WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration announced a rule Tuesday to cap all credit card late fees, the latest effort in the White House push to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-junk-fees-ftc-hidden-bogus-80e5c17dc7607b99aa92c6c816b96e52">what it has called junk fees</a>&nbsp;and a move that regulators say will save Americans up to $10 billion a year.

(Click below to watch the President's comments)

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's new regulations will set a ceiling of $8 for most credit card late fees or require banks to show why they should charge more than $8 for such a fee.

The rule would bring the average credit card late fee down from $32. The bureau estimates banks brought in roughly $14 billion in credit card late fees a year.

President Joe Biden highlighted the proposal along with other efforts to reduce costs to Americans at a meeting of his competition council on Tuesday. The Democratic president also said he's forming a new strike force to crack down on illegal and unfair pricing on things like groceries, prescription drugs, health care, housing and financial services.

Biden said at the start of the council meeting that the current late fees are generating five times more money than what it costs credit card companies to collect late payments.

“They're padding their profit margins and charging hardworking Americans more,” Biden said. “It's a lot of money."

The president also noted that companies are effectively raising prices by putting fewer potato chips in the bags sold at grocery stores. Even the “Sesame Street” character Cookie Monster has noticed so-called “shrinkflation” by saying on social media that he's paying more for fewer cookies, Biden said.

The strike force will be led by the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission, according to a White House statement.

The Biden administration has portrayed the White House Competition Council as a way to save people money and promote greater competition within the U.S. economy.

The White House Council of Economic Advisers produced an analysis indicating that the Biden administration’s efforts overall will eliminate $20 billion in annual junk fees. The analysis found that consumers pay about $90 billion a year in junk fees, including for concerts, apartment rentals and auto dealers.

The effort appears to have done little to help Biden politically ahead of this year’s presidential election. Just 34% of U.S. adults approve of Biden’s economic leadership, according to a new survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Sen. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, criticized the CFPB cap on credit card late fees, saying that consumers would ultimately face greater costs through higher interest rates and less access to credit.

“It will decrease the availability of credit card products for those who need it most, raise rates for many borrowers who carry a balance but pay on time, and increase the likelihood of late payments across the board,” Scott said.

Rob Nichols, the CEO of the American Bankers Association, said the CFPB “relied on flawed assumptions and a mischaracterization of the important role late fees play in promoting responsible consumer behavior.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said it will file a lawsuit to try to prevent the federal agency from capping late fees at $8.

“The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has exceeded its authority," said Neil Bradley, the chamber's executive vice president and chief policy officer. "The agency’s final credit card late fee rule punishes Americans who pay their credit card bills on time by forcing them to pay for those who don’t."

Americans held more than $1.05 trillion on their credit cards in the third quarter of 2023, a record, and a figure certain to grow once the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/holiday-sales-mastercard-spendingpulse-cc87e571ccffbae39110132a4c39a7c9">fourth-quarter data</a>&nbsp;is released by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. next month. Those balances are now carrying interest on them, which is the highest it has been since the Federal Reserve started tracking the data back in the mid-1990s.

Further, more Americans are falling behind on their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/credit-card-debt-consumer-relief-rates-89114fe06ce6ef7596c8a336532e0f06">credit card debts</a>&nbsp;as well.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-credit-cards-delinquencies-scores-renters-85aab5e510f531df140f99629a4f60c3">Delinquency rates</a>&nbsp;at the major credit card issuers such as American Express, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Capital One and Discover have been trending upward for several quarters. Some analysts have become concerned Americans, particularly poorer households hurt by inflation, might be taking on too much debt.

“Overall, the consumer is credit healthy. However, the reality is that there are starting to be some significant signs of stress,” said Silvio Tavares, president and CEO of VantageScore, one of the country’s two major credit scoring systems, in an interview last month.

The growth of the credit card industry is partly why&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capital-one-discover-credit-card-visa-merger-2264ec3d43143d06a1f6820d1241b033">Capital One announced it would buy Discover Financial</a>&nbsp;last month for $35 billion. The two companies, which are two of the largest credit card issuers, are also two companies whose customers regularly carry a balance on their accounts.

This is not the first time policymakers have weighed in on credit card fees. Congress in 2010 passed the CARD Act, which banned credit card companies from charging excessive penalty fees and established clearer disclosures and consumer protections.

The Federal Reserve issued a rule in 2010 that capped the first credit card late fee at $25, and $35 for subsequent late payments, and tied that fee to inflation. The CFPB, which took over the regulation of the credit card industry from the Fed after it was established, is proposing going further than the Fed.

The bureau's proposal is similar in structure to what the bureau announced in January when it proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/overdraft-junk-fees-banking-biden-jpmorgan-cb8b19687264c0eed757d84911b44303">capping overdraft fees</a>&nbsp;to as little as $3. In that proposed regulation, banks would be required to either accept the bureau's benchmark or show regulators why they should charge more, a method that few bank industry executives expect to use.

Biden has made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-junk-fees-ftc-hidden-bogus-80e5c17dc7607b99aa92c6c816b96e52">the elimination of junk fees</a>&nbsp;one of the cornerstones of his administration’s economic agenda heading into the 2024 election. Fees that banks charge customers have been at the center of that campaign, and the White House directed government regulators last year to do whatever is in their power to further curtail the practice.

In another move being highlighted by the White House, the Agriculture Department said it has finalized a rule to stop what it deems to be deceptive contracts by meat processors and to ban retaliation against small farmers and ranchers that work together in associations.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration announced a rule Tuesday to cap all credit card late fees, the latest effort in the White House push to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-junk-fees-ftc-hidden-bogus-80e5c17dc7607b99aa92c6c816b96e52">what it has called junk fees</a>&nbsp;and a move that regulators say will save Americans up to $10 billion a year.(Click below to watch the President's comments)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F411471504761926%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=150" 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>The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's new regulations will set a ceiling of $8 for most credit card late fees or require banks to show why they should charge more than $8 for such a fee.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fposts%2Fpfbid044Zn8VwHxBPNaZyEr85uJtpDY5iQL19FyM5SMiC2QpFC8FBwVzcWsqZFSVkJTP1Nl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="680" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The rule would bring the average credit card late fee down from $32. The bureau estimates banks brought in roughly $14 billion in credit card late fees a year.President Joe Biden highlighted the proposal along with other efforts to reduce costs to Americans at a meeting of his competition council on Tuesday. The Democratic president also said he's forming a new strike force to crack down on illegal and unfair pricing on things like groceries, prescription drugs, health care, housing and financial services.Biden said at the start of the council meeting that the current late fees are generating five times more money than what it costs credit card companies to collect late payments.“They're padding their profit margins and charging hardworking Americans more,” Biden said. “It's a lot of money."The president also noted that companies are effectively raising prices by putting fewer potato chips in the bags sold at grocery stores. Even the “Sesame Street” character Cookie Monster has noticed so-called “shrinkflation” by saying on social media that he's paying more for fewer cookies, Biden said.The strike force will be led by the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission, according to a White House statement.The Biden administration has portrayed the White House Competition Council as a way to save people money and promote greater competition within the U.S. economy.The White House Council of Economic Advisers produced an analysis indicating that the Biden administration’s efforts overall will eliminate $20 billion in annual junk fees. The analysis found that consumers pay about $90 billion a year in junk fees, including for concerts, apartment rentals and auto dealers.The effort appears to have done little to help Biden politically ahead of this year’s presidential election. Just 34% of U.S. adults approve of Biden’s economic leadership, according to a new survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.Sen. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, criticized the CFPB cap on credit card late fees, saying that consumers would ultimately face greater costs through higher interest rates and less access to credit.“It will decrease the availability of credit card products for those who need it most, raise rates for many borrowers who carry a balance but pay on time, and increase the likelihood of late payments across the board,” Scott said.Rob Nichols, the CEO of the American Bankers Association, said the CFPB “relied on flawed assumptions and a mischaracterization of the important role late fees play in promoting responsible consumer behavior.”The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said it will file a lawsuit to try to prevent the federal agency from capping late fees at $8.“The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has exceeded its authority," said Neil Bradley, the chamber's executive vice president and chief policy officer. "The agency’s final credit card late fee rule punishes Americans who pay their credit card bills on time by forcing them to pay for those who don’t."Americans held more than $1.05 trillion on their credit cards in the third quarter of 2023, a record, and a figure certain to grow once the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/holiday-sales-mastercard-spendingpulse-cc87e571ccffbae39110132a4c39a7c9">fourth-quarter data</a>&nbsp;is released by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. next month. Those balances are now carrying interest on them, which is the highest it has been since the Federal Reserve started tracking the data back in the mid-1990s.Further, more Americans are falling behind on their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/credit-card-debt-consumer-relief-rates-89114fe06ce6ef7596c8a336532e0f06">credit card debts</a>&nbsp;as well.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-credit-cards-delinquencies-scores-renters-85aab5e510f531df140f99629a4f60c3">Delinquency rates</a>&nbsp;at the major credit card issuers such as American Express, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Capital One and Discover have been trending upward for several quarters. Some analysts have become concerned Americans, particularly poorer households hurt by inflation, might be taking on too much debt.“Overall, the consumer is credit healthy. However, the reality is that there are starting to be some significant signs of stress,” said Silvio Tavares, president and CEO of VantageScore, one of the country’s two major credit scoring systems, in an interview last month.The growth of the credit card industry is partly why&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capital-one-discover-credit-card-visa-merger-2264ec3d43143d06a1f6820d1241b033">Capital One announced it would buy Discover Financial</a>&nbsp;last month for $35 billion. The two companies, which are two of the largest credit card issuers, are also two companies whose customers regularly carry a balance on their accounts.This is not the first time policymakers have weighed in on credit card fees. Congress in 2010 passed the CARD Act, which banned credit card companies from charging excessive penalty fees and established clearer disclosures and consumer protections.The Federal Reserve issued a rule in 2010 that capped the first credit card late fee at $25, and $35 for subsequent late payments, and tied that fee to inflation. The CFPB, which took over the regulation of the credit card industry from the Fed after it was established, is proposing going further than the Fed.The bureau's proposal is similar in structure to what the bureau announced in January when it proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/overdraft-junk-fees-banking-biden-jpmorgan-cb8b19687264c0eed757d84911b44303">capping overdraft fees</a>&nbsp;to as little as $3. In that proposed regulation, banks would be required to either accept the bureau's benchmark or show regulators why they should charge more, a method that few bank industry executives expect to use.Biden has made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-junk-fees-ftc-hidden-bogus-80e5c17dc7607b99aa92c6c816b96e52">the elimination of junk fees</a>&nbsp;one of the cornerstones of his administration’s economic agenda heading into the 2024 election. Fees that banks charge customers have been at the center of that campaign, and the White House directed government regulators last year to do whatever is in their power to further curtail the practice.In another move being highlighted by the White House, the Agriculture Department said it has finalized a rule to stop what it deems to be deceptive contracts by meat processors and to ban retaliation against small farmers and ranchers that work together in associations.

🎥Biden administration finalizes rule cutting credit card late fees

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday announced it will not hear an appeal from a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-shooting-974b3aa6e4736005b553672489bb46ea">former Missouri detective</a>&nbsp;convicted in the 2019 shooting death of a Black man.

The state Supreme Court denied former Kansas City detective Eric J. DeValkenaere's motion to hear his case. The Western District Missouri Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction in September.

Messages were left with DeValkenaere's attorney.

DeValkenaere is serving a six-year sentence for second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action. He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-shooting-974b3aa6e4736005b553672489bb46ea">convicted</a>&nbsp;of fatally shooting Cameron Lamb in the driveway of Lamb's home on Dec. 3, 2019.

Republican Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s office in June&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/detective-fatal-shooting-attorney-general-appeal-16957c1b9f09d91e17e3a3cfb75c1a07">asked the appeals court</a>&nbsp;to reverse DeValkenaere’s conviction or order a new trial. That was unusual because the attorney general’s office typically defends convictions, rather than appeals them.

Police said DeValkenaere, who is white, and his partner went to Lamb’s home after reports he had been chasing his girlfriend’s convertible in a stolen pickup truck. DeValkenaere said he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective.

But Judge J. Dale Youngs, who found DeValkenaere guilty in a bench trial, said the officers had no probable cause to believe any crime had been committed, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest, and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property. Police were the initial aggressors and had a duty to retreat, the judge said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698332674249.png" alt="DeValkenaere photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>DeValkenaere photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday announced it will not hear an appeal from a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-shooting-974b3aa6e4736005b553672489bb46ea">former Missouri detective</a>&nbsp;convicted in the 2019 shooting death of a Black man.The state Supreme Court denied former Kansas City detective Eric J. DeValkenaere's motion to hear his case. The Western District Missouri Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction in September.Messages were left with DeValkenaere's attorney.DeValkenaere is serving a six-year sentence for second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action. He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-shooting-974b3aa6e4736005b553672489bb46ea">convicted</a>&nbsp;of fatally shooting Cameron Lamb in the driveway of Lamb's home on Dec. 3, 2019.Republican Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s office in June&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/detective-fatal-shooting-attorney-general-appeal-16957c1b9f09d91e17e3a3cfb75c1a07">asked the appeals court</a>&nbsp;to reverse DeValkenaere’s conviction or order a new trial. That was unusual because the attorney general’s office typically defends convictions, rather than appeals them.A message was left with Bailey's office.Police said DeValkenaere, who is white, and his partner went to Lamb’s home after reports he had been chasing his girlfriend’s convertible in a stolen pickup truck. DeValkenaere said he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective.But Judge J. Dale Youngs, who found DeValkenaere guilty in a bench trial, said the officers had no probable cause to believe any crime had been committed, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest, and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property. Police were the initial aggressors and had a duty to retreat, the judge said.

Mo. Supreme Court declines to hear appeal of ex-KC detective convicted of manslaughter

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/joshmerchant/">JOSH MERCHANT</a>

The Royals are pitching a $1 billion sales tax to pay for a new stadium, but they’ll need another $700 million to make the stadium happen. That’s where the team expects Kansas City and Missouri to come in

The proposed extension of Jackson County’s sales tax won’t be enough to pay for a new downtown Kansas City Royals stadium.

So the team is in conversation with city officials and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson to fill a $700 million funding gap with taxpayer dollars from Kansas City and the state.

On April 2, Jackson County voters will be asked to commit upward of $1 billion to a proposed baseball stadium in the Crossroads Arts District. Dozens of absentee ballots have already been cast, but the financial details of the project remain unclear.

Voters had that kind of detail in 2006 when Jackson County last cast ballots on a sales tax to subsidize the Chiefs and Royals. But this time, those details won’t be made public until after the vote is complete.

“We don’t have the same level of detail as we had in 2006,” Jackson County Administrator Troy Schulte told The Beacon.

Royals will likely ask for another $700 million after the sales tax vote

If approved, the 3/8-cent sales tax extension would generate more than $2 billion over 40 years. The Chiefs and Royals would split the money 50-50, giving each team $27 million a year.

The Chiefs money will pay for debt obligations, maintenance and repairs for Arrowhead Stadium. The proposed renovation of that existing stadium will be paid for with $300 million from the team, as well as $500 million split between Missouri tax dollars and, possibly, other public sources.

As for the Royals, the $1 billion in sales tax money would go toward the new stadium. The team would be on its own to raise money for its surrounding ballpark district.

But that $1 billion will only cover a third of the stadium’s costs.

Before the Royals can use the county sales tax money, the county must still pay off nearly $200 million in debt on the Truman Sports Complex. Plus, because the Royals plan to take out a loan to finance construction costs up front, much of the sales tax revenue will have to pay for interest.

That leaves somewhere between $250 million and $350 million that can actually be used to cover stadium expenses —&nbsp;and leaves more than two-thirds of the stadium’s cost unaccounted for.

The last time that Jackson County voters OK’d a sales tax to fund the Chiefs and Royals in 2006, local officials had a financial document called a “sources and uses statement.”

That financial plan outlined how much money would come from the teams and how much would come from the state, the city and the county.

A spokesperson for Kansas City said that the city manager and finance director do not have a copy of a comparable document for the 2024 measure. Neither do Mayor Quinton Lucas, Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr., county legislators or the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority.

That, Schulte told The Beacon, marks one of the main reasons why White does not support the 2024 sales tax measure.

Schulte said the Royals plan to fill that gap with money from Kansas City and Missouri, but without this document, the specifics remain unclear.

When the Royals were considering a stadium north of the Missouri River, their sources and uses statement listed an expected $350 million contribution from North Kansas City, $580 million from Clay County and $350 million from Missouri.

Parson&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/not-everyone-sold-on-sales-tax-extension-additional-costs-for-arrowhead-stadium-renovations/60017363">said in a statement</a>&nbsp;that Missouri will not finalize any financial commitment until after the April 2 vote.

The team confirmed to The Beacon that conversations with Kansas City officials are ongoing.

When asked how much money the city was planning to contribute and how it would be funded in the budget, a representative from Lucas’ office said the city hadn’t received any requests from the Royals.

This&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kcbeacon.org/stories/2024/03/01/royals-stadium-tax-funding-gap/">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kcbeacon.org/">The Beacon</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709665032862.png" alt=" A rendering of the Royals proposed downtown ballpark (image submitted)." />
 <figcaption> A rendering of the Royals proposed downtown ballpark (image submitted).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/joshmerchant/">JOSH MERCHANT</a><h2>The Royals are pitching a $1 billion sales tax to pay for a new stadium, but they’ll need another $700 million to make the stadium happen. That’s where the team expects Kansas City and Missouri to come in</h2>The proposed extension of Jackson County’s sales tax won’t be enough to pay for a new downtown Kansas City Royals stadium.So the team is in conversation with city officials and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson to fill a $700 million funding gap with taxpayer dollars from Kansas City and the state.On April 2, Jackson County voters will be asked to commit upward of $1 billion to a proposed baseball stadium in the Crossroads Arts District. Dozens of absentee ballots have already been cast, but the financial details of the project remain unclear.Voters had that kind of detail in 2006 when Jackson County last cast ballots on a sales tax to subsidize the Chiefs and Royals. But this time, those details won’t be made public until after the vote is complete.“We don’t have the same level of detail as we had in 2006,” Jackson County Administrator Troy Schulte told The Beacon.<h2>Royals will likely ask for another $700 million after the sales tax vote</h2>If approved, the 3/8-cent sales tax extension would generate more than $2 billion over 40 years. The Chiefs and Royals would split the money 50-50, giving each team $27 million a year.The Chiefs money will pay for debt obligations, maintenance and repairs for Arrowhead Stadium. The proposed renovation of that existing stadium will be paid for with $300 million from the team, as well as $500 million split between Missouri tax dollars and, possibly, other public sources.As for the Royals, the $1 billion in sales tax money would go toward the new stadium. The team would be on its own to raise money for its surrounding ballpark district.But that $1 billion will only cover a third of the stadium’s costs.Before the Royals can use the county sales tax money, the county must still pay off nearly $200 million in debt on the Truman Sports Complex. Plus, because the Royals plan to take out a loan to finance construction costs up front, much of the sales tax revenue will have to pay for interest.That leaves somewhere between $250 million and $350 million that can actually be used to cover stadium expenses —&nbsp;and leaves more than two-thirds of the stadium’s cost unaccounted for.<h2>Who will pay for the new Royals stadium?</h2>The last time that Jackson County voters OK’d a sales tax to fund the Chiefs and Royals in 2006, local officials had a financial document called a “sources and uses statement.”That financial plan outlined how much money would come from the teams and how much would come from the state, the city and the county.A spokesperson for Kansas City said that the city manager and finance director do not have a copy of a comparable document for the 2024 measure. Neither do Mayor Quinton Lucas, Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr., county legislators or the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority.That, Schulte told The Beacon, marks one of the main reasons why White does not support the 2024 sales tax measure.Schulte said the Royals plan to fill that gap with money from Kansas City and Missouri, but without this document, the specifics remain unclear.When the Royals were considering a stadium north of the Missouri River, their sources and uses statement listed an expected $350 million contribution from North Kansas City, $580 million from Clay County and $350 million from Missouri.Parson&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/not-everyone-sold-on-sales-tax-extension-additional-costs-for-arrowhead-stadium-renovations/60017363">said in a statement</a>&nbsp;that Missouri will not finalize any financial commitment until after the April 2 vote.The team confirmed to The Beacon that conversations with Kansas City officials are ongoing.When asked how much money the city was planning to contribute and how it would be funded in the budget, a representative from Lucas’ office said the city hadn’t received any requests from the Royals.This&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kcbeacon.org/stories/2024/03/01/royals-stadium-tax-funding-gap/">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kcbeacon.org/">The Beacon</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<figure>
 <img src="https://i0.wp.com/kcbeacon.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cropped-The-Beacon-Symbol-Gold.png?fit=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://kcbeacon.org/?republication-pixel=true&amp;post=18851" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

If voters OK taxes for a ballpark, Royals will ask city and state for up to $700M more

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

TOPEKA — House Republicans who oppose Medicaid expansion are pushing a one-time influx of cash for local hospitals as a way to save the state’s teetering rural health care system.&nbsp;

House Republican leadership said increasing the state’s medical reimbursement rates would increase access to care for the state’s “truly needy.”&nbsp;

“By increasing shockingly low Medicaid reimbursement rates, we’re strengthening Kansas health care from within,” said House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita. “This practical, sustainable solution increases access for the current Medicaid population, enables better care at a lower cost for all patients, and expands the provider workforce so providers and hospitals can continue to provide essential services to their communities for years to come.”

House lawmakers on a budget committee recommended an additional $33.9 million to increase physician provider codes and $45.2 million to increase outpatient hospital rates. Those numbers are subject to negotiations and votes by both full chambers before they could head to the Gov. Laura Kelly’s desk for consideration.

Low Medicaid reimbursement rates tend to limit access to quality care, worsening health outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries. States determine their own reimbursement rates, but many, including Kansas, tend to set them at low levels, leaving hospitals to shoulder extra costs. GOP leaders have not made raising rates a priority since the state privatized the Medicaid system in 2012.&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aha.org/system/files/media/file/2020/01/2020-Medicare-Medicaid-Underpayment-Fact-Sheet.pdf">An American Hospital Association survey</a>&nbsp;of U.S. hospitals found hospitals received approximately 88 cents for every dollar spent on Medicaid patient care in 2020. Medicare and Medicaid account for more than 60% of all care provided by hospitals for that time frame, leading to a large disparity in payment.

In the state,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/12/12/kansas-unrivaled-rural-hospital-crisis-58-at-risk-of-closing-82-lost-money-on-patient-care/">Kansas Reflector reporting</a>&nbsp;has documented 59 of the state’s rural hospitals are in jeopardy of closing. Twenty-eight are at immediate risk of failures, and 84 of the state’s 102 rural hospitals recorded financial losses on patient services in the most recent data available, according to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform.

Rep. Les Mason, a McPherson Republican and head of the committee that worked on budget recommendations, said funding would help underserved communities.

“The funding we proposed is a continuation of our commitment to enhance access to care for our most vulnerable populations,” Mason said. “The administration has largely ignored these adjustments for years, instead banging their Medicaid expansion drum. It’s clear that these adjustments would be necessary even with expansion. What we’re doing is a better path for Kansans who truly need our help.”

Medicaid expansion, an option strongly supported by Kelly, along with health care officials and advocates for low-income families, also would pump much-needed funding into failing hospitals.

The state would unlock&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/fisc_note_sb225_00_0000.pdf">$682.4 million</a>&nbsp;in annual federal funding with expansion. The federal government covers 90% of the extra cost of Medicaid services in exchange for expanding eligibility to 138% of the federal poverty rate.

While the governor and a majority of Kansans support Medicaid expansion, Republican leaders have blocked Medicaid expansion attempts for four years.&nbsp;Most of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/12/11/gop-leaders-demonize-the-poor-in-medicaid-expansion-debate-while-working-kansans-struggle/">the estimated 150,000 Kansans who would benefit from Medicaid expansion</a>&nbsp;are low-income workers or Kansans suffering from chronic illness, but Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson have characterized expansion as a&nbsp; way to expand the “welfare state.” The two argue that the “truly vulnerable” need to be helped instead of placing “able-bodied” Kansans into government programs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683601951891.jpg" alt="Proposed funding could bolster up some of the state's financially-strained hospital,&nbsp;ccording to Republican leadership in the Legislature. (Getty Images)" />
 <figcaption>Proposed funding could bolster up some of the state's financially-strained hospital,&nbsp;ccording to Republican leadership in the Legislature. (Getty Images)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — House Republicans who oppose Medicaid expansion are pushing a one-time influx of cash for local hospitals as a way to save the state’s teetering rural health care system.&nbsp;House Republican leadership said increasing the state’s medical reimbursement rates would increase access to care for the state’s “truly needy.”&nbsp;“By increasing shockingly low Medicaid reimbursement rates, we’re strengthening Kansas health care from within,” said House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita. “This practical, sustainable solution increases access for the current Medicaid population, enables better care at a lower cost for all patients, and expands the provider workforce so providers and hospitals can continue to provide essential services to their communities for years to come.”House lawmakers on a budget committee recommended an additional $33.9 million to increase physician provider codes and $45.2 million to increase outpatient hospital rates. Those numbers are subject to negotiations and votes by both full chambers before they could head to the Gov. Laura Kelly’s desk for consideration.Low Medicaid reimbursement rates tend to limit access to quality care, worsening health outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries. States determine their own reimbursement rates, but many, including Kansas, tend to set them at low levels, leaving hospitals to shoulder extra costs. GOP leaders have not made raising rates a priority since the state privatized the Medicaid system in 2012.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aha.org/system/files/media/file/2020/01/2020-Medicare-Medicaid-Underpayment-Fact-Sheet.pdf">An American Hospital Association survey</a>&nbsp;of U.S. hospitals found hospitals received approximately 88 cents for every dollar spent on Medicaid patient care in 2020. Medicare and Medicaid account for more than 60% of all care provided by hospitals for that time frame, leading to a large disparity in payment.In the state,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/12/12/kansas-unrivaled-rural-hospital-crisis-58-at-risk-of-closing-82-lost-money-on-patient-care/">Kansas Reflector reporting</a>&nbsp;has documented 59 of the state’s rural hospitals are in jeopardy of closing. Twenty-eight are at immediate risk of failures, and 84 of the state’s 102 rural hospitals recorded financial losses on patient services in the most recent data available, according to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform.Rep. Les Mason, a McPherson Republican and head of the committee that worked on budget recommendations, said funding would help underserved communities.“The funding we proposed is a continuation of our commitment to enhance access to care for our most vulnerable populations,” Mason said. “The administration has largely ignored these adjustments for years, instead banging their Medicaid expansion drum. It’s clear that these adjustments would be necessary even with expansion. What we’re doing is a better path for Kansans who truly need our help.”Medicaid expansion, an option strongly supported by Kelly, along with health care officials and advocates for low-income families, also would pump much-needed funding into failing hospitals.The state would unlock&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/fisc_note_sb225_00_0000.pdf">$682.4 million</a>&nbsp;in annual federal funding with expansion. The federal government covers 90% of the extra cost of Medicaid services in exchange for expanding eligibility to 138% of the federal poverty rate.While the governor and a majority of Kansans support Medicaid expansion, Republican leaders have blocked Medicaid expansion attempts for four years.&nbsp;Most of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/12/11/gop-leaders-demonize-the-poor-in-medicaid-expansion-debate-while-working-kansans-struggle/">the estimated 150,000 Kansans who would benefit from Medicaid expansion</a>&nbsp;are low-income workers or Kansans suffering from chronic illness, but Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson have characterized expansion as a&nbsp; way to expand the “welfare state.” The two argue that the “truly vulnerable” need to be helped instead of placing “able-bodied” Kansans into government programs.

Instead of Medicaid expansion, GOP legislators try for higher reimbursement rates

JERUSALEM (AP) — The United States and Jordan have carried out another humanitarian airdrop over the northern Gaza Strip, which has been largely isolated by Israeli forces for months.

U.S. Central Command says Air Force C-130 aircraft dropped 36,800 meals over northern Gaza on Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/airdrops-israel-gaza-palestinians-biden-9e6cfb3a2c7d909ca2a8a2abd25793ca">the second U.S. airdrop</a>&nbsp;since Saturday.

Aid groups say they can no longer distribute food aid in northern Gaza because of the breakdown of law and order there.

Over 100 Palestinians were killed last week when thousands of people converged on an aid convoy organized by the Israeli military, which opened fire. Palestinian officials said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-03-01-2024-86ab114fc0036d0b4fa5a69ed21964c6">most of the victims were shot</a>, while Israel said most were trampled to death in the chaos.

Aid groups say airdrops are a costly, last-ditch measure that cannot substitute for land deliveries. They have called for a humanitarian cease-fire and for Israel to open up crossings into northern Gaza.

Up to 300,000 Palestinians are believed to have stayed in northern Gaza, the first target of Israel’s offensive after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, despite repeated Israeli evacuation orders. Many are now surviving by eating animal fodder and foraging for food in demolished buildings. The U.N. says a quarter of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million people&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-un-humanitarian-famine-gaza-malnutrition-cf622f843fe531fb6dbd5657a39d6b49">are starving</a>.

The Israeli military says it places no limits on the amount of humanitarian aid entering Gaza. But aid groups say distribution is severely hampered by ongoing hostilities, the difficulty of coordinating with the Israeli military and the breakdown of security after Israeli airstrikes drove the Hamas-run police force from the streets.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709662963518.png" alt="Photos U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photos U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM (AP) — The United States and Jordan have carried out another humanitarian airdrop over the northern Gaza Strip, which has been largely isolated by Israeli forces for months.U.S. Central Command says Air Force C-130 aircraft dropped 36,800 meals over northern Gaza on Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/airdrops-israel-gaza-palestinians-biden-9e6cfb3a2c7d909ca2a8a2abd25793ca">the second U.S. airdrop</a>&nbsp;since Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709675027182.png" alt="U.S. Central Command view of the airdrop on Tuesday" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Central Command view of the airdrop on Tuesday</figcaption>
 </figure>Aid groups say they can no longer distribute food aid in northern Gaza because of the breakdown of law and order there.Over 100 Palestinians were killed last week when thousands of people converged on an aid convoy organized by the Israeli military, which opened fire. Palestinian officials said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-03-01-2024-86ab114fc0036d0b4fa5a69ed21964c6">most of the victims were shot</a>, while Israel said most were trampled to death in the chaos.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709662939871.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Aid groups say airdrops are a costly, last-ditch measure that cannot substitute for land deliveries. They have called for a humanitarian cease-fire and for Israel to open up crossings into northern Gaza.Up to 300,000 Palestinians are believed to have stayed in northern Gaza, the first target of Israel’s offensive after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, despite repeated Israeli evacuation orders. Many are now surviving by eating animal fodder and foraging for food in demolished buildings. The U.N. says a quarter of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million people&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-un-humanitarian-famine-gaza-malnutrition-cf622f843fe531fb6dbd5657a39d6b49">are starving</a>.The Israeli military says it places no limits on the amount of humanitarian aid entering Gaza. But aid groups say distribution is severely hampered by ongoing hostilities, the difficulty of coordinating with the Israeli military and the breakdown of security after Israeli airstrikes drove the Hamas-run police force from the streets.

US airdrops more food and supplies into Gaza

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and asking the public for help to identify suspects.

According to Kansas City Polic, the burglary involved $200,000 worth of custom jewelry from Vinca Custom Jewelry, 4801 Jefferson St, Kansas City, including a diamond slice necklace.

Police are attempting to identify and locate the pictured vehicle used in the burglary on January 21.

If you have any information,&nbsp;.contact Central Patrol Division Property Crimes Section, at 816-413-3430.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709574622997.png" alt="photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and asking the public for help to identify suspects.According to Kansas City Polic, the burglary involved $200,000 worth of custom jewelry from Vinca Custom Jewelry, 4801 Jefferson St, Kansas City, including a diamond slice necklace.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709574666729.png" alt="Photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>Police are attempting to identify and locate the pictured vehicle used in the burglary on January 21.If you have any information,&nbsp;.contact Central Patrol Division Property Crimes Section, at 816-413-3430.

KCPD asks for help to ID suspect in $200,000 jewelry theft

CHARITON COUNTY —A 3-year-old Missouri boy died in an accident just before 4p.m. Sunday in Chariton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported the child from Salisbury ran into the path of an eastbound 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 driven by 41-year-old Justin M. Henke of Salisbury.

The accident occurred on private property along Route C ten miles southwest of Marceline.

The boy was pronounced dead at the scene. The Linn County Coroner transported him to Sommerville Funeral Home. Henke was not wearing a seat belt and not injured, according to the MSHP.

CHARITON COUNTY —A 3-year-old Missouri boy died in an accident just before 4p.m. Sunday in Chariton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported the child from Salisbury ran into the path of an eastbound 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 driven by 41-year-old Justin M. Henke of Salisbury.The accident occurred on private property along Route C ten miles southwest of Marceline.The boy was pronounced dead at the scene. The Linn County Coroner transported him to Sommerville Funeral Home. Henke was not wearing a seat belt and not injured, according to the MSHP.

3-year-old Mo. boy dies after running into path of pickup

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged criminal damage to property in Riley County.

Just before 2:30p.m. Monday, officers filed a report for criminal damage to property in the 1200 block of Green-Randolph Road in Randolph, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 39-year-old man reported an unknown suspect damaged his 2003 John Deere Model 7810 tractor by plugging a coolant line to the air cooler with a rifle shell casing.

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $32,000. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged criminal damage to property in Riley County.Just before 2:30p.m. Monday, officers filed a report for criminal damage to property in the 1200 block of Green-Randolph Road in Randolph, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 39-year-old man reported an unknown suspect damaged his 2003 John Deere Model 7810 tractor by plugging a coolant line to the air cooler with a rifle shell casing.The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $32,000. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Police investigating criminal damage to $32K farm tractor

SHAWNEE COUNTY—A member of the Kansas House of Representatives spent most of Monday in Jail. According to online jail records Carl Maughan, 52, of Colwich, was arrested early Monday in Shawnee&nbsp; County.

Maughan, a Republican who <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/members/rep_maughan_carl_1/">represents Kansas House District 90</a>&nbsp;, was booked into jail at 4a.m. on requested charges that include possession of firearm while under influence of alcohol or drugs, Failure To Give Signal When Changing Lanes or Turning and Improper Driving On Laned Roadway, according to the county booking report.

His committee assignments include the Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee, Financial Institutions and Pensions Committee, House Judiciary Committee, Rules and Journal Committee and the Special Claims Against the State Committee, according to his online statehouse bio.

Just after 2:30p.m. Monday, Maughan was released from jail, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Police have released no additional details.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709646556523.png" alt="Maughan-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Maughan-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—A member of the Kansas House of Representatives spent most of Monday in Jail. According to online jail records Carl Maughan, 52, of Colwich, was arrested early Monday in Shawnee&nbsp; County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709647010664.png" alt="Maughan as shown in his statehouse online bio" />
 <figcaption>Maughan as shown in his statehouse online bio</figcaption>
 </figure>Maughan, a Republican who <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/members/rep_maughan_carl_1/">represents Kansas House District 90</a>&nbsp;, was booked into jail at 4a.m. on requested charges that include possession of firearm while under influence of alcohol or drugs, Failure To Give Signal When Changing Lanes or Turning and Improper Driving On Laned Roadway, according to the county booking report.His committee assignments include the Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee, Financial Institutions and Pensions Committee, House Judiciary Committee, Rules and Journal Committee and the Special Claims Against the State Committee, according to his online statehouse bio.Just after 2:30p.m. Monday, Maughan was released from jail, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Police have released no additional details.&nbsp;

Kansas state representative spent most of Monday in jail

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation of a weekend  shooting during a basketball tournament  at North Kansas City High School and provided an update on the two victims.

Through the course of the investigation, it has been determined that the North Kansas City High School Student juvenile victim was an innocent bystander who was shot during the incident. The student has been released from an area hospital and is recovering from their injuries at home. 

The second adult victim remains in stable condition and continues to receive medical care at an area hospital. We want to thank our regional law enforcement partners, the NKC School District, and the community for their help during this active and ongoing investigation. We will continue to share more information as it becomes available. We ask that anyone with information, photos, and video send them to Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers – TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS or 816-474-8477.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation of a weekend&nbsp; shooting during a basketball tournament&nbsp; at North Kansas City High School and provided an update on the two victims.

On Saturday afternoon, police responded after two people were shot outside the High School, 620 E 23rd Ave, North Kansas City, as North Kansas City Hornets and Staley Falcons were participating in the Class 6 District 8 High School Basketball Tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp; The school was also hosting a debate tournament Saturday evening, according to the school web site.

According to police, the juvenile victim is a North Kansas City High School student, who had non-life-threatening injuries and was listed in stable condition on Sunday afternoon. The second victim is an adult and listed in stable condition and is not affiliated with the NKC School District.

Police continue to work with the NKC School District to ensure that students will return to school Monday with the proper support.&nbsp;

Police ask that anyone with information, photos, and video send them to Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers – TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS or 816-474-8477.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a&nbsp; shooting at North Kansas City High School.

On Saturday afternoon, police responded after two people were shot outside North Kansas City High School, 620 E 23rd Ave, North Kansas City, during a basketball game.

&nbsp;The shooting occurred as North Kansas City Hornets and Staley Falcons were participating in the Class 6 District 8 High School Basketball Tournament.&nbsp; The school was also hosting a debate tournament Saturday evening, according to the school web site.

EMS transported the shooting victims to an area hospital. Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709436203469.png" alt="Police at scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police at scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation of a weekend shooting during a basketball tournament at North Kansas City High School and provided an update on the two victims.Through the course of the investigation, it has been determined that the North Kansas City High School Student juvenile victim was an innocent bystander who was shot during the incident. The student has been released from an area hospital and is recovering from their injuries at home. The second adult victim remains in stable condition and continues to receive medical care at an area hospital. We want to thank our regional law enforcement partners, the NKC School District, and the community for their help during this active and ongoing investigation. We will continue to share more information as it becomes available. We ask that anyone with information, photos, and video send them to Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers – TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS or 816-474-8477.------KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation of a weekend&nbsp; shooting during a basketball tournament&nbsp; at North Kansas City High School and provided an update on the two victims.On Saturday afternoon, police responded after two people were shot outside the High School, 620 E 23rd Ave, North Kansas City, as North Kansas City Hornets and Staley Falcons were participating in the Class 6 District 8 High School Basketball Tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp; The school was also hosting a debate tournament Saturday evening, according to the school web site.According to police, the juvenile victim is a North Kansas City High School student, who had non-life-threatening injuries and was listed in stable condition on Sunday afternoon. The second victim is an adult and listed in stable condition and is not affiliated with the NKC School District.Police continue to work with the NKC School District to ensure that students will return to school Monday with the proper support.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Praying (again) after a metro area shooting. Thinking of those impacted and our young people. Wondering when we will do more to avoid these tragedies that keep breaking all our hearts and build a world where our kids our safe. I’m ready, parents are ready, our city is ready.&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1764097763497689352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Police ask that anyone with information, photos, and video send them to Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers – TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS or 816-474-8477.------------KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a&nbsp; shooting at North Kansas City High School.On Saturday afternoon, police responded after two people were shot outside North Kansas City High School, 620 E 23rd Ave, North Kansas City, during a basketball game.&nbsp;The shooting occurred as North Kansas City Hornets and Staley Falcons were participating in the Class 6 District 8 High School Basketball Tournament.&nbsp; The school was also hosting a debate tournament Saturday evening, according to the school web site.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I am so very grateful for our coaching community. All coaches and debate students are safe. There was a shooting incident during this afternoon’s basketball games hosted at North Kansas City High School that happened while CX finals were happening and LD/PF were about to begin.&mdash; NKC Speech &amp; Debate (@nkcspeechdebate) <a href="https://twitter.com/nkcspeechdebate/status/1764128053448286473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are shocked and saddened by the events at NKC High School this evening. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, along with our Hornet families, those visiting NKCHS, and our friends, neighbors, and the entire NKC community.&mdash; North Kansas City (@cityofnkc) <a href="https://twitter.com/cityofnkc/status/1764152613363146810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Praying (again) after a metro area shooting. Thinking of those impacted and our young people. Wondering when we will do more to avoid these tragedies that keep breaking all our hearts and build a world where our kids our safe. I’m ready, parents are ready, our city is ready.&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1764097763497689352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>EMS transported the shooting victims to an area hospital. Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.Police ask that anyone with information, photos, and video send them to Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers – TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS or 816-474-8477.

Student shot during KC high school basketball game is out of hospital

SEDGWICK COUNTY –The largest school district in Kansas voted Monday night to close&nbsp;six schools, according to USD 259 Wichita.&nbsp;

The district is facing a $42 million budget deficit and closing 4 elementary and 2 middle schools will prevent job cuts.&nbsp;

The school that are scheduled to close are Clark Elementary, 650 S Apache Drive; Cleaveland Elementary, 3345 W 33rd Street; Payne Elementary, 1601 S Edwards Street; Park Elementary, 1025 N Main Street; Jardine Middle School, 3550 E Ross Parkway and Hadley Middle School, 1101 N Dougherty Avenue.

Wichita currently has 54 elementary schools, 15 middle schools, three K-8s, nine high schools and nine special schools. The school district has had declining enrollment since 2016.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709597578310.png" alt="Photo USD 259" />
 <figcaption>Photo USD 259</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY –The largest school district in Kansas voted Monday night to close&nbsp;six schools, according to USD 259 Wichita.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The recommendation passes 5-2. Stan Reeser, Diane Albert, Kathy Bond, Julie Hedrick and Hazel Stabler voting yes, with Melody-McCray Miller and Ngoc Vuong voting no.&mdash; Wichita Public Schools (@WichitaUSD259) <a href="https://twitter.com/WichitaUSD259/status/1764865397348618502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The district is facing a $42 million budget deficit and closing 4 elementary and 2 middle schools will prevent job cuts.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/HDTM97RXZO">pic.twitter.com/HDTM97RXZO</a>&mdash; Wichita Public Schools (@WichitaUSD259) <a href="https://twitter.com/WichitaUSD259/status/1764842393818329553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/mZEsdqeB8h">pic.twitter.com/mZEsdqeB8h</a>&mdash; Wichita Public Schools (@WichitaUSD259) <a href="https://twitter.com/WichitaUSD259/status/1764842035964440736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/DkEyL3B2CE">pic.twitter.com/DkEyL3B2CE</a>&mdash; Wichita Public Schools (@WichitaUSD259) <a href="https://twitter.com/WichitaUSD259/status/1764836523831132524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/CSHaOmzSae">pic.twitter.com/CSHaOmzSae</a>&mdash; Wichita Public Schools (@WichitaUSD259) <a href="https://twitter.com/WichitaUSD259/status/1764835063852622320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The school that are scheduled to close are Clark Elementary, 650 S Apache Drive; Cleaveland Elementary, 3345 W 33rd Street; Payne Elementary, 1601 S Edwards Street; Park Elementary, 1025 N Main Street; Jardine Middle School, 3550 E Ross Parkway and Hadley Middle School, 1101 N Dougherty Avenue.Wichita currently has 54 elementary schools, 15 middle schools, three K-8s, nine high schools and nine special schools. The school district has had declining enrollment since 2016.

Board for largest school district in Kan. votes to close 6 schools

JACKSON COUNTY —The City of Independence and the Independence Police Department expressed their deepest gratitude for the overwhelming amount of support from the community, as they mourn the loss of Officer Cody Allen. 

The city and police department also asked for continued thoughts and prayers for the family, friends, and co-workers of Jackson County Circuit Court employee Drexel Mack, who was shot and killed in this incident as well.&nbsp;

The police department shared a link to the online fundraiser to assist wth the arrangements for Mack.<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-drexel-mack?fbclid=IwAR0GL8QHAOWxe_MmoqToBBDiFI0-AeYItoPLyPNu8ySxO-1qOg-3vKqimiw"> Click here</a>

The city and police department also asked for ongoing support and prayers for the continued recovery of the two other Independence officers injured in this incident.

There will be a public visitation for Officer Allen on Thursday, March 7, 2024 from 4:00-8:00 pm at Community of Christ - The Auditorium, 1001 W Walnut Street, Independence, Missouri. 

The funeral service will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 11:00 am, also at Community of Christ - The Auditorium, 1001 W Walnut Street, Independence, Missouri. 

All vehicles arriving for the service must enter from the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Walnut Street and will follow parking detail directions from there.

A procession to the cemetery for graveside services will follow the funeral on March 8, The procession will leave from The Auditorium, 1001 W Walnut Street, Independence, Missouri and proceed east on Walnut Street to Memorial Drive to Truman Road to Lee’s Summit Road to 39th Street to Little Blue Parkway to I-70 East to Exit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/37a?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVJOZCyf-Z5Umwp_mONSJ5H9D7w3fIF5_GFbWvpiH78UGPI_GhJdWu7jAYe2Ri6LlTEmiVIEfHiIabuIcVdnWXZsUSRlpjj-P5Xhz0y22GGH6rx-6LHbCVkzdV-NQi0_AK_wmhn1c5pWAurj09wG1G5DR5s8bePwcfLhqrKf1YJeQ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#37A</a> where the procession will continue through Odessa to Odessa Cemetery.

From there, a parking detail will be onsite to assist. All professional law enforcement honors will take place at the cemetery.The public should expect traffic delays if traveling around the venues listed above and near the procession route on Friday, March 8.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709258563931.png" alt="Officer Cody Allen courtesy ph oto" />
 <figcaption>Officer Cody Allen courtesy ph oto</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —The City of Independence and the Independence Police Department expressed their deepest gratitude for the overwhelming amount of support from the community, as they mourn the loss of Officer Cody Allen. The city and police department also asked for continued thoughts and prayers for the family, friends, and co-workers of Jackson County Circuit Court employee Drexel Mack, who was shot and killed in this incident as well.&nbsp;The police department shared a link to the online fundraiser to assist wth the arrangements for Mack.<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-drexel-mack?fbclid=IwAR0GL8QHAOWxe_MmoqToBBDiFI0-AeYItoPLyPNu8ySxO-1qOg-3vKqimiw"> Click here</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709593843672.png" alt="Drexel Mack courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Drexel Mack courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The city and police department also asked for ongoing support and prayers for the continued recovery of the two other Independence officers injured in this incident.There will be a public visitation for Officer Allen on Thursday, March 7, 2024 from 4:00-8:00 pm at Community of Christ - The Auditorium, 1001 W Walnut Street, Independence, Missouri. The funeral service will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 11:00 am, also at Community of Christ - The Auditorium, 1001 W Walnut Street, Independence, Missouri. All vehicles arriving for the service must enter from the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Walnut Street and will follow parking detail directions from there.A procession to the cemetery for graveside services will follow the funeral on March 8, The procession will leave from The Auditorium, 1001 W Walnut Street, Independence, Missouri and proceed east on Walnut Street to Memorial Drive to Truman Road to Lee’s Summit Road to 39th Street to Little Blue Parkway to I-70 East to Exit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/37a?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVJOZCyf-Z5Umwp_mONSJ5H9D7w3fIF5_GFbWvpiH78UGPI_GhJdWu7jAYe2Ri6LlTEmiVIEfHiIabuIcVdnWXZsUSRlpjj-P5Xhz0y22GGH6rx-6LHbCVkzdV-NQi0_AK_wmhn1c5pWAurj09wG1G5DR5s8bePwcfLhqrKf1YJeQ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#37A</a> where the procession will continue through Odessa to Odessa Cemetery. From there, a parking detail will be onsite to assist. All professional law enforcement honors will take place at the cemetery.The public should expect traffic delays if traveling around the venues listed above and near the procession route on Friday, March 8.

Visitation, service set for officer who died in KC area shooting

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of an apartment building fire in Kansas City.

Just before 12:30a.m. Monday, crews responded to the report of an apartment fire in the 2600 block of East 8th&nbsp;street in Kansas City, according to&nbsp;Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

 First responders found heavy fire and smoke from the rear of a three-story 12 unit apartment building.

&nbsp;Crews removed multiple occupants from the structure during their searches. Fire crews treated three patients on the scene for smoke inhalation. Two of those patients refused transport, one patient was transported for further evaluation in serious but stable condition. 

No firefighter injuries were reported at this incident. Only six of the twelve units were occupied, all six will be displaced.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709551143863.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of an apartment building fire in Kansas City.Just before 12:30a.m. Monday, crews responded to the report of an apartment fire in the 2600 block of East 8th&nbsp;street in Kansas City, according to&nbsp;Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. First responders found heavy fire and smoke from the rear of a three-story 12 unit apartment building.&nbsp;Crews removed multiple occupants from the structure during their searches. Fire crews treated three patients on the scene for smoke inhalation. Two of those patients refused transport, one patient was transported for further evaluation in serious but stable condition. No firefighter injuries were reported at this incident. Only six of the twelve units were occupied, all six will be displaced.&nbsp;

3 injured in Kansas City apartment building fire

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The State of Kansas ends February 2024 with total tax collections at $521.4 million. That is $33.1 million, or 6.0%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 5.2% from February 2023.

Click to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYnVkZ2V0LmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzA4X0ZlYnJ1YXJ5X1JldmVudWVfRlkyMDI0XzAzLTAxLTIwMjRfRmluYWwucGRmIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDMwNC45MTIxOTM3MSJ9.OjQrAkohqhmJ-XRg1SWwoar6ytLCpfxG63OFraYFc3A/s/1303160919/br/238152339355-l" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;view the February 2024 revenue numbers.

“Falling short of estimates for the fourth consecutive month reiterates that Kansas must pass a tax cut plan that is sustainable and fiscally responsible,”&nbsp;Governor&nbsp;Laura Kelly said. “That’s why I have proposed a bipartisan tax cut package that would benefit all Kansans without jeopardizing our long-term economic growth or ability to continue fully funding essential services.”

Individual income tax collections were $173.6 million. That is $46.4 million, or 21.1%, below the estimate, and down 17.9% from February 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $21.1 million. That is $5.1 million, or 31.6%, above the estimate and up 37.5% from February 2023.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $252.6 million, which is $10.4 million, or 4.0%, below the estimate and down $15.4 million, or 5.7%, from February 2023.&nbsp;

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The State of Kansas ends February 2024 with total tax collections at $521.4 million. That is $33.1 million, or 6.0%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 5.2% from February 2023.Click to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYnVkZ2V0LmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzA4X0ZlYnJ1YXJ5X1JldmVudWVfRlkyMDI0XzAzLTAxLTIwMjRfRmluYWwucGRmIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDMwNC45MTIxOTM3MSJ9.OjQrAkohqhmJ-XRg1SWwoar6ytLCpfxG63OFraYFc3A/s/1303160919/br/238152339355-l" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;view the February 2024 revenue numbers.“Falling short of estimates for the fourth consecutive month reiterates that Kansas must pass a tax cut plan that is sustainable and fiscally responsible,”&nbsp;Governor&nbsp;Laura Kelly said. “That’s why I have proposed a bipartisan tax cut package that would benefit all Kansans without jeopardizing our long-term economic growth or ability to continue fully funding essential services.”Individual income tax collections were $173.6 million. That is $46.4 million, or 21.1%, below the estimate, and down 17.9% from February 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $21.1 million. That is $5.1 million, or 31.6%, above the estimate and up 37.5% from February 2023.Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $252.6 million, which is $10.4 million, or 4.0%, below the estimate and down $15.4 million, or 5.7%, from February 2023.&nbsp;

Kan. tax collections below estimate for 4th month in a row

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1p.m. Monday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Kawasaki&nbsp;Ninja ZX-6R driven by&nbsp;Allman, Calder B.&nbsp;Allman, 41, Turney, Missouri, was northbound on Interstate 635 just south of 38th Street in the number one lane.&nbsp; The motorcycle traveled off the roadway into the shoulder and the driver was torn off the vehicle by a metal piece attached to the wall.

EMS transported Allman to North Kansas City Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. He&nbsp;was wearing a helmet and protective eye gear.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1p.m. Monday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Kawasaki&nbsp;Ninja ZX-6R driven by&nbsp;Allman, Calder B.&nbsp;Allman, 41, Turney, Missouri, was northbound on Interstate 635 just south of 38th Street in the number one lane.&nbsp; The motorcycle traveled off the roadway into the shoulder and the driver was torn off the vehicle by a metal piece attached to the wall.EMS transported Allman to North Kansas City Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. He&nbsp;was wearing a helmet and protective eye gear.

Mo. man dies after motorcycle struck metal on wall on highway

SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp; A&nbsp; Kansas woman who hid from police for 17-days after a deadly shooting has been found guilty,&nbsp;aggravated assault and attempted murder&nbsp;

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=740335">La’Niha Banks, 19,</a> is guilty of murder&nbsp; in the first degree; In the commission of a felony,&nbsp;Criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 11 pm May 20, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1000 block of E 1st Street N. in Wichita's Old Town. Upon arrival, officers located&nbsp; 19-year-old Lationna Johnson &nbsp;with two gunshot wounds to her upper body.

EMS transported Johnson to an area hospital in critical condition and with life-threatening injuries. She died on May 23, accord to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

The investigation revealed that Johnson was trying to break up a physical altercation between an acquaintance of hers and Banks in a parking lot. After the victim managed to stop the fight, Johnson started to drive away, but Banks produced a handgun and started to shoot into the occupied vehicle.

Banks hid from police who finally arrested her on&nbsp;On June 6.&nbsp; She quickly was able to meet the requirements of a $500,000 bond and was out of custody. After the jury verdict, Banks is in <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=740335">custody on a&nbsp;$1,000,000.00</a> bond and is scheduled for sentencing April 26, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686138861430.png" alt="Banks-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Banks-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp; A&nbsp; Kansas woman who hid from police for 17-days after a deadly shooting has been found guilty,&nbsp;aggravated assault and attempted murder&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=740335">La’Niha Banks, 19,</a> is guilty of murder&nbsp; in the first degree; In the commission of a felony,&nbsp;Criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 11 pm May 20, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1000 block of E 1st Street N. in Wichita's Old Town. Upon arrival, officers located&nbsp; 19-year-old Lationna Johnson &nbsp;with two gunshot wounds to her upper body.EMS transported Johnson to an area hospital in critical condition and with life-threatening injuries. She died on May 23, accord to Officer Juan Rebolledo.The investigation revealed that Johnson was trying to break up a physical altercation between an acquaintance of hers and Banks in a parking lot. After the victim managed to stop the fight, Johnson started to drive away, but Banks produced a handgun and started to shoot into the occupied vehicle.Banks hid from police who finally arrested her on&nbsp;On June 6.&nbsp; She quickly was able to meet the requirements of a $500,000 bond and was out of custody. After the jury verdict, Banks is in <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=740335">custody on a&nbsp;$1,000,000.00</a> bond and is scheduled for sentencing April 26, according to the district attorney's office.

Jury: Kan. woman, who hid from police 17-days, is guilty of murder

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just before 3p.m. March 1, an Osage County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop at South Topeka Avenue and Center Street in Carbondale for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

During the stop, illegal narcotics were located. Tamrha K. Fields, 55, of Ozawkie was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Driving while suspended, Driving while a habitual violator, Flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and No liability insurance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709391885596.png" alt="Fields-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Fields-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just before 3p.m. March 1, an Osage County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop at South Topeka Avenue and Center Street in Carbondale for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.During the stop, illegal narcotics were located. Tamrha K. Fields, 55, of Ozawkie was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Driving while suspended, Driving while a habitual violator, Flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and No liability insurance.

Kansas woman with drugs in vehicle tried to flee traffic stop

DENVER (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump gained</a>&nbsp;a clear win at the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday, which unanimously ruled that states don't have the ability to bar him — or any other federal candidates — from the ballot under a rarely-used constitutional provision that prohibits those who “engaged in insurrection” from holding office.

The decision shuts down a push in dozens of states to end Trump's candidacy through a clause in the 14th Amendment, written to prevent former Confederates from serving in government after the Civil War.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-719_19m2.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the full Supreme Court decision

But it may open the door to further electoral uncertainty, exposing more state officials to disqualification under the provision and setting up a constitutional showdown should Trump win the election.

Facing four separate criminal trials, Trump's legal peril may just be beginning. So is the Supreme Court's role in that process.

The most significant thing the court did Monday was to overturn a Colorado Supreme Court ruling from December that Trump was not eligible to be president because he violated the insurrection clause, Section 3, of the 14th Amendment.

This will also stop efforts to kick him off the ballot in Illinois, Maine and other states. Had the Supreme Court had let the Colorado ruling stand, it could have triggered a new wave of litigation that might have left Trump disqualified in many states.

The high court avoided addressing that politically contentious issue of whether Trump played a role in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol that would have barred him from seeking office. The ruling is almost devoid of references to Jan. 6 or insurrection, and doesn't address whether Trump committed such an act by sparking the attack on the Capitol.

Instead it focuses on the technical, procedural question of who gets to decide an election challenge under Section 3.

All nine justices agreed that is the purview of Congress. But a narrower majority of five went further, ruling it can only be done through legislation. That exposes significant splits underneath the unanimous majority, and points toward the greatest uncertainty the ruling creates.

One possible outcome that the case presented was the prospect of unelected judges disqualifying the man dominating who has already received hundreds of thousands of votes in the nominating process.

But another potential nightmare is that if Congress is the only entity that can determine whether a presidential hopeful is indeed disqualified for engaging in “insurrection,” that it makes that determination on Jan. 6, 2025, when required to certify a possible Trump victory in the presidential election.

The high court shut down the first possibility, but may have left the door open to the second one. The five-justice majority — all from the court's conservative wing — said Congress can implement Section 3 through legislation, “subject of course to judicial review.” (That means the court reserves for itself the right to have the final say.)

That triggered a dissent from the court's three liberals, who complained that that “shuts the door on other potential means of federal enforcement.”

That would appear to include a rejection of Trump's electors should he win the election -- but multiple legal experts said Monday that it wasn't that clear, and the only way to know may be for Congress to try.

The 14th Amendment case is one of two putting the high court squarely in the midst of the ongoing presidential election. Last week, the court agreed to hear Trump's appeal of a federal ruling that he's not entitled to immunity from criminal charges for his attempt to overturn the 2020 election.

Trump's trial on those charges was originally scheduled to begin Monday, but has been postponed because of the battle over his immunity challenge. The high court taking up his appeal in late April raises the possibility that trial won't conclude until after the presidential election.

The justices' discomfort over being put in the middle of the nation's partisan divide came through in a brief, but notable, concurring opinion by Justice Amy Coney Barrett.

Though one of the court's conservatives, she didn't agree with the majority's ruling that Congress can only enforce Section 3 through legislation. But she didn't want to sign onto the liberals' dissent, either, instead warning against focusing too much on partisan divisions.

“...this is not the time to amplify disagreement with stridency," Barrett wrote. “The Court has settled a politically charged issue in the volatile season of a Presidential election. Particularly in this circumstance, writings on the Court should turn the national temperature down, not up.”

"For present purposes, our differences are far less important than our unanimity: All nine Justices agree on the outcome of this case," she concluded. "That is the message Americans should take home.”

The court's ruling shuts off using Section 3 against federal officials absent action by Congress but it leaves open the ability of states to use the provision against their own state officials, noting there's a rich record after the Civil War of just those sorts of actions.

That's already begun anew in the post-Jan. 6 era. The first disqualification under Section 3 in more than a century came in 2022, when a New Mexico court removed Couy Griffin, who was convicted of entering the Capitol grounds on Jan. 6 while leading a group called “Cowboys for Trump,” from his rural county commission.

The group that brought that case, Citizens for Ethics and Responsibility in Washington, next filed the Colorado case against Trump. They said they were eager to continue filing Section 3 cases against lower-level Jan. 6 participants.

Few observers expected the Supreme Court to keep Trump off the ballot. But he’s facing far more perilous legal road ahead.

The first of Trump’s criminal trials, for allegedly falsifying business records to pay hush money to an adult film actress during the 2016 presidential campaign, is scheduled to start in New York later this month. The former president is also appealing a New York judge’s ruling that he pay $355 million for fraud committed by his businesses, and verdict that he pay a writer $83 million for defaming her after she sued him for sexual assault.

Depending on how and how quickly the high court rules on Trump’s immunity claim, he could still face charges for trying to overturn the 2020 election in Washington DC before this November’s election.

DENVER (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump gained</a>&nbsp;a clear win at the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday, which unanimously ruled that states don't have the ability to bar him — or any other federal candidates — from the ballot under a rarely-used constitutional provision that prohibits those who “engaged in insurrection” from holding office.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump: &quot;I want to start by thanking the Supreme Court for its unanimous decision today. It was a very important decision, very well crafted. I think it will go a long way toward bringing our country together, which our country needs.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/6cKLKALsWH">pic.twitter.com/6cKLKALsWH</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1764710433548632240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BREAKING: The Supreme Court defends democracy against radical leftist low-tier judges. Despite the Far Left’s never-ending political witch-hunt against Donald Trump, the Constitution and our democracy prevailed.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1764673464923836566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed what we all knew: the Colorado Supreme Court engaged in a purely partisan attack against the frontrunner for the Republican presidential primary. States engaging in the same activist, undemocratic behaviors should take notice and leave it…&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1764687750240833893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The decision shuts down a push in dozens of states to end Trump's candidacy through a clause in the 14th Amendment, written to prevent former Confederates from serving in government after the Civil War.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-719_19m2.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the full Supreme Court decision<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709565854355.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>But it may open the door to further electoral uncertainty, exposing more state officials to disqualification under the provision and setting up a constitutional showdown should Trump win the election.Facing four separate criminal trials, Trump's legal peril may just be beginning. So is the Supreme Court's role in that process.Here are some takeaways:A TECHNICAL, BUT STILL BIG, WINThe most significant thing the court did Monday was to overturn a Colorado Supreme Court ruling from December that Trump was not eligible to be president because he violated the insurrection clause, Section 3, of the 14th Amendment.This will also stop efforts to kick him off the ballot in Illinois, Maine and other states. Had the Supreme Court had let the Colorado ruling stand, it could have triggered a new wave of litigation that might have left Trump disqualified in many states.The high court avoided addressing that politically contentious issue of whether Trump played a role in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol that would have barred him from seeking office. The ruling is almost devoid of references to Jan. 6 or insurrection, and doesn't address whether Trump committed such an act by sparking the attack on the Capitol.Instead it focuses on the technical, procedural question of who gets to decide an election challenge under Section 3.All nine justices agreed that is the purview of Congress. But a narrower majority of five went further, ruling it can only be done through legislation. That exposes significant splits underneath the unanimous majority, and points toward the greatest uncertainty the ruling creates.A TIME BOMB FOR JAN. 6, 2025?One possible outcome that the case presented was the prospect of unelected judges disqualifying the man dominating who has already received hundreds of thousands of votes in the nominating process.But another potential nightmare is that if Congress is the only entity that can determine whether a presidential hopeful is indeed disqualified for engaging in “insurrection,” that it makes that determination on Jan. 6, 2025, when required to certify a possible Trump victory in the presidential election.The high court shut down the first possibility, but may have left the door open to the second one. The five-justice majority — all from the court's conservative wing — said Congress can implement Section 3 through legislation, “subject of course to judicial review.” (That means the court reserves for itself the right to have the final say.)That triggered a dissent from the court's three liberals, who complained that that “shuts the door on other potential means of federal enforcement.”That would appear to include a rejection of Trump's electors should he win the election -- but multiple legal experts said Monday that it wasn't that clear, and the only way to know may be for Congress to try.FEELING THE HEATThe 14th Amendment case is one of two putting the high court squarely in the midst of the ongoing presidential election. Last week, the court agreed to hear Trump's appeal of a federal ruling that he's not entitled to immunity from criminal charges for his attempt to overturn the 2020 election.Trump's trial on those charges was originally scheduled to begin Monday, but has been postponed because of the battle over his immunity challenge. The high court taking up his appeal in late April raises the possibility that trial won't conclude until after the presidential election.The justices' discomfort over being put in the middle of the nation's partisan divide came through in a brief, but notable, concurring opinion by Justice Amy Coney Barrett.Though one of the court's conservatives, she didn't agree with the majority's ruling that Congress can only enforce Section 3 through legislation. But she didn't want to sign onto the liberals' dissent, either, instead warning against focusing too much on partisan divisions.“...this is not the time to amplify disagreement with stridency," Barrett wrote. “The Court has settled a politically charged issue in the volatile season of a Presidential election. Particularly in this circumstance, writings on the Court should turn the national temperature down, not up.”"For present purposes, our differences are far less important than our unanimity: All nine Justices agree on the outcome of this case," she concluded. "That is the message Americans should take home.”ACTION IN THE STATESThe court's ruling shuts off using Section 3 against federal officials absent action by Congress but it leaves open the ability of states to use the provision against their own state officials, noting there's a rich record after the Civil War of just those sorts of actions.That's already begun anew in the post-Jan. 6 era. The first disqualification under Section 3 in more than a century came in 2022, when a New Mexico court removed Couy Griffin, who was convicted of entering the Capitol grounds on Jan. 6 while leading a group called “Cowboys for Trump,” from his rural county commission.The group that brought that case, Citizens for Ethics and Responsibility in Washington, next filed the Colorado case against Trump. They said they were eager to continue filing Section 3 cases against lower-level Jan. 6 participants.TRUMP'S LEGAL TRAVAILS AHEADFew observers expected the Supreme Court to keep Trump off the ballot. But he’s facing far more perilous legal road ahead.The first of Trump’s criminal trials, for allegedly falsifying business records to pay hush money to an adult film actress during the 2016 presidential campaign, is scheduled to start in New York later this month. The former president is also appealing a New York judge’s ruling that he pay $355 million for fraud committed by his businesses, and verdict that he pay a writer $83 million for defaming her after she sued him for sexual assault.Depending on how and how quickly the high court rules on Trump’s immunity claim, he could still face charges for trying to overturn the 2020 election in Washington DC before this November’s election.Two more cases are more likely to come later – in Atlanta where Trump faces state charges for his 2020 election plot, and in Florida where he’s tentatively scheduled for a May trial on improper retention of classified documents after leaving the presidency, but the trial date is expected to be postponed.