the casinos will all have the opportunity for one and they’re already licensed,” Leara said. “But some of the other operators, for the mobile platforms, will not be. They may have been licensed with us on your fantasy sports, but this is a different animal to consider.”

The proposed rules will be published March 18 in the Missouri Register, opening a 30-day comment period.&nbsp; A public hearing on the rules is scheduled for 10 a.m. April 17 in the Missouri Gaming Commission’s hearing room in Jefferson City.

After the comment period closes, the proposed rules and the public’s statements are forwarded to the legislature’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, which has 30 days to request changes or hold a hearing. The rules become effective when that process is completed and they are published.

That process is important to protect the public from burdensome rules, Hoskins said.

“The public deserves to have its voice heard, and it’s crucial that we ensure that this rulemaking process is transparent, thorough, and open,” he said. “By following the standard rulemaking process, Missouri can ensure that the decisions being made are not only legally sound but also informed by the people who will be impacted the most. We cannot afford to rush through this process for the sake of a deadline that can easily be met through standard procedures.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740506502281.png" alt=" Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected emergency rules for sports wagering. He is shown speaking as a state senator during the 2021 legislative session (Missouri Senate Communications)." />
 <figcaption> Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected emergency rules for sports wagering. He is shown speaking as a state senator during the 2021 legislative session (Missouri Senate Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The emergency rules would have allowed gamblers to place bets sometime this summer. Now the Missouri Gaming Commission will be racing against the Dec. 1 deadline to issue licenses</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A dispute over whether the Missouri Gaming Commission can issue emergency rules to implement sports wagering will delay the licensing of casinos and online operators until fall, the executive director of the Missouri Gaming Commission said Monday.Last week, Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected the gaming commission emergency rules intended to allow it to accept license applications. The notice to the gaming commission did not specify why the rule was rejected.“The only answer we were given is that it didn’t meet the requirements under the statute,” Executive Director Mike Leara said.In an email to The Independent, a spokeswoman for Hoskins wrote that the “emergency rules have been rejected due to lack of emergency.”Hoskins further clarified his position in a Monday afternoon statement, saying the constitutional deadline for the start of sports betting, Dec. 1, can be achieved without emergency rules.“The standard rulemaking process is more than capable of achieving the desired outcome within the necessary time frame,” Hoskins said. “In fact, under the proper procedure, the proposed rules could be effective by Sept. 30, 2025—well ahead of the December 1 deadline. This confirms that there is no legitimate justification for bypassing the standard rulemaking process, which is designed to give the public the chance to weigh in on decisions that affect them.”Amendment 2,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/27/passage-of-missouri-sports-wagering-seems-assured-despite-narrow-margin/">narrowly approved by voters</a>&nbsp;in November, legalizes betting on sporting events through online platforms, at the state’s 13 casinos and in special districts near major pro sports stadiums.Following Hoskins action, Leara said the deadline will be met, but it will be difficult.“We’re going to make it one way or another, but we will make it,” Leara said.Missouri agencies write rules to implement state laws and submit them to the Secretary of State’s office for publication in the Missouri Register. Emergency rules take effect immediately upon publication, while other rules must go through a comment and revision process.Under the&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=536.025&amp;bid=47746&amp;hl=" target="_blank">law allowing emergency rules</a>, the new regulation must address something that is an “immediate danger to the public health, safety or welfare requires emergency action” or that it “is necessary to preserve a compelling governmental interest that requires an early effective date.”The Secretary of State’s office told the gaming commission that the proposed rules “do not meet the requirements” of the statute.Soon after the election, Leara said emergency rules would make it possible for companies to start offering sports betting by summer. The emergency is the “compelling governmental interest” of making the Dec. 1 deadline, he said.“My primary motivation was that we would have these rules in place so that we could start the vetting process and not be rushed into making a decision,” Leara said.Under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mgc.dps.mo.gov/RulesNRegs/_CSR_proposed.html" target="_blank">rules being proposed</a>, every casino operating company, the six major league sports franchises and two internet-only companies could offer online wagering. Each of the 13 individual casinos and the major league franchises could have a retail location for in-person betting.The interpretation of how many online licenses would be available has been changing. During the campaign, Caesars Entertainment spent $15 million on an opposition campaign because it would be allowed only one online platform to cover its three casinos in the state.About a month before the election, Leara said, the attorney general’s office said Amendment 2 allowed an online platform linked to each casino. Now, the interpretation has changed again, he said.“It is now their opinion that each parent company gets a mobile license,” Leara said.The licensing process will be complex because the online bookmakers, the casino companies and the major sports franchises all have to undergo licensing investigations, Leara said. So do all the vendors that supply the bookmakers and all the employees who work at the retail sports wager sites.“Some of these licenses will be easy, because the casinos will all have the opportunity for one and they’re already licensed,” Leara said. “But some of the other operators, for the mobile platforms, will not be. They may have been licensed with us on your fantasy sports, but this is a different animal to consider.”The proposed rules will be published March 18 in the Missouri Register, opening a 30-day comment period.&nbsp; A public hearing on the rules is scheduled for 10 a.m. April 17 in the Missouri Gaming Commission’s hearing room in Jefferson City.After the comment period closes, the proposed rules and the public’s statements are forwarded to the legislature’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, which has 30 days to request changes or hold a hearing. The rules become effective when that process is completed and they are published.That process is important to protect the public from burdensome rules, Hoskins said.“The public deserves to have its voice heard, and it’s crucial that we ensure that this rulemaking process is transparent, thorough, and open,” he said. “By following the standard rulemaking process, Missouri can ensure that the decisions being made are not only legally sound but also informed by the people who will be impacted the most. We cannot afford to rush through this process for the sake of a deadline that can easily be met through standard procedures.”

Launch of Missouri sports betting delayed until fall after emergency rules were rejected

The Catholic Diocese of Wichita&nbsp;

Good news from Rome: Father Kapaun has been named Venerable.

Bishop Carl Kemme announced that on February 24, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the Decree concerning the offer of life of Servant of God Emil Kapaun.

“As bishop of the Diocese of Wichita, where Father Emil Kapaun was ordained and served and where he is now entombed in the Cathedral, I join his family, our diocesan family, parishioners in Pilsen, his brother priests, men and women in the armed forces, past, present and future, and indeed every one of faith in giving thanks that Pope Francis has advanced his cause by declaring him to be Venerable. I encourage everyone to continue to pray for his intercession in every situation so that many more graces and divine favors will be received because of his powerful prayers. Venerable Emil Kapaun, pray for us!” Bishop Carl A. Kemme

This Decree is a formal recognition that, after a life of virtue, Kapaun freely and voluntarily made the supreme act of charity: offering his life for his fellow prisoners of war.&nbsp; “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,” says Jesus (John 15:13).

The publication of the Decree opens the door for the investigation of alleged miracles needed as supernatural evidence to further the cause.&nbsp; One miracle will need to be approved for beatification.&nbsp; A second approved miracle, occurring after the beatification itself, will be needed for canonization as a saint.

Over the years we have received testimony of several instances of alleged miraculous intercession by Father Kapaun.&nbsp; Some of these potential miracles date back nearly two decades, while others occurred very recently.&nbsp; One or two will be sent in detail to the Dicastery for Saints in Rome for review by both theologians and medical experts before papal approval is given.&nbsp; This process will likely take many years before beatification could happen.

Bishop Kemme and all of us here at Father Kapaun’s Cause are immensely grateful for your prayers and support.&nbsp; This is a thrilling step, and we can now begin to address Father Kapaun as the Venerable Servant of God Emil Kapaun, or more commonly, “Venerable Emil Kapaun”.

Now, as much as ever, our work is to continue to pray and share Venerable Kapaun’s story.&nbsp; We ask him to intercede for us, that we all may follow his example of hope, courage, and selfless sacrifice for God and the good of those around us.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631705866678.png" alt="In Sept. 2021, Fr. Kapaun’s 5,400 lb. marble tomb placed on the concrete foundation in the east transept of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita-photo Catholic Diocese of Wichita&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>In Sept. 2021, Fr. Kapaun’s 5,400 lb. marble tomb placed on the concrete foundation in the east transept of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita-photo Catholic Diocese of Wichita&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The Catholic Diocese of Wichita&nbsp;Good news from Rome: Father Kapaun has been named Venerable.Bishop Carl Kemme announced that on February 24, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the Decree concerning the offer of life of Servant of God Emil Kapaun.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614944899732.png" alt="Father Kapaun -image Catholic Diocese of Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Father Kapaun -image Catholic Diocese of Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>“As bishop of the Diocese of Wichita, where Father Emil Kapaun was ordained and served and where he is now entombed in the Cathedral, I join his family, our diocesan family, parishioners in Pilsen, his brother priests, men and women in the armed forces, past, present and future, and indeed every one of faith in giving thanks that Pope Francis has advanced his cause by declaring him to be Venerable. I encourage everyone to continue to pray for his intercession in every situation so that many more graces and divine favors will be received because of his powerful prayers. Venerable Emil Kapaun, pray for us!” Bishop Carl A. KemmeThis Decree is a formal recognition that, after a life of virtue, Kapaun freely and voluntarily made the supreme act of charity: offering his life for his fellow prisoners of war.&nbsp; “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,” says Jesus (John 15:13).The publication of the Decree opens the door for the investigation of alleged miracles needed as supernatural evidence to further the cause.&nbsp; One miracle will need to be approved for beatification.&nbsp; A second approved miracle, occurring after the beatification itself, will be needed for canonization as a saint.Over the years we have received testimony of several instances of alleged miraculous intercession by Father Kapaun.&nbsp; Some of these potential miracles date back nearly two decades, while others occurred very recently.&nbsp; One or two will be sent in detail to the Dicastery for Saints in Rome for review by both theologians and medical experts before papal approval is given.&nbsp; This process will likely take many years before beatification could happen.Bishop Kemme and all of us here at Father Kapaun’s Cause are immensely grateful for your prayers and support.&nbsp; This is a thrilling step, and we can now begin to address Father Kapaun as the Venerable Servant of God Emil Kapaun, or more commonly, “Venerable Emil Kapaun”.Now, as much as ever, our work is to continue to pray and share Venerable Kapaun’s story.&nbsp; We ask him to intercede for us, that we all may follow his example of hope, courage, and selfless sacrifice for God and the good of those around us.

Revered Kansas priest moves one step closer to sainthood

MANHATTAN— There were no injuries after construction crews struck a gas line in Manhattan.

At 4:17 p.m. on Monday, the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to 1812 Fair Lane. for a report of a gas line that had been hit.

Crews found an 8 inch natural gas line that a utility crew backhoe struck while jackhammering concrete.&nbsp; Crews evacuated two people from a nearby business, and the other employees at adjacent businesses had already evacuated.&nbsp; 

Fort Riley Blvd. was closed in both directions at Martin Luther King Blvd., as well as the 1800 block of Fair Lane, until the leak was stopped.&nbsp; 

Kansas Gas Service responded to the scene and brought in a crew to isolate the leak.&nbsp; The leak was stopped around 1:00 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Union Pacific railroad tracks were also shut down until around 10:00 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740491550258.png" alt="-Photo Manhattan Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>-Photo Manhattan Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN— There were no injuries after construction crews struck a gas line in Manhattan.At 4:17 p.m. on Monday, the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to 1812 Fair Lane. for a report of a gas line that had been hit.Crews found an 8 inch natural gas line that a utility crew backhoe struck while jackhammering concrete.&nbsp; Crews evacuated two people from a nearby business, and the other employees at adjacent businesses had already evacuated.&nbsp; Fort Riley Blvd. was closed in both directions at Martin Luther King Blvd., as well as the 1800 block of Fair Lane, until the leak was stopped.&nbsp; Kansas Gas Service responded to the scene and brought in a crew to isolate the leak.&nbsp; The leak was stopped around 1:00 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Union Pacific railroad tracks were also shut down until around 10:00 p.m.There were no injuries reported.

Natural gas line struck causing evacuations in Manhattan

MCDONALD COUNTY —Three people died in an accident just after 10p.m. Sunday in McDonald County.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Nissan Rogue driven by a 63-year-old Bella Vista, Arkansas woman was southbound in the northbound lane of Interstate 49 in Pineville. The Nissan collided head-on with a 2021 Honda Civic driven by a 23-year-old Kansas City, Kansas woman.

Both drivers and a passenger in the Honda identified as a 43-year-old Kansas City, Kansas man were pronounced dead at the scene.

All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases the identity of accident victims.

MCDONALD COUNTY —Three people died in an accident just after 10p.m. Sunday in McDonald County.&nbsp;The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Nissan Rogue driven by a 63-year-old Bella Vista, Arkansas woman was southbound in the northbound lane of Interstate 49 in Pineville. The Nissan collided head-on with a 2021 Honda Civic driven by a 23-year-old Kansas City, Kansas woman.Both drivers and a passenger in the Honda identified as a 43-year-old Kansas City, Kansas man were pronounced dead at the scene.All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases the identity of accident victims.

3 dead after wrong-way, head-on crash on Missouri highway

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating the January 31 armed bank robbery at US Bank, 10959 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas have arrested two suspects.

The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department arrested two suspects whom they believe are responsible for the January 31st armed robbery of the US Bank at 10959 Parallel Parkway.

Just before 1:30 p.m. Monday, the Kansas City Kansas Police Department Special Operations Unit attempted to serve a warrant for 51-year-old Willie Sampson at his residence in the area of N. 37th and Wood Avenue, according to a media release.

 Sampson ignored commands and barricaded himself inside for nearly two hours. He voluntarily exited the home around 3:15p.m. and was arrested without incident.

Earlier in the day, Sampson’s wife, 50-year-old Kimberly Thomas-Sampson of Kansas City, Kan., was also taken into custody without incident at her place of employment.

The couple have each been charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, aggravated non- residential burglary, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, and theft. They are being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on $250,000 bonds each.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738808549262.png" alt="Photo FBI" />
 <figcaption>Photo FBI</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating the January 31 armed bank robbery at US Bank, 10959 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas have arrested two suspects.The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department arrested two suspects whom they believe are responsible for the January 31st armed robbery of the US Bank at 10959 Parallel Parkway.Just before 1:30 p.m. Monday, the Kansas City Kansas Police Department Special Operations Unit attempted to serve a warrant for 51-year-old Willie Sampson at his residence in the area of N. 37th and Wood Avenue, according to a media release. Sampson ignored commands and barricaded himself inside for nearly two hours. He voluntarily exited the home around 3:15p.m. and was arrested without incident.Earlier in the day, Sampson’s wife, 50-year-old Kimberly Thomas-Sampson of Kansas City, Kan., was also taken into custody without incident at her place of employment.The couple have each been charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, aggravated non- residential burglary, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, and theft. They are being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on $250,000 bonds each.

Kansas couple arrested for alleged bank robbery

CEDAR COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 3p.m. Monday in Cedar County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Buick Envision driven by a 78-year-old Stockton woman was westbound on MO 32 four miles west of Fair Play.&nbsp; The SUV crossed the center of the road and struck an eastbound 2022 Chevy Blazer driven by a 61-year-old Stockton woman head-on.

A passenger in the Blazer identified as a 64-year-old Stockton man was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; A 31-year-old male passenger in the Blazer was Air-lifted to Cox South Springfield. EMS transported the driver of the Blazer to Cox South Springfield.&nbsp; A private vehicle transported the driver of the Buick and an 80-year-old male passenger in the Buick to a hospital in Bolivar.&nbsp; All five were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp;

 The Patrol no longer releases the names of accident victims.

CEDAR COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 3p.m. Monday in Cedar County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Buick Envision driven by a 78-year-old Stockton woman was westbound on MO 32 four miles west of Fair Play.&nbsp; The SUV crossed the center of the road and struck an eastbound 2022 Chevy Blazer driven by a 61-year-old Stockton woman head-on.A passenger in the Blazer identified as a 64-year-old Stockton man was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; A 31-year-old male passenger in the Blazer was Air-lifted to Cox South Springfield. EMS transported the driver of the Blazer to Cox South Springfield.&nbsp; A private vehicle transported the driver of the Buick and an 80-year-old male passenger in the Buick to a hospital in Bolivar.&nbsp; All five were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases the names of accident victims.

Missouri man dead, 4 injured after head-on crash

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating the death of a man in church in Kansas City have determined the death is a homicide.

Just after 2:30a.m. Feb. 1, police were dispatched to the 2400 block of Chestnut in Kansas on a reported incident with the Kansas City Fire Department.

Fire crews responded to the area to extinguish a fire in a church. Upon bringing the fire under control, fire crews located a victim inside of the building, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

The KCPD Bomb and Arson detectives, along with crime scene personnel responded to the scene to gather evidence and collect witness statements.

KCPD detectives were notified at a later time that the medical examiner had discovered the deceased victim was suffering from a gunshot wound. 

The medical examiner is still working to determine the final cause of death, however further investigation has resulted in this death being suspicious in nature and is subsequently being investigated as a homicide.

The victim has been identified as 66-year-old Dwayne Blair, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Homicide detectives have assumed responsibility of the case and will be working to determine the series of events that took place leading up to the fire.&nbsp; Police are making progress in identifying a person of interest and no one is currently in police custody, according to&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating the death of a man in church in Kansas City have determined the death is a homicide.Just after 2:30a.m. Feb. 1, police were dispatched to the 2400 block of Chestnut in Kansas on a reported incident with the Kansas City Fire Department.Fire crews responded to the area to extinguish a fire in a church. Upon bringing the fire under control, fire crews located a victim inside of the building, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.The KCPD Bomb and Arson detectives, along with crime scene personnel responded to the scene to gather evidence and collect witness statements.KCPD detectives were notified at a later time that the medical examiner had discovered the deceased victim was suffering from a gunshot wound. The medical examiner is still working to determine the final cause of death, however further investigation has resulted in this death being suspicious in nature and is subsequently being investigated as a homicide.The victim has been identified as 66-year-old Dwayne Blair, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Homicide detectives have assumed responsibility of the case and will be working to determine the series of events that took place leading up to the fire.&nbsp; Police are making progress in identifying a person of interest and no one is currently in police custody, according to&nbsp;

Homicide: Police ID body found in Kansas City church after fire

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating five suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 4:30a.m. February 22, Jackson County Sheriff Deputies served a narcotics search warrant at 17839 W. Road in rural Jackson County, south of Denison, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The search warrant was executed on the residence where methamphetamine, additional controlled substances, THC, and multiple items of drug paraphernalia were located.

  All occupants of the residence were determined to be living at the residence and were arrested.

 Rachel Deanne Butts, 49, of Mayetta, was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.

John Bradley Hudson, 49, of Mayetta, was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and for a parole violation.

Tammy Jo Wampler, 49, of Mayetta, was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Danielle Paige Brown, 31, of Mayetta, was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and trafficking contraband into a correctional facility. 

Cade Michael Sharples, 48, of Mayetta, was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of controlled substances, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740361591032.png" alt="Hudson photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hudson photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating five suspect on drug allegations.Just after 4:30a.m. February 22, Jackson County Sheriff Deputies served a narcotics search warrant at 17839 W. Road in rural Jackson County, south of Denison, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The search warrant was executed on the residence where methamphetamine, additional controlled substances, THC, and multiple items of drug paraphernalia were located. All occupants of the residence were determined to be living at the residence and were arrested.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740361549352.png" alt="Butts photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Butts photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Rachel Deanne Butts, 49, of Mayetta, was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.John Bradley Hudson, 49, of Mayetta, was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and for a parole violation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740361629431.png" alt="Wampler photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Wampler photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Tammy Jo Wampler, 49, of Mayetta, was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740361662499.png" alt="Brown" />
 <figcaption>Brown</figcaption>
 </figure>Danielle Paige Brown, 31, of Mayetta, was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and trafficking contraband into a correctional facility. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740361695346.png" alt="Sharples photo Jackson&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Sharples photo Jackson&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Cade Michael Sharples, 48, of Mayetta, was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of controlled substances, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Five jailed after drug bust at rural Kansas home

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a deadly robbery and have two suspects in custody

Just after midnight Saturday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 2900 block of SW Topeka Boulevard, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

First responders located a man later identified as 31-year-old Earon Cooper of Lawrence,&nbsp; suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

As a result of the investigation police arrested two suspects. Silas Kriner, 21, of Baldwin City, Kansas, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of 1 st Degree Murder, Aggravated Robbery.&nbsp; Delano A. Washington, 19, of Topeka, is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;1st Degree Murder, Aggravated Robbery, Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer, Criminal Damage to property and a Shawnee County Warrant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740409293845.png" alt="Washington-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Washington-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a deadly robbery and have two suspects in custodyJust after midnight Saturday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 2900 block of SW Topeka Boulevard, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740409166527.png" alt="Kriner-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kriner-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located a man later identified as 31-year-old Earon Cooper of Lawrence,&nbsp; suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.As a result of the investigation police arrested two suspects. Silas Kriner, 21, of Baldwin City, Kansas, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of 1 st Degree Murder, Aggravated Robbery.&nbsp; Delano A. Washington, 19, of Topeka, is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;1st Degree Murder, Aggravated Robbery, Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer, Criminal Damage to property and a Shawnee County Warrant.

2 jailed for deadly Kansas robbery

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA —Apple on Monday announced its largest-ever spend commitment, with plans to spend and invest more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years, according to a media release from the company.

 This new pledge builds on Apple’s long history of investing in American innovation and advanced high-skilled manufacturing, and will support a wide range of initiatives that focus on artificial intelligence, silicon engineering, and skills development for students and workers across the country.

“We are bullish on the future of American innovation, and we’re proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments with this $500 billion commitment to our country’s future,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “From doubling our Advanced Manufacturing Fund, to building advanced technology in Texas, we’re thrilled to expand our support for American manufacturing. And we’ll keep working with people and companies across this country to help write an extraordinary new chapter in the history of American innovation.”

As part of this package of U.S. investments, Apple and partners will open a new advanced manufacturing facility in Houston to produce servers that support Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system that helps users write, express themselves, and get things done. Apple will also double its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund, create an academy in Michigan to train the next generation of U.S. manufacturers, and grow its research and development investments in the U.S. to support cutting-edge fields like silicon engineering.The $500 billion commitment includes Apple’s work with thousands of suppliers across all 50 states, direct employment, Apple Intelligence infrastructure and data centers, corporate facilities, and Apple TV+ productions in 20 states. Apple remains one of the largest U.S. taxpayers, having paid more than $75 billion in U.S. taxes over the past five years, including $19 billion in 2024 alone.Today, Apple supports more than 2.9&nbsp;million jobs across the country through direct employment, work with U.S.-based suppliers and manufacturers, and developer jobs in the thriving iOS app economy.

Opening a New Manufacturing Facility in Houston

As part of its new U.S. investments, Apple will work with manufacturing partners to begin production of servers in Houston later this year. A 250,000-square-foot server manufacturing facility, slated to open in 2026, will create thousands of jobs.Previously manufactured outside the U.S., the servers that will soon be assembled in Houston play a key role in powering Apple Intelligence, and are the foundation of Private Cloud Compute, which combines powerful AI processing with the most advanced security architecture ever deployed at scale for AI cloud computing. The servers bring together years of R&amp;D by Apple engineers, and deliver the industry-leading security and performance of Apple silicon to the data center.Teams at Apple designed the servers to be incredibly energy efficient, reducing the energy demands of Apple data centers — which already run on 100 percent renewable energy. As Apple brings Apple Intelligence to customers across the U.S., it also plans to continue expanding data center capacity in North Carolina, Iowa, Oregon, Arizona, and Nevada.

Doubling Apple’s U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund

As part of this new investment, Apple is doubling its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund, which was created in 2017 to support world-class innovation and high-skilled manufacturing jobs across America. The growing commitment will increase the fund from $5 billion to $10 billion, focused on promoting advanced manufacturing and skills development throughout the country.The fund’s expansion includes a multibillion-dollar commitment from Apple to produce advanced silicon in TSMC’s Fab 21 facility in Arizona. Apple is the largest customer at this state-of-the-art facility, which employs more than 2,000 workers to manufacture the chips in the United States. Mass production of Apple chips began last month.Silicon used by Apple is designed to bring Apple users incredible features, performance, and power efficiency across their devices. Apple’s suppliers already manufacture silicon in 24 factories across 12 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and Utah. The company’s investments in the sector help create thousands of high-paying jobs across the country at U.S. companies like Broadcom, Texas Instruments, Skyworks, and Qorvo.To date, Apple’s U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund has supported projects in 13 states — including Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Indiana — that have helped build local businesses, train workers, and create a wide range of innovative manufacturing processes and materials for Apple products.

Growing R&amp;D Investments Across the U.S.

Apple continues to expand its R&amp;D across the U.S. In the past five years, Apple has nearly doubled its U.S.-based advanced R&amp;D spend, and it will continue to accelerate its growth.Recently, Apple announced the newest addition to its iPhone lineup, iPhone 16e. iPhone 16e delivers fast, smooth performance and breakthrough battery life, thanks to the industry-leading efficiency of the A18 chip and the new Apple C1 — the first cellular modem designed by Apple, and the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone. Apple C1 adds a new chapter to the story of Apple silicon and is the result of years of R&amp;D investment, bringing together the work of thousands of engineers. Apple C1 is the start of a long-term strategy that will allow Apple to innovate and optimize the modem system for additional Apple products.In the next four years, Apple plans to hire around 20,000 people, of which the vast majority will be focused on R&amp;D, silicon engineering, software development, and AI and machine learning. The expanded commitment includes significant investment in Apple’s R&amp;D hubs across the country. This includes growing teams across the U.S. focused on areas including custom silicon, hardware engineering, software development, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Supporting American Businesses with a New Manufacturing Academy in Detroit

To help companies transition to advanced manufacturing, Apple will open the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit. Apple engineers, along with experts from top universities such as Michigan State, will consult with small- and medium-sized businesses on implementing AI and smart manufacturing techniques. The academy will also offer free in-person and online courses, with a skills development curriculum that teaches workers vital skills like project management and manufacturing process optimization. The courses will help drive productivity, efficiency, and quality in companies’ supply chains.Apple has long been committed to investing in education and skills development for American workers and students. That includes ongoing and expanding grant programs for organizations like 4-H, Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of America, and FIRST, which work closely with Apple in communities across the country to create free programming that helps young people learn vital skills like coding.

Apple’s support for the next generation of innovators also includes efforts like the company’s New Silicon Initiative, which prepares students for careers in hardware engineering and silicon chip design. Last year, this program expanded to students at Georgia Tech, and it now reaches students at eight schools across the country. Apple is continuing to expand the initiative, including a new collaboration with UCLA’s Center for Education of Microchip Designers (CEMiD) beginning this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740416369218.png" alt="Image courtesy Apple" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Apple</figcaption>
 </figure>CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA —Apple on Monday announced its largest-ever spend commitment, with plans to spend and invest more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years, according to a media release from the company.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740428118054.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> This new pledge builds on Apple’s long history of investing in American innovation and advanced high-skilled manufacturing, and will support a wide range of initiatives that focus on artificial intelligence, silicon engineering, and skills development for students and workers across the country.“We are bullish on the future of American innovation, and we’re proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments with this $500 billion commitment to our country’s future,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “From doubling our Advanced Manufacturing Fund, to building advanced technology in Texas, we’re thrilled to expand our support for American manufacturing. And we’ll keep working with people and companies across this country to help write an extraordinary new chapter in the history of American innovation.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740416459994.png" alt="Apple suppliers already manufacture silicon in 24 factories across 12 states. Pictured: Texas Instruments’ new semiconductor wafer fabrication plant in Lehi, Utah.-image Apple" />
 <figcaption>Apple suppliers already manufacture silicon in 24 factories across 12 states. Pictured: Texas Instruments’ new semiconductor wafer fabrication plant in Lehi, Utah.-image Apple</figcaption>
 </figure>As part of this package of U.S. investments, Apple and partners will open a new advanced manufacturing facility in Houston to produce servers that support Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system that helps users write, express themselves, and get things done. Apple will also double its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund, create an academy in Michigan to train the next generation of U.S. manufacturers, and grow its research and development investments in the U.S. to support cutting-edge fields like silicon engineering.The $500 billion commitment includes Apple’s work with thousands of suppliers across all 50 states, direct employment, Apple Intelligence infrastructure and data centers, corporate facilities, and Apple TV+ productions in 20 states. Apple remains one of the largest U.S. taxpayers, having paid more than $75 billion in U.S. taxes over the past five years, including $19 billion in 2024 alone.Today, Apple supports more than 2.9&nbsp;million jobs across the country through direct employment, work with U.S.-based suppliers and manufacturers, and developer jobs in the thriving iOS app economy.<h2>Opening a New Manufacturing Facility in Houston</h2>As part of its new U.S. investments, Apple will work with manufacturing partners to begin production of servers in Houston later this year. A 250,000-square-foot server manufacturing facility, slated to open in 2026, will create thousands of jobs.Previously manufactured outside the U.S., the servers that will soon be assembled in Houston play a key role in powering Apple Intelligence, and are the foundation of Private Cloud Compute, which combines powerful AI processing with the most advanced security architecture ever deployed at scale for AI cloud computing. The servers bring together years of R&amp;D by Apple engineers, and deliver the industry-leading security and performance of Apple silicon to the data center.Teams at Apple designed the servers to be incredibly energy efficient, reducing the energy demands of Apple data centers — which already run on 100 percent renewable energy. As Apple brings Apple Intelligence to customers across the U.S., it also plans to continue expanding data center capacity in North Carolina, Iowa, Oregon, Arizona, and Nevada.<h2>Doubling Apple’s U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund</h2>As part of this new investment, Apple is doubling its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund, which was created in 2017 to support world-class innovation and high-skilled manufacturing jobs across America. The growing commitment will increase the fund from $5 billion to $10 billion, focused on promoting advanced manufacturing and skills development throughout the country.The fund’s expansion includes a multibillion-dollar commitment from Apple to produce advanced silicon in TSMC’s Fab 21 facility in Arizona. Apple is the largest customer at this state-of-the-art facility, which employs more than 2,000 workers to manufacture the chips in the United States. Mass production of Apple chips began last month.Silicon used by Apple is designed to bring Apple users incredible features, performance, and power efficiency across their devices. Apple’s suppliers already manufacture silicon in 24 factories across 12 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and Utah. The company’s investments in the sector help create thousands of high-paying jobs across the country at U.S. companies like Broadcom, Texas Instruments, Skyworks, and Qorvo.To date, Apple’s U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund has supported projects in 13 states — including Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Indiana — that have helped build local businesses, train workers, and create a wide range of innovative manufacturing processes and materials for Apple products.<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/02/apple-will-spend-more-than-500-billion-usd-in-the-us-over-the-next-four-years/#gallery-0f72def2383dbead0391764fdc67fc70">Three workers in protective clothing at Texas Instruments’ semiconductor wafer fabrication plant in Lehi, Utah.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/02/apple-will-spend-more-than-500-billion-usd-in-the-us-over-the-next-four-years/#gallery-83ce6d3c3cfd25412511ced31823f9a1">Workers with machinery at Texas Instruments’ semiconductor wafer fabrication plant in Lehi, Utah.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/02/apple-will-spend-more-than-500-billion-usd-in-the-us-over-the-next-four-years/#gallery-34ef6484d0b73f1710315bc217ac2ed6">Equipment at Texas Instruments’ semiconductor wafer fabrication plant in Lehi, Utah.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/02/apple-will-spend-more-than-500-billion-usd-in-the-us-over-the-next-four-years/#gallery-6462fe15bf3beb20288d51429dc2dd74">A worker in protective clothing examines machinery at Texas Instruments’ semiconductor wafer fabrication plant in Lehi, Utah.</a></li>
 </ul><h2>Growing R&amp;D Investments Across the U.S.</h2>Apple continues to expand its R&amp;D across the U.S. In the past five years, Apple has nearly doubled its U.S.-based advanced R&amp;D spend, and it will continue to accelerate its growth.Recently, Apple announced the newest addition to its iPhone lineup, iPhone 16e. iPhone 16e delivers fast, smooth performance and breakthrough battery life, thanks to the industry-leading efficiency of the A18 chip and the new Apple C1 — the first cellular modem designed by Apple, and the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone. Apple C1 adds a new chapter to the story of Apple silicon and is the result of years of R&amp;D investment, bringing together the work of thousands of engineers. Apple C1 is the start of a long-term strategy that will allow Apple to innovate and optimize the modem system for additional Apple products.In the next four years, Apple plans to hire around 20,000 people, of which the vast majority will be focused on R&amp;D, silicon engineering, software development, and AI and machine learning. The expanded commitment includes significant investment in Apple’s R&amp;D hubs across the country. This includes growing teams across the U.S. focused on areas including custom silicon, hardware engineering, software development, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/02/apple-will-spend-more-than-500-billion-usd-in-the-us-over-the-next-four-years/#gallery-21d04e72c542a9ec02b8b37a5dea8373">Two workers at Apple’s R&amp;amp;D facility in Austin, examining a screen.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/02/apple-will-spend-more-than-500-billion-usd-in-the-us-over-the-next-four-years/#gallery-7a703b6b6bc0eeba97a733ebc97057bf">Two workers at Apple’s R&amp;amp;D facility in Austin, facing away from one another.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/02/apple-will-spend-more-than-500-billion-usd-in-the-us-over-the-next-four-years/#gallery-cfc96e9dde8f1ce1f60c9ce38384a7b2">A worker wearing headphones at Apple’s R&amp;amp;D facility in Austin.</a></li>
 </ul><h2>Supporting American Businesses with a New Manufacturing Academy in Detroit</h2>To help companies transition to advanced manufacturing, Apple will open the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit. Apple engineers, along with experts from top universities such as Michigan State, will consult with small- and medium-sized businesses on implementing AI and smart manufacturing techniques. The academy will also offer free in-person and online courses, with a skills development curriculum that teaches workers vital skills like project management and manufacturing process optimization. The courses will help drive productivity, efficiency, and quality in companies’ supply chains.Apple has long been committed to investing in education and skills development for American workers and students. That includes ongoing and expanding grant programs for organizations like 4-H, Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of America, and FIRST, which work closely with Apple in communities across the country to create free programming that helps young people learn vital skills like coding.Apple’s support for the next generation of innovators also includes efforts like the company’s New Silicon Initiative, which prepares students for careers in hardware engineering and silicon chip design. Last year, this program expanded to students at Georgia Tech, and it now reaches students at eight schools across the country. Apple is continuing to expand the initiative, including a new collaboration with UCLA’s Center for Education of Microchip Designers (CEMiD) beginning this year.

Apple announces historic $500 billion U.S. investment

RENO COUNTY —Fire officials in Hutchinson on Monday released the Battalion Chief Dashcam of the gas explosion on Ave. E and Main on Saturday.

Just before 9:30a.m., crews were in the area for a report of a gas odor.  Crews found the issue at the intersection of Ave E and South Main Street.  The video starts as crews were setting up operations per protocol.

&nbsp;Responding crews could not find a source at that location so they moved their way down Main Street.&nbsp;

When they arrived to the corner of Avenue E and Main Street, they saw the gas coming up through the road and sidewalk.  They entered the business there and their monitors activated.

Crews noted that all the occupants of the building were out, and they exited the building and within 30 seconds the building exploded.

The area between Avenue A and Frank Hart Crossing and Popular Street and Adams Street were ordered to evacuate. Later Saturday night, the evacuation zone was reduced to the area bounded by Avenue C to Avenue F, and Walnut to Adams.

Kansas Gas Service crews&nbsp;continue to work on repairs and restoration in the area of the explosion. There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740421883145.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —Fire officials in Hutchinson on Monday released the Battalion Chief Dashcam of the gas explosion on Ave. E and Main on Saturday.Just before 9:30a.m., crews were in the area for a report of a gas odor. Crews found the issue at the intersection of Ave E and South Main Street. The video starts as crews were setting up operations per protocol.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FHutchinsonFireDept%2Fvideos%2F1327633965049644%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=16" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>&nbsp;Responding crews could not find a source at that location so they moved their way down Main Street.&nbsp;When they arrived to the corner of Avenue E and Main Street, they saw the gas coming up through the road and sidewalk. They entered the business there and their monitors activated.Crews noted that all the occupants of the building were out, and they exited the building and within 30 seconds the building exploded.The area between Avenue A and Frank Hart Crossing and Popular Street and Adams Street were ordered to evacuate. Later Saturday night, the evacuation zone was reduced to the area bounded by Avenue C to Avenue F, and Walnut to Adams.Kansas Gas Service crews&nbsp;continue to work on repairs and restoration in the area of the explosion. There were no injuries reported.

🎥 New video shows Hutch firefighters flee building explosion

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations. Just after 10:30a.m. February 21, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a silver Acura on 150th Road, just west of U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

A Jackson County Sheriff’s Office K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal drugs in the vehicle. The driver, David Douglas Friend, 53, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended, failure to provide proof of insurance and for an outstanding Jackson County warrant.

The passenger, Lisa Tumey, 51, of Topeka, was arrested and released to the Topeka Police Department’s custody for outstanding warrants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740361190453.png" alt="Friend photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Friend photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations. Just after 10:30a.m. February 21, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a silver Acura on 150th Road, just west of U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.A Jackson County Sheriff’s Office K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal drugs in the vehicle. The driver, David Douglas Friend, 53, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended, failure to provide proof of insurance and for an outstanding Jackson County warrant.The passenger, Lisa Tumey, 51, of Topeka, was arrested and released to the Topeka Police Department’s custody for outstanding warrants.

Sheriff's K9 alerted to illegal drugs during Kansas traffic stop

Missouri U.S. Senator Josh Hawley reintroduced the&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14568.9584378.8337639.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2025%2f02%2fHawley-Inspector-General-for-Ukraine-Act.pdf&amp;redir_log=890457059738686" target="_blank">Inspector General for Ukraine Act,</a>&nbsp;which&nbsp;would&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14568.9584378.8337639.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.foxnews.com%2fpolitics%2fhawley-calls-watchdog-over-ukraine-aid-after-democrats-blocked-previous-effort&amp;redir_log=415495136044785" target="_blank">establish a new watchdog</a>&nbsp;dedicated to auditing the billions of American dollars that have gone toward aiding Ukraine, according to a statement from the Senator's office.

Read the bill text&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14568.9584378.8337639.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2025%2f02%2fHawley-Inspector-General-for-Ukraine-Act.pdf&amp;redir_log=890457059738686" target="_blank">here</a>.

“American taxpayers shouldn’t have to wonder where their billions in aid to Ukraine went and what they’re funding there now. They deserve an accounting of every penny Congress shipped over there,”&nbsp;said Senator Hawley.&nbsp;“Let’s stand with President Trump to get peace in Ukraine and respect the American taxpayer again.”

Oversight is particularly important given Ukraine’s history of corruption and recent findings exposing U.S. government waste and abuse. Senator Hawley’s&nbsp;legislation would cut through the current bureaucracy by establishing an independent inspector general to better account for every penny spent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As President Trump works to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, Senator Hawley’s bill would allow Congress to play a vital role in protecting American taxpayer dollars.&nbsp;Senator Hawley first&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14568.9584378.8337639.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fhawley-introduces-new-bill-create-special-inspector-general-ukraine-assistance%2f&amp;redir_log=307155822555769" target="_blank">introduced</a>&nbsp;the legislation in March 2023 but the Democrat-controlled Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14568.9584378.8337639.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fwatch%3fv%3d_NTqmSZX6lo&amp;redir_log=027683275552298" target="_blank">voted down</a>&nbsp;his proposal later that month.The&nbsp;Inspector General for Ukraine Act&nbsp;would:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732132834214.png" alt="Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy-courtesy image&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy-courtesy image&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Missouri U.S. Senator Josh Hawley reintroduced the&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14568.9584378.8337639.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2025%2f02%2fHawley-Inspector-General-for-Ukraine-Act.pdf&amp;redir_log=890457059738686" target="_blank">Inspector General for Ukraine Act,</a>&nbsp;which&nbsp;would&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14568.9584378.8337639.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.foxnews.com%2fpolitics%2fhawley-calls-watchdog-over-ukraine-aid-after-democrats-blocked-previous-effort&amp;redir_log=415495136044785" target="_blank">establish a new watchdog</a>&nbsp;dedicated to auditing the billions of American dollars that have gone toward aiding Ukraine, according to a statement from the Senator's office.Read the bill text&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14568.9584378.8337639.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2025%2f02%2fHawley-Inspector-General-for-Ukraine-Act.pdf&amp;redir_log=890457059738686" target="_blank">here</a>.“American taxpayers shouldn’t have to wonder where their billions in aid to Ukraine went and what they’re funding there now. They deserve an accounting of every penny Congress shipped over there,”&nbsp;said Senator Hawley.&nbsp;“Let’s stand with President Trump to get peace in Ukraine and respect the American taxpayer again.”Oversight is particularly important given Ukraine’s history of corruption and recent findings exposing U.S. government waste and abuse. Senator Hawley’s&nbsp;legislation would cut through the current bureaucracy by establishing an independent inspector general to better account for every penny spent.&nbsp;&nbsp;As President Trump works to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, Senator Hawley’s bill would allow Congress to play a vital role in protecting American taxpayer dollars.&nbsp;Senator Hawley first&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14568.9584378.8337639.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fhawley-introduces-new-bill-create-special-inspector-general-ukraine-assistance%2f&amp;redir_log=307155822555769" target="_blank">introduced</a>&nbsp;the legislation in March 2023 but the Democrat-controlled Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14568.9584378.8337639.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fwatch%3fv%3d_NTqmSZX6lo&amp;redir_log=027683275552298" target="_blank">voted down</a>&nbsp;his proposal later that month.The&nbsp;Inspector General for Ukraine Act&nbsp;would:<ul>
 <li>Establish the Office of the Inspector General for Ukraine.</li><li>Empower this new Inspector General to conduct audits, investigations, and other oversight activities in Ukraine and oversee aid programs run by the Defense Department, State Department, and U.S. Agency for International Development.</li><li>Direct this new Inspector General to submit quarterly reports to Congress, which shall require detailed reports on the contracts and grants the U.S. enters into, the operating expenses of agencies receiving U.S. funds, and the Ukrainian government’s compliance with anti-corruption measures.</li><li>Authorize funding for these operations using the Ukraine Economic Assistance Fund.</li>
 </ul>

Mo. U.S. Senator's bill demands accountability for ‘Every Penny’ of Ukraine aid

KANSAS CITY, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday morning in Kansas City, Kansas.

Preliminary information indicates that at around 4 a.m., a male subject, later identified as&nbsp; Brian Hilt, 33, of Kansas City, Missouri, damaged property in order to enter an apartment building in the 700 Block of Nebraska Ave, in Kansas City. Surveillance video showed Hilt was armed with a firearm.

Around 5:10 a.m., a fire alarm was activated and firefighters from KCKFD responded.&nbsp; Upon seeing the property damage, officers from KCKPD were requested. A resident of the building called 911 a short time later reporting an armed disturbance. Two officers encountered Hilt in a hallway in the apartment building. Shots were fired after he disregarded commands to drop the gun he was holding. Despite medical aid rendered on scene, Hilt sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;No officers were injured during the incident.

This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.

When this investigation concludes, case findings will be presented to the Wyandotte County District Attorney

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740394754079.png" alt="Hilt from a previous arrest in Wyandotte County" />
 <figcaption>Hilt from a previous arrest in Wyandotte County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday morning in Kansas City, Kansas.Preliminary information indicates that at around 4 a.m., a male subject, later identified as&nbsp; Brian Hilt, 33, of Kansas City, Missouri, damaged property in order to enter an apartment building in the 700 Block of Nebraska Ave, in Kansas City. Surveillance video showed Hilt was armed with a firearm.Around 5:10 a.m., a fire alarm was activated and firefighters from KCKFD responded.&nbsp; Upon seeing the property damage, officers from KCKPD were requested. A resident of the building called 911 a short time later reporting an armed disturbance. Two officers encountered Hilt in a hallway in the apartment building. Shots were fired after he disregarded commands to drop the gun he was holding. Despite medical aid rendered on scene, Hilt sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;No officers were injured during the incident.This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.When this investigation concludes, case findings will be presented to the Wyandotte County District Attorney

Break-in leads to fatal Kansas officer-involved shooting

KANSAS CITY —One person died in a house fire Saturday in Kansas City. Just after 11:30p.m. Saturday, crews responded to a reported house fire in the 1600 block of Bristol, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

Crews reported heavy fire from a two-story occupied residence on arrival.&nbsp; Reports of two occupants were made by the initial caller. One occupant was able to escape. A second occupant, a 65-year-old immobile occupant, was unable to escape and was overcome by the fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The surviving occupant was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.&nbsp; Officials released no additional details including the name of the man who died and a possible cause of the fire.

KANSAS CITY —One person died in a house fire Saturday in Kansas City. Just after 11:30p.m. Saturday, crews responded to a reported house fire in the 1600 block of Bristol, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.Crews reported heavy fire from a two-story occupied residence on arrival.&nbsp; Reports of two occupants were made by the initial caller. One occupant was able to escape. A second occupant, a 65-year-old immobile occupant, was unable to escape and was overcome by the fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The surviving occupant was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.&nbsp; Officials released no additional details including the name of the man who died and a possible cause of the fire.

65-year-old overcome by fire at Kansas City home

DAMASCUS —U.S. forces continue to battle terrorist activity in the Middle East.

On Feb. 21, U.S. forces conducted a precision airstrike in Northwest Syria, killing Wasim Tahsin Bayraqdar, a senior leadership facilitator of the terrorist organization Hurras al-Din (HaD), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

"The airstrike is part of CENTCOM's ongoing commitment, along with partners in the region, to disrupt and degrade efforts by terrorists to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel from the U.S., our allies, and our partners throughout the region and beyond."

"We will relentlessly pursue and destroy terrorist threats, no matter their location, in order to protect our homeland and our allies and partners," said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.⁩

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740235103563.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command." />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command.</figcaption>
 </figure>DAMASCUS —U.S. forces continue to battle terrorist activity in the Middle East.On Feb. 21, U.S. forces conducted a precision airstrike in Northwest Syria, killing Wasim Tahsin Bayraqdar, a senior leadership facilitator of the terrorist organization Hurras al-Din (HaD), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command."The airstrike is part of CENTCOM's ongoing commitment, along with partners in the region, to disrupt and degrade efforts by terrorists to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel from the U.S., our allies, and our partners throughout the region and beyond.""We will relentlessly pursue and destroy terrorist threats, no matter their location, in order to protect our homeland and our allies and partners," said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.⁩

U.S. forces kill Al Qaeda affiliate, Hurras al-Din, leader in Syria

KANSAS CITY —A suspect has been charged&nbsp;in the fatal shooting that took place outside a South Kansas City convenience store earlier this month.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2514/Herring-Complaint-Packet-Redact">Kevin L. Herring. 24, has been charged</a>&nbsp;with 2nd Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action, according to the Jackson County Prosecutor's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739240797760.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A suspect has been charged&nbsp;in the fatal shooting that took place outside a South Kansas City convenience store earlier this month.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2514/Herring-Complaint-Packet-Redact">Kevin L. Herring. 24, has been charged</a>&nbsp;with 2nd Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action, according to the Jackson County Prosecutor's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740163461819.png" alt="Herring-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Herring-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2515/K-Herring-PC-Statement-Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to a convenience store on the 8000 block of Hickman Mills Drive on Feb. 10 and found the victim deceased. &nbsp;&nbsp;Detectives determined, based on surveillance footage, that three suspects arrived at the convenience store in a white Ford Expedition. Surveillance footage inside the store showed two of the suspects, including the defendant, armed with firearms in plain view. One of the suspects appeared to have taken items without paying for them and then all the suspects exited the store and got back into the Expedition. Herring was observed getting into the driver’s seat.The victim then exited the store, approached the Expedition, and pointed a pistol toward the vehicle. Herring returned the items to the victim through the window.&nbsp;The Expedition drove to exit the parking lot, and the victim walked back to the front of the store. As he approached the door, the Expedition stopped, and Herring exited and shot in the direction of the victim multiple times. The front passenger also shot multiple times from the Expedition. The Expedition left the scene.&nbsp;Herring is being held on a $500,000 bond.&nbsp;