WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and his predecessor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, romped through more than a dozen states on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-super-tuesday-80f71138b69691fc8edbeb07fd1c7774">Super Tuesday</a>, all but cementing a November rematch and increasing pressure on the former president’s last major rival,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nikki-haley">Nikki Haley</a>, to leave the Republican race.

Their victories from coast to coast, including the delegate-rich states of California and Texas, left little doubt about the trajectory of the race. Haley won Vermont, denying Trump a full sweep, but the former president carried other states that might have been favorable to her such as Virginia, Massachusetts and Maine, which have large swaths of moderate voters like those who have backed her in previous primaries.

The only contest Biden lost Tuesday was the Democratic caucus in American Samoa, a tiny U.S. territory in the South Pacific Ocean. Biden was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-jason-palmer-american-samoa-primary-c4bc109a16c7ee7b083f6216b44ba0c4">defeated by previously unknown candidate Jason Palmer</a>, 51 votes to 40.

Not enough states will have voted until later this month for Trump or Biden to formally become their parties’ presumptive nominees. But the primary’s biggest day made their rematch a near-certainty. Both the 81-year-old Biden and the 77-year-old Trump continue to dominate their parties despite facing questions about age and neither having broad popularity across the general electorate.

Haley watched the election results in private and had no campaign events scheduled going forward. Her campaign said in a statement that the results reflected there were many Republicans “who are expressing deep concerns about Donald Trump.”

“Unity is not achieved by simply claiming ‘we’re united,'” spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas said.

Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, meanwhile, was packed for a victory party. Among those attending were staff and supporters, including the rapper Forgiato Blow and former North Carolina Rep. Madison Cawthorn. The crowd erupted as Fox News, playing on screens around the ballroom, announced that the former president had won North Carolina’s GOP primary.

“They call it Super Tuesday for a reason,” Trump told a raucous crowd. He went on to attack Biden over the U.S.-Mexico border and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. After beginning the night with victories in Virginia and North Carolina, he wrapped Super Tuesday by winning contests in Alaska and Utah.

Biden didn't give a speech but instead issued a statement warning that Tuesday's results had left Americans with a clear choice and touting his own accomplishments after beating Trump.

“If Donald Trump returns to the White House, all of this progress is at risk,” Biden said. "He is driven by grievance and grift, focused on his own revenge and retribution, not the American people."

While much of the focus was on the presidential race, there were also important down-ballot contests. The governor’s race took shape in North Carolina, where Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson and Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein will face off in a state that both parties are fiercely contesting ahead of November.

In California, Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff and Republican Steve Garvey, a former Los Angeles Dodgers baseball player, advanced to the general election race to fill the Senate seat long held by Dianne Feinstein.

Despite Biden's and Trump's domination of their parties, polls make it clear that the broader electorate does not want this year’s general election to be identical to the 2020 race. A new AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll finds&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-state-of-union-mental-capacity-trump-reelection-66d8784586d21f30885d8153f949510c">a majority of Americans don't think either Biden or Trump</a>&nbsp;has the necessary mental acuity for the job.

“Both of them failed, in my opinion, to unify this country,” said Brian Hadley, 66, of Raleigh, North Carolina.

The final days before Tuesday demonstrated the unique nature of this year’s campaign. Rather than barnstorming the states holding primaries, Biden and Trump held&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-immigration-biden-trump-42c945d02742b169bde40601a27fde02">rival events last week along the U.S.-Mexico border</a>, each seeking to gain an advantage in the increasingly fraught immigration debate.

After the Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-insurrection-election-colorado-51e79c0f03013034c8a042cb278b6446">ruled 9-0</a>&nbsp;on Monday to restore Trump to primary ballots following attempts to ban him for his role in helping spark the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Capitol riot</a>, Trump pointed to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictments-election-january-6-classified-documents-5cb04868bb1cdf91c19eafdb882af8c0">91 criminal counts</a>&nbsp;against him to accuse Biden of weaponizing the courts.

“Fight your fight yourself,” Trump said. “Don’t use prosecutors and judges to go after your opponent.”

Biden delivers the State of the Union address Thursday, then will campaign in the key swing states of Pennsylvania and Georgia.

The president faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-poll-survey-economy-trump-election-dca1b60f6749d5eb50bc0e7600814855">low approval ratings</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-norc-poll-biden-2024-presidential-prospects-c843c5af6775b4c8a0cff8e2b1db03f6">polls suggesting</a>&nbsp;that many Americans, even a majority of Democrats, don’t want to see the 81-year-old running again. His&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-primary-takeaways-biden-trump-uncommitted-48b7ab77b7af425c3662e5a8f28e37f6">easy Michigan primary win</a>&nbsp;last week was spoiled slightly by an “uncommitted” campaign organized by activists who disapprove of the president’s handling of Israel’s war in Gaza.

Allies of the “uncommitted” movement pushed similar protest votes elsewhere, such as in Minnesota, which has a significant population of Muslims, including in its Somali American community. At least 45,000 voters in Minnesota selected “uncommitted,” which won 19% with almost all votes counted. That exceeds the 13% of voters who selected “uncommitted” in Michigan.

“Joe Biden has not done enough to earn my vote and not done enough to stop the war, stop the massacre,” said Sarah Alfaham of the Minneapolis suburb of Bloomington.

Biden also is the oldest president ever and Republicans key on any verbal slip he makes. His aides insist that skeptical voters will come around once it is clear that either Trump or Biden will be elected again in November.

Trump is now the same age Biden was during the 2020 campaign, and he has exacerbated questions about his own fitness with recent flubs, such as mistakenly suggesting he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-biden-gop-voters-border-migrants-1fc6624188f540f495e1087bee64318e">was running against Barack Obama</a>, who left the White House in 2017.

“I would love to see the next generation move up and take leadership roles,” said Democrat Susan Steele, 71, who voted Tuesday for Biden in Portland, Maine.

Trump has already vanquished more than a dozen major Republican challengers and now faces only Haley, his former U.N. ambassador. She had maintained&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haley-february-2024-fundraising-super-tuesday-d1af5cfc14bc0977093b5f4796774c78">strong fundraising</a>&nbsp;and notched her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nikki-haley-republicans-donald-trump-dc-primary-7b5eec7a5398379b0f1c9ed9f50b6ce3">first primary victory over the weekend in Washington, D.C.</a>, a Democrat-run city with few registered Republicans. Trump scoffed that Haley had been “crowned queen of the swamp.”

“We can do better than two 80-year-old candidates for president,” Haley said at a rally Monday in the Houston suburbs.

Trump's victories, however dominating, have shown vulnerabilities with influential voter blocs, especially in college towns like Hanover, New Hampshire, home to Dartmouth College, or Ann Arbor, where the University of Michigan is located, as well as areas with high concentrations of independents. That includes Minnesota, a state Trump did not carry in his otherwise overwhelming Super Tuesday performance in 2016.

Seth De Penning, a self-described conservative-leaning independent, voted Tuesday morning in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, for Haley, he said, because the GOP “needs a course correction.” De Penning, 40, called his choice a vote of conscience and said he has never voted for Trump because of concerns about his temperament and character.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and his predecessor,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, romped through more than a dozen states on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-super-tuesday-80f71138b69691fc8edbeb07fd1c7774">Super Tuesday</a>, all but cementing a November rematch and increasing pressure on the former president’s last major rival,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nikki-haley">Nikki Haley</a>, to leave the Republican race.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump: &quot;They call it &#39;Super Tuesday&#39; for a reason. This is a big one. They tell me, the pundits and otherwise, that there&#39;s never been one like this. There&#39;s never been anything so conclusive.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/1VAvySYG5A">pic.twitter.com/1VAvySYG5A</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1765217393482059871?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Their victories from coast to coast, including the delegate-rich states of California and Texas, left little doubt about the trajectory of the race. Haley won Vermont, denying Trump a full sweep, but the former president carried other states that might have been favorable to her such as Virginia, Massachusetts and Maine, which have large swaths of moderate voters like those who have backed her in previous primaries.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, millions of voters across the country made their voices heard—showing that they are ready to fight back against Donald Trump’s extreme plan to take us backwards. Every generation of Americans will face a moment when it has to defend democracy. This is our fight.&mdash; Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1765218247253577996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The only contest Biden lost Tuesday was the Democratic caucus in American Samoa, a tiny U.S. territory in the South Pacific Ocean. Biden was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-jason-palmer-american-samoa-primary-c4bc109a16c7ee7b083f6216b44ba0c4">defeated by previously unknown candidate Jason Palmer</a>, 51 votes to 40.Not enough states will have voted until later this month for Trump or Biden to formally become their parties’ presumptive nominees. But the primary’s biggest day made their rematch a near-certainty. Both the 81-year-old Biden and the 77-year-old Trump continue to dominate their parties despite facing questions about age and neither having broad popularity across the general electorate.Haley watched the election results in private and had no campaign events scheduled going forward. Her campaign said in a statement that the results reflected there were many Republicans “who are expressing deep concerns about Donald Trump.”“Unity is not achieved by simply claiming ‘we’re united,'” spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas said.Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, meanwhile, was packed for a victory party. Among those attending were staff and supporters, including the rapper Forgiato Blow and former North Carolina Rep. Madison Cawthorn. The crowd erupted as Fox News, playing on screens around the ballroom, announced that the former president had won North Carolina’s GOP primary.“They call it Super Tuesday for a reason,” Trump told a raucous crowd. He went on to attack Biden over the U.S.-Mexico border and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. After beginning the night with victories in Virginia and North Carolina, he wrapped Super Tuesday by winning contests in Alaska and Utah.Biden didn't give a speech but instead issued a statement warning that Tuesday's results had left Americans with a clear choice and touting his own accomplishments after beating Trump.“If Donald Trump returns to the White House, all of this progress is at risk,” Biden said. "He is driven by grievance and grift, focused on his own revenge and retribution, not the American people."While much of the focus was on the presidential race, there were also important down-ballot contests. The governor’s race took shape in North Carolina, where Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson and Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein will face off in a state that both parties are fiercely contesting ahead of November.In California, Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff and Republican Steve Garvey, a former Los Angeles Dodgers baseball player, advanced to the general election race to fill the Senate seat long held by Dianne Feinstein.Despite Biden's and Trump's domination of their parties, polls make it clear that the broader electorate does not want this year’s general election to be identical to the 2020 race. A new AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll finds&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-state-of-union-mental-capacity-trump-reelection-66d8784586d21f30885d8153f949510c">a majority of Americans don't think either Biden or Trump</a>&nbsp;has the necessary mental acuity for the job.“Both of them failed, in my opinion, to unify this country,” said Brian Hadley, 66, of Raleigh, North Carolina.The final days before Tuesday demonstrated the unique nature of this year’s campaign. Rather than barnstorming the states holding primaries, Biden and Trump held&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-immigration-biden-trump-42c945d02742b169bde40601a27fde02">rival events last week along the U.S.-Mexico border</a>, each seeking to gain an advantage in the increasingly fraught immigration debate.After the Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-insurrection-election-colorado-51e79c0f03013034c8a042cb278b6446">ruled 9-0</a>&nbsp;on Monday to restore Trump to primary ballots following attempts to ban him for his role in helping spark the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Capitol riot</a>, Trump pointed to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictments-election-january-6-classified-documents-5cb04868bb1cdf91c19eafdb882af8c0">91 criminal counts</a>&nbsp;against him to accuse Biden of weaponizing the courts.“Fight your fight yourself,” Trump said. “Don’t use prosecutors and judges to go after your opponent.”Biden delivers the State of the Union address Thursday, then will campaign in the key swing states of Pennsylvania and Georgia.The president faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-poll-survey-economy-trump-election-dca1b60f6749d5eb50bc0e7600814855">low approval ratings</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-norc-poll-biden-2024-presidential-prospects-c843c5af6775b4c8a0cff8e2b1db03f6">polls suggesting</a>&nbsp;that many Americans, even a majority of Democrats, don’t want to see the 81-year-old running again. His&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-primary-takeaways-biden-trump-uncommitted-48b7ab77b7af425c3662e5a8f28e37f6">easy Michigan primary win</a>&nbsp;last week was spoiled slightly by an “uncommitted” campaign organized by activists who disapprove of the president’s handling of Israel’s war in Gaza.Allies of the “uncommitted” movement pushed similar protest votes elsewhere, such as in Minnesota, which has a significant population of Muslims, including in its Somali American community. At least 45,000 voters in Minnesota selected “uncommitted,” which won 19% with almost all votes counted. That exceeds the 13% of voters who selected “uncommitted” in Michigan.“Joe Biden has not done enough to earn my vote and not done enough to stop the war, stop the massacre,” said Sarah Alfaham of the Minneapolis suburb of Bloomington.Biden also is the oldest president ever and Republicans key on any verbal slip he makes. His aides insist that skeptical voters will come around once it is clear that either Trump or Biden will be elected again in November.Trump is now the same age Biden was during the 2020 campaign, and he has exacerbated questions about his own fitness with recent flubs, such as mistakenly suggesting he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-biden-gop-voters-border-migrants-1fc6624188f540f495e1087bee64318e">was running against Barack Obama</a>, who left the White House in 2017.“I would love to see the next generation move up and take leadership roles,” said Democrat Susan Steele, 71, who voted Tuesday for Biden in Portland, Maine.Trump has already vanquished more than a dozen major Republican challengers and now faces only Haley, his former U.N. ambassador. She had maintained&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haley-february-2024-fundraising-super-tuesday-d1af5cfc14bc0977093b5f4796774c78">strong fundraising</a>&nbsp;and notched her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nikki-haley-republicans-donald-trump-dc-primary-7b5eec7a5398379b0f1c9ed9f50b6ce3">first primary victory over the weekend in Washington, D.C.</a>, a Democrat-run city with few registered Republicans. Trump scoffed that Haley had been “crowned queen of the swamp.”“We can do better than two 80-year-old candidates for president,” Haley said at a rally Monday in the Houston suburbs.Trump's victories, however dominating, have shown vulnerabilities with influential voter blocs, especially in college towns like Hanover, New Hampshire, home to Dartmouth College, or Ann Arbor, where the University of Michigan is located, as well as areas with high concentrations of independents. That includes Minnesota, a state Trump did not carry in his otherwise overwhelming Super Tuesday performance in 2016.Seth De Penning, a self-described conservative-leaning independent, voted Tuesday morning in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, for Haley, he said, because the GOP “needs a course correction.” De Penning, 40, called his choice a vote of conscience and said he has never voted for Trump because of concerns about his temperament and character.

🎥Trump and Biden dominate Super Tuesday races, move closer to rematch

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after&nbsp;a three and a half hour standoff.

Just after 4p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the 2600 Block of Armstrong Avenue in Kansas City with a search, arrest warrant, according to a media release.&nbsp; Several individuals exited the home but the suspect refused and barricaded himself in the residence.

Just before 8:30p.m. following several tactical interventions the suspect exited the house without incident or injury and was taken into custody. Police did not release the name of the suspect or possible charges.

The incident is under investigation by the KCK Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678875125309.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after&nbsp;a three and a half hour standoff.Just after 4p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the 2600 Block of Armstrong Avenue in Kansas City with a search, arrest warrant, according to a media release.&nbsp; Several individuals exited the home but the suspect refused and barricaded himself in the residence.Just before 8:30p.m. following several tactical interventions the suspect exited the house without incident or injury and was taken into custody. Police did not release the name of the suspect or possible charges.The incident is under investigation by the KCK Police Department.

Suspect captured after three and a half hour standoff at Kan.  home

NEW YORK (AP) —A technical issue caused widespread login issues for a few hours across Meta's Facebook, Instagram, Threads and Messenger platforms Tuesday.

Andy Stone, Meta’s head communications,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/andymstone/status/1765064721416245460">acknowledged the issues</a>&nbsp;on X, formerly known as Twitter, and said the company “resolved the issue as quickly as possible for everyone who was impacted, and we apologize for any inconvenience.”

Users reported being locked out of their Facebook accounts and feeds on the platform as well as Threads and Instagram were not refreshing. WhatsApp, which is also owned by Meta, appeared unaffected.

A senior official with the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency told reporters Tuesday that the agency was “not aware of any specific election nexus nor any specific malicious cyberactivity nexus to the outage.”

The outage comes just ahead of Thursday's deadline for Big Tech companies to comply with the European Union’s new Digital Markets Act. To comply, Meta is making changes, like allowing users to separate their Facebook and Instagram accounts so personal information can’t be combined to target them with online ads. It’s not clear whether the outage is connected to any preparations Meta might be carrying out for the DMA.

In 2021, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp were down for hours, an outage the company said was a result of faulty changes on routers that coordinate network traffic between its data centers. The next year, WhatsApp had another brief outage.

NEW YORK (AP) —A technical issue caused widespread login issues for a few hours across Meta's Facebook, Instagram, Threads and Messenger platforms Tuesday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Earlier today, a technical issue caused people to have difficulty accessing some of our services. We resolved the issue as quickly as possible for everyone who was impacted, and we apologize for any inconvenience. <a href="https://t.co/ybyyAZNAMn">https://t.co/ybyyAZNAMn</a>&mdash; Andy Stone (@andymstone) <a href="https://twitter.com/andymstone/status/1765064721416245460?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Andy Stone, Meta’s head communications,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/andymstone/status/1765064721416245460">acknowledged the issues</a>&nbsp;on X, formerly known as Twitter, and said the company “resolved the issue as quickly as possible for everyone who was impacted, and we apologize for any inconvenience.”Users reported being locked out of their Facebook accounts and feeds on the platform as well as Threads and Instagram were not refreshing. WhatsApp, which is also owned by Meta, appeared unaffected.A senior official with the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency told reporters Tuesday that the agency was “not aware of any specific election nexus nor any specific malicious cyberactivity nexus to the outage.”The outage comes just ahead of Thursday's deadline for Big Tech companies to comply with the European Union’s new Digital Markets Act. To comply, Meta is making changes, like allowing users to separate their Facebook and Instagram accounts so personal information can’t be combined to target them with online ads. It’s not clear whether the outage is connected to any preparations Meta might be carrying out for the DMA.In 2021, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp were down for hours, an outage the company said was a result of faulty changes on routers that coordinate network traffic between its data centers. The next year, WhatsApp had another brief outage.

Meta explains cause of widespread outage on Facebook, Instagram

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A U.S. destroyer shot down drones and a missile launched by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Yemen's Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;toward it in the Red Sea, officials said Wednesday, as the Indian navy released images of it fighting a fire aboard a container ship earlier targeted by the Houthis.

The assault Tuesday apparently targeted the USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer that has been involved in the American campaign against the rebels, who have launched attacks over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip</a>. Another suspected Houthi attack on shipping was reported Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Iran announced Wednesday it would confiscate a $50 million cargo of Kuwaiti crude oil for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-oil-tanker-advantage-sweet-seized-40b8f90bc0484fcd626903eef5faf64c">American energy firm Chevron Corp.</a>&nbsp;aboard a tanker it seized nearly a year earlier. It marks the latest twist in a yearslong shadow war playing out in the Mideast's waterways even before the Houthi attacks began.

The Houthi attack on the Carney on Tuesday involved bomb-carrying drones and one anti-ship ballistic missile, the U.S. military's Central Command said.

The U.S. later launched an airstrike destroying three anti-ship missiles and three bomb-carrying drone boats, the Central Command said.

Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesperson, acknowledged the attack, but claimed its forces targeted two American warships, without elaborating.

The Houthis “will not stop until the aggression is stopped and the siege on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip is lifted,” Saree said.

Saree did not acknowledge the later U.S. airstrikes. The Houthis have not offered any assessment of the damage they've suffered in the American-led strikes that began in January, though they have said at least 22 of their fighters have been killed.

Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters over the Israel-Hamas war. Those vessels have included at least one with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-ship-missile-houthi-rebels-attack-bab-elmandeb-strait-999b911c916f9266c07a6d29cc020e9e">cargo bound for Iran</a>, the Houthis’ main benefactor, and an aid ship later bound for Houthi-controlled territory.

Despite more than a month and a half of U.S.-led airstrikes,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-attacks-iran-ships-retaliation-houthis-d770a3fb0fab4c4b72e2459771833e11">Houthi rebels have remained capable</a>&nbsp;of launching significant attacks. They include the attack last month on a cargo ship carrying fertilizer, the Rubymar,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-rubymar-sinks-red-sea-fb64a490ce935756337ee3606e15d093">which sank on Saturday</a>&nbsp;after drifting for several days, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-red-sea-israel-hamas-6ac2a1bf5032ed0531258816907cfe2c">downing of an American drone</a>&nbsp;worth tens of millions of dollars.

The Houthis have been hailing ships over the radio in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden as well since launching their attacks. The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported Wednesday that a new round of similar radio messages went out to a ship, and urged crews to report any suspicious activity.

A short time later, the UKMTO reported a suspected attack in the area. Private security firm Ambrey said an explosion was reported near the vessel apparently hailed in the radio call, but there were few other details immediately known.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/india-china-maritime-security-d53925a976e667f275024fa964818c8f">the Indian navy</a>&nbsp;released a video of its sailors from the INS Kolkata fighting a fire aboard the MSC Sky II, which had been targeted by the Houthis in the Gulf of Aden on Monday. Smoke poured out of one container aboard the vessel, which also showed scorch marks from the impact of a Houthi missile.

The Mediterranean Shipping Co., a Switzerland-based company, said the missile struck the ship as it was traveling from Singapore to Djibouti.

“The missile caused a small fire that has been extinguished while no crew were injured,” the company said.

Iran separately announced the seizure of the crude oil aboard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-navy-oil-tanker-advantage-057155f4d9caf92131533fe90f94a3a0">the Advantage Sweet</a>&nbsp;through an announcement carried by the judiciary's state-run Mizan news agency. At the time, Iranian commandos rappelled from a helicopter onto the vessel, which it alleged collided with another ship, without offering any evidence.

The court order for the seizure offered an entirely different reason for the confiscation. Mizan said it was part of a court order over U.S. sanctions it alleged barred the importation of a Swedish medicine used to treat patients suffering from epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic condition that causes blisters all over the body and eyes. It did not reconcile the different reasons for the seizure.

The Advantage Sweet had been in the Persian Gulf in late April, but its track showed no unusual behavior as it transited through the Strait of Hormuz, where a fifth of all traded oil passes. Iran has made allegations in other seizures that later fell apart as it became clear Tehran was trying to leverage the capture as a chip to negotiate with foreign nations.

Chevron, based in San Ramon, California, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ship seizures and explosions have roiled the region since 2019. The incidents began after then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers, which saw Tehran drastically limit its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.

The U.S. Navy also has blamed Iran for a series of limpet mine attacks on vessels that damaged tankers in 2019, as well as for a fatal drone attack on an Israeli-linked oil tanker that killed two European crew members in 2021. Tehran denies carrying out the attacks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709685344452.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A U.S. destroyer shot down drones and a missile launched by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Yemen's Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;toward it in the Red Sea, officials said Wednesday, as the Indian navy released images of it fighting a fire aboard a container ship earlier targeted by the Houthis.The assault Tuesday apparently targeted the USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer that has been involved in the American campaign against the rebels, who have launched attacks over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip</a>. Another suspected Houthi attack on shipping was reported Wednesday.Meanwhile, Iran announced Wednesday it would confiscate a $50 million cargo of Kuwaiti crude oil for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-oil-tanker-advantage-sweet-seized-40b8f90bc0484fcd626903eef5faf64c">American energy firm Chevron Corp.</a>&nbsp;aboard a tanker it seized nearly a year earlier. It marks the latest twist in a yearslong shadow war playing out in the Mideast's waterways even before the Houthi attacks began.The Houthi attack on the Carney on Tuesday involved bomb-carrying drones and one anti-ship ballistic missile, the U.S. military's Central Command said.The U.S. later launched an airstrike destroying three anti-ship missiles and three bomb-carrying drone boats, the Central Command said.Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesperson, acknowledged the attack, but claimed its forces targeted two American warships, without elaborating.The Houthis “will not stop until the aggression is stopped and the siege on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip is lifted,” Saree said.Saree did not acknowledge the later U.S. airstrikes. The Houthis have not offered any assessment of the damage they've suffered in the American-led strikes that began in January, though they have said at least 22 of their fighters have been killed.Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters over the Israel-Hamas war. Those vessels have included at least one with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-ship-missile-houthi-rebels-attack-bab-elmandeb-strait-999b911c916f9266c07a6d29cc020e9e">cargo bound for Iran</a>, the Houthis’ main benefactor, and an aid ship later bound for Houthi-controlled territory.Despite more than a month and a half of U.S.-led airstrikes,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-attacks-iran-ships-retaliation-houthis-d770a3fb0fab4c4b72e2459771833e11">Houthi rebels have remained capable</a>&nbsp;of launching significant attacks. They include the attack last month on a cargo ship carrying fertilizer, the Rubymar,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-rubymar-sinks-red-sea-fb64a490ce935756337ee3606e15d093">which sank on Saturday</a>&nbsp;after drifting for several days, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-red-sea-israel-hamas-6ac2a1bf5032ed0531258816907cfe2c">downing of an American drone</a>&nbsp;worth tens of millions of dollars.The Houthis have been hailing ships over the radio in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden as well since launching their attacks. The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported Wednesday that a new round of similar radio messages went out to a ship, and urged crews to report any suspicious activity.A short time later, the UKMTO reported a suspected attack in the area. Private security firm Ambrey said an explosion was reported near the vessel apparently hailed in the radio call, but there were few other details immediately known.Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/india-china-maritime-security-d53925a976e667f275024fa964818c8f">the Indian navy</a>&nbsp;released a video of its sailors from the INS Kolkata fighting a fire aboard the MSC Sky II, which had been targeted by the Houthis in the Gulf of Aden on Monday. Smoke poured out of one container aboard the vessel, which also showed scorch marks from the impact of a Houthi missile.The Mediterranean Shipping Co., a Switzerland-based company, said the missile struck the ship as it was traveling from Singapore to Djibouti.“The missile caused a small fire that has been extinguished while no crew were injured,” the company said.Iran separately announced the seizure of the crude oil aboard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-navy-oil-tanker-advantage-057155f4d9caf92131533fe90f94a3a0">the Advantage Sweet</a>&nbsp;through an announcement carried by the judiciary's state-run Mizan news agency. At the time, Iranian commandos rappelled from a helicopter onto the vessel, which it alleged collided with another ship, without offering any evidence.The court order for the seizure offered an entirely different reason for the confiscation. Mizan said it was part of a court order over U.S. sanctions it alleged barred the importation of a Swedish medicine used to treat patients suffering from epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic condition that causes blisters all over the body and eyes. It did not reconcile the different reasons for the seizure.The Advantage Sweet had been in the Persian Gulf in late April, but its track showed no unusual behavior as it transited through the Strait of Hormuz, where a fifth of all traded oil passes. Iran has made allegations in other seizures that later fell apart as it became clear Tehran was trying to leverage the capture as a chip to negotiate with foreign nations.Chevron, based in San Ramon, California, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Ship seizures and explosions have roiled the region since 2019. The incidents began after then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers, which saw Tehran drastically limit its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.The U.S. Navy also has blamed Iran for a series of limpet mine attacks on vessels that damaged tankers in 2019, as well as for a fatal drone attack on an Israeli-linked oil tanker that killed two European crew members in 2021. Tehran denies carrying out the attacks.___

US warship shoots down ballistic missile launched by terrorists

&nbsp;KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been charged in connection with the Monday evening fatal shooting of another man during an a pre-arranged meeting at a parking lot, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Tyler D. Thompson, 23, faces 26 felony charges of Murder in the 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges.

According to court records, Kansas City police officers were dispatched on Feb. 26, on a reported shooting. They found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds in a parking lot. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Spent shell casings were found near the victim and a vehicle. 

Evidence showed Thompson and another individual met with the victim and another man to complete a drug transaction. The defendant opened fire with a rifle, killing the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709495439942.png" alt="Thompson-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Thompson-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been charged in connection with the Monday evening fatal shooting of another man during an a pre-arranged meeting at a parking lot, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Tyler D. Thompson, 23, faces 26 felony charges of Murder in the 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges.According to court records, Kansas City police officers were dispatched on Feb. 26, on a reported shooting. They found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds in a parking lot. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Spent shell casings were found near the victim and a vehicle. Evidence showed Thompson and another individual met with the victim and another man to complete a drug transaction. The defendant opened fire with a rifle, killing the victim.

KC man used a rifle in drug deal killing

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Teamsters working for Budweiser brewer Anheuser-Busch on Tuesday voted to ratify a labor agreement with the company, the union said.

The five-year contract was ratified with 86% support, the Teamsters said.

The deal covers 5,000 unionized employees at Anheuser-Busch, including brewers, packagers, and warehouse workers, and provides wage increases totaling 23% over the life of the contract, plus a $2,500 ratification bonus, the union said. It also improves health care and retirement benefits, and job security, the union said.

The Teamsters had threatened a strike at the brewer’s 12 U.S. plants if an agreement on a new five-year contract wasn’t reached by last week. Before the deadline, the two sides said they had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/anheuserbusch-teamsters-strike-beer-b51ebd316be0a29a8793c15c3a137f46">reached a tentative agreement</a>&nbsp;that was put to union members for a ratification vote.

Anheuser-Busch shipments to U.S. wholesalers dropped 13.8% last year, according to Beer Marketer’s Insights. Overall, U.S. beer shipments were down 5%.

The company, part of Belgium-based Anheuser-Busch InBev, brews more than a dozen brands at its U.S. plants, including Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra and Stella Artois.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Teamsters working for Budweiser brewer Anheuser-Busch on Tuesday voted to ratify a labor agreement with the company, the union said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">TEAMSTERS OVERWHELMINGLY RATIFY 5-YEAR CONTRACT AT ANHEUSER-BUSCH Today, Teamsters at Anheuser-Busch voted by an overwhelming 86 percent to ratify a five-year agreement that significantly raises pay, improves health care and retirement benefits, and protects all members’ jobs.… <a href="https://t.co/DtabS1CcCp">pic.twitter.com/DtabS1CcCp</a>&mdash; Teamsters (@Teamsters) <a href="https://twitter.com/Teamsters/status/1765189623364423902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The five-year contract was ratified with 86% support, the Teamsters said.The deal covers 5,000 unionized employees at Anheuser-Busch, including brewers, packagers, and warehouse workers, and provides wage increases totaling 23% over the life of the contract, plus a $2,500 ratification bonus, the union said. It also improves health care and retirement benefits, and job security, the union said.The Teamsters had threatened a strike at the brewer’s 12 U.S. plants if an agreement on a new five-year contract wasn’t reached by last week. Before the deadline, the two sides said they had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/anheuserbusch-teamsters-strike-beer-b51ebd316be0a29a8793c15c3a137f46">reached a tentative agreement</a>&nbsp;that was put to union members for a ratification vote.Anheuser-Busch shipments to U.S. wholesalers dropped 13.8% last year, according to Beer Marketer’s Insights. Overall, U.S. beer shipments were down 5%.The company, part of Belgium-based Anheuser-Busch InBev, brews more than a dozen brands at its U.S. plants, including Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra and Stella Artois.

Teamsters ratify 5-year labor agreement with Anheuser-Busch, avoiding strike

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

(Click below to watch the President's comments)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🎥Biden administration finalizes rule cutting credit card late fees

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

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

Messages were left with DeValkenaere's attorney.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

US airdrops more food and supplies into Gaza

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Police investigating criminal damage to $32K farm tractor

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas state representative spent most of Monday in jail

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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