WASHINGTON (AP) — Despite testing positive twice last year for the coronavirus, President&nbsp;Joe Biden&nbsp;has no long-term symptoms and has been declared “healthy, vigorous” and “fit” to handle his White House responsibilities, according to a routine medical checkup performed Thursday.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Health-Summary-2.16.pdf">Click here to read the Doctor</a> summary on the President's health

The findings were contained in a memo by Biden's doctor, summarizing the exams conducted during a three-hour stay at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

The conclusions reached by Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's personal physician since 2009, are likely to be highly scrutinized as the oldest president in history makes plans for an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-us-republican-party-democratic-b6a4d89a5629e768e92485067a220797">expected reelection campaign</a>.

O'Connor concluded in a five-page memo that Biden “remains a healthy, vigorous 80-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency." But the doctor did not speculate about where Biden's health might be at age 86, when a second term might end.

The president had a lesion removed from his chest that is undergoing a traditional biopsy. But Thursday's results largely matched the findings after the president's last exam in November 2021, which said his coughing was due to acid reflux and his stiffened gait was the result of spinal arthritis, a previously broken foot and neuropathy in his feet.

The memo generally labeled Biden's health as “stable" compared to his last exam, though it noted that his calves and hamstrings had possibly tightened.

Biden tested positive in July for COVID-19 and experienced “very mild symptoms,” according to the White House. He also had a rebound infection and ultimately tested negative on Aug. 6 of last year. The president continued to work even as he isolated himself in the White House.

“Well, everything really went well," Biden told NBC News on Thursday about the exam ahead of the memo's release.

Many people, including Democrats, have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-norc-poll-biden-2024-presidential-prospects-c843c5af6775b4c8a0cff8e2b1db03f6">expressed reservations about Biden</a>&nbsp;seeking a second term in 2024. Only 37% of Democrats say Biden should pursue reelection, down from 52% before last November's elections, according to a recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Overall, 22% of U.S. adults said he ought to run again.

Follow-up interviews with people in the survey indicated that Biden's age was a major concern. They took note of his coughing, a greater sense of fragility in his walking and moments when he misspoke.

Biden had a colonoscopy in 2021, in which a 3-millimeter “benign-appearing polyp” was identified and removed. He did not undergo a colonoscopy during Thursday's checkup.

Asked in a recent PBS interview about his age and ability to be president, Biden responded with what has become his stock line: “Watch me. It's all I can say.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676592591396.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Despite testing positive twice last year for the coronavirus, President&nbsp;Joe Biden&nbsp;has no long-term symptoms and has been declared “healthy, vigorous” and “fit” to handle his White House responsibilities, according to a routine medical checkup performed Thursday.<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Health-Summary-2.16.pdf">Click here to read the Doctor</a> summary on the President's health<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676592751907.png" alt="Asked in a recent PBS interview about his age and ability to be president, Biden responded with what has become his stock line: “Watch me. It's all I can say.”-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Asked in a recent PBS interview about his age and ability to be president, Biden responded with what has become his stock line: “Watch me. It's all I can say.”-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The findings were contained in a memo by Biden's doctor, summarizing the exams conducted during a three-hour stay at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.The conclusions reached by Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's personal physician since 2009, are likely to be highly scrutinized as the oldest president in history makes plans for an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-us-republican-party-democratic-b6a4d89a5629e768e92485067a220797">expected reelection campaign</a>.O'Connor concluded in a five-page memo that Biden “remains a healthy, vigorous 80-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency." But the doctor did not speculate about where Biden's health might be at age 86, when a second term might end.The president had a lesion removed from his chest that is undergoing a traditional biopsy. But Thursday's results largely matched the findings after the president's last exam in November 2021, which said his coughing was due to acid reflux and his stiffened gait was the result of spinal arthritis, a previously broken foot and neuropathy in his feet.The memo generally labeled Biden's health as “stable" compared to his last exam, though it noted that his calves and hamstrings had possibly tightened.Biden tested positive in July for COVID-19 and experienced “very mild symptoms,” according to the White House. He also had a rebound infection and ultimately tested negative on Aug. 6 of last year. The president continued to work even as he isolated himself in the White House.“Well, everything really went well," Biden told NBC News on Thursday about the exam ahead of the memo's release.Many people, including Democrats, have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-norc-poll-biden-2024-presidential-prospects-c843c5af6775b4c8a0cff8e2b1db03f6">expressed reservations about Biden</a>&nbsp;seeking a second term in 2024. Only 37% of Democrats say Biden should pursue reelection, down from 52% before last November's elections, according to a recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Overall, 22% of U.S. adults said he ought to run again.Follow-up interviews with people in the survey indicated that Biden's age was a major concern. They took note of his coughing, a greater sense of fragility in his walking and moments when he misspoke.Biden had a colonoscopy in 2021, in which a 3-millimeter “benign-appearing polyp” was identified and removed. He did not undergo a colonoscopy during Thursday's checkup.Asked in a recent PBS interview about his age and ability to be president, Biden responded with what has become his stock line: “Watch me. It's all I can say.”

Read the doctor's report following Biden's annual physical

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a series of oilfield thefts have captured a suspect.

Just after 10 a.m. Tuesday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 42-year-old Lori Fiscus, according to Bardon County Sheriff Brian Bellendir. After a routine check, it was discovered Fiscus had outstanding warrants from Saline County for a probation violation. 

The passenger in the vehicle, identified as 29-year-old Kurt Woods, had outstanding warrants for failure to appear and contempt of court in Barton County and the City of Great Bend.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Woods had been sought in connection with several oilfield thefts involving brass valves from tank batteries. Further investigation located methamphetamine inside the vehicle.

Deputies arrested Fiscus on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine and the warrant from Saline County. There is no bond on the Saline County warrant and a $10,000 bond on the possession of methamphetamine charge, according to Bellendir.

Woods was arrested on the two local warrants and requested charges of possession of methamphetamine as well as felony theft related to the oilfield incidents. Woods is being held on a $10,000 bond for the methamphetamine charge, $10,000 bond for felony theft, a warrant from the City of Great Bend for $1,642 and a warrant for Barton County District Court with a bond set at $500, according to Bellendir.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676573873868.jpeg" alt="Lori Fiscus-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Lori Fiscus-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a series of oilfield thefts have captured a suspect.Just after 10 a.m. Tuesday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 42-year-old Lori Fiscus, according to Bardon County Sheriff Brian Bellendir. After a routine check, it was discovered Fiscus had outstanding warrants from Saline County for a probation violation. The passenger in the vehicle, identified as 29-year-old Kurt Woods, had outstanding warrants for failure to appear and contempt of court in Barton County and the City of Great Bend.&nbsp;&nbsp;Woods had been sought in connection with several oilfield thefts involving brass valves from tank batteries. Further investigation located methamphetamine inside the vehicle.Deputies arrested Fiscus on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine and the warrant from Saline County. There is no bond on the Saline County warrant and a $10,000 bond on the possession of methamphetamine charge, according to Bellendir.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676573864061.jpeg" alt="Woods-photo Barton County" />
 <figcaption>Woods-photo Barton County</figcaption>
 </figure>Woods was arrested on the two local warrants and requested charges of possession of methamphetamine as well as felony theft related to the oilfield incidents. Woods is being held on a $10,000 bond for the methamphetamine charge, $10,000 bond for felony theft, a warrant from the City of Great Bend for $1,642 and a warrant for Barton County District Court with a bond set at $500, according to Bellendir.

Deputies capture suspect in series of Kansas oilfield thefts

SALINE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Thursday in Saline County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford Ranger driven by Dale R. Montgomery, 79, Lee's Summit, was westbound on Interstate 70 at U.S. 65.

The pickup slid off the road, struck a guardrail and overturned. 

Montgomery was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Campbell Lewis Funeral Home.&nbsp; Saline County EMS transported a passenger Thomas J. Mumm, 73, Lee's Summit, to University Hospital in Columbia. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

SALINE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Thursday in Saline County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford Ranger driven by Dale R. Montgomery, 79, Lee's Summit, was westbound on Interstate 70 at U.S. 65.The pickup slid off the road, struck a guardrail and overturned. Montgomery was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Campbell Lewis Funeral Home.&nbsp; Saline County EMS transported a passenger Thomas J. Mumm, 73, Lee's Summit, to University Hospital in Columbia. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man dies after car strikes guardrail, overturns

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A third person who played a role in an internet romance scam that cheated multiple victims across the country out of a total of about $3.2 million has pleaded guilty, federal prosecutors said.

Sadae Mills, 28, of Houston, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence on Wednesday to conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Mills' role in the scheme was to receive payments that she knew had been fraudulently obtained through internet and app-based romance scams, according to the U.S. attorney's office.

Over a three-month period in 2018, she took the payments, mostly in the form of money orders, cash, or wire transfers, and deposited them into her bank account. She then withdrew or transferred the money when directed to do so by one of her accomplices, prosecutors said.

The victims were from Rhode Island, New York, Arkansas, Colorado, North Carolina, Missouri and Florida, prosecutors said.

Two other participants in the conspiracy previously pleaded guilty.

Dominique Golden, 31, of Houston, pleaded guilty in September and was sentenced last month to more than six years in prison. Breauna Williams, 29, of Jacksonville, North Carolina, awaits sentencing in April after pleading guilty last month.

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A third person who played a role in an internet romance scam that cheated multiple victims across the country out of a total of about $3.2 million has pleaded guilty, federal prosecutors said.Sadae Mills, 28, of Houston, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence on Wednesday to conspiracy to commit money laundering.Mills' role in the scheme was to receive payments that she knew had been fraudulently obtained through internet and app-based romance scams, according to the U.S. attorney's office.Over a three-month period in 2018, she took the payments, mostly in the form of money orders, cash, or wire transfers, and deposited them into her bank account. She then withdrew or transferred the money when directed to do so by one of her accomplices, prosecutors said.The victims were from Rhode Island, New York, Arkansas, Colorado, North Carolina, Missouri and Florida, prosecutors said.Mills faces sentencing on May 23.Two other participants in the conspiracy previously pleaded guilty.Dominique Golden, 31, of Houston, pleaded guilty in September and was sentenced last month to more than six years in prison. Breauna Williams, 29, of Jacksonville, North Carolina, awaits sentencing in April after pleading guilty last month.Two other suspects await trial.

3rd person pleads guilty in nationwide romance scam 

KANSAS CITY (AP) —An officer who made the arrest in a notorious quintuple homicide nearly a decade ago, his police dog and a pedestrian were all killed when a driver crashed into the officer's cruiser, authorities in Missouri said.

Kansas City police said the crash happened Wednesday night as Officer James Muhlbauer was on patrol. The driver who struck the cruiser suffered minor injuries and was taken into custody.

The pedestrian, identified only as a man in his 50s, died at the scene, as did the officer’s dog, Champ. Muhlbauer was rushed to a hospital where he later died.

Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said officers are investigating the cause of the crash, including whether alcohol was involved. She said there is no indication that the officer was at fault.

Graves said that officers from another department brought Champ’s remains to the hospital so the two partners could be reunited for what she described as their “heroes’ escort.”

“You live with your dog, your partner, your family lives with your partner,” she said. “You go to work every day. You train every day. You literally eat, sleep and live with your partner. They’re more than just a dog. They are truly the best partners they can have.”

Police said Muhlbauer, who was married and a father, was a 20-year veteran of the force. Graves asked for prayers for Muhlbauer's family and said that officers are “shaken” and “hurting.”

In 2014, Muhlbauer “heroically” arrested&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f780e78dd98041049c76a5f62874a5ce">Brandon Howell</a>&nbsp;after Howell killed five people in a quiet cul-de-sac when his attempt to steal a classic Jaguar went awry, said Jackson County prosecutor Jean Peters Baker. Howell, who previously was acquitted in the killings of two Kansas teens, is serving multiple life terms, with no chance of parole, in the quintuple homicide.

Mayor Quinton Lucas noted that the deadly crash came just days after another officer was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-nfl-super-bowl-f4d255a4516ec2beeee6fd11d0403ee8">hit by gunfire</a>&nbsp;and wounded at the department’s headquarters shortly after the Chiefs won the Super Bowl. It also followed a tiring day in which the city’s officers oversaw a parade to celebrate the victory.

“We all grieve with the Kansas City Police Department, the women and men of the department,” Lucas said. “We grieve certainly with the officer’s family.”

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City police officer, his K-9 partner and a pedestrian died in a crash Wednesday night.

Just after 10:15p.m., the officer identified as James Muhlbauer and his K9 officer Champ were on duty and on patrol in the area of Truman Road and Benton Boulevard when the patrol car was struck by another vehicle. The collision caused a secondary impact with a pedestrian.

The pedestrian and K-9 officer Champ was declared deceased at the scene, according to the release. EMS transported Muhlbauer to the hospital with critical injuries and he died.

The driver of the citizen vehicle has minor injuries and is in custody for further investigation

Muhlbauer is 20-year veteran of the KCPD and had been assigned to the K-9 Unit for nearly 3-years. His K9 partner  was an approximately 1-year veteran of the KCPD.&nbsp; &nbsp; K-9 Champ lived with Muhlbauer and his family. Mulhbauer was married and a father.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676573009736.png" alt="Officer James Muhlbauer and K-9 Officer Champ-photo courtesy KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Officer James Muhlbauer and K-9 Officer Champ-photo courtesy KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH&nbsp;KANSAS CITY (AP) —An officer who made the arrest in a notorious quintuple homicide nearly a decade ago, his police dog and a pedestrian were all killed when a driver crashed into the officer's cruiser, authorities in Missouri said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676552907457.png" alt="The driver of the citizen vehicle has minor injuries and is in custody for further investigation-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>The driver of the citizen vehicle has minor injuries and is in custody for further investigation-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City police said the crash happened Wednesday night as Officer James Muhlbauer was on patrol. The driver who struck the cruiser suffered minor injuries and was taken into custody.The pedestrian, identified only as a man in his 50s, died at the scene, as did the officer’s dog, Champ. Muhlbauer was rushed to a hospital where he later died.Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said officers are investigating the cause of the crash, including whether alcohol was involved. She said there is no indication that the officer was at fault.Graves said that officers from another department brought Champ’s remains to the hospital so the two partners could be reunited for what she described as their “heroes’ escort.”“You live with your dog, your partner, your family lives with your partner,” she said. “You go to work every day. You train every day. You literally eat, sleep and live with your partner. They’re more than just a dog. They are truly the best partners they can have.”Police said Muhlbauer, who was married and a father, was a 20-year veteran of the force. Graves asked for prayers for Muhlbauer's family and said that officers are “shaken” and “hurting.”In 2014, Muhlbauer “heroically” arrested&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f780e78dd98041049c76a5f62874a5ce">Brandon Howell</a>&nbsp;after Howell killed five people in a quiet cul-de-sac when his attempt to steal a classic Jaguar went awry, said Jackson County prosecutor Jean Peters Baker. Howell, who previously was acquitted in the killings of two Kansas teens, is serving multiple life terms, with no chance of parole, in the quintuple homicide.Mayor Quinton Lucas noted that the deadly crash came just days after another officer was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-nfl-super-bowl-f4d255a4516ec2beeee6fd11d0403ee8">hit by gunfire</a>&nbsp;and wounded at the department’s headquarters shortly after the Chiefs won the Super Bowl. It also followed a tiring day in which the city’s officers oversaw a parade to celebrate the victory.“We all grieve with the Kansas City Police Department, the women and men of the department,” Lucas said. “We grieve certainly with the officer’s family.”---------------KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City police officer, his K-9 partner and a pedestrian died in a crash Wednesday night.Just after 10:15p.m., the officer identified as James Muhlbauer and his K9 officer Champ were on duty and on patrol in the area of Truman Road and Benton Boulevard when the patrol car was struck by another vehicle. The collision caused a secondary impact with a pedestrian.The pedestrian and K-9 officer Champ was declared deceased at the scene, according to the release. EMS transported Muhlbauer to the hospital with critical injuries and he died.The driver of the citizen vehicle has minor injuries and is in custody for further investigationMuhlbauer is 20-year veteran of the KCPD and had been assigned to the K-9 Unit for nearly 3-years. His K9 partner was an approximately 1-year veteran of the KCPD.&nbsp; &nbsp; K-9 Champ lived with Muhlbauer and his family. Mulhbauer was married and a father.&nbsp;

 Police ID 20-year police veteran, K-9 partner killed in crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Thursday that the U.S. is developing “sharper rules” to track, monitor and potentially shoot down unknown aerial objects, following three weeks of high-stakes drama sparked by the discovery of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-antony-blinken-china-314302278a5f05bdc2df146ed5b35ec6">a suspected Chinese spy balloon</a>&nbsp;transiting much of the country.

(Click to watch the President's statement)

The president has directed national security adviser Jake Sullivan to lead an “interagency team” to review U.S. procedures after the U.S. shot down the Chinese balloon, as well as three other objects that Biden said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aerial-objects-shot-down-lake-huron-8d60c429b1bf549a791434f8bd1bcc81">U.S. now believes are most likely “benign” objects</a>&nbsp;launched by private companies or research institutions.

While not expressing regret for downing the three still-unidentified objects, Biden said he hoped the new rules would help “distinguish between those that are likely to pose safety and security risks that necessitate action and those that do not.”

“Make no mistake, if any object presents a threat to the safety and security of the American people I will take it down,” he added, repeating the legal justification cited for the downings — that the objects, flying between 20,000 and 40,000 feet posed a remote risk to civilian planes.

The downing of the Chinese surveillance craft was the first known peacetime shootdown of an unauthorized object in U.S. airspace — a feat repeated three times a week later.

Biden sharply criticized China's surveillance program, saying the shootdown sent a “clear message, the violation of our sovereignty is unacceptable," but said he looks to maintain open lines of communication with Beijing. Secretary of State Anthony&nbsp;<a>Blinken postponed his first planned trip</a>&nbsp;to China as the balloon was flying over the U.S., and a new meeting with his Chinese counterpart has yet to be scheduled.

“I expect to be speaking with President Xi and I hope we can get to the bottom of this,” Biden said, adding, “But I make no apologies for taking down that balloon.”

Biden said the rules would remain classified so as not to “give a roadmap to our enemies to try to evade our defenses.”

The Chinese balloon has escalated tensions between the U.S. and China.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-politics-turkey-government-united-states-59f33c71d33a7f77bcc9d3e1800a09d3">Blinken travels Thursday to the Munich Security Conference</a>&nbsp;and there is speculation he might use the opportunity to meet top Chinese foreign policy official Wang Yi, who will also be attending the conference.

Biden had remained largely silent on the objects downed Friday off the coast of Alaska, Saturday over Canada and Sunday over Lake Huron. On Monday, the White House announced earnestly there was no indication of “aliens or extraterrestrial activity.” By Wednesday, U.S. officials said they were still working to locate the wreckage from the objects, but that they expected all three to be unrelated to surveillance efforts.

“The intelligence community is considering as a leading explanation that these could just be balloons tied to some commercial or benign purpose,” said White House national security spokesman John Kirby. No country or private company has come forward to claim any of the objects, Kirby said. They do not appear to have been operated by the U.S. government.

Still unaddressed are questions about the original balloon, including what spying capabilities it had and whether it was transmitting signals as it flew over sensitive military sites in the United States. It was believed by American intelligence to have initially been on a track toward the U.S. territory of Guam, according to a U.S. official.

The U.S. tracked it for several days after it left China, said the official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence. It appears to have been blown off its initial trajectory and ultimately flew over the continental U.S., the official said.

Balloons and other unidentified objects have been previously spotted over Guam, a strategic hub for the U.S. Navy and Air Force in the western Pacific.

It’s unclear how much control China retained over the balloon once it veered from its original trajectory. A second U.S. official said the balloon could have been externally maneuvered or directed to loiter over a specific target, but it’s unclear whether Chinese forces did so.

After the balloon was shot down, the White House revealed that such balloons had traversed U.S. territory at least three times during President Donald Trump’s administration unknown to Trump or his aides — and that others have flown over dozens of nations across five continents. Kirby emphasized Monday that they were only detected by the Biden administration.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Thursday that the U.S. is developing “sharper rules” to track, monitor and potentially shoot down unknown aerial objects, following three weeks of high-stakes drama sparked by the discovery of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-antony-blinken-china-314302278a5f05bdc2df146ed5b35ec6">a suspected Chinese spy balloon</a>&nbsp;transiting much of the country.(Click to watch the President's statement)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1435977713882099%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1" 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 president has directed national security adviser Jake Sullivan to lead an “interagency team” to review U.S. procedures after the U.S. shot down the Chinese balloon, as well as three other objects that Biden said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aerial-objects-shot-down-lake-huron-8d60c429b1bf549a791434f8bd1bcc81">U.S. now believes are most likely “benign” objects</a>&nbsp;launched by private companies or research institutions.While not expressing regret for downing the three still-unidentified objects, Biden said he hoped the new rules would help “distinguish between those that are likely to pose safety and security risks that necessitate action and those that do not.”“Make no mistake, if any object presents a threat to the safety and security of the American people I will take it down,” he added, repeating the legal justification cited for the downings — that the objects, flying between 20,000 and 40,000 feet posed a remote risk to civilian planes.The downing of the Chinese surveillance craft was the first known peacetime shootdown of an unauthorized object in U.S. airspace — a feat repeated three times a week later.Biden sharply criticized China's surveillance program, saying the shootdown sent a “clear message, the violation of our sovereignty is unacceptable," but said he looks to maintain open lines of communication with Beijing. Secretary of State Anthony&nbsp;<a>Blinken postponed his first planned trip</a>&nbsp;to China as the balloon was flying over the U.S., and a new meeting with his Chinese counterpart has yet to be scheduled.“I expect to be speaking with President Xi and I hope we can get to the bottom of this,” Biden said, adding, “But I make no apologies for taking down that balloon.”Biden said the rules would remain classified so as not to “give a roadmap to our enemies to try to evade our defenses.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676045566817.png" alt="Agents assigned to the evidence response team process material recovered from the China spy balloon recovered off the coast of South Carolina-photo FBI" />
 <figcaption>Agents assigned to the evidence response team process material recovered from the China spy balloon recovered off the coast of South Carolina-photo FBI</figcaption>
 </figure>The Chinese balloon has escalated tensions between the U.S. and China.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-politics-turkey-government-united-states-59f33c71d33a7f77bcc9d3e1800a09d3">Blinken travels Thursday to the Munich Security Conference</a>&nbsp;and there is speculation he might use the opportunity to meet top Chinese foreign policy official Wang Yi, who will also be attending the conference.Biden had remained largely silent on the objects downed Friday off the coast of Alaska, Saturday over Canada and Sunday over Lake Huron. On Monday, the White House announced earnestly there was no indication of “aliens or extraterrestrial activity.” By Wednesday, U.S. officials said they were still working to locate the wreckage from the objects, but that they expected all three to be unrelated to surveillance efforts.“The intelligence community is considering as a leading explanation that these could just be balloons tied to some commercial or benign purpose,” said White House national security spokesman John Kirby. No country or private company has come forward to claim any of the objects, Kirby said. They do not appear to have been operated by the U.S. government.Still unaddressed are questions about the original balloon, including what spying capabilities it had and whether it was transmitting signals as it flew over sensitive military sites in the United States. It was believed by American intelligence to have initially been on a track toward the U.S. territory of Guam, according to a U.S. official.The U.S. tracked it for several days after it left China, said the official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence. It appears to have been blown off its initial trajectory and ultimately flew over the continental U.S., the official said.Balloons and other unidentified objects have been previously spotted over Guam, a strategic hub for the U.S. Navy and Air Force in the western Pacific.It’s unclear how much control China retained over the balloon once it veered from its original trajectory. A second U.S. official said the balloon could have been externally maneuvered or directed to loiter over a specific target, but it’s unclear whether Chinese forces did so.After the balloon was shot down, the White House revealed that such balloons had traversed U.S. territory at least three times during President Donald Trump’s administration unknown to Trump or his aides — and that others have flown over dozens of nations across five continents. Kirby emphasized Monday that they were only detected by the Biden administration.—

🎥Biden: 3 downed UFOs not linked to China spy program

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with an incident involving schools in USD 383 Manhattan.

Just after 7:30a.m. Thursday, police were called to Susan B. Anthony Middle School, 2501 Browning Ave. in Manhattan, for the report of a suspicious man in the building during the arrival time of students, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.

This person was stopped by school staff, directed to the office, was asked to leave the school and refused. 

Ultimately, the school staff did the right thing and called police to come and investigate this person.  During this time, students were held in their classrooms until the situation was resolved. 

Before officers arrived at the school, the man ended up leaving the building and driving away. 

He was found a short time later in the parking lot of University Christian Church, 2800 Claflin Road in Manhattan, which also operates as a preschool. 

The man made comments to officers that he was searching for his father. During this time, the man was respectful and cordial. At the request of the USD 383 Superintendent, the man was prohibited from going into all USD 383 property and or attending activities. 



Around 9:30 a.m., police were called to Amanda Arnold Elementary School, 1435 Hudson Avenue in Manhattan. The school staff reported the man was at the school. Officers quickly arrived and arrested Samuel Osenga, 22, of Manhattan without incident for criminal trespass. 

Osenga was not in possession of any weapons at the time of his arrest and police have no reason to believe he had any intention of harming students at any school.


The RCPD said they want to emphasize that if officers believe there is a threat at any of the schools, "we will respond as quickly as possible and parents will be notified."&nbsp; 

"We continue to have a strong working relationship with all of our schools and their staff, and appreciate their cooperation in any investigations or incidents that occur. The safety of our community's children is and will remain a top priority at RCPD."

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with an incident involving schools in USD 383 Manhattan.Just after 7:30a.m. Thursday, police were called to Susan B. Anthony Middle School, 2501 Browning Ave. in Manhattan, for the report of a suspicious man in the building during the arrival time of students, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.This person was stopped by school staff, directed to the office, was asked to leave the school and refused. Ultimately, the school staff did the right thing and called police to come and investigate this person. During this time, students were held in their classrooms until the situation was resolved. Before officers arrived at the school, the man ended up leaving the building and driving away. 

He was found a short time later in the parking lot of University Christian Church, 2800 Claflin Road in Manhattan, which also operates as a preschool. The man made comments to officers that he was searching for his father. During this time, the man was respectful and cordial. At the request of the USD 383 Superintendent, the man was prohibited from going into all USD 383 property and or attending activities. 

Around 9:30 a.m., police were called to Amanda Arnold Elementary School, 1435 Hudson Avenue in Manhattan. The school staff reported the man was at the school. Officers quickly arrived and arrested Samuel Osenga, 22, of Manhattan without incident for criminal trespass. Osenga was not in possession of any weapons at the time of his arrest and police have no reason to believe he had any intention of harming students at any school.
The RCPD said they want to emphasize that if officers believe there is a threat at any of the schools, "we will respond as quickly as possible and parents will be notified."&nbsp; "We continue to have a strong working relationship with all of our schools and their staff, and appreciate their cooperation in any investigations or incidents that occur. The safety of our community's children is and will remain a top priority at RCPD."

Police: Man arrested after incidents at schools in Manhattan

WASHINGTON –&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on Thursday requested unanimous consent on the Senate Floor to adopt the Senate resolution to officially recognize the Kansas City Chiefs as Super Bowl LVII Champions. The Senate unanimously passed the resolution introduced by Senators Moran, Josh Hawley (Mo.), Roger Marshall and Eric Schmitt (Mo.).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/b/9/b9a2ffbe-864f-4419-88f9-49c1fadd3971/95ED5FA8C1CFAECB5C70F54BBE281CBF.chiefs.pdf">Click here to read the</a>&nbsp;resolution and click below to watch Senator Moran

Sen. Moran’s full remarks as prepared for delivery:

“For the second time in four seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs are Super Bowl Champions.

“Head Coach Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce cemented their Hall of Fame careers with another incredible season and Super Bowl VII victory.

“I also want to acknowledge Chiefs Owner Clark Hunt and Chiefs President Mark Donovan for running an exceptional organization and building the foundation for this remarkable team.

“Chiefs Kingdom – ranging from Kansas to Missouri to all across the Midwest – has the best fans in the NFL, and I look forward to the fan base growing even bigger as the Chiefs continue their dynasty for many years to come.

“I want to congratulate Kathy Nelson with the Kansas City Sports Commission and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas on a successful Super Bowl Parade that had an estimated one million people from Kansas and Missouri attend.

“Congratulations&nbsp;also to the training and medical staff from The University of Kansas Health System for getting the Chiefs players healthy and ready to win Super Bowl VII.

“Kansas City will again be in the spotlight soon as we host the NFL Draft this April. I look forward to showcasing what Kansas and Kansas City has to offer as we continue to grow our region.

“Congratulations&nbsp;again to the entire Kansas City Chiefs organization.”

WASHINGTON –&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on Thursday requested unanimous consent on the Senate Floor to adopt the Senate resolution to officially recognize the Kansas City Chiefs as Super Bowl LVII Champions. The Senate unanimously passed the resolution introduced by Senators Moran, Josh Hawley (Mo.), Roger Marshall and Eric Schmitt (Mo.).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/b/9/b9a2ffbe-864f-4419-88f9-49c1fadd3971/95ED5FA8C1CFAECB5C70F54BBE281CBF.chiefs.pdf">Click here to read the</a>&nbsp;resolution and click below to watch Senator Moran<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Os69DRN7S-o?start=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Sen. Moran’s full remarks as prepared for delivery:“For the second time in four seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs are Super Bowl Champions.“Head Coach Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce cemented their Hall of Fame careers with another incredible season and Super Bowl VII victory.“I also want to acknowledge Chiefs Owner Clark Hunt and Chiefs President Mark Donovan for running an exceptional organization and building the foundation for this remarkable team.“Chiefs Kingdom – ranging from Kansas to Missouri to all across the Midwest – has the best fans in the NFL, and I look forward to the fan base growing even bigger as the Chiefs continue their dynasty for many years to come.“I want to congratulate Kathy Nelson with the Kansas City Sports Commission and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas on a successful Super Bowl Parade that had an estimated one million people from Kansas and Missouri attend.“Congratulations&nbsp;also to the training and medical staff from The University of Kansas Health System for getting the Chiefs players healthy and ready to win Super Bowl VII.“Kansas City will again be in the spotlight soon as we host the NFL Draft this April. I look forward to showcasing what Kansas and Kansas City has to offer as we continue to grow our region.“Congratulations&nbsp;again to the entire Kansas City Chiefs organization.”

🎥U.S. Senate passes resolution honoring Chiefs as Super Bowl Champions

The Anthony Police Department reported that the Kansas Highway Patrol located Cindy Southern near Emporia. She is safe, and is doing well.

HARPER COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has issued a Statewide Silver Alert at the request of the Anthony Police Department for a missing Anthony woman.

The whereabouts of 65-year-old Cindy Sue Southern are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.

On Wednesday, Feb. 15, Southern was traveling from Anthony, Kansas to Topeka, Kansas along with a moving truck. Southern was driving a 2010 gray Hyundai Santa Fe bearing Kansas tag 193RNZ. The driver of the moving truck last made contact with Southern at approximately 11:30 p.m., when she indicated she was at the Casey’s General Store in Wellington, Kansas. She hasn’t been heard from since.

Cindy Southern is a white female, 5 foot- 7 in. tall, weighing around 140 lbs. She has brown hair and brown eyes. Cindy has known heart and kidney conditions.

If you see Cindy Southern, or this vehicle, please immediately contact 911, or Harvey County Dispatch at (620) 842-3086

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676579366777.png" alt="Cindy Southern photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Cindy Southern photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>The Anthony Police Department reported that the Kansas Highway Patrol located Cindy Southern near Emporia. She is safe, and is doing well.------------HARPER COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has issued a Statewide Silver Alert at the request of the Anthony Police Department for a missing Anthony woman.The whereabouts of 65-year-old Cindy Sue Southern are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.On Wednesday, Feb. 15, Southern was traveling from Anthony, Kansas to Topeka, Kansas along with a moving truck. Southern was driving a 2010 gray Hyundai Santa Fe bearing Kansas tag 193RNZ. The driver of the moving truck last made contact with Southern at approximately 11:30 p.m., when she indicated she was at the Casey’s General Store in Wellington, Kansas. She hasn’t been heard from since.Cindy Southern is a white female, 5 foot- 7 in. tall, weighing around 140 lbs. She has brown hair and brown eyes. Cindy has known heart and kidney conditions.If you see Cindy Southern, or this vehicle, please immediately contact 911, or Harvey County Dispatch at (620) 842-3086

KBI: Silver Alert canceled; missing Kansas woman found safe

By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/16/kansas-house-committee-advances-bills-to-conserve-water-in-ogallala-aquifer/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Members of a Kansas House committee on Thursday passed <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/09/house-bill-calls-for-western-kansas-to-create-plans-to-save-the-ogallala-aquifer/">legislation meant to push officials in western Kansas</a> to come up with ideas to conserve water in the disappearing Ogallala Aquifer.

The legislation — along with a bill dedicating sales tax revenue to fund water projects —&nbsp;passed the <a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/ctte_h_water_1/">House Water Committee</a> on a voice vote with little opposition. It now moves to the full Kansas House of Representatives for consideration.

Both bills represent a leap forward for the <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/01/shooting-themselves-in-the-foot-committee-guts-kansas-bill-to-protect-water/">committee, which began studying water issues</a> in Kansas and suggesting possible solutions to the near-crisis state of the Ogallala two years ago.

“We think we have a very good start 
on this issue,” said Rep. Jim Minnix, R-Scott City, chairman of the 
House Water Committee. “We’ve got a long ways to go. But this is a 
really good beginning.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kgs.ku.edu/HighPlains/index.shtml">The Ogallala Aquifer</a>,
 which stretches across several Plains states, is the largest 
underground store of fresh water in the country. Following World War II,
 farmers began pumping water from the aquifer in droves to irrigate 
crops in arid western Kansas.

Less than a century later, the water is running out. Some parts of the aquifer have an estimated 10 or 20 years left. And <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/15/audit-finds-western-kansas-keeps-losing-water-despite-local-efforts/">a state audit found efforts by local groundwater management districts</a>, or GMDs, to save the aquifer vary widely.

One of the bills, sponsored by Rep. 
Lindsay Vaughn, D-Overland Park, the ranking minority member of the 
committee, would require GMDs report more information on their finances 
and conservation efforts to the state. They would also have to identify 
priority areas of their territories and submit plans to the state to 
conserve groundwater.

“We’re hoping that we’re empowering 
groundwater management districts to identify the most important areas 
that need to be addressed in relation to conserving and extending the 
life of the Ogallala Aquifer and then coming up with plans to do that,” 
Vaughn said.

Vaughn offered a compromise amendment
 during the discussion Thursday that clarified some points of the bill 
at the suggestion of GMDs and agricultural groups.

The bill had wide support, but one 
committee member, Rep. Brett Fairchild, R-St. John, said he would vote 
against the bill because of concern he heard from GMDs that the bill 
creates “paperwork and cost.”

Rep. Kenny Titus, R-Manhattan, said 
the bill left a lot of flexibility for the GMDs to come up with plans 
based on local input. He said he would support it.

“I think this bill strikes a good 
balance between moving the state as a whole forward protecting natural 
resources but leaving the crux of this in local control,” Titus said.

The other bill, sponsored by Minnix, 
carves off 1.231% of sales tax revenue to fund the state’s water plan. 
In the next fiscal year, that amounts to a projected $54.1 million. 
Minnix’s bill also creates other transfers to fund water projects.

That bill also received wide support.
 Rep. Cyndi Howerton, R-Wichita, said the state had shorted water 
projects to the tune of $84.5 million since 1991.

Several members said the funding bill was a historic step forward for solving Kansas’ water issues.

Rep. Doug Blex, R-Independence, called the legislation “a legacy for all of us.”

“I am really proud to be a part of the milestone that this committee has done here,” Blex said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676569830790.png" alt="The Kansas House Water Committee passed two bills to provide funding to projects and push local officials to conserve the Ogallala Aquifer. (Bill Johnson/Kansas Geological Survey)" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas House Water Committee passed two bills to provide funding to projects and push local officials to conserve the Ogallala Aquifer. (Bill Johnson/Kansas Geological Survey)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/16/kansas-house-committee-advances-bills-to-conserve-water-in-ogallala-aquifer/">Kansas Reflector</a>Members of a Kansas House committee on Thursday passed <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/09/house-bill-calls-for-western-kansas-to-create-plans-to-save-the-ogallala-aquifer/">legislation meant to push officials in western Kansas</a> to come up with ideas to conserve water in the disappearing Ogallala Aquifer.The legislation — along with a bill dedicating sales tax revenue to fund water projects —&nbsp;passed the <a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/ctte_h_water_1/">House Water Committee</a> on a voice vote with little opposition. It now moves to the full Kansas House of Representatives for consideration.Both bills represent a leap forward for the <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/01/shooting-themselves-in-the-foot-committee-guts-kansas-bill-to-protect-water/">committee, which began studying water issues</a> in Kansas and suggesting possible solutions to the near-crisis state of the Ogallala two years ago.“We think we have a very good start 
on this issue,” said Rep. Jim Minnix, R-Scott City, chairman of the 
House Water Committee. “We’ve got a long ways to go. But this is a 
really good beginning.”<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kgs.ku.edu/HighPlains/index.shtml">The Ogallala Aquifer</a>,
 which stretches across several Plains states, is the largest 
underground store of fresh water in the country. Following World War II,
 farmers began pumping water from the aquifer in droves to irrigate 
crops in arid western Kansas.Less than a century later, the water is running out. Some parts of the aquifer have an estimated 10 or 20 years left. And <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/15/audit-finds-western-kansas-keeps-losing-water-despite-local-efforts/">a state audit found efforts by local groundwater management districts</a>, or GMDs, to save the aquifer vary widely.One of the bills, sponsored by Rep. 
Lindsay Vaughn, D-Overland Park, the ranking minority member of the 
committee, would require GMDs report more information on their finances 
and conservation efforts to the state. They would also have to identify 
priority areas of their territories and submit plans to the state to 
conserve groundwater.“We’re hoping that we’re empowering 
groundwater management districts to identify the most important areas 
that need to be addressed in relation to conserving and extending the 
life of the Ogallala Aquifer and then coming up with plans to do that,” 
Vaughn said.Vaughn offered a compromise amendment
 during the discussion Thursday that clarified some points of the bill 
at the suggestion of GMDs and agricultural groups.The bill had wide support, but one 
committee member, Rep. Brett Fairchild, R-St. John, said he would vote 
against the bill because of concern he heard from GMDs that the bill 
creates “paperwork and cost.”Rep. Kenny Titus, R-Manhattan, said 
the bill left a lot of flexibility for the GMDs to come up with plans 
based on local input. He said he would support it.“I think this bill strikes a good 
balance between moving the state as a whole forward protecting natural 
resources but leaving the crux of this in local control,” Titus said.The other bill, sponsored by Minnix, 
carves off 1.231% of sales tax revenue to fund the state’s water plan. 
In the next fiscal year, that amounts to a projected $54.1 million. 
Minnix’s bill also creates other transfers to fund water projects.That bill also received wide support.
 Rep. Cyndi Howerton, R-Wichita, said the state had shorted water 
projects to the tune of $84.5 million since 1991.Several members said the funding bill was a historic step forward for solving Kansas’ water issues.Rep. Doug Blex, R-Independence, called the legislation “a legacy for all of us.”“I am really proud to be a part of the milestone that this committee has done here,” Blex said.

Kan. House committee advances bills to conserve Ogallala Aquifer

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A St. Louis woman depicted in videos pounding on a family’s door, terrorizing the family and hurling racial insults is facing charges.

But it took more than a year for charges to be filed because the original complaint languished before videos began receiving attention on social media.

A St. Louis circuit judge on Wednesday put in place a protection order against Judy Kline, 54, who was charged this month with burglary, property damage and unlawful use of a weapon after prosecutors reviewed the videos.

Doorbell videos posted online by Fatima Suarez received millions of views, along with sympathy for her family that’s of Mexican descent. She said the family didn’t know the woman who kept appearing at the front door.

In one video, the woman was heard saying, “You’re not American. Get off of my property.” Another time she called them “illegals” who didn’t belong in the home.

A police probable cause statement indicated the woman appeared on a doorbell video waving a hammer and using profanities before she smashed a basement window and the door of a drying machine on Jan. 5, 2022.

The original complaint ended up in a drop box for non-urgent, non-violent cases, according to Allison Hawk, spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office.

There’s a 24-hour turnaround for cases that are flagged as a public safety risk, and action was taken promptly when the videos came to the prosecutors’ attention, she said.

Kline did not appear at the hearing on Wednesday, and it's unknown if she has a lawyer. She didn’t return an email seeking comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676570331804.png" alt="Kline-photo from the doorbell camera courtesy KSDK TV" />
 <figcaption>Kline-photo from the doorbell camera courtesy KSDK TV</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) — A St. Louis woman depicted in videos pounding on a family’s door, terrorizing the family and hurling racial insults is facing charges.But it took more than a year for charges to be filed because the original complaint languished before videos began receiving attention on social media.A St. Louis circuit judge on Wednesday put in place a protection order against Judy Kline, 54, who was charged this month with burglary, property damage and unlawful use of a weapon after prosecutors reviewed the videos.Doorbell videos posted online by Fatima Suarez received millions of views, along with sympathy for her family that’s of Mexican descent. She said the family didn’t know the woman who kept appearing at the front door.In one video, the woman was heard saying, “You’re not American. Get off of my property.” Another time she called them “illegals” who didn’t belong in the home.A police probable cause statement indicated the woman appeared on a doorbell video waving a hammer and using profanities before she smashed a basement window and the door of a drying machine on Jan. 5, 2022.The original complaint ended up in a drop box for non-urgent, non-violent cases, according to Allison Hawk, spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office.There’s a 24-hour turnaround for cases that are flagged as a public safety risk, and action was taken promptly when the videos came to the prosecutors’ attention, she said.Kline did not appear at the hearing on Wednesday, and it's unknown if she has a lawyer. She didn’t return an email seeking comment.

Mo. woman arrested after video showed her harassing family

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A Texas prosecutor on Wednesday moved to dismiss a felony domestic violence case against former Texas basketball coach Chris Beard, in part because of the alleged victim’s wishes not to prosecute.

Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza said that “after a careful and thorough review of the evidence” and considering the wishes of Randi Trew, Beard’s fiancée, his office determined the charge of assault by strangulation/suffocation-family violence could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Beard was arrested Dec. 12 after Trew called 911 and told officers that Beard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-austin-texas-prisons-violence-579d283260eb916721681dbb3270e06a">strangled, bit and hit her</a>&nbsp;during a confrontation in his home.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-texas-chris-beard-top-25-college-basketball-today-99133534a0645c7318c6557d425d5dcf">She later said Beard didn’t choke her</a>, and that he defended himself from her. She added that she never intended him to be arrested and prosecuted.

“Everyone knows that Coach Beard has maintained his absolute innocence since the moment he was arrested,” said Perry Minton, Beard’s attorney. “Additionally, this district attorney has a well-earned reputation for being very tough regarding domestic violence cases. The fact that Mr. Garza’s review resulted in this determination so quickly says a lot. We are very pleased.”

The Associated Press does not typically identify alleged victims of sexual abuse or domestic violence, but Trew issued a public statement on Dec. 23 about Beard’s arrest and their fight that night, disputing several elements of the initial police account.

The third-degree felony charge carried a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison if prosecutors had pressed the case to conviction.

“Our office takes all domestic abuse cases seriously to ensure justice for the victims,” Garza said. “In every case, we are obligated to evaluate the facts and evidence and do our best to reach an outcome that will keep the victim and our community safe.”

Garza also defended his office’s record of pursuing domestic violence cases, noting his office has secured more than 1,000 convictions in family violence cases since 2021, with more than 200 people going to prison.

According to the police affidavit in support of Beard’s arrest, Trew initially told officers he strangled her from behind to the point where she couldn’t breathe for several seconds. The affidavit listed several visible signs of an altercation, including bite marks on her arm and abrasions on her face and leg.

According to the affidavit, Trew initally told police “he choked me, bit me, bruises all over my leg, throwing me around and going nuts.” Her later statement did not address why she called 911 or several of the physical injuries described in the police report.

Texas suspended Beard without pay the day he was arrested.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-sports-chris-beard-texas-law-enforcement-64f650d82cd95028ad80ae5946fe2e24">He was fired on Jan. 5</a>&nbsp;when Texas officials told Beard’s attorney he was “unfit” to lead the program.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-new-mexico-state-aggies-texas-longhorns-top-25-college-basketball-today-mens-d9601fa3c93f7e4fa792f6c5f6196047">Texas has been led by interim coach Rodney Terry since Dec. 12</a>. The Longhorns are ranked No. 6 and share first place in the Big 12.

A University of Texas spokesman declined comment Wednesday.

Beard had five years left on a seven-year guaranteed contract that included a provision saying he could be fired for cause if he was charged with a felony or committed other behavior unbecoming of his position or that reflected poorly on the university.

The university’s vice president of legal affairs, Jim Davis, wrote in a letter to Beard’s attorney on the day the coach was fired that Beard engaged in “unacceptable behavior that makes him unfit to serve as head coach at our university.”

Whether prosecutors continue with the case does not determine whether Beard engaged in conduct unbecoming of the school, Davis wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670872672542.png" alt="Beard from his arrest in Travis County" />
 <figcaption>Beard from his arrest in Travis County</figcaption>
 </figure>AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A Texas prosecutor on Wednesday moved to dismiss a felony domestic violence case against former Texas basketball coach Chris Beard, in part because of the alleged victim’s wishes not to prosecute.Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza said that “after a careful and thorough review of the evidence” and considering the wishes of Randi Trew, Beard’s fiancée, his office determined the charge of assault by strangulation/suffocation-family violence could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670863360648.png" alt="Travis County jail records" />
 <figcaption>Travis County jail records</figcaption>
 </figure>Beard was arrested Dec. 12 after Trew called 911 and told officers that Beard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-austin-texas-prisons-violence-579d283260eb916721681dbb3270e06a">strangled, bit and hit her</a>&nbsp;during a confrontation in his home.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-texas-chris-beard-top-25-college-basketball-today-99133534a0645c7318c6557d425d5dcf">She later said Beard didn’t choke her</a>, and that he defended himself from her. She added that she never intended him to be arrested and prosecuted.“Everyone knows that Coach Beard has maintained his absolute innocence since the moment he was arrested,” said Perry Minton, Beard’s attorney. “Additionally, this district attorney has a well-earned reputation for being very tough regarding domestic violence cases. The fact that Mr. Garza’s review resulted in this determination so quickly says a lot. We are very pleased.”The Associated Press does not typically identify alleged victims of sexual abuse or domestic violence, but Trew issued a public statement on Dec. 23 about Beard’s arrest and their fight that night, disputing several elements of the initial police account.The third-degree felony charge carried a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison if prosecutors had pressed the case to conviction.“Our office takes all domestic abuse cases seriously to ensure justice for the victims,” Garza said. “In every case, we are obligated to evaluate the facts and evidence and do our best to reach an outcome that will keep the victim and our community safe.”Garza also defended his office’s record of pursuing domestic violence cases, noting his office has secured more than 1,000 convictions in family violence cases since 2021, with more than 200 people going to prison.According to the police affidavit in support of Beard’s arrest, Trew initially told officers he strangled her from behind to the point where she couldn’t breathe for several seconds. The affidavit listed several visible signs of an altercation, including bite marks on her arm and abrasions on her face and leg.According to the affidavit, Trew initally told police “he choked me, bit me, bruises all over my leg, throwing me around and going nuts.” Her later statement did not address why she called 911 or several of the physical injuries described in the police report.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672954198060.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Texas suspended Beard without pay the day he was arrested.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-sports-chris-beard-texas-law-enforcement-64f650d82cd95028ad80ae5946fe2e24">He was fired on Jan. 5</a>&nbsp;when Texas officials told Beard’s attorney he was “unfit” to lead the program.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-new-mexico-state-aggies-texas-longhorns-top-25-college-basketball-today-mens-d9601fa3c93f7e4fa792f6c5f6196047">Texas has been led by interim coach Rodney Terry since Dec. 12</a>. The Longhorns are ranked No. 6 and share first place in the Big 12.A University of Texas spokesman declined comment Wednesday.Beard had five years left on a seven-year guaranteed contract that included a provision saying he could be fired for cause if he was charged with a felony or committed other behavior unbecoming of his position or that reflected poorly on the university.The university’s vice president of legal affairs, Jim Davis, wrote in a letter to Beard’s attorney on the day the coach was fired that Beard engaged in “unacceptable behavior that makes him unfit to serve as head coach at our university.”Whether prosecutors continue with the case does not determine whether Beard engaged in conduct unbecoming of the school, Davis wrote.

DA drops felony domestic violence case against ex-Texas coach 

By RACHEL MIPRO and SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/15/critics-call-proposed-kansas-womens-bill-of-rights-sexist-transphobic/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Lawmakers unrolled a new 
bill that would bar transgender women from female-only spaces under the 
assumption that biological women tend to be naturally weaker and more 
vulnerable to violence than men.&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb180/">Senate Bill 180</a>
 was given about 30 minutes of discussion at Wednesday’s Senate Public 
Health and Welfare Committee hearing, a time frame that critics have 
said is woefully inadequate to address all the bill’s implications. The 
bill has been called a women’s bill of rights, a designation that bill 
opponent Caroline Dean rejected.

Dean, a pastor with the 
Kansas-Oklahoma Conference of the United Church of Christ, and 
spokeswoman for the Kansas Interfaith Action, said the bill didn’t 
actually recognize any rights for women.&nbsp;

“The irony of this ‘Women’s Bill of 
Rights’ is that it doesn’t enumerate any actual rights, instead focusing
 on weaponizing the rhetoric of rights to erase protections for 
transgender and nonbinary people,” Dean said. “But I can name some 
rights that women need: the right to pay equity. The right to be free of
 gendered violence and sexual discrimination. The right to have 
affordable childcare, and to have access to healthcare when I or my 
children are in need.”&nbsp;

SB 180 would define “female” as 
people with biological reproductive systems that are developed to 
produce ova, an definition critics have said excludes intersex women and
 alienates women without ovaries.&nbsp;

The bill states that separate 
accommodations based on biological sex aren’t unequal, and that 
biological women sometimes need women-only social, educational, athletic
 and other spaces to ensure safety. This would include domestic violence
 shelters, restrooms and locker rooms.&nbsp;

One part of the bill says that “male 
individuals are, on average, bigger, stronger and faster than female 
individuals,” as justification for biology-based separation. Similar 
legislation has been introduced in North Dakota, Oklahoma and Arizona, 
among other states.&nbsp;

Former
 University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines, who has made numerous 
national appearances in support of transgender sports bans, said she had
 personally experienced unfair competition.&nbsp;

Gaines swam competitively at Kentucky
 for four years and was a five-time SEC champion, 12-time NCAA 
All-American and two-time Olympic qualifier. She swam against Lia 
Thomas, the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I 
national championship in swimming. In the 200 freestyle final at the 
NCAA championships, Thomas and Gaines tied for fifth place.&nbsp;

Gaines referenced the competition, 
saying people like Thomas were taking over female sports spaces at an 
“alarming rate,” across all athletic levels and ages, though there is 
little evidence of widespread competition from transgender athletes.

In an interview after the hearing, 
Gaines told the Reflector that the media wasn’t doing a good job of 
reporting on biological males competing as females but that there were 
many cases of it happening.&nbsp;

&nbsp;In Kansas, only two public school students across the state <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/13/kansas-democrats-describe-attempt-to-ban-transgender-student-athletes-as-crushing-weight/">would be affected by a transgender sports ban</a>, according to the Kansas State High School Activities Association.

Proponents speaking in favor of this 
bill and other anti-trans legislation have been mostly from out of the 
state, or from national organizations. During a Tuesday hearing about 
effectively banning gender-affirming care, national anti-transgender 
activists were flown in from North Carolina and California <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/14/bill-blocking-gender-affirming-care-for-kansas-transgender-youth-panned-by-opponents/">to give their testimony</a>.&nbsp;

Gaines said it wasn’t important that 
she had no Kansas connections because her religion and nationality 
qualified her to speak on the issue.&nbsp;

“It doesn’t matter to me where it’s 
coming from,” Gaines said. “One, I identify myself as a Christian and 
two, I’m an American, and so I’m willing to help advocate for anyone in 
this nation who is having to deal with comparing themselves to a 
biological male.”&nbsp;

Bill opponents said they did care 
that people from out of state were given a significant platform to speak
 on Kansas policies, especially with the short allotment of time given 
for SB 180. &nbsp;Kansas ACLU policy director Aileen Berquist said she wanted more Kansas voices to be heard.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“My understanding is that they are 
jumping from state to state, pushing a very specific agenda,” Berquist 
said. “The people who are opponents of this bill are living, working, 
having children and fighting this hatred in our communities every day, 
and they deserve to have their voices heard.”&nbsp;

Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park
 Democrat, complained that Sen. Beverly Gossage, a Eudora Republican who
 serves as chairwoman of the Senate health committee, scheduled multiple
 hearings on complex bills on the same day.&nbsp;

After the womens’ bill of rights bill
 was heard, the committee had about 15 minutes to discuss a proposed ban
 on using telemedicine to prescribe abortion drugs.&nbsp;

“I feel like we’re trying to cram 
through a lot of things in a very short time,” Holscher said. “And these
 are very serious matters. We have the professionals here, the experts 
here.”

Gossage told the committee members they were running out of time to consider legislation this session.

“As you know, bills came in very late
 this year compared to other years,” Gossage said. “That’s one of the 
reasons why things feel a little bit rushed, because we actually only 
have two days next week to finish up our hearings, and final action on 
bills, giving us very little time.”

She asked members if they would be 
willing to work on Friday this week, but Sen. Mark Steffen, a Hutchinson
 Republican, and Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, objected.

“I’d rather do anything but that,” Steffen said. “I have business responsibilities.”

“I know you do,” Gossage said. “we all do.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676492432091.png" alt="Caroline Dean spoke against a proposed women’s bill of rights during a Feb. 15, 2023 hearing, saying the legislation doesn’t actually benefit women. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Caroline Dean spoke against a proposed women’s bill of rights during a Feb. 15, 2023 hearing, saying the legislation doesn’t actually benefit women. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO and SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/15/critics-call-proposed-kansas-womens-bill-of-rights-sexist-transphobic/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Lawmakers unrolled a new 
bill that would bar transgender women from female-only spaces under the 
assumption that biological women tend to be naturally weaker and more 
vulnerable to violence than men.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb180/">Senate Bill 180</a>
 was given about 30 minutes of discussion at Wednesday’s Senate Public 
Health and Welfare Committee hearing, a time frame that critics have 
said is woefully inadequate to address all the bill’s implications. The 
bill has been called a women’s bill of rights, a designation that bill 
opponent Caroline Dean rejected.Dean, a pastor with the 
Kansas-Oklahoma Conference of the United Church of Christ, and 
spokeswoman for the Kansas Interfaith Action, said the bill didn’t 
actually recognize any rights for women.&nbsp;“The irony of this ‘Women’s Bill of 
Rights’ is that it doesn’t enumerate any actual rights, instead focusing
 on weaponizing the rhetoric of rights to erase protections for 
transgender and nonbinary people,” Dean said. “But I can name some 
rights that women need: the right to pay equity. The right to be free of
 gendered violence and sexual discrimination. The right to have 
affordable childcare, and to have access to healthcare when I or my 
children are in need.”&nbsp;SB 180 would define “female” as 
people with biological reproductive systems that are developed to 
produce ova, an definition critics have said excludes intersex women and
 alienates women without ovaries.&nbsp;The bill states that separate 
accommodations based on biological sex aren’t unequal, and that 
biological women sometimes need women-only social, educational, athletic
 and other spaces to ensure safety. This would include domestic violence
 shelters, restrooms and locker rooms.&nbsp;One part of the bill says that “male 
individuals are, on average, bigger, stronger and faster than female 
individuals,” as justification for biology-based separation. Similar 
legislation has been introduced in North Dakota, Oklahoma and Arizona, 
among other states.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676492481760.png" alt="Riley Gaines, a former swimmer for the University of Kentucky, said transgender people are taking over women’s spaces during a Feb. 15 bill hearing. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Riley Gaines, a former swimmer for the University of Kentucky, said transgender people are taking over women’s spaces during a Feb. 15 bill hearing. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Former
 University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines, who has made numerous 
national appearances in support of transgender sports bans, said she had
 personally experienced unfair competition.&nbsp;Gaines swam competitively at Kentucky
 for four years and was a five-time SEC champion, 12-time NCAA 
All-American and two-time Olympic qualifier. She swam against Lia 
Thomas, the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I 
national championship in swimming. In the 200 freestyle final at the 
NCAA championships, Thomas and Gaines tied for fifth place.&nbsp;Gaines referenced the competition, 
saying people like Thomas were taking over female sports spaces at an 
“alarming rate,” across all athletic levels and ages, though there is 
little evidence of widespread competition from transgender athletes.In an interview after the hearing, 
Gaines told the Reflector that the media wasn’t doing a good job of 
reporting on biological males competing as females but that there were 
many cases of it happening.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Kansas, only two public school students across the state <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/13/kansas-democrats-describe-attempt-to-ban-transgender-student-athletes-as-crushing-weight/">would be affected by a transgender sports ban</a>, according to the Kansas State High School Activities Association.Proponents speaking in favor of this 
bill and other anti-trans legislation have been mostly from out of the 
state, or from national organizations. During a Tuesday hearing about 
effectively banning gender-affirming care, national anti-transgender 
activists were flown in from North Carolina and California <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/14/bill-blocking-gender-affirming-care-for-kansas-transgender-youth-panned-by-opponents/">to give their testimony</a>.&nbsp;Gaines said it wasn’t important that 
she had no Kansas connections because her religion and nationality 
qualified her to speak on the issue.&nbsp;“It doesn’t matter to me where it’s 
coming from,” Gaines said. “One, I identify myself as a Christian and 
two, I’m an American, and so I’m willing to help advocate for anyone in 
this nation who is having to deal with comparing themselves to a 
biological male.”&nbsp;Bill opponents said they did care 
that people from out of state were given a significant platform to speak
 on Kansas policies, especially with the short allotment of time given 
for SB 180. &nbsp;Kansas ACLU policy director Aileen Berquist said she wanted more Kansas voices to be heard.&nbsp;&nbsp;“My understanding is that they are 
jumping from state to state, pushing a very specific agenda,” Berquist 
said. “The people who are opponents of this bill are living, working, 
having children and fighting this hatred in our communities every day, 
and they deserve to have their voices heard.”&nbsp;Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park
 Democrat, complained that Sen. Beverly Gossage, a Eudora Republican who
 serves as chairwoman of the Senate health committee, scheduled multiple
 hearings on complex bills on the same day.&nbsp;After the womens’ bill of rights bill
 was heard, the committee had about 15 minutes to discuss a proposed ban
 on using telemedicine to prescribe abortion drugs.&nbsp;“I feel like we’re trying to cram 
through a lot of things in a very short time,” Holscher said. “And these
 are very serious matters. We have the professionals here, the experts 
here.”Gossage told the committee members they were running out of time to consider legislation this session.“As you know, bills came in very late
 this year compared to other years,” Gossage said. “That’s one of the 
reasons why things feel a little bit rushed, because we actually only 
have two days next week to finish up our hearings, and final action on 
bills, giving us very little time.”She asked members if they would be 
willing to work on Friday this week, but Sen. Mark Steffen, a Hutchinson
 Republican, and Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, objected.“I’d rather do anything but that,” Steffen said. “I have business responsibilities.”“I know you do,” Gossage said. “we all do.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676492532905.png" alt="Sens. Mark Steffen and Cindy Holscher chatted at a Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee meeting on Feb. 15, 2023. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sens. Mark Steffen and Cindy Holscher chatted at a Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee meeting on Feb. 15, 2023. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>

Critics: Proposed Kan. ‘women’s bill of rights’ sexist, transphobic

DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) — Ford Motor Co. has suspended production and halted shipments of the F-150 Lightning electric pickup after a battery caught fire during a pre-delivery quality check.

Production at Ford’s Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, has been stopped until at least the end of next week.

The automaker said in a statement Wednesday night it has no reason to believe electric pickups already in use by customers are affected by the battery issue.

“By the end of next week, we expect to conclude our investigation and apply what we learn to the truck’s battery production processes,” Ford spokeswoman Emma Bergg said in the statement. “This could take a few weeks.”

The fire happened at an outdoor lot nearby in Dearborn where vehicles are held for quality checks. The truck with the battery problem and two nearby vehicles were damaged by the fire, Bergg said. No injuries were reported.

The company believes it has identified the root cause of the battery problem, including the likely population of trucks affected by it. “We monitor vehicle data to help ensure our vehicles are performing as expected in the field,” Bergg said.

The company will continue to hold completed trucks until engineering and production changes are made.

Batteries for the trucks are supplied by SK Innovation, a Korean supplier with a factory in Georgia.

The production halt comes at an inopportune time for Ford, which has struggled with quality issues, recalls and high warranty costs for several years.

The problem also stops production of a popular product. Bergg said the company is still working through a backlog of nearly 200,000 reservations for the F-150 Lightning since it stopped taking them in December 2021. Reservation holders put down $100 deposits, which Ford was converting to orders.

Last year, Ford sold more than 15,000 of the trucks in its first full year of production.

There have been previous problems with the lithium-ion batteries used in most electric vehicles. Fires in the batteries can burn very hot and take thousands of gallons of water to extinguish, which has caused difficulty for firefighters attempting to put out battery fires in several Teslas after crashes. General Motors, Hyundai, BMW and others have issued recalls of the batteries.

DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) — Ford Motor Co. has suspended production and halted shipments of the F-150 Lightning electric pickup after a battery caught fire during a pre-delivery quality check.Production at Ford’s Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, has been stopped until at least the end of next week.The automaker said in a statement Wednesday night it has no reason to believe electric pickups already in use by customers are affected by the battery issue.“By the end of next week, we expect to conclude our investigation and apply what we learn to the truck’s battery production processes,” Ford spokeswoman Emma Bergg said in the statement. “This could take a few weeks.”The fire happened at an outdoor lot nearby in Dearborn where vehicles are held for quality checks. The truck with the battery problem and two nearby vehicles were damaged by the fire, Bergg said. No injuries were reported.The company believes it has identified the root cause of the battery problem, including the likely population of trucks affected by it. “We monitor vehicle data to help ensure our vehicles are performing as expected in the field,” Bergg said.The company will continue to hold completed trucks until engineering and production changes are made.Batteries for the trucks are supplied by SK Innovation, a Korean supplier with a factory in Georgia.The production halt comes at an inopportune time for Ford, which has struggled with quality issues, recalls and high warranty costs for several years.The problem also stops production of a popular product. Bergg said the company is still working through a backlog of nearly 200,000 reservations for the F-150 Lightning since it stopped taking them in December 2021. Reservation holders put down $100 deposits, which Ford was converting to orders.Last year, Ford sold more than 15,000 of the trucks in its first full year of production.There have been previous problems with the lithium-ion batteries used in most electric vehicles. Fires in the batteries can burn very hot and take thousands of gallons of water to extinguish, which has caused difficulty for firefighters attempting to put out battery fires in several Teslas after crashes. General Motors, Hyundai, BMW and others have issued recalls of the batteries.

Ford stops production of electric F-150 due to battery failure

Just after 10:15p.m., the officer and his police dog were on duty and on patrol in the area of Truman Road and Benton Boulevard when the patrol car was struck by another vehicle. The collision caused a secondary impact with a pedestrian.

The pedestrian and police K-9 was declared deceased at the scene, according to the release. EMS transported the officer to the hospital with critical injuries and he died.

The officer was a 20-year veteran of the KCPD and had been assigned to the K-9 Unit for nearly 3-years. His K9 partner  was an approximately 1-year veteran of the KCPD.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released names of the victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676552907457.png" alt="The driver of the citizen vehicle has minor injuries and is in custody for further investigation-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>The driver of the citizen vehicle has minor injuries and is in custody for further investigation-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City police officer, his K-9 partner and a pedestrian died in a crash Wednesday night.Just after 10:15p.m., the officer and his police dog were on duty and on patrol in the area of Truman Road and Benton Boulevard when the patrol car was struck by another vehicle. The collision caused a secondary impact with a pedestrian.The pedestrian and police K-9 was declared deceased at the scene, according to the release. EMS transported the officer to the hospital with critical injuries and he died.The driver of the citizen vehicle has minor injuries and is in custody for further investigationThe officer was a 20-year veteran of the KCPD and had been assigned to the K-9 Unit for nearly 3-years. His K9 partner was an approximately 1-year veteran of the KCPD.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released names of the victims.