WASHINGTON —U.S. Senator Josh Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14484.8907941.7835626.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=http%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fsites%2fdefault%2ffiles%2f2024-02%2fHawley-Letter-to-Kanter-re-Capital-One-Discover-Merger.pdf&amp;redir_log=537906950005781" target="_blank">sent a letter</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;Department of Justice (DOJ) Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division Jonathan Kanter, urging him to&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14484.8907941.7835626.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.axios.com%2f2024%2f02%2f21%2fsenate-republican-biden-block-credit-card-company-merger-hawley&amp;redir_log=303018207592664" target="_blank">block the merger</a>&nbsp;between Capital One and&nbsp;Discover Financial Services, according to a media release from his office.

On Tuesday, Capital One Financial said it will buy Discover Financial Services for $35 billion, in a deal that would bring together two of the nation's credit card companies as well as potentially shake up the payments industry, which is largely dominated by Visa and Mastercard

"This is destructive corporate consolidation at its starkest. If consummated, this merger will create a new juggernaut in the credit card market, with unprecedented powers to extort American consumers. That cannot be allowed to happen,"&nbsp;wrote Senator Hawley.

On Thursday, Senator Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14484.8907941.7835626.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fx.com%2fHawleyMO%2fstatus%2f1760327925688103140%3fs%3d20&amp;redir_log=655175228123316" target="_blank">condemned</a>&nbsp;the Capital One-Discover merger and&nbsp;also&nbsp;renewed his push&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14484.8907941.7835626.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.realclearpolitics.com%2farticles%2f2023%2f09%2f11%2fsen_josh_hawley_proposes_18_credit_card_interest_rate_cap__149739.html&amp;redir_log=585672325765853" target="_blank">cap credit card interest rates</a>&nbsp;at 18 percent to provide relief for&nbsp;working Americans.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14484.8907941.7835626.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=http%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fsites%2fdefault%2ffiles%2f2024-02%2fHawley-Letter-to-Kanter-re-Capital-One-Discover-Merger.pdf&amp;redir_log=537906950005781" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;to read the full letter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708426424767.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —U.S. Senator Josh Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14484.8907941.7835626.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=http%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fsites%2fdefault%2ffiles%2f2024-02%2fHawley-Letter-to-Kanter-re-Capital-One-Discover-Merger.pdf&amp;redir_log=537906950005781" target="_blank">sent a letter</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;Department of Justice (DOJ) Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division Jonathan Kanter, urging him to&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14484.8907941.7835626.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.axios.com%2f2024%2f02%2f21%2fsenate-republican-biden-block-credit-card-company-merger-hawley&amp;redir_log=303018207592664" target="_blank">block the merger</a>&nbsp;between Capital One and&nbsp;Discover Financial Services, according to a media release from his office.On Tuesday, Capital One Financial said it will buy Discover Financial Services for $35 billion, in a deal that would bring together two of the nation's credit card companies as well as potentially shake up the payments industry, which is largely dominated by Visa and Mastercard"This is destructive corporate consolidation at its starkest. If consummated, this merger will create a new juggernaut in the credit card market, with unprecedented powers to extort American consumers. That cannot be allowed to happen,"&nbsp;wrote Senator Hawley.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708693800430.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday, Senator Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14484.8907941.7835626.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fx.com%2fHawleyMO%2fstatus%2f1760327925688103140%3fs%3d20&amp;redir_log=655175228123316" target="_blank">condemned</a>&nbsp;the Capital One-Discover merger and&nbsp;also&nbsp;renewed his push&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14484.8907941.7835626.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.realclearpolitics.com%2farticles%2f2023%2f09%2f11%2fsen_josh_hawley_proposes_18_credit_card_interest_rate_cap__149739.html&amp;redir_log=585672325765853" target="_blank">cap credit card interest rates</a>&nbsp;at 18 percent to provide relief for&nbsp;working Americans.Click&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14484.8907941.7835626.8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=http%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fsites%2fdefault%2ffiles%2f2024-02%2fHawley-Letter-to-Kanter-re-Capital-One-Discover-Merger.pdf&amp;redir_log=537906950005781" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;to read the full letter.

Missouri Senator demands Biden block Capitol One, Discover card merger

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating the homicide of a 1-year-old identified as Taidyn Anderson of Wichita have made three arrests.

Just after 7p.m.On February 19, police responded to a shooting in the 2500 block of South Oliver, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses. Through the investigation, officers learned that two adult females were struck by gunfire and 1-year-old Taidyn Anderson was also struck by gunfire and died of his injuries.

Investigators with the WPD homicide section have been diligently working this case since the shooting occurred. That work has included follow-up on leads, utilizing technology and executing search warrants. Through the investigation, three suspects were identified.

On Thursday, the Wichita Police Department arrested three suspects inclucding a 17-year-old boy and according to <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=232072">Sedgwick County booking records</a> 25-year-old Kveion <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=232072">Darnell Richard</a> and 21-year-old Jonathan <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=746317">Tillery-Matthias </a>all of Wichita on a requested charge of Felony Murder for their involvement in this case.&nbsp;

The<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=746317"> Tillery-Matthias</a> is currently on pre-trial supervision for Criminal Discharge of a Firearm into an Occupied Vehicle stemming from a Wichita Police investigation.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=232072"> Richard </a>was on Parole for Criminal Discharge of a Firearm, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Assault x2, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon.

Police believe that this was a targeted event which led to the death of a small child.

The facts of this case will be presented to Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708650238448.png" alt="Tillery-Matthias-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Tillery-Matthias-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating the homicide of a 1-year-old identified as Taidyn Anderson of Wichita have made three arrests.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708454643255.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 7p.m.On February 19, police responded to a shooting in the 2500 block of South Oliver, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses. Through the investigation, officers learned that two adult females were struck by gunfire and 1-year-old Taidyn Anderson was also struck by gunfire and died of his injuries.Investigators with the WPD homicide section have been diligently working this case since the shooting occurred. That work has included follow-up on leads, utilizing technology and executing search warrants. Through the investigation, three suspects were identified.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708650349815.png" alt="Richard-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Richard-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday, the Wichita Police Department arrested three suspects inclucding a 17-year-old boy and according to <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=232072">Sedgwick County booking records</a> 25-year-old Kveion <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=232072">Darnell Richard</a> and 21-year-old Jonathan <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=746317">Tillery-Matthias </a>all of Wichita on a requested charge of Felony Murder for their involvement in this case.&nbsp;The<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=746317"> Tillery-Matthias</a> is currently on pre-trial supervision for Criminal Discharge of a Firearm into an Occupied Vehicle stemming from a Wichita Police investigation.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=232072"> Richard </a>was on Parole for Criminal Discharge of a Firearm, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Assault x2, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon.Police believe that this was a targeted event which led to the death of a small child.The facts of this case will be presented to Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett

2 adults, teen jailed for shooting that killed Kan. toddler

KANSAS CITY (AP) —AT&amp;T said the hourslong outage to its U.S. cellphone network Thursday appeared to be the result of a technical error, not a malicious attack.

The outage&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/att-outage-cell-service-phone-1cd6f595356b385cc9a4495d1f06b983">knocked out cellphone service</a>&nbsp;for thousands of its users across the U.S. starting early Thursday before it was restored.

AT&amp;T blamed the incident on an error in coding, without elaborating.

“Based on our initial review, we believe that today’s outage was caused by the application and execution of an incorrect process used as we were expanding our network, not a cyber attack,” the Dallas-based company said.

Outage tracker Downdetector noted that outages, which began at about 3:30 a.m. ET, peaked at around 73,000 reported incidents. AT&amp;T had more than 58,000 outages around noon ET, in locations including Houston, Atlanta and Chicago. The carrier is the country's largest, with more than 240 million subscribers.

By 9 p.m. ET, the reports on AT&amp;T's network were fewer than 1,000.

Cricket Wireless, which is owned by AT&amp;T, had more than 9,000 outages at one point but the reports had also tailed off later in the afternoon. Users of other carriers, including Verizon and T-Mobile, also reported issues but those companies said their networks were operating normally and the problems were likely stemming from customers trying to connect to AT&amp;T users.

During the outage, some iPhone users saw SOS messages displayed in the status bar on their cellphones. The message indicates that the device is having trouble connecting to their cellular provider’s network, but it can make emergency calls through other carrier networks, according to Apple Support.

The Federal Communications Commission contacted AT&amp;T about the outage and the Department of Homeland Security and FBI were also looking into it, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said.

The FBI acknowledged it had been in touch with AT&amp;T. “Should we learn of any malicious activity we will respond accordingly,” the agency said.

The outage also raised concerns on Capitol Hill.

“We are working to assess today’s disruption in order to gain a complete understanding of what went wrong and what can be done to prevent future incidents like this from occurring,” said a statement issued by Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Washington Republican who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Ohio Republican Bob Latta, chair of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708656334580.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —AT&amp;T said the hourslong outage to its U.S. cellphone network Thursday appeared to be the result of a technical error, not a malicious attack.The outage&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/att-outage-cell-service-phone-1cd6f595356b385cc9a4495d1f06b983">knocked out cellphone service</a>&nbsp;for thousands of its users across the U.S. starting early Thursday before it was restored.AT&amp;T blamed the incident on an error in coding, without elaborating.“Based on our initial review, we believe that today’s outage was caused by the application and execution of an incorrect process used as we were expanding our network, not a cyber attack,” the Dallas-based company said.Outage tracker Downdetector noted that outages, which began at about 3:30 a.m. ET, peaked at around 73,000 reported incidents. AT&amp;T had more than 58,000 outages around noon ET, in locations including Houston, Atlanta and Chicago. The carrier is the country's largest, with more than 240 million subscribers.By 9 p.m. ET, the reports on AT&amp;T's network were fewer than 1,000.Cricket Wireless, which is owned by AT&amp;T, had more than 9,000 outages at one point but the reports had also tailed off later in the afternoon. Users of other carriers, including Verizon and T-Mobile, also reported issues but those companies said their networks were operating normally and the problems were likely stemming from customers trying to connect to AT&amp;T users.During the outage, some iPhone users saw SOS messages displayed in the status bar on their cellphones. The message indicates that the device is having trouble connecting to their cellular provider’s network, but it can make emergency calls through other carrier networks, according to Apple Support.The Federal Communications Commission contacted AT&amp;T about the outage and the Department of Homeland Security and FBI were also looking into it, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said.The FBI acknowledged it had been in touch with AT&amp;T. “Should we learn of any malicious activity we will respond accordingly,” the agency said.The outage also raised concerns on Capitol Hill.“We are working to assess today’s disruption in order to gain a complete understanding of what went wrong and what can be done to prevent future incidents like this from occurring,” said a statement issued by Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Washington Republican who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Ohio Republican Bob Latta, chair of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee.

AT&T reveals cause of outage to its US cellphone network

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Four foreign nationals were arrested and charged Thursday with transporting suspected Iranian-made weapons on a vessel intercepted by U.S. naval forces in the Arabian Sea last month. Two Navy SEALs died during the mission.

The criminal complaint unsealed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Richmond alleges that the four defendants — who were all carrying Pakistani identification cards — were transporting suspected Iranian-made missile components for the type of weapons used by Houthi rebel forces in recent attacks.

“The flow of missiles and other advanced weaponry from Iran to Houthi rebel forces in Yemen threatens the people and interests of America and our partners in the region,” Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said in a news release.

U.S. officials said that Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers was boarding the boat on Jan. 11 and slipped into the gap created by high waves between the vessel and the SEALs’ combatant craft. As Chambers fell, Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram jumped in to try to save him, according to U.S. officials familiar with what happened.

“Two Navy SEALs tragically lost their lives in the operation that thwarted the defendants charged today from allegedly smuggling Iranian-made weapons that the Houthis could have used to target American forces and threaten freedom of navigation and a vital artery for commerce," Monaco said.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland pledged that the Justice Department “will use every legal authority to hold accountable those who facilitate the flow of weapons from Iran to Houthi rebel forces, Hamas, and other groups that endanger the security of the United States and our allies.”

Muhammad Pahlawan is charged with attempting to smuggle advanced missile components, including a warhead he is accused of knowing would be used by the Houthi rebels against commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. He is also charged with providing false information to U.S. Coast Guard officers during the boarding of the vessel.

Pahlawan's co-defendants — Mohammad Mazhar, Ghufran Ullah and Izhar Muhammad — were also charged with providing false information.

Pahlawan's attorney, Assistant Supervisory Federal Public Defender Amy Austin, said Pahlawan had an initial appearance in U.S. District Court Thursday and is scheduled to be back in court Tuesday for a detention hearing. She declined to comment on the case.

“Right now, he’s just charged with two crimes and we’re just at the very beginning stages, and so all we know is what’s in the complaint,” Austin said when reached by phone Thursday.

According to prosecutors, Navy forces boarded a small, unflagged vessel, described as a dhow, and encountered 14 people on the ship on the night of Jan. 11, in the Arabian Sea off the Somali coast.

Navy forces searched the dhow and found what prosecutors say was Iranian-made weapons, including components for medium range ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles.

All 14 sailors on the dhow were brought onto the USS Lewis B. Puller after Navy forces determined the dhow was not seaworthy. They were then brought back to Virginia, where criminal charges were filed against four and material witness warrants were filed against the other 10.

According to an FBI affidavit, Navy forces were entitled to board the ship because they were conducting an authorized “flag verification” to determine the country where the dhow was registered.

The dhow was determined to be flying without a flag and was therefore deemed a “vessel without nationality” that was subject to U.S. law, the affidavit states.

According to the affidavit, the sailors on the dhow admitted they had departed from Iran, although at least one of the men initially insisted they departed from Pakistan.

The affidavit states that crew members had been in contact multiple times by satellite phone with a member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708640107835.png" alt="Photo of some of the weapons seized- U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo of some of the weapons seized- U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Four foreign nationals were arrested and charged Thursday with transporting suspected Iranian-made weapons on a vessel intercepted by U.S. naval forces in the Arabian Sea last month. Two Navy SEALs died during the mission.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705958979801.png" alt="Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers -photo Department of Defense" />
 <figcaption>Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers -photo Department of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>The criminal complaint unsealed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Richmond alleges that the four defendants — who were all carrying Pakistani identification cards — were transporting suspected Iranian-made missile components for the type of weapons used by Houthi rebel forces in recent attacks.“The flow of missiles and other advanced weaponry from Iran to Houthi rebel forces in Yemen threatens the people and interests of America and our partners in the region,” Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said in a news release.U.S. officials said that Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers was boarding the boat on Jan. 11 and slipped into the gap created by high waves between the vessel and the SEALs’ combatant craft. As Chambers fell, Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram jumped in to try to save him, according to U.S. officials familiar with what happened.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705959010427.png" alt="Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram-photo Dept. of Defense" />
 <figcaption>Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram-photo Dept. of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>“Two Navy SEALs tragically lost their lives in the operation that thwarted the defendants charged today from allegedly smuggling Iranian-made weapons that the Houthis could have used to target American forces and threaten freedom of navigation and a vital artery for commerce," Monaco said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708640156659.png" alt="The U.S. Navy ultimately sank the ship carrying the weapons after deeming it unsafe, Central Command said. The ship's 14 crew were detained. -photo U.S. Central command" />
 <figcaption>The U.S. Navy ultimately sank the ship carrying the weapons after deeming it unsafe, Central Command said. The ship's 14 crew were detained. -photo U.S. Central command</figcaption>
 </figure>Attorney General Merrick B. Garland pledged that the Justice Department “will use every legal authority to hold accountable those who facilitate the flow of weapons from Iran to Houthi rebel forces, Hamas, and other groups that endanger the security of the United States and our allies.”Muhammad Pahlawan is charged with attempting to smuggle advanced missile components, including a warhead he is accused of knowing would be used by the Houthi rebels against commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. He is also charged with providing false information to U.S. Coast Guard officers during the boarding of the vessel.Pahlawan's co-defendants — Mohammad Mazhar, Ghufran Ullah and Izhar Muhammad — were also charged with providing false information.Pahlawan's attorney, Assistant Supervisory Federal Public Defender Amy Austin, said Pahlawan had an initial appearance in U.S. District Court Thursday and is scheduled to be back in court Tuesday for a detention hearing. She declined to comment on the case.“Right now, he’s just charged with two crimes and we’re just at the very beginning stages, and so all we know is what’s in the complaint,” Austin said when reached by phone Thursday.According to prosecutors, Navy forces boarded a small, unflagged vessel, described as a dhow, and encountered 14 people on the ship on the night of Jan. 11, in the Arabian Sea off the Somali coast.Navy forces searched the dhow and found what prosecutors say was Iranian-made weapons, including components for medium range ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles.All 14 sailors on the dhow were brought onto the USS Lewis B. Puller after Navy forces determined the dhow was not seaworthy. They were then brought back to Virginia, where criminal charges were filed against four and material witness warrants were filed against the other 10.According to an FBI affidavit, Navy forces were entitled to board the ship because they were conducting an authorized “flag verification” to determine the country where the dhow was registered.The dhow was determined to be flying without a flag and was therefore deemed a “vessel without nationality” that was subject to U.S. law, the affidavit states.According to the affidavit, the sailors on the dhow admitted they had departed from Iran, although at least one of the men initially insisted they departed from Pakistan.The affidavit states that crew members had been in contact multiple times by satellite phone with a member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

2 U.S. Navy SEALs died; 4 now charged in transporting Iranian-made weapons

WEBSTER COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Thursday in Webster County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Lexus ES300 driven by Estella N. Ellzey, 43, Stoutland, was westbound on Interstate 44 near route CC.&nbsp;

The car traveled off the right side of the road, struck a road sign, an embankment and rolled.&nbsp;

Ellzey and a passenger William R. Webster, 25, Stoutland, were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to Fraker Funeral Home.&nbsp; They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

WEBSTER COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Thursday in Webster County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Lexus ES300 driven by Estella N. Ellzey, 43, Stoutland, was westbound on Interstate 44 near route CC.&nbsp;The car traveled off the right side of the road, struck a road sign, an embankment and rolled.&nbsp;Ellzey and a passenger William R. Webster, 25, Stoutland, were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to Fraker Funeral Home.&nbsp; They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man and woman dead after rollover crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly drive-by shooting and have arrested a Junction City man identified as 38-year-old <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=284446">Dennis Leroy Alcox,</a> according to the Sedgwick County booking report.

Just before 2a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting in the 8100 block of E Harry in Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.

First responders located 26-year old Audreanna Hidalgo of Wichita with a gunshot wound.&nbsp; She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Officers with the Patrol East Community Response Team and Homicide Investigators immediately began investigating this case to understand what occurred. Throughout that investigation, police have come to believe that this was a case of Intimate Partner Violence.

Our investigators were able to quickly identify a suspect. Police arrested&nbsp; Alcox in Junction City, according to Moses.

Alcox was booked<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=284446"> into the Sedgwick County jail </a>just before 5p.m. Thursday, according to jail records. He is being held on requested charges of first degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon and contempt of court, according to online jail records.

Alcox was on pre-trial supervision on a charge of Aggravated Battery. There is no documented history between this suspect and victim through the Wichita Police Department, according to Moses.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

This is the eighth criminal homicide in Wichita in 2024.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly drive-by shooting and have made an arrest.

Our investigators were able to quickly identify a suspect. Police arrested a 38-year-old Junction City man in Junction City, according to Moses.

Wichita Police are currently working with investigators in Junction City to transport the suspect to Wichita and execute search warrants in their jurisdiction.

&nbsp;The suspect, whose name has not been released, was on pre-trial supervision on a charge of Aggravated Battery. There is no documented history between this suspect and victim through the Wichita Police Department, according to Moses.&nbsp;&nbsp; This is the eighth criminal homicide in Wichita in 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708700312678.png" alt="Alcox-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Alcox-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly drive-by shooting and have arrested a Junction City man identified as 38-year-old <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=284446">Dennis Leroy Alcox,</a> according to the Sedgwick County booking report.Just before 2a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting in the 8100 block of E Harry in Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708624650162.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located 26-year old Audreanna Hidalgo of Wichita with a gunshot wound.&nbsp; She was pronounced deceased at the scene.Officers with the Patrol East Community Response Team and Homicide Investigators immediately began investigating this case to understand what occurred. Throughout that investigation, police have come to believe that this was a case of Intimate Partner Violence.Our investigators were able to quickly identify a suspect. Police arrested&nbsp; Alcox in Junction City, according to Moses.Alcox was booked<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=284446"> into the Sedgwick County jail </a>just before 5p.m. Thursday, according to jail records. He is being held on requested charges of first degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon and contempt of court, according to online jail records.Alcox was on pre-trial supervision on a charge of Aggravated Battery. There is no documented history between this suspect and victim through the Wichita Police Department, according to Moses.&nbsp;&nbsp; This is the eighth criminal homicide in Wichita in 2024.--------------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly drive-by shooting and have made an arrest.Just before 2a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting in the 8100 block of E Harry in Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.First responders located 26-year old Audreanna Hidalgo of Wichita with a gunshot wound.&nbsp; She was pronounced deceased at the scene.Officers with the Patrol East Community Response Team and Homicide Investigators immediately began investigating this case to understand what occurred. Throughout that investigation, police have come to believe that this was a case of Intimate Partner Violence.Our investigators were able to quickly identify a suspect. Police arrested a 38-year-old Junction City man in Junction City, according to Moses.Wichita Police are currently working with investigators in Junction City to transport the suspect to Wichita and execute search warrants in their jurisdiction.&nbsp;The suspect, whose name has not been released, was on pre-trial supervision on a charge of Aggravated Battery. There is no documented history between this suspect and victim through the Wichita Police Department, according to Moses.&nbsp;&nbsp; This is the eighth criminal homicide in Wichita in 2024.

Kansas man jailed for alleged drive-by killing of his girlfriend

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as 20-year-old Sergio Ramirez of Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.

Just after 6p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched a report of gunshots in the area of N. 18th Street and Parallel Pkwy.&nbsp;

An officer was flagged down a short distance from the scene and advised that someone was shot. EMS transported one victim to an area hospital with life threatening injuries. He remains hospitalized in critical condition, according to police.

A second victim, later identified as Ramirez was pronounced deceased at the scene.

 The KCKPD Major Case Unit in in charge of the investigation. Police released no additional details.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as 20-year-old Sergio Ramirez of Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.Just after 6p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched a report of gunshots in the area of N. 18th Street and Parallel Pkwy.&nbsp;An officer was flagged down a short distance from the scene and advised that someone was shot. EMS transported one victim to an area hospital with life threatening injuries. He remains hospitalized in critical condition, according to police.A second victim, later identified as Ramirez was pronounced deceased at the scene. The KCKPD Major Case Unit in in charge of the investigation. Police released no additional details.

Homicide: Police ID 20-year-old victim in Kansas shooting

TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly directed&nbsp;flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, February 24, in honor of Elizabeth “Lisa” Lopez-Galvan, a Kansan who died in the shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl Parade and Rally, and the 22 other victims injured on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.&nbsp;

“This senseless violence turned a day that should have been filled with joyous celebration into a tragedy,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly.&nbsp;“Kansans and the entire Kansas City community are mourning the loss of Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a DJ and mother of two from Shawnee. I’m grieving for her family and for all the victims and their loved ones.”&nbsp;

TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly directed&nbsp;flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, February 24, in honor of Elizabeth “Lisa” Lopez-Galvan, a Kansan who died in the shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl Parade and Rally, and the 22 other victims injured on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMcGilleyMidtown%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0ak2cb1MTNkpEyXquXiiGHgpCM9TfaFPHAwbqfuE1Sv4nm1prxVG2XZaYjnJseAMYl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="725" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>“This senseless violence turned a day that should have been filled with joyous celebration into a tragedy,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly.&nbsp;“Kansans and the entire Kansas City community are mourning the loss of Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a DJ and mother of two from Shawnee. I’m grieving for her family and for all the victims and their loved ones.”&nbsp;

Flags at half-staff Saturday to honor Chiefs rally shooting victim

LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations&nbsp;

Just after 9p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a report of gunshots in the 700 block of Neosho Street in Emporia, according to Police Captain Ray Mattas.

 Several officers went to locate the source of the gunfire and located a man later identified as 33-year-old Juan Cervantes Jr. in the area of the gunfire. 

Cervantes ran from the officers and was found again and arrested. In the 700 block of Rural, according to Mattas.

Officers also located several shell casings. A Lyon County Sheriff’s Office deputy, using a drone, located a firearm that had been discarded. Cervantes is being held in the Lyon County Jail on requested charges of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708528194710.png" alt="Cervantes-photo Lyon County" />
 <figcaption>Cervantes-photo Lyon County</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations&nbsp;Just after 9p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a report of gunshots in the 700 block of Neosho Street in Emporia, according to Police Captain Ray Mattas. Several officers went to locate the source of the gunfire and located a man later identified as 33-year-old Juan Cervantes Jr. in the area of the gunfire. Cervantes ran from the officers and was found again and arrested. In the 700 block of Rural, according to Mattas.Officers also located several shell casings. A Lyon County Sheriff’s Office deputy, using a drone, located a firearm that had been discarded. Cervantes is being held in the Lyon County Jail on requested charges of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Drone helped Kan. officers recover gun used in shooting

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a woman and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 4:30a.m. Thursday,  emergency responders found a 51-year-old woman later identified as Crystal White of Lawrence.  with apparent stab wounds in a tent just north of the city's sanctioned camp near 100 Maple near the Kansas River in Lawrence, according to a Police Department spokesperson&nbsp;Laura McCabe. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Patrol officers immediately started interviewing witnesses, the investigations unit responded, a suspect was quickly identified, and an area canvass was underway.&nbsp; The Lawrence Police Unoccupied Aerial Vehicle (Drone) and Patrol Service Dog Units were also deployed.

By about 9:00am, police personnel located a person of interest in Burcham Park and detained him.&nbsp;&nbsp;The teams are working diligently through the evidence, talking with witnesses, acquaintances, and gathering information.

Police do not believe there is an ongoing danger to the community directly related to this crime.&nbsp;

Just after 4:30a.m. Thursday,&nbsp;&nbsp;emergency responders found a 51-year-old woman dead in a tent&nbsp;in the unsanctioned camp near 100 Maple near the Kansas River in Lawrence, according to a statement from Lawrence Police.

The woman was suffering from apparent stab wounds. At approximately 9:00 a.m., LKPD personnel located a person of interest in Burcham Park and detained him for questioning.

The death is being investigated as a homicide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708615630038.png" alt="File photo of the unsanctioned camp -Google image" />
 <figcaption>File photo of the unsanctioned camp -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a woman and have a suspect in custody.Just after 4:30a.m. Thursday, emergency responders found a 51-year-old woman later identified as Crystal White of Lawrence. with apparent stab wounds in a tent just north of the city's sanctioned camp near 100 Maple near the Kansas River in Lawrence, according to a Police Department spokesperson&nbsp;Laura McCabe. She was pronounced dead at the scene.Patrol officers immediately started interviewing witnesses, the investigations unit responded, a suspect was quickly identified, and an area canvass was underway.&nbsp; The Lawrence Police Unoccupied Aerial Vehicle (Drone) and Patrol Service Dog Units were also deployed.By about 9:00am, police personnel located a person of interest in Burcham Park and detained him.&nbsp;&nbsp;The teams are working diligently through the evidence, talking with witnesses, acquaintances, and gathering information.Police do not believe there is an ongoing danger to the community directly related to this crime.&nbsp;DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a woman and have a suspect in custody.Just after 4:30a.m. Thursday,&nbsp;&nbsp;emergency responders found a 51-year-old woman dead in a tent&nbsp;in the unsanctioned camp near 100 Maple near the Kansas River in Lawrence, according to a statement from Lawrence Police.The woman was suffering from apparent stab wounds. At approximately 9:00 a.m., LKPD personnel located a person of interest in Burcham Park and detained him for questioning.The death is being investigated as a homicide.

Police investigating deadly Kansas knife attack

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A private lander touched down on the moon Thursday but managed just a weak signal back, as flight controllers scrambled to gain better contact with the first U.S. spacecraft to reach the lunar surface in more than 50 years.

Despite the spotty communication, Intuitive Machines, the company that built and managed the craft, confirmed that it had landed. There was no immediate word from the company on the condition — or even the exact location — of the lander. The company ended its live webcast soon after confirming a touchdown.

(click below to watch a replay of the landing)

Mission director Tim Crain said the team was evaluating how to refine the lone signal from the lander, named Odysseus.

“But we can confirm, without a doubt, that our equipment is on the surface of the moon," he said.

Added Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus: “I know this was a nail-biter, but we are on the surface and we are transmitting. Welcome to the moon.”

The landing put the U.S. back on the surface for the first time since NASA’s famed Apollo moonwalkers.

Intuitive Machines also became the first private business to pull off a lunar landing, a feat achieved by only five countries. Another company gave it a shot last month, but never made it to the moon, and the lander crashed back to Earth.

Odysseus descended from a moon-skimming orbit and guided itself toward the surface, searching for a relatively flat spot among all the cliffs and craters near the south pole.

Tension mounted in the company's Houston command center following the designated touchdown time, as controllers awaited a signal from the spacecraft some 250,000 miles (400,000 kilometers) away. After close to 15 minutes, the company announced it had received a weak signal from the lander.

Launched last week, the six-footed carbon fiber and titanium lander — towering 14 feet (4.3 meters) — carried six experiments for NASA. The space agency gave the company $118 million to build and fly the lander, part of its effort to commercialize lunar deliveries ahead of the planned return of astronauts in a few years.

Intuitive Machines' entry is the latest in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moon-landing-private-company-fed3a76d25c9f68cf20d2b6efd48b593">series of landing attempts</a>&nbsp;by countries and private outfits looking to explore the moon and, if possible, capitalize on it.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-moon-lander-slim-probe-pinpoint-2908c74d9e3c4c8a5eabfb6b1625c617">Japan scored a lunar landing</a>&nbsp;last month, joining earlier triumphs by Russia, U.S., China and India.

The U.S. bowed out of the lunar landscape in 1972 after NASA's Apollo program put 12 astronauts on the surface. A Pittsburgh company, Astrobotic Technology, gave it a shot last month, but was derailed by a fuel leak that resulted in the lander plunging back through Earth's atmosphere and burning up.

Intuitive Machines’ target was 186 miles (300 kilometers) shy of the south pole, around 80 degrees latitude and closer to the pole than any other spacecraft has come. The site is relatively flat, but surrounded by boulders, hills, cliffs and craters that could hold frozen water, a big part of the allure. The lander was programmed to pick, in real time, the safest spot near the so-called Malapert A crater.

The solar-powered lander was intended to operate for a week, until the long lunar night.

Besides NASA’s tech and navigation experiments, Intuitive Machines sold space on the lander to Columbia Sportswear to fly its newest insulating jacket fabric; sculptor Jeff Koons for 125 mini moon figurines; and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for a set of cameras to capture pictures of the descending lander.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A private lunar lander circled the moon while aiming for a touchdown Thursday that would put the U.S. back on the surface for the first time since NASA’s famed Apollo moonwalkers.

The Intuitive Machines lunar lander is now scheduled for landing on the surface of the moon at approximately 5:24pm CST

Intuitive Machines was striving to become the first private business to successfully pull off a lunar landing, a feat achieved by only five countries. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moon-landing-spacecraft-reenter-burned-e7abeeac01711633eaa807b050704084">rival company’s lander missed</a>&nbsp;the moon last month.

The newest lander, named Odysseus, reached the moon Wednesday, six days after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moon-lander-launch-intuitive-machines-nasa-84092096eadf1ec5bb4042c945cdec7e">rocketing from Kennedy Space Center in Florida</a>. The lander maneuvered into a low lunar orbit in preparation for an early evening touchdown.

Flight controllers monitored the action unfolding some 250,000 miles (400,000 kilometers) away from a command center at company headquarters in Houston.

The six-footed carbon fiber and titanium lander — towering 14 feet (4.3 meters) — carried six experiments for NASA. The space agency gave the company $118 million to build and fly the lander, part of its effort to commercialize lunar deliveries ahead of the planned return of astronauts in a few years.

The U.S. bowed out of the lunar landscape in 1972 after NASA's Apollo program put 12 astronauts on the surface . A Pittsburgh company, Astrobotic Technology, gave it a shot last month, but was derailed by a fuel leak that resulted in the lander plunging back through Earth's atmosphere and burning up.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708646787215.png" alt="Member of the Intuitive Machines team celebrate the success Thursday evening" />
 <figcaption>Member of the Intuitive Machines team celebrate the success Thursday evening</figcaption>
 </figure>CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A private lander touched down on the moon Thursday but managed just a weak signal back, as flight controllers scrambled to gain better contact with the first U.S. spacecraft to reach the lunar surface in more than 50 years.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“Odysseus has a new home” <a href="https://t.co/oVgLobxH8T">https://t.co/oVgLobxH8T</a>&mdash; Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) <a href="https://twitter.com/Int_Machines/status/1760815975581016418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Despite the spotty communication, Intuitive Machines, the company that built and managed the craft, confirmed that it had landed. There was no immediate word from the company on the condition — or even the exact location — of the lander. The company ended its live webcast soon after confirming a touchdown.(click below to watch a replay of the landing)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Dg2ffigGcYM?si=faNrnj88EqV5Ek9W" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Mission director Tim Crain said the team was evaluating how to refine the lone signal from the lander, named Odysseus.“But we can confirm, without a doubt, that our equipment is on the surface of the moon," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708649070409.png" alt="Moments before the landing was confirmed-image from NASA video" />
 <figcaption>Moments before the landing was confirmed-image from NASA video</figcaption>
 </figure>Added Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus: “I know this was a nail-biter, but we are on the surface and we are transmitting. Welcome to the moon.”The landing put the U.S. back on the surface for the first time since NASA’s famed Apollo moonwalkers.Intuitive Machines also became the first private business to pull off a lunar landing, a feat achieved by only five countries. Another company gave it a shot last month, but never made it to the moon, and the lander crashed back to Earth.Odysseus descended from a moon-skimming orbit and guided itself toward the surface, searching for a relatively flat spot among all the cliffs and craters near the south pole.Tension mounted in the company's Houston command center following the designated touchdown time, as controllers awaited a signal from the spacecraft some 250,000 miles (400,000 kilometers) away. After close to 15 minutes, the company announced it had received a weak signal from the lander.Launched last week, the six-footed carbon fiber and titanium lander — towering 14 feet (4.3 meters) — carried six experiments for NASA. The space agency gave the company $118 million to build and fly the lander, part of its effort to commercialize lunar deliveries ahead of the planned return of astronauts in a few years.Intuitive Machines' entry is the latest in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moon-landing-private-company-fed3a76d25c9f68cf20d2b6efd48b593">series of landing attempts</a>&nbsp;by countries and private outfits looking to explore the moon and, if possible, capitalize on it.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-moon-lander-slim-probe-pinpoint-2908c74d9e3c4c8a5eabfb6b1625c617">Japan scored a lunar landing</a>&nbsp;last month, joining earlier triumphs by Russia, U.S., China and India.The U.S. bowed out of the lunar landscape in 1972 after NASA's Apollo program put 12 astronauts on the surface. A Pittsburgh company, Astrobotic Technology, gave it a shot last month, but was derailed by a fuel leak that resulted in the lander plunging back through Earth's atmosphere and burning up.Intuitive Machines’ target was 186 miles (300 kilometers) shy of the south pole, around 80 degrees latitude and closer to the pole than any other spacecraft has come. The site is relatively flat, but surrounded by boulders, hills, cliffs and craters that could hold frozen water, a big part of the allure. The lander was programmed to pick, in real time, the safest spot near the so-called Malapert A crater.The solar-powered lander was intended to operate for a week, until the long lunar night.Besides NASA’s tech and navigation experiments, Intuitive Machines sold space on the lander to Columbia Sportswear to fly its newest insulating jacket fabric; sculptor Jeff Koons for 125 mini moon figurines; and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for a set of cameras to capture pictures of the descending lander.------------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708634893763.png" alt="This image provided by Intuitive Machines shows its Odysseus lunar lander over the near side of the moon following lunar orbit insertion on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024.&nbsp; (Click below to watch the coverage as long as it is available) " />
 <figcaption>This image provided by Intuitive Machines shows its Odysseus lunar lander over the near side of the moon following lunar orbit insertion on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024.&nbsp; (Click below to watch the coverage as long as it is available) </figcaption>
 </figure>CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A private lunar lander circled the moon while aiming for a touchdown Thursday that would put the U.S. back on the surface for the first time since NASA’s famed Apollo moonwalkers.The Intuitive Machines lunar lander is now scheduled for landing on the surface of the moon at approximately 5:24pm CSTIntuitive Machines was striving to become the first private business to successfully pull off a lunar landing, a feat achieved by only five countries. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moon-landing-spacecraft-reenter-burned-e7abeeac01711633eaa807b050704084">rival company’s lander missed</a>&nbsp;the moon last month.The newest lander, named Odysseus, reached the moon Wednesday, six days after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moon-lander-launch-intuitive-machines-nasa-84092096eadf1ec5bb4042c945cdec7e">rocketing from Kennedy Space Center in Florida</a>. The lander maneuvered into a low lunar orbit in preparation for an early evening touchdown.Flight controllers monitored the action unfolding some 250,000 miles (400,000 kilometers) away from a command center at company headquarters in Houston.The six-footed carbon fiber and titanium lander — towering 14 feet (4.3 meters) — carried six experiments for NASA. The space agency gave the company $118 million to build and fly the lander, part of its effort to commercialize lunar deliveries ahead of the planned return of astronauts in a few years.Intuitive Machines' entry is the latest in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moon-landing-private-company-fed3a76d25c9f68cf20d2b6efd48b593">series of landing attempts</a>&nbsp;by countries and private outfits looking to explore the moon and, if possible, capitalize on it.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-moon-lander-slim-probe-pinpoint-2908c74d9e3c4c8a5eabfb6b1625c617">Japan scored a lunar landing</a>&nbsp;last month, joining earlier triumphs by Russia, U.S., China and India.The U.S. bowed out of the lunar landscape in 1972 after NASA's Apollo program put 12 astronauts on the surface . A Pittsburgh company, Astrobotic Technology, gave it a shot last month, but was derailed by a fuel leak that resulted in the lander plunging back through Earth's atmosphere and burning up.Intuitive Machines’ target was 186 miles (300 kilometers) shy of the south pole, around 80 degrees latitude and closer to the pole than any other spacecraft has come. The site is relatively flat, but surrounded by boulders, hills, cliffs and craters that could hold frozen water, a big part of the allure. The lander was programmed to pick, in real time, the safest spot near the so-called Malapert A crater.The solar-powered lander was intended to operate for a week, until the long lunar night.Besides NASA’s tech and navigation experiments, Intuitive Machines sold space on the lander to Columbia Sportswear to fly its newest insulating jacket fabric; sculptor Jeff Koons for 125 mini moon figurines; and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for a set of cameras to capture pictures of the descending lander.___

🎥Success: First U.S. landing on the moon in a half century

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Drivers in eight Midwestern states will be able to fuel up with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ethanol-e15-gasoline-midwest-epa-40550ba65a308617fdc490dcf9e57ad9">higher blend of ethanol</a>&nbsp;throughout the year under a final rule announced Thursday by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The biofuels industry and farming groups, with support of Midwest governors, sought the end of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-smog-environment-4a877e9afc2837609c4a0aee72a042bc">summertime ban</a>&nbsp;on sales of gasoline blended with 15% ethanol for years. The higher blend has been prohibited because of concerns it could worsen smog during warm weather.

The move reflects the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-debt-ceiling-iowa-ethanol-fb4c486ef4ee2aab944946a187a8c128">importance of ethanol to agriculture</a>. The fuel additive consumes roughly 40% of the nation's corn crop, so higher sales of ethanol could mean greater profits for corn farmers.

The rule, which takes effect in April 2025, will apply in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Those states grow the bulk of the U.S. corn crop and are home to much of the nation's ethanol production.

The EPA said it delayed implementation of the new rule because of concerns there wasn't enough supply to meet demand this summer. Ethanol producers welcomed the change but criticized the EPA for that delay.

“While we are pleased to see EPA has finally approved year-round E15 in these eight states, we are extremely disappointed by the agency’s needless decision to delay implementation until 2025,” the Renewable Fuels Association, a trade group, said in a statement. “It’s helpful to finally have some certainty about 2025 and beyond, but what happens this summer?”

Most gasoline sold across the country is blended with 10% ethanol, though 15% blends are becoming increasingly common, especially in the Midwest. E15 summer sales still will not be allowed in most of the country during summer, though agricultural groups are pushing for a nationwide policy change.

The biofuels industry and politicians of both parties have portrayed ethanol as a product that helps farmers, reduces prices at the pump and lessens greenhouse gas releases because the fuel burns more cleanly than straight gasoline. However, environmentalists and others have said increased ethanol production can increase carbon releases because it results in more corn production, leading to increased use of fertilizer and greater releases of nitrate. Synthetic and natural fertilizers also are a leading source of water pollution.

The EPA has approved sales of E15 for cars and trucks manufactured after 2000. Grow Energy, another bioenergy trade association, estimates the higher blend will cost consumers 15 cents a gallon less than 10% ethanol.

Petroleum refiners have opposed the Midwest-specific rules, saying a special blend in one region would increase costs and could lead to tighter fuel supplies.

The American Petroleum Institute, a trade group, said a national standard was needed.

“We are concerned this piecemeal approach could weaken the resiliency of the region’s fuel supply chain," Will Hupman, a vice president at the group said in a statement. "We continue to call on Congress to pass the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would bring much needed consistency to the marketplace by allowing for the year-round sale of E15 nationwide, preserving access to E10 and eliminating the need for regional or state-specific waiver petitions.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639069226448.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Drivers in eight Midwestern states will be able to fuel up with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ethanol-e15-gasoline-midwest-epa-40550ba65a308617fdc490dcf9e57ad9">higher blend of ethanol</a>&nbsp;throughout the year under a final rule announced Thursday by the Environmental Protection Agency.The biofuels industry and farming groups, with support of Midwest governors, sought the end of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-smog-environment-4a877e9afc2837609c4a0aee72a042bc">summertime ban</a>&nbsp;on sales of gasoline blended with 15% ethanol for years. The higher blend has been prohibited because of concerns it could worsen smog during warm weather.The move reflects the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-debt-ceiling-iowa-ethanol-fb4c486ef4ee2aab944946a187a8c128">importance of ethanol to agriculture</a>. The fuel additive consumes roughly 40% of the nation's corn crop, so higher sales of ethanol could mean greater profits for corn farmers.The rule, which takes effect in April 2025, will apply in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Those states grow the bulk of the U.S. corn crop and are home to much of the nation's ethanol production.The EPA said it delayed implementation of the new rule because of concerns there wasn't enough supply to meet demand this summer. Ethanol producers welcomed the change but criticized the EPA for that delay.“While we are pleased to see EPA has finally approved year-round E15 in these eight states, we are extremely disappointed by the agency’s needless decision to delay implementation until 2025,” the Renewable Fuels Association, a trade group, said in a statement. “It’s helpful to finally have some certainty about 2025 and beyond, but what happens this summer?”Most gasoline sold across the country is blended with 10% ethanol, though 15% blends are becoming increasingly common, especially in the Midwest. E15 summer sales still will not be allowed in most of the country during summer, though agricultural groups are pushing for a nationwide policy change.The biofuels industry and politicians of both parties have portrayed ethanol as a product that helps farmers, reduces prices at the pump and lessens greenhouse gas releases because the fuel burns more cleanly than straight gasoline. However, environmentalists and others have said increased ethanol production can increase carbon releases because it results in more corn production, leading to increased use of fertilizer and greater releases of nitrate. Synthetic and natural fertilizers also are a leading source of water pollution.The EPA has approved sales of E15 for cars and trucks manufactured after 2000. Grow Energy, another bioenergy trade association, estimates the higher blend will cost consumers 15 cents a gallon less than 10% ethanol.Petroleum refiners have opposed the Midwest-specific rules, saying a special blend in one region would increase costs and could lead to tighter fuel supplies.The American Petroleum Institute, a trade group, said a national standard was needed.“We are concerned this piecemeal approach could weaken the resiliency of the region’s fuel supply chain," Will Hupman, a vice president at the group said in a statement. "We continue to call on Congress to pass the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would bring much needed consistency to the marketplace by allowing for the year-round sale of E15 nationwide, preserving access to E10 and eliminating the need for regional or state-specific waiver petitions.”

EPA approves year-round sales of higher ethanol blend in 8 Midwest states

One of the bills would mandate ultrasound and description of embryo

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

TOPEKA — House and Senate Republicans — in their latest attempts to weaken the state’s constitutional right to bodily autonomy — have introduced legislation to require prison time for coercing a pregnant person into getting an abortion and to mandate ultrasounds before terminating a pregnancy.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2813/">House Bill 2813</a>&nbsp;and<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb527/">&nbsp;Senate Bill 527</a>&nbsp;would create the felony crime of “coercion to obtain an abortion,” which means convincing someone to get an abortion by threatening physical of financial harm, threatening deportation, destroying or hiding a passport, or controlling medications.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2814/">House Bill 2814</a>&nbsp;and<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb528/">&nbsp;Senate Bill 528</a>&nbsp;would create the Kansas Ultrasound Act, requiring an obstetric ultrasound to be performed before having an abortion.

The bills are the latest&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/05/18/church-and-state-kansas-republicans-ignore-voters-and-pass-new-anti-abortion-laws/">in a long line</a>&nbsp;to be introduced following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in June 2022 to overturn Roe v. Wade, which gave states authority over reproductive health care, and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/02/kansas-voters-defeat-abortion-amendment-in-unexpected-landslide-1/">August 2022 vote</a>&nbsp;in Kansas to preserve access to abortion.

The Kansas Supreme Court in 2019 determined the state constitution’s right to bodily autonomy extends to the decision to terminate a pregnancy, and set a high standard for justifying restrictions. A state court last year blocked enforcement of long-standing restrictions, including an ultrasound requirement.

The new legislation to mandate ultrasounds would allow “a woman to avert her eyes from such images.”

“The voters spoke. The courts ruled. And still, extremist politicians are hellbent on interfering in private medical decisions,” said Anamarie Rebori Simmons, spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes. “The ultrasound proposal does nothing but double down on an unconstitutional law, and the coercion bill creates a false narrative. Medical providers are listening to patients in a way the Legislature never has. The true source of coercion — in the form of scare tactics, nonmedical requirements, and taxpayer dollars sent to misleading anti-abortion facilities — is under the Capitol dome.”

Sen. Kristen O’Shea, R-Topeka, introduced the Senate version of the bills, although they are officially attributed to the Federal and State Affairs Committee. In the House, Rep. Rebecca Schmoe, R-Ottawa, introduced the “coercion” bill, and Rep. Leah Howell, R-Derby, introduced the ultrasound bill at the request of anti-abortion groups Kansans for Life and Kansas Family Voice.

Jeanne Gawdun, director of government relations for Kansans for Life, said the ultrasound bill is narrowly tailored “to protect a woman from the dangers of an undetected ectopic pregnancy that could be life-threatening without an ultrasound to discover it, chemical abortion pills being administered to her late in pregnancy, and other safety risks.”

She also said everyone should agree that “every woman in Kansas should have protection from being coerced into an abortion.”

The proposed legislation creates a felony crime for “engaging in coercion with knowledge that a woman is pregnant and with the intent to compel such woman to obtain an abortion when such woman has expressed her desire to not obtain an abortion.”

The bill would require at least 30 days and no more than 1 year in prison, along with a fine of $500 to $5,000. If the crime is committed by a father who is older than 18 and the pregnant individual is younger than 18, the minimum prison time is 90 days and the fine ranges from $1,000 to $10,000.

The ultrasound bill would require a physician to display images and describe the “dimensions of the embryo or fetus” and the presence of internal and external organs. The physician also must offer “a sonogram picture of her unborn child” at no additional cost.

Physicians who fail to comply with the bill would be guilty of a felony crime, and subject to civil lawsuits by a father who is married to the pregnant person at the time of the abortion.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708622082125.png" alt=" Sen. Kristen O'Shea, seen during a Feb. 15, 2023, committee hearing, introduced two anti-abortion bills in the Senate. Republicans Leah Howell and Rebecca Schmoe introduced companion bills in the House. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sen. Kristen O'Shea, seen during a Feb. 15, 2023, committee hearing, introduced two anti-abortion bills in the Senate. Republicans Leah Howell and Rebecca Schmoe introduced companion bills in the House. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>One of the bills would mandate ultrasound and description of embryo</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — House and Senate Republicans — in their latest attempts to weaken the state’s constitutional right to bodily autonomy — have introduced legislation to require prison time for coercing a pregnant person into getting an abortion and to mandate ultrasounds before terminating a pregnancy.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2813/">House Bill 2813</a>&nbsp;and<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb527/">&nbsp;Senate Bill 527</a>&nbsp;would create the felony crime of “coercion to obtain an abortion,” which means convincing someone to get an abortion by threatening physical of financial harm, threatening deportation, destroying or hiding a passport, or controlling medications.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2814/">House Bill 2814</a>&nbsp;and<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb528/">&nbsp;Senate Bill 528</a>&nbsp;would create the Kansas Ultrasound Act, requiring an obstetric ultrasound to be performed before having an abortion.The bills are the latest&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/05/18/church-and-state-kansas-republicans-ignore-voters-and-pass-new-anti-abortion-laws/">in a long line</a>&nbsp;to be introduced following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in June 2022 to overturn Roe v. Wade, which gave states authority over reproductive health care, and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/02/kansas-voters-defeat-abortion-amendment-in-unexpected-landslide-1/">August 2022 vote</a>&nbsp;in Kansas to preserve access to abortion.The Kansas Supreme Court in 2019 determined the state constitution’s right to bodily autonomy extends to the decision to terminate a pregnancy, and set a high standard for justifying restrictions. A state court last year blocked enforcement of long-standing restrictions, including an ultrasound requirement.The new legislation to mandate ultrasounds would allow “a woman to avert her eyes from such images.”“The voters spoke. The courts ruled. And still, extremist politicians are hellbent on interfering in private medical decisions,” said Anamarie Rebori Simmons, spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes. “The ultrasound proposal does nothing but double down on an unconstitutional law, and the coercion bill creates a false narrative. Medical providers are listening to patients in a way the Legislature never has. The true source of coercion — in the form of scare tactics, nonmedical requirements, and taxpayer dollars sent to misleading anti-abortion facilities — is under the Capitol dome.”Sen. Kristen O’Shea, R-Topeka, introduced the Senate version of the bills, although they are officially attributed to the Federal and State Affairs Committee. In the House, Rep. Rebecca Schmoe, R-Ottawa, introduced the “coercion” bill, and Rep. Leah Howell, R-Derby, introduced the ultrasound bill at the request of anti-abortion groups Kansans for Life and Kansas Family Voice.Jeanne Gawdun, director of government relations for Kansans for Life, said the ultrasound bill is narrowly tailored “to protect a woman from the dangers of an undetected ectopic pregnancy that could be life-threatening without an ultrasound to discover it, chemical abortion pills being administered to her late in pregnancy, and other safety risks.”She also said everyone should agree that “every woman in Kansas should have protection from being coerced into an abortion.”The proposed legislation creates a felony crime for “engaging in coercion with knowledge that a woman is pregnant and with the intent to compel such woman to obtain an abortion when such woman has expressed her desire to not obtain an abortion.”The bill would require at least 30 days and no more than 1 year in prison, along with a fine of $500 to $5,000. If the crime is committed by a father who is older than 18 and the pregnant individual is younger than 18, the minimum prison time is 90 days and the fine ranges from $1,000 to $10,000.The ultrasound bill would require a physician to display images and describe the “dimensions of the embryo or fetus” and the presence of internal and external organs. The physician also must offer “a sonogram picture of her unborn child” at no additional cost.Physicians who fail to comply with the bill would be guilty of a felony crime, and subject to civil lawsuits by a father who is married to the pregnant person at the time of the abortion.

Kansas Republicans introduce new anti-abortion bills, including prison time for ‘coercion’

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

After weeks of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/01/30/springfield-senator-lincoln-hough-considers-run-missouri-lieutenant-governor/72408265007/">flirting with the idea</a>, state Sen. Lincoln Hough of Springfield jumped into the Republican Primary for lieutenant governor on Thursday.

Hough, who is serving his second term in the Missouri Senate, joins a field that includes a colleague, state Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder of Scott City, House Speaker Dean Plocher, Franklin County Clerk Tim Baker and St. Louis County businessman Paul Berry III.&nbsp;

In an interview with The Independent, Hough said he will highlight his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/29/legislature-sends-764-million-income-tax-cut-to-missouri-governor/">sponsorship of a 2022 tax cut</a>&nbsp;as a signature accomplishment, as well as the infrastructure funding he’s put into the state budget as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.&nbsp;

Last year, when Gov. Mike Parson proposed spending $859 million to improve three sections of Interstate 70, Hough&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/19/missouri-senate-committee-triples-funding-for-widening-i-70-across-the-state/">bumped it to $2.8 billion</a>&nbsp;to add new lanes across the state and got the rest of the General Assembly to go along with it.

“We’ve made investments in infrastructure and in education, and taken care of our firefighters and our first responders,” Hough said. “I’ve had a good run in the Senate and this is just the next step.”

Hough first won election to the Missouri House in 2010 and won a seat on the Greene County Commission in 2016. Two years later, he won election to the Senate and was re-elected last year with almost 58% of the vote.

Over the past three years, Hough has been one of the more vocal antagonists of the hardcore conservatives that have engaged in factional warfare with the GOP Senate leadership. And in the upcoming primary, some of those fights could become fodder for attack ads.

In 2021, after voters approved&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/04/29/missouri-senate-rejects-funding-for-voter-approved-medicaid-expansion/">Medicaid expansion</a>&nbsp;to add coverage for adults ages 18 to 64, Hough was one of only two Senate Republicans who voted to include money in the budget to pay for it.

The Missouri Supreme Court, a few months later, said the state had no choice but to provide the coverage even if the budget did not include funds specifically earmarked for the expansion group.

At the time, Hough said Missourii should act to get the $1.2 billion in additional support for its traditional Medicaid program only available if it expanded Medicaid eligibility.

“I believe in my heart,” Hough said during the 2021 floor debate, “it is the right thing to do.”

Asked how he would defend himself against attacks that he had voted for Obamacare, Hough said he accepted the will of the voters that approved expansion and the ruling from the state Supreme Court.

“It’s less about expanding Obamacare and it’s more about reimbursing healthcare providers that are providing services to that population,” he said.

In this year’s session, Hough is sponsoring a bill renewing provider taxes that fund a large portion of the state’s Medicaid program. He’s under fire from the Freedom Caucus, the current name of the faction fighting leadership, for seeking to keep off amendments that would bar Planned Parenthood from providing Medicaid services.

Hough said he’s ready for any attacks and will point out that the budgets he’s written as Appropriations Committee chairman&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/23/missouri-senate-passes-4-6b-spending-bill-with-pay-raises-federal-school-funds/">have set zero dollars</a>&nbsp;as the amount available for paying Planned Parenthood.

“There are no dollars in fiscal year 2024 being appropriated or being reimbursed to that provider,” Hough said.

The Missouri Supreme Court, in a ruling issued Feb. 14, said the state&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-supreme-court-again-says-state-cant-deny-medicaid-funds-to-planned-parenthood/">could not deny payments</a>&nbsp;to Planned Parenthood through an appropriation bill.

Hough enters the race well-stocked with cash. His campaign fund held $405,000 on Dec. 31 after raising $66,275 in the final three months of 2023. A joint fundraising PAC, LincolnPAC, raised $171,800 in the final three months of 2023 and had $367,500 on hand.

His two best-funded rivals are Plocher and Rehder.&nbsp;

Plocher had $542,008 in the bank in his campaign fund on Dec. 31 and $832,779 in Missouri United, his joint fundraising PAC. Rehder had $267,170 in her campaign fund and $238,434 in Southern Drawl PAC, her joint fundraising committee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708625104345.png" alt="Sen. Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, on the first day of the 2024 legislative session (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Sen. Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, on the first day of the 2024 legislative session (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By RUDI KELLER,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>After weeks of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/01/30/springfield-senator-lincoln-hough-considers-run-missouri-lieutenant-governor/72408265007/">flirting with the idea</a>, state Sen. Lincoln Hough of Springfield jumped into the Republican Primary for lieutenant governor on Thursday.Hough, who is serving his second term in the Missouri Senate, joins a field that includes a colleague, state Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder of Scott City, House Speaker Dean Plocher, Franklin County Clerk Tim Baker and St. Louis County businessman Paul Berry III.&nbsp;In an interview with The Independent, Hough said he will highlight his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/29/legislature-sends-764-million-income-tax-cut-to-missouri-governor/">sponsorship of a 2022 tax cut</a>&nbsp;as a signature accomplishment, as well as the infrastructure funding he’s put into the state budget as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.&nbsp;Last year, when Gov. Mike Parson proposed spending $859 million to improve three sections of Interstate 70, Hough&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/19/missouri-senate-committee-triples-funding-for-widening-i-70-across-the-state/">bumped it to $2.8 billion</a>&nbsp;to add new lanes across the state and got the rest of the General Assembly to go along with it.“We’ve made investments in infrastructure and in education, and taken care of our firefighters and our first responders,” Hough said. “I’ve had a good run in the Senate and this is just the next step.”Hough first won election to the Missouri House in 2010 and won a seat on the Greene County Commission in 2016. Two years later, he won election to the Senate and was re-elected last year with almost 58% of the vote.Over the past three years, Hough has been one of the more vocal antagonists of the hardcore conservatives that have engaged in factional warfare with the GOP Senate leadership. And in the upcoming primary, some of those fights could become fodder for attack ads.In 2021, after voters approved&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/04/29/missouri-senate-rejects-funding-for-voter-approved-medicaid-expansion/">Medicaid expansion</a>&nbsp;to add coverage for adults ages 18 to 64, Hough was one of only two Senate Republicans who voted to include money in the budget to pay for it.The Missouri Supreme Court, a few months later, said the state had no choice but to provide the coverage even if the budget did not include funds specifically earmarked for the expansion group.At the time, Hough said Missourii should act to get the $1.2 billion in additional support for its traditional Medicaid program only available if it expanded Medicaid eligibility.“I believe in my heart,” Hough said during the 2021 floor debate, “it is the right thing to do.”Asked how he would defend himself against attacks that he had voted for Obamacare, Hough said he accepted the will of the voters that approved expansion and the ruling from the state Supreme Court.“It’s less about expanding Obamacare and it’s more about reimbursing healthcare providers that are providing services to that population,” he said.In this year’s session, Hough is sponsoring a bill renewing provider taxes that fund a large portion of the state’s Medicaid program. He’s under fire from the Freedom Caucus, the current name of the faction fighting leadership, for seeking to keep off amendments that would bar Planned Parenthood from providing Medicaid services.Hough said he’s ready for any attacks and will point out that the budgets he’s written as Appropriations Committee chairman&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/23/missouri-senate-passes-4-6b-spending-bill-with-pay-raises-federal-school-funds/">have set zero dollars</a>&nbsp;as the amount available for paying Planned Parenthood.“There are no dollars in fiscal year 2024 being appropriated or being reimbursed to that provider,” Hough said.The Missouri Supreme Court, in a ruling issued Feb. 14, said the state&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-supreme-court-again-says-state-cant-deny-medicaid-funds-to-planned-parenthood/">could not deny payments</a>&nbsp;to Planned Parenthood through an appropriation bill.Hough enters the race well-stocked with cash. His campaign fund held $405,000 on Dec. 31 after raising $66,275 in the final three months of 2023. A joint fundraising PAC, LincolnPAC, raised $171,800 in the final three months of 2023 and had $367,500 on hand.His two best-funded rivals are Plocher and Rehder.&nbsp;Plocher had $542,008 in the bank in his campaign fund on Dec. 31 and $832,779 in Missouri United, his joint fundraising PAC. Rehder had $267,170 in her campaign fund and $238,434 in Southern Drawl PAC, her joint fundraising committee.Filing for office opens Tuesday.

Springfield Sen. Lincoln Hough joins race for Missouri lieutenant governor

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal accident that left a Kansas woman dead.

&nbsp;A Ford F150 pickup truck was&nbsp;westbound in the 6000 Block SE U.S. 40 Highway and struck a woman identified as 63-year-old Patricia S. McDonald who was pushing a bicycle in the roadway, according to Shawnee County Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.

Just before 10 a.m. Wednesday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a phone call reporting the accident.&nbsp; Deputies located McDonald's body just off the roadway.

SE US 40 Highway between SE Dupont Road and SE Green Road. SE Shawnee Heights Road were temporarily closed between SE 10th Street and SE US 40 Highway during the investigation.

The driver of the vehicle is cooperating with law enforcement, according to Christian.

Upon arrival, deputies located a deceased female just off the roadway.

At this time, investigators are currently on scene.

SE US 40 Highway is currently closed between SE Dupont Road and SE Green Road. SE Shawnee

Heights Road is currently closed between SE 10th Street and SE US 40 Highway.

More information will be released once it is available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708552670329.png" alt="Near the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Near the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal accident that left a Kansas woman dead.&nbsp;A Ford F150 pickup truck was&nbsp;westbound in the 6000 Block SE U.S. 40 Highway and struck a woman identified as 63-year-old Patricia S. McDonald who was pushing a bicycle in the roadway, according to Shawnee County Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.Just before 10 a.m. Wednesday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a phone call reporting the accident.&nbsp; Deputies located McDonald's body just off the roadway.SE US 40 Highway between SE Dupont Road and SE Green Road. SE Shawnee Heights Road were temporarily closed between SE 10th Street and SE US 40 Highway during the investigation.The driver of the vehicle is cooperating with law enforcement, according to Christian.Upon arrival, deputies located a deceased female just off the roadway.At this time, investigators are currently on scene.SE US 40 Highway is currently closed between SE Dupont Road and SE Green Road. SE ShawneeHeights Road is currently closed between SE 10th Street and SE US 40 Highway.More information will be released once it is available.

Sheriff: Pickup struck, killed Kansas woman pushing bicycle 

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A suspect accused in the death of a Kansas woman made his first court appearance in the case Wednesday.

Jose Velazquez-Carrillo, 24 of Wichita, was charged with 1st degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 4p.m. Feb. 15, police responded to a shooting in the 1400 block of South George Washington Blvd. in&nbsp; Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.

The victim, identified as<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9deb3242-2e61-4f75-a01d-f06b8a4c50e5?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=facebook"> 42-year-old Candace Amack </a>of Wichita, was found outside of a residence, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was&nbsp; was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Employing FLOCK, cutting-edge technology, Wichita Police Officers were able to identify a possible suspect vehicle leaving the area after the reported shooting.

Officers quickly identified and located the vehicle at a residence in the 1300 block of North Jackson in Wichita. In collaboration with the Kansas Highway Patrol air section, the Wichita Police Department coordinated efforts resulting in the safe apprehension of the suspects at approximately 7:45 pm near 13th and Hydraulic on a vehicle stop.

&nbsp;Velazquez-Carillo remains jailed on a $500,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office&nbsp; and 33-year-old Martin Velazquez-Villa is awaiting a court appearance on a requested charge of First-Degree Murder, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708119236620.png" alt="Velazquez-Carrillo-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Velazquez-Carrillo-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A suspect accused in the death of a Kansas woman made his first court appearance in the case Wednesday.Jose Velazquez-Carrillo, 24 of Wichita, was charged with 1st degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708101627898.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation -Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation -Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 4p.m. Feb. 15, police responded to a shooting in the 1400 block of South George Washington Blvd. in&nbsp; Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708546408247.jpeg" alt="Candace Amack courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Candace Amack courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure> The victim, identified as<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9deb3242-2e61-4f75-a01d-f06b8a4c50e5?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=facebook"> 42-year-old Candace Amack </a>of Wichita, was found outside of a residence, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was&nbsp; was pronounced deceased on the scene.Employing FLOCK, cutting-edge technology, Wichita Police Officers were able to identify a possible suspect vehicle leaving the area after the reported shooting.Officers quickly identified and located the vehicle at a residence in the 1300 block of North Jackson in Wichita. In collaboration with the Kansas Highway Patrol air section, the Wichita Police Department coordinated efforts resulting in the safe apprehension of the suspects at approximately 7:45 pm near 13th and Hydraulic on a vehicle stop.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708119197632.png" alt="Velazquez-Villa-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Velazquez-Villa-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Velazquez-Carillo remains jailed on a $500,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office&nbsp; and 33-year-old Martin Velazquez-Villa is awaiting a court appearance on a requested charge of First-Degree Murder, according to online jail records.

Suspect charged after Kan. woman found dead outside her home

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is considering using provisions of federal immigration law repeatedly tapped by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-ap-top-news-international-news-politics-latin-america-6bef9ed6c48b4c2ea203cbbea3ccacad">former President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;to unilaterally enact a sweeping crackdown at the southern border, according to three people familiar with the deliberations.

The administration, stymied by Republican lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-border-security-ukraine-058876834b48bacf5b3678b067d8dd9a">who rejected a negotiated border bill</a>&nbsp;earlier this month, has been exploring options that President Joe Biden could deploy on his own without congressional approval, multiple officials and others familiar with the talks said. But the plans are nowhere near finalized and it’s unclear how the administration would draft any such executive actions in a way that would survive the inevitable legal challenges. The officials and those familiar with the talks spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to comment on private ongoing White House discussions.

The exploration of such avenues&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-immigration-congress-government-and-politics-a6b7a3f19297e9d6675fd625634dd41f">by Biden’s team underscores the pressure</a>&nbsp;the president faces this election year on immigration and the border, which have been among his biggest political liabilities since he took office. For now,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-immigration-election-2182fec11fa008ec96c4202e5656d19e#:~:text=%E2%80%9CIt'll%20also%20give%20me,now%20and%20fix%20it%20quickly.%E2%80%9D">the White House has been hammering congressional Republicans</a>&nbsp;for refusing to act on border legislation that the GOP demanded, but the administration is also aware of the political perils that high numbers of migrants could pose for the president and is scrambling to figure out how Biden could ease the problem on his own.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671577993523.png" alt="Photo courtesy Rep. Tony Gonzales" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Rep. Tony Gonzales</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is considering using provisions of federal immigration law repeatedly tapped by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-ap-top-news-international-news-politics-latin-america-6bef9ed6c48b4c2ea203cbbea3ccacad">former President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;to unilaterally enact a sweeping crackdown at the southern border, according to three people familiar with the deliberations.The administration, stymied by Republican lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-border-security-ukraine-058876834b48bacf5b3678b067d8dd9a">who rejected a negotiated border bill</a>&nbsp;earlier this month, has been exploring options that President Joe Biden could deploy on his own without congressional approval, multiple officials and others familiar with the talks said. But the plans are nowhere near finalized and it’s unclear how the administration would draft any such executive actions in a way that would survive the inevitable legal challenges. The officials and those familiar with the talks spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to comment on private ongoing White House discussions.The exploration of such avenues&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-immigration-congress-government-and-politics-a6b7a3f19297e9d6675fd625634dd41f">by Biden’s team underscores the pressure</a>&nbsp;the president faces this election year on immigration and the border, which have been among his biggest political liabilities since he took office. For now,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-immigration-election-2182fec11fa008ec96c4202e5656d19e#:~:text=%E2%80%9CIt'll%20also%20give%20me,now%20and%20fix%20it%20quickly.%E2%80%9D">the White House has been hammering congressional Republicans</a>&nbsp;for refusing to act on border legislation that the GOP demanded, but the administration is also aware of the political perils that high numbers of migrants could pose for the president and is scrambling to figure out how Biden could ease the problem on his own.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683151099285.png" alt="White House file photo President Biden at the border&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>White House file photo President Biden at the border&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>White House spokesperson Angelo Fernández Hernández stressed that “no executive action, no matter how aggressive, can deliver the significant policy reforms and additional resources Congress can provide and that Republicans rejected.”“The administration spent months negotiating in good faith to deliver the toughest and fairest bipartisan border security bill in decades because we need Congress to make significant policy reforms and to provide additional funding to secure our border and fix our broken immigration system,” he said. “Congressional Republicans chose to put partisan politics ahead of our national security, rejected what border agents have said they need, and then gave themselves a two-week vacation.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-security-migrants-homeland-security-1c6e9f612dff721191c0254f980947a5">Arrests for illegal crossings on the U.S. border with Mexico fell by half</a>&nbsp;in January from record highs in December to the third lowest month of Biden’s presidency. But officials fear those figures could eventually rise again, particularly as the November presidential election nears.The immigration authority the administration has been looking into is outlined in Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which gives a president broad leeway to block entry of certain immigrants into the United States if it would be “detrimental” to the national interest of the United States.Trump, who is the likely GOP candidate to face off against Biden this fall, repeatedly leaned on the 212(f) power while in office,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3a20abe305bd4c989116f82bf535393b">including his controversial ban to bar travelers from Muslim-majority nations.</a>&nbsp;Biden rescinded that ban on his first day in office through executive order.But now, how Biden would deploy that power to deal with his own immigration challenges is currently being considered, and it could be used in a variety of ways, according to the people familiar with the discussions. For example, the ban could kick in when border crossings hit a certain number. That echoes a provision in the Senate border deal, which would have activated expulsions of migrants if the number of illegal border crossings reached above 5,000 daily for a five-day average.House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has also called on Biden to use the 212(f) authority. Yet the comprehensive immigration overhaul Biden also introduced on his first day in office — which the White House continues to tout — includes provisions that would effectively scale back a president’s powers to bar immigrants under that authority.