KANSAS CITY– A Kansas man has been sentenced in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, which resulted in an overdose death, according to the United State's Attorney.

Jacob A. Block, 27, Olathe was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Block to forfeit to the government $10,000, which represents the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking.

On Feb. 1, 2024, Block pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and to one count of distributing fentanyl. 

Block admitted that he delivered 10 M-30 pills (containing fentanyl) to a confidential informant. Block possessed an additional 150 to 300 M-30 pills (containing fentanyl) at the time of this transaction.&nbsp; Block also admitted he sold a co-defendant approximately seven grams of powder fentanyl and 50 M-30 pills (containing fentanyl) five to seven days a week, for six or seven months.

All 13 defendants in this case have pleaded guilty. Block is the ninth defendant to be sentenced.

Co-defendant Dmitry Cattell, 25, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on May 2, 2024, to 21 years in federal prison without parole for leading the drug-trafficking conspiracy and for illegally possessing a firearm. Evidence was presented at Cattell’s sentencing hearing related to the delivery of fentanyl, the use of which caused the death of another person on May 18, 2020. The victim of the fatal overdose is not identified in court documents.

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas man has been sentenced in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, which resulted in an overdose death, according to the United State's Attorney.Jacob A. Block, 27, Olathe was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Block to forfeit to the government $10,000, which represents the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking.On Feb. 1, 2024, Block pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and to one count of distributing fentanyl. Block admitted that he delivered 10 M-30 pills (containing fentanyl) to a confidential informant. Block possessed an additional 150 to 300 M-30 pills (containing fentanyl) at the time of this transaction.&nbsp; Block also admitted he sold a co-defendant approximately seven grams of powder fentanyl and 50 M-30 pills (containing fentanyl) five to seven days a week, for six or seven months.All 13 defendants in this case have pleaded guilty. Block is the ninth defendant to be sentenced.Co-defendant Dmitry Cattell, 25, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on May 2, 2024, to 21 years in federal prison without parole for leading the drug-trafficking conspiracy and for illegally possessing a firearm. Evidence was presented at Cattell’s sentencing hearing related to the delivery of fentanyl, the use of which caused the death of another person on May 18, 2020. The victim of the fatal overdose is not identified in court documents.

Kansas fentanyl dealer sold to a confidential informant

RENO COUNTY —A Kansas home is a total loss after fire in Hutchinson.

On Wednesday afternoon, crews responded to report of a fire in the 200 block of West B. Avenue, according to a media release.

First arriving crews found a 2.5 story multi family residence with heavy smoke and fire showing from the 1st and 2nd floors. Crews attempted an aggressive interior attack through the front entry and were met with excessive storage conditions and high heat.

Crews were able to find a large area of fire and started extinguishment. As more crews arrived on scene, the fire escalated and entered the attic. All crews were removed from the interior of the structure and a defensive attack ensued. Crews used aerial operations and multiple handlines to get the fire under control. Fire was considered controlled after 90 minutes

The home was occupied by 7 people and multiple dogs. 4 were home at the time of the fire. 4 of the occupants were seen by Reno County EMS and one had minor medical concerns. No firefighter injuries were noted.

Investigation of the fire showed that a space heater started the fire. The home is a total loss displacing all 7 occupants. Red Cross provided assistance.

HFD crews worked in single digit temperatures for multiple hours. Hutchinson Fire appreciates the kind help from the many neighbors that stepped up and assisted with warm drinks.

HFD reminds homeowners to make sure that all space heaters have a 3-foot clear area to operate in and that the homes electrical system is capable of handling the power draw.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740013060865.jpeg" alt="Photo Hutchinson Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo Hutchinson Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —A Kansas home is a total loss after fire in Hutchinson.On Wednesday afternoon, crews responded to report of a fire in the 200 block of West B. Avenue, according to a media release.First arriving crews found a 2.5 story multi family residence with heavy smoke and fire showing from the 1st and 2nd floors. Crews attempted an aggressive interior attack through the front entry and were met with excessive storage conditions and high heat.Crews were able to find a large area of fire and started extinguishment. As more crews arrived on scene, the fire escalated and entered the attic. All crews were removed from the interior of the structure and a defensive attack ensued. Crews used aerial operations and multiple handlines to get the fire under control. Fire was considered controlled after 90 minutesThe home was occupied by 7 people and multiple dogs. 4 were home at the time of the fire. 4 of the occupants were seen by Reno County EMS and one had minor medical concerns. No firefighter injuries were noted.Investigation of the fire showed that a space heater started the fire. The home is a total loss displacing all 7 occupants. Red Cross provided assistance.HFD crews worked in single digit temperatures for multiple hours. Hutchinson Fire appreciates the kind help from the many neighbors that stepped up and assisted with warm drinks.HFD reminds homeowners to make sure that all space heaters have a 3-foot clear area to operate in and that the homes electrical system is capable of handling the power draw.

Kansas home a total loss after space heater fire

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Two Kansas men accused in a deadly gun fight made court appearances in the case Tuesday.

Sergio Clement Jr., 18 of Wichita, and Allen Griffin Jr., 22 of Wichita, are each charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Atorney's office.

Just before 6p.m.&nbsp; Feb. 11, police responded to reports of a shooting in the 1200 block of S. Bleckley in Wichita, according to Police Department spokesperson Brad Wright.

Officers arrived at the scene and found 23-year-old Manuel Roach with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a disturbance occurred involving Roach and three unidentified males dressed in all black. Following the incident, the suspects departed the scene in a white SUV before law enforcement arrival. The exact circumstances that led up to the shooting are still under investigation, according to Wright. Police do believe this was a targeted incident between individuals known to each other.

The 18-year-old identified as Clement arrived at a local hospital with a single gunshot wound to his lower extremity. Through the investigation, it was discovered that he and Griffin were involved in the fatal shooting of Manuel Roach. As a result, both were arrested and booked into Sedgwick County Jail.

&nbsp;Bond for Clement and for Griffin is one-million dollars. They are both due back in court March 3, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739445638977.png" alt="Clement was wounded in the gunfight." />
 <figcaption>Clement was wounded in the gunfight.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Two Kansas men accused in a deadly gun fight made court appearances in the case Tuesday.Sergio Clement Jr., 18 of Wichita, and Allen Griffin Jr., 22 of Wichita, are each charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Atorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739446909301.png" alt="Griffin-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Griffin-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 6p.m.&nbsp; Feb. 11, police responded to reports of a shooting in the 1200 block of S. Bleckley in Wichita, according to Police Department spokesperson Brad Wright.Officers arrived at the scene and found 23-year-old Manuel Roach with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Preliminary investigation indicates that a disturbance occurred involving Roach and three unidentified males dressed in all black. Following the incident, the suspects departed the scene in a white SUV before law enforcement arrival. The exact circumstances that led up to the shooting are still under investigation, according to Wright. Police do believe this was a targeted incident between individuals known to each other.The 18-year-old identified as Clement arrived at a local hospital with a single gunshot wound to his lower extremity. Through the investigation, it was discovered that he and Griffin were involved in the fatal shooting of Manuel Roach. As a result, both were arrested and booked into Sedgwick County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739989718610.png" alt="Police are looking for a third suspect in the case. Prosecutors charged Johnson on Friday." />
 <figcaption>Police are looking for a third suspect in the case. Prosecutors charged Johnson on Friday.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Bond for Clement and for Griffin is one-million dollars. They are both due back in court March 3, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;

Man wounded in fatal Kan. gun fight charged with murder

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Trump called Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator without elections," lashing out after the Ukrainian president said Trump was being influenced by Russian disinformation as he moves to end the Kremlin’s war against Ukraine on terms that Kyiv says are too favorable to Moscow.

On social media, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote," There will be no more blank checks to Ukraine under President Trump. It’s time for the war to end, and we must put America first."

In a post on Truth Social, Trump called Zelenskyy “a modestly successful comedian” who talked the United States into spending billions of dollars “to go into a War that couldn’t be won, that never had to start.” He said Ukraine would be unable to end the war without Trump’s help.

Trump’s post comes a day after he suggested in a news conference that Ukraine should hold elections as part of a peace plan.

“A Dictator without Elections,” Trump wrote Wednesday.

Zelenskyy was elected president in 2019 after a career as an entertainer. He resisted pressure to leave the country when Russia invaded in 2022, mounting a defense that protected the capital, Kyiv.

Zelenskyy accused Trump earlier Wednesday of living in a Russian-made “disinformation space.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727448951618.png" alt="Trump and Zelenskyy during a September meeting in Washington-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Trump and Zelenskyy during a September meeting in Washington-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —President Trump called Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator without elections," lashing out after the Ukrainian president said Trump was being influenced by Russian disinformation as he moves to end the Kremlin’s war against Ukraine on terms that Kyiv says are too favorable to Moscow.On social media, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote," There will be no more blank checks to Ukraine under President Trump. It’s time for the war to end, and we must put America first."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739996136179.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In a post on Truth Social, Trump called Zelenskyy “a modestly successful comedian” who talked the United States into spending billions of dollars “to go into a War that couldn’t be won, that never had to start.” He said Ukraine would be unable to end the war without Trump’s help.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Q: &quot;Would you call Ukrainian President Zelensky a dictator, as President Trump has?&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/LeaderJohnThune?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LeaderJohnThune</a>: &quot;The president speaks for himself. What I want to see is a peaceful result, a peaceful outcome.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/vV72SqclTf">pic.twitter.com/vV72SqclTf</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1892295546938794112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump’s post comes a day after he suggested in a news conference that Ukraine should hold elections as part of a peace plan.“A Dictator without Elections,” Trump wrote Wednesday.Zelenskyy was elected president in 2019 after a career as an entertainer. He resisted pressure to leave the country when Russia invaded in 2022, mounting a defense that protected the capital, Kyiv.Zelenskyy accused Trump earlier Wednesday of living in a Russian-made “disinformation space.”

Kan. U.S. Senator: No more blank checks to Ukraine under Trump

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Seven men from Chile have been charged in Florida federal court with orchestrating burglaries at the homes of prominent professional athletes around the country, according to a criminal complaint.

The FBI complaint doesn't name the athletes, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mahomes-kelce-burrow-doncic-home-break-ins-b0b86ccc340872da2612f9714d497d41">lists burglaries already made public</a>&nbsp;involving the Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, as well as players for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies.

According to the complaint, the defendants are part of a burglary ring that “is known to target high-profile professional athletes when they are known to be away from home.” The men allegedly stole about $2 million in watches, jewelry, cash and other valuables, including a safe they later cracked.

Each defendant is charged with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, which carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence. It wasn't clear Wednesday whether they are in custody, and Tampa federal court records don't list attorneys for any of them.

The defendants are listed as Pablo Zuniga Cartes, 24; Ignacio Zuniga Cartes, 20; Bastian Jimenez Freraut, 27; Jordan Quiroga Sanchez, 22; Bastian Orellano Morales, 23; Alexander Huiaguil Chavez, 24; and Sergio Ortega Cabello, 38. Although the FBI identifies them as Chilean in the charging documents, it doesn’t say whether any or all of them are also U.S. citizens or are legally in the country.

Some were arrested in January after a traffic stop in Ohio on state charges for allegedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/athlete-burglaries-joe-burrow-indictments-b3683dbdfe382eb076da7cb80ca3b803">breaking into the home of Burrow,</a>&nbsp;the Bengals' quarterback. The federal charges in Tampa were filed Jan. 30.

Much of the evidence outlined in the FBI complaint is from cellphone data, surveillance video and license plate readers that allegedly place the defendants in the vicinity of the burglaries. They typically used crude methods such a breaking windows or prying open sliding glass doors with crowbars.

The burglars, according to the FBI affidavit, “will approach the residences from cover such as, but not limited to, a wooded or dark area" before breaking into the homes. One unnamed Tampa Bay Buccaneers player had about $167,000 in property stolen, including a Rolex watch, a Luis Vuitton suitcase, jewelry and a gun.

The group also took photos of themselves with some of the loot, which the FBI included in the criminal complaint. In one case, a suspect is seen wearing a Kansas City Chiefs shirt. The groups often will separate into smaller units to commit multiple burglaries, according to the FBI.

“However, though burglary groups may consist of four or five members, these separate groups often work in concert with one another, communicate with one another and (use) the same buyers of stolen merchandise,” the FBI affidavit says.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721168176429.jpeg" alt="File photo Patrick Mahomes-Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>File photo Patrick Mahomes-Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Seven men from Chile have been charged in Florida federal court with orchestrating burglaries at the homes of prominent professional athletes around the country, according to a criminal complaint.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735657584322.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The FBI complaint doesn't name the athletes, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mahomes-kelce-burrow-doncic-home-break-ins-b0b86ccc340872da2612f9714d497d41">lists burglaries already made public</a>&nbsp;involving the Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, as well as players for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies.According to the complaint, the defendants are part of a burglary ring that “is known to target high-profile professional athletes when they are known to be away from home.” The men allegedly stole about $2 million in watches, jewelry, cash and other valuables, including a safe they later cracked.Each defendant is charged with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, which carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence. It wasn't clear Wednesday whether they are in custody, and Tampa federal court records don't list attorneys for any of them.The defendants are listed as Pablo Zuniga Cartes, 24; Ignacio Zuniga Cartes, 20; Bastian Jimenez Freraut, 27; Jordan Quiroga Sanchez, 22; Bastian Orellano Morales, 23; Alexander Huiaguil Chavez, 24; and Sergio Ortega Cabello, 38. Although the FBI identifies them as Chilean in the charging documents, it doesn’t say whether any or all of them are also U.S. citizens or are legally in the country.Some were arrested in January after a traffic stop in Ohio on state charges for allegedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/athlete-burglaries-joe-burrow-indictments-b3683dbdfe382eb076da7cb80ca3b803">breaking into the home of Burrow,</a>&nbsp;the Bengals' quarterback. The federal charges in Tampa were filed Jan. 30.Much of the evidence outlined in the FBI complaint is from cellphone data, surveillance video and license plate readers that allegedly place the defendants in the vicinity of the burglaries. They typically used crude methods such a breaking windows or prying open sliding glass doors with crowbars.The burglars, according to the FBI affidavit, “will approach the residences from cover such as, but not limited to, a wooded or dark area" before breaking into the homes. One unnamed Tampa Bay Buccaneers player had about $167,000 in property stolen, including a Rolex watch, a Luis Vuitton suitcase, jewelry and a gun.The group also took photos of themselves with some of the loot, which the FBI included in the criminal complaint. In one case, a suspect is seen wearing a Kansas City Chiefs shirt. The groups often will separate into smaller units to commit multiple burglaries, according to the FBI.“However, though burglary groups may consist of four or five members, these separate groups often work in concert with one another, communicate with one another and (use) the same buyers of stolen merchandise,” the FBI affidavit says.

7 charged with burglarizing the homes of Mahomes, other star athletes

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22HEATHER%20HOLLINGSWORTH%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH&nbsp;</a>

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — An 86-year-old Missouri man has died just days after pleading guilty to a lesser charge in the 2023 shooting of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-kansas-city-wrong-door-b27aaabdb132fcb1544c97f7161f0027">Ralph Yarl</a>, a Black honor student who rang the white man’s doorbell by mistake, prosecutors announced Wednesday.

Andrew Lester of Kansas City was charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the shooting of the then-16-year-old, who survived and is now a freshman at Texas A&amp;M. Before his trial was scheduled to begin, he pleaded guilty Friday to a lesser charge of second-degree assault, which carries up to seven years behind bars. He was scheduled to be sentenced on March 7.

Cher Congour, a spokeswoman for the Clay County prosecutor’s office, said Lester’s attorney informed them of his death.

“We have learned of the passing of Andrew Lester and extend our sincere condolences to his family during this difficult time,” the prosecutor’s office said in a news release. “While the legal proceedings have now concluded, we acknowledge that Mr. Lester did take responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty in this case.”

The news release offered no cause of death. Kansas City police didn’t immediately respond to emails seeking comment. Sarah Boyd, a spokeswoman for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, didn’t immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press.

The case&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-guns-kansas-city-yarl-695a103f9fcbb6b441a7f021cf424c1a">shocked the country</a>&nbsp;and renewed national debate about gun policies and race in the U.S.

Yarl showed up on Lester’s doorstep on the night of April 13, 2023, after he mixed up the streets where he was supposed to pick up his twin siblings.

Lester’s attorney, Steve Salmon, had argued that Lester was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-shooting-stand-your-ground-69f91b0a09b25f9758219897f5890278">acting in self-defense</a>&nbsp;and that he was terrified by the stranger who knocked on his door as he settled into bed. Authorities say Lester shot Yarl twice: first in the head, then in the arm.

Yarl testified at a hearing that he rang the bell and then waited for someone to answer for what seemed “longer than normal.” As the inner door opened, Yarl said, he reached out to grab the storm door, assuming he was at his brothers’ friends’ parents.

He said Lester shot him in the head and uttered, “Don’t come here ever again.” Although the bullet didn’t penetrate Yarl’s brain, the impact knocked him to the ground. Yarl said Lester then shot him in the arm. The teen was taken to the hospital and released three days later.

His family said the shooting took a big emotional toll and they had filed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-wrong-house-missouri-lawsuit-d97c54d302212b002351bb72bd7e2562">a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against the retired aircraft mechanic.

“Now, another Black child harmed by prejudice will never see the man who shot him face the full weight of the justice system. While Lester finally admitted guilt, it came at the very last moment—after two years of stalling. That delay leaves our family reeling," Yarl's family said in a written statement Wednesday.

Salmon said last year that Lester’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-wrong-house-missouri-mental-competence-8fa61b24a186e9923fd12ae831b071b0">physical and mental condition had deteriorated</a>. He said Lester had heart issues, a broken hip and had been hospitalized. Lester also lost 50 pounds (23 kilograms), which Salmon blamed on the stress of intense media coverage and death threats he subsequently received.

During Friday’s hearing, the judge asked Lester whether he was in poor health. Lester responded yes.

“Ralph is doing his best to be okay,” a spokesperson for the family said in a text.

A judge had previously ordered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-wrong-house-missouri-mental-competence-0b1fbf93520507011305c40787d482ac">mental evaluation</a>&nbsp;of Lester but allowed for the trial to proceed after its completion. The results of that evaluation were not released publicly.

Lester’s grandson, Daniel Ludwig, didn’t immediately return a text message from The Associated Press seeking comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681726215314.png" alt="Ralph Yarl photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Ralph Yarl photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22HEATHER%20HOLLINGSWORTH%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH&nbsp;</a>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — An 86-year-old Missouri man has died just days after pleading guilty to a lesser charge in the 2023 shooting of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-kansas-city-wrong-door-b27aaabdb132fcb1544c97f7161f0027">Ralph Yarl</a>, a Black honor student who rang the white man’s doorbell by mistake, prosecutors announced Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681844207619.png" alt="Lester photo Clay County" />
 <figcaption>Lester photo Clay County</figcaption>
 </figure>Andrew Lester of Kansas City was charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the shooting of the then-16-year-old, who survived and is now a freshman at Texas A&amp;M. Before his trial was scheduled to begin, he pleaded guilty Friday to a lesser charge of second-degree assault, which carries up to seven years behind bars. He was scheduled to be sentenced on March 7.Cher Congour, a spokeswoman for the Clay County prosecutor’s office, said Lester’s attorney informed them of his death.“We have learned of the passing of Andrew Lester and extend our sincere condolences to his family during this difficult time,” the prosecutor’s office said in a news release. “While the legal proceedings have now concluded, we acknowledge that Mr. Lester did take responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty in this case.”The news release offered no cause of death. Kansas City police didn’t immediately respond to emails seeking comment. Sarah Boyd, a spokeswoman for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, didn’t immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press.The case&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-guns-kansas-city-yarl-695a103f9fcbb6b441a7f021cf424c1a">shocked the country</a>&nbsp;and renewed national debate about gun policies and race in the U.S.Yarl showed up on Lester’s doorstep on the night of April 13, 2023, after he mixed up the streets where he was supposed to pick up his twin siblings.Lester’s attorney, Steve Salmon, had argued that Lester was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-shooting-stand-your-ground-69f91b0a09b25f9758219897f5890278">acting in self-defense</a>&nbsp;and that he was terrified by the stranger who knocked on his door as he settled into bed. Authorities say Lester shot Yarl twice: first in the head, then in the arm.Yarl testified at a hearing that he rang the bell and then waited for someone to answer for what seemed “longer than normal.” As the inner door opened, Yarl said, he reached out to grab the storm door, assuming he was at his brothers’ friends’ parents.He said Lester shot him in the head and uttered, “Don’t come here ever again.” Although the bullet didn’t penetrate Yarl’s brain, the impact knocked him to the ground. Yarl said Lester then shot him in the arm. The teen was taken to the hospital and released three days later.His family said the shooting took a big emotional toll and they had filed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-wrong-house-missouri-lawsuit-d97c54d302212b002351bb72bd7e2562">a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against the retired aircraft mechanic.“Now, another Black child harmed by prejudice will never see the man who shot him face the full weight of the justice system. While Lester finally admitted guilt, it came at the very last moment—after two years of stalling. That delay leaves our family reeling," Yarl's family said in a written statement Wednesday.Salmon said last year that Lester’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-wrong-house-missouri-mental-competence-8fa61b24a186e9923fd12ae831b071b0">physical and mental condition had deteriorated</a>. He said Lester had heart issues, a broken hip and had been hospitalized. Lester also lost 50 pounds (23 kilograms), which Salmon blamed on the stress of intense media coverage and death threats he subsequently received.During Friday’s hearing, the judge asked Lester whether he was in poor health. Lester responded yes.“Ralph is doing his best to be okay,” a spokesperson for the family said in a text.A judge had previously ordered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralph-yarl-wrong-house-missouri-mental-competence-0b1fbf93520507011305c40787d482ac">mental evaluation</a>&nbsp;of Lester but allowed for the trial to proceed after its completion. The results of that evaluation were not released publicly.Lester’s grandson, Daniel Ludwig, didn’t immediately return a text message from The Associated Press seeking comment.

KC man who pleaded guilty to shooting teen who rang wrong doorbell dies

WASHINGTON (AP)—About 300 protestors, many of them current or former federal employees, rallied Tuesday outside the headquarters of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Amid frigid temperatures and light snow, attendees chanted slogans like “Funding, not freezes” and carried signs which proclaimed, “Protect civil servants because they protect you!”

Among the protesters was Ellen Bak, a former scientist with the National Institutes of Health who was terminated. Bak said her research into stem cells had essentially been lost. And since she was the lab manager, the rest of her team’s research has been slowed as they absorb her admin duties.

“The sheer amount of money and time and testing and care and effort,” she said. “Is it all just gone?”

WASHINGTON (AP)—About 300 protestors, many of them current or former federal employees, rallied Tuesday outside the headquarters of the Department of Health and Human Services.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Outside HHS at a rally to protest DOGE and cuts to National Institutes of Health: A Jalen Hurts sign ... <a href="https://t.co/IweJFrPlkt">pic.twitter.com/IweJFrPlkt</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1892264004166230144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Amid frigid temperatures and light snow, attendees chanted slogans like “Funding, not freezes” and carried signs which proclaimed, “Protect civil servants because they protect you!”Among the protesters was Ellen Bak, a former scientist with the National Institutes of Health who was terminated. Bak said her research into stem cells had essentially been lost. And since she was the lab manager, the rest of her team’s research has been slowed as they absorb her admin duties.“The sheer amount of money and time and testing and care and effort,” she said. “Is it all just gone?”

🎥Hundreds rally against federal workforce cuts outside HHS building

WASHINGTON (AP) —The wife of a Connecticut man who died in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dc-crash-investigation-american-airlines-helicopter-ntsb-acc8bf751427eb6824d9d1fad30895b8">last month's collision</a>&nbsp;between a passenger jet and a military helicopter near Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan National Airport has filed what are believed to be the first legal claims over the crash that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-plane-collision-victims-ee829891574aa35a30d8262b7e07e638">killed 67 people.</a>

The claims by Rachel Crafton were filed Tuesday against the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Army, with each seeking $250 million for alleged wrongdoing that led to the collision and death of Casey Crafton, 40, of Salem, Connecticut, according to her Chicago-based lawyer, Robert Clifford.

The filings were made under the Federal Tort Claims Act and are a required precursor to a lawsuit. If the FAA and Army either reject or do not act on the claims within six months, a civil wrongful death lawsuit can be filed in federal court.

“The families are filing this to achieve their goal of taking the first step towards what the whole world knows will be eventual litigation against the FAA for its air traffic control and the U.S. Army relative to the operations of the helicopter," Clifford said in an interview Wednesday.

Clifford, who said he represents other crash victims' families, said the claims were based on public comments federal officials have made about the crash, including alleged understaffing at the air traffic control tower, the helicopter pilot flying above the 200-foot (61-meter) limit near the airport and communication lapses between air traffic control and the aircraft.

Clifford also sent letters to American Airlines, Sikorsky Aircraft and Collins Aerospace demanding that they preserve any evidence relating to the crash.

The FAA said Wednesday that it does not comment on potential litigation. The Army did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

On Jan. 29, American Airlines Flight 5342 was coming in from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, as it approached Reagan National to land on a clear Wednesday night. At the same time, an Army Black Hawk, made by Sikorsky, was on a training exercise with three soldiers aboard. The two aircraft collided and plunged into the Potomac River, killing everyone on board the jet and helicopter.

It was the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-crashes-history-washington-ee55776ea0c5f9e322fc77ea1ea452d1">deadliest plane crash in the U.S.</a>&nbsp;since 2001, when a jet slammed into a New York City neighborhood just after takeoff, killing all 260 people on board and five more on the ground.

Investigators have said the helicopter may have had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-national-airport-aircraft-crash-ntsb-3dec2686beb43ada10ce392c857751cc">inaccurate altitude readings</a>&nbsp;in the moments before the crash, and the crew may not have heard key instructions from air traffic controllers. The collision likely occurred at an altitude just under 300 feet (91 meters), as the plane descended toward the helicopter, which was well above its 200-foot (61-meter) limit for that location.

Clifford also cited an FAA report that said the air traffic control staffing “was not normal” at the time of the crash. One air traffic controller was responsible for both coordinating helicopter traffic and arriving and departing planes, when those duties are often divided between two controllers, the report said. But the airport typically combines those roles at night when traffic begins to slow.

Casey Crafton was a technical support manager for an aviation consulting firm who was returning from a business trip to Wichita when he died. He and Rachel Crafton had three young sons, ages 7, 10 and 12, and he coached their youth soccer and baseball teams.

"They will be grieving him for the rest of their lives that will never be the same,” Clifford said. “This crash involves complex matters, and the family deserves answers as to what happened to their loved one.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738703092495.png" alt="The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District, working with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USCGMidAtlantic?__cft__[0]=AZVaKqPNSiwSuKRH01L03JB8k_89iOrQZOlRWtfzOBsAJCt3z8QQvEYQa8XpseNu6lXA2LDrRWcHbQW3Fa1vXPGXU-T_5Dh2wbhpnKG7qo382L0qE0fMgmG5jv5Z_FFWJHRL1dX62558wBmmNSH_sOYY5t0GOUldAsRj2QW9WelwbsHdhaP3oE4VMMl2yUaEBbw&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USNavy?__cft__[0]=AZVaKqPNSiwSuKRH01L03JB8k_89iOrQZOlRWtfzOBsAJCt3z8QQvEYQa8XpseNu6lXA2LDrRWcHbQW3Fa1vXPGXU-T_5Dh2wbhpnKG7qo382L0qE0fMgmG5jv5Z_FFWJHRL1dX62558wBmmNSH_sOYY5t0GOUldAsRj2QW9WelwbsHdhaP3oE4VMMl2yUaEBbw&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">U.S. Navy</a>&nbsp;Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV), began wreckage removal operations on Monday, at the site of the Potomac River Aviation Incident near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Phoso U.S. Army Corps of Engineers" />
 <figcaption>The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District, working with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USCGMidAtlantic?__cft__[0]=AZVaKqPNSiwSuKRH01L03JB8k_89iOrQZOlRWtfzOBsAJCt3z8QQvEYQa8XpseNu6lXA2LDrRWcHbQW3Fa1vXPGXU-T_5Dh2wbhpnKG7qo382L0qE0fMgmG5jv5Z_FFWJHRL1dX62558wBmmNSH_sOYY5t0GOUldAsRj2QW9WelwbsHdhaP3oE4VMMl2yUaEBbw&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USNavy?__cft__[0]=AZVaKqPNSiwSuKRH01L03JB8k_89iOrQZOlRWtfzOBsAJCt3z8QQvEYQa8XpseNu6lXA2LDrRWcHbQW3Fa1vXPGXU-T_5Dh2wbhpnKG7qo382L0qE0fMgmG5jv5Z_FFWJHRL1dX62558wBmmNSH_sOYY5t0GOUldAsRj2QW9WelwbsHdhaP3oE4VMMl2yUaEBbw&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">U.S. Navy</a>&nbsp;Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV), began wreckage removal operations on Monday, at the site of the Potomac River Aviation Incident near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Phoso U.S. Army Corps of Engineers</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The wife of a Connecticut man who died in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dc-crash-investigation-american-airlines-helicopter-ntsb-acc8bf751427eb6824d9d1fad30895b8">last month's collision</a>&nbsp;between a passenger jet and a military helicopter near Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan National Airport has filed what are believed to be the first legal claims over the crash that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-plane-collision-victims-ee829891574aa35a30d8262b7e07e638">killed 67 people.</a>The claims by Rachel Crafton were filed Tuesday against the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Army, with each seeking $250 million for alleged wrongdoing that led to the collision and death of Casey Crafton, 40, of Salem, Connecticut, according to her Chicago-based lawyer, Robert Clifford.The filings were made under the Federal Tort Claims Act and are a required precursor to a lawsuit. If the FAA and Army either reject or do not act on the claims within six months, a civil wrongful death lawsuit can be filed in federal court.“The families are filing this to achieve their goal of taking the first step towards what the whole world knows will be eventual litigation against the FAA for its air traffic control and the U.S. Army relative to the operations of the helicopter," Clifford said in an interview Wednesday.Clifford, who said he represents other crash victims' families, said the claims were based on public comments federal officials have made about the crash, including alleged understaffing at the air traffic control tower, the helicopter pilot flying above the 200-foot (61-meter) limit near the airport and communication lapses between air traffic control and the aircraft.Clifford also sent letters to American Airlines, Sikorsky Aircraft and Collins Aerospace demanding that they preserve any evidence relating to the crash.The FAA said Wednesday that it does not comment on potential litigation. The Army did not immediately return an email seeking comment.On Jan. 29, American Airlines Flight 5342 was coming in from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, as it approached Reagan National to land on a clear Wednesday night. At the same time, an Army Black Hawk, made by Sikorsky, was on a training exercise with three soldiers aboard. The two aircraft collided and plunged into the Potomac River, killing everyone on board the jet and helicopter.It was the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-crashes-history-washington-ee55776ea0c5f9e322fc77ea1ea452d1">deadliest plane crash in the U.S.</a>&nbsp;since 2001, when a jet slammed into a New York City neighborhood just after takeoff, killing all 260 people on board and five more on the ground.Investigators have said the helicopter may have had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-national-airport-aircraft-crash-ntsb-3dec2686beb43ada10ce392c857751cc">inaccurate altitude readings</a>&nbsp;in the moments before the crash, and the crew may not have heard key instructions from air traffic controllers. The collision likely occurred at an altitude just under 300 feet (91 meters), as the plane descended toward the helicopter, which was well above its 200-foot (61-meter) limit for that location.Clifford also cited an FAA report that said the air traffic control staffing “was not normal” at the time of the crash. One air traffic controller was responsible for both coordinating helicopter traffic and arriving and departing planes, when those duties are often divided between two controllers, the report said. But the airport typically combines those roles at night when traffic begins to slow.Casey Crafton was a technical support manager for an aviation consulting firm who was returning from a business trip to Wichita when he died. He and Rachel Crafton had three young sons, ages 7, 10 and 12, and he coached their youth soccer and baseball teams."They will be grieving him for the rest of their lives that will never be the same,” Clifford said. “This crash involves complex matters, and the family deserves answers as to what happened to their loved one.”

Victim's family files legal claims against FAA, Army over DC aircraft crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement investigating a fatal gun fight have two suspects in custody in connection with the crime and are asking the public for help to locate a third.

The Wichita Police Department is asking for information on the whereabouts of 20-year-old Jerry Johnson. On Friday, Johnson was charged by the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office in reference to his involvement to a homicide that occurred on February 11.

Just before 6p.m. Feb. 11, police responded to reports of a shooting in the 1200 block of S. Bleckley in Wichita, according to Police Department spokesperson Brad Wright.

An 18-year-old identified as Sergio Clement arrived at a local hospital with a single gunshot wound to his lower extremity. Through the investigation, it was discovered that Clement and 21-year-old Alan Griffin, Jr. were involved in the fatal shooting of Roach. As a result, both were arrested and booked into Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp;

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact investigators at 316-268-4407, Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111, or See Something Say Something at 316-519-2282.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement investigating a fatal gun fight have two suspects in custody in connection with the crime and are asking the public for help to locate a third.The Wichita Police Department is asking for information on the whereabouts of 20-year-old Jerry Johnson. On Friday, Johnson was charged by the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office in reference to his involvement to a homicide that occurred on February 11.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739989718610.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 6p.m. Feb. 11, police responded to reports of a shooting in the 1200 block of S. Bleckley in Wichita, according to Police Department spokesperson Brad Wright.Officers arrived at the scene and found 23-year-old Manuel Roach with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Preliminary investigation indicates that a disturbance occurred involving Roach and three unidentified males dressed in all black. Following the incident, the suspects departed the scene in a white SUV before law enforcement arrival. The exact circumstances that led up to the shooting are still under investigation, according to Wright. Police do believe this was a targeted incident between individuals known to each other.An 18-year-old identified as Sergio Clement arrived at a local hospital with a single gunshot wound to his lower extremity. Through the investigation, it was discovered that Clement and 21-year-old Alan Griffin, Jr. were involved in the fatal shooting of Roach. As a result, both were arrested and booked into Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp;Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact investigators at 316-268-4407, Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111, or See Something Say Something at 316-519-2282.

Police ask for help to locate Kansas murder suspect

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is giving America’s schools and universities two weeks to eliminate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-critical-race-theory-antisemitism-college-protests-18136b8c8f5adb9c75c47907e020268a">diversity initiatives</a>&nbsp;or risk losing federal money, raising the stakes in the president’s fight against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-woke-education-24f864d83e2f5745d12a79ebac0d7cc4">“wokeness”</a>&nbsp;and sowing confusion as schools scramble to comply.

In a memo Friday, the Education Department gave an ultimatum to stop using “racial preferences” as a factor in admissions, financial aid, hiring or other areas. Schools are being given 14 days to end any practice that treats students or workers differently because of their race.

Educators at colleges nationwide were rushing to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-dei-college-university-9f26a51617744de5c3f929a293027758">evaluate their risk</a>&nbsp;and decide whether to stand up for practices they believe are legal. The sweeping demand threatens to upend all aspects of campus operations, from essays on college applications to classroom lessons and campus clubs.

It’s meant to correct what the memo described as rampant discrimination in education, often against white and Asian students.

“Schools have been operating on the pretext that selecting students for ‘diversity’ or similar euphemisms is not selecting them based on race,” said Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights. “No longer. Students should be assessed according to merit, accomplishment and character.”

The guidance drew sharp backlash from civil rights groups and university groups. Some believe its vague language is meant to have a chilling effect, pressuring schools to eliminate anything touching on the topic of race even if it may be defensible in court.

“Creating a sense of risk around doing work that might promote diverse and welcoming campuses is much more of the goal than a clear statement of existing law,” said Jonathan Fansmith, senior vice president of government relations at the American Council on Education, an association of college presidents.

The memo is an extension of President Donald Trump’s executive order&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-executive-orders-dei-7ef0bf4ce1d465f6b61f3fcfde544593">banning diversity, equity and inclusion</a>&nbsp;programs. It reflects a change in the federal government’s interpretation of antidiscrimination laws. As legal justification, it cites the 2023&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-affirmative-action-college-race-f83d6318017ec9b9029b12ee2256e744#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The%20Supreme,to%20achieve%20diverse%20student%20bodies.">Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;barring race as a factor in college admissions.

“Put simply, educational institutions may neither separate or segregate students based on race, nor distribute benefits or burdens based on race,” it said.

On Monday the Education Department announced it also cut $600 million in grants for organizations that train teachers. The programs promoted “divisive” concepts like DEI, critical race theory and social justice activism, the department said.

The new guidance seeks to remove race from areas including financial aid, housing, graduation ceremonies, hiring and promotion. It takes aim directly at college admissions, suggesting colleges have sought to work around the Supreme Court's decision.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-application-affirmative-action-f0c006a6210ab244c1b6b4c2b1926b6d">College essays</a>, for instance, cannot be used to predict a student's race, the guidance says. In the Supreme Court decision, Chief Justice John Roberts said nothing prevents colleges “from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life,” though he warned that colleges couldn’t use essays as an indirect workaround to consider students’ race.

The memo also said it's unlawful for colleges to eliminate standardized testing requirements “to achieve a desired racial balance or to increase racial diversity.” Dozens of colleges across the U.S. have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/standardized-testing">dropped SAT and ACT requirements</a>&nbsp;in recent years, citing concerns the exams favor students from high-income families.

Practices that have long been commonplace could become legal liabilities, including recruiting in underrepresented areas or buying lists of potential students with certain academic and demographic information, said Angel B. Pérez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling.

“Colleges and universities are going to find themselves between a rock and a hard place,” Pérez said. “They know that what they’re doing is not illegal, but they are worried that if they do not comply, not having federal funding will decimate them.”

Some universities they expect little change. At Oregon State University, a legal review concluded that its programs “are fully compliant with all state and federal laws,” according to a campus message from Rob Odom, vice president of university relations and marketing.

The department memo appears to take aim at scholarships for students from certain racial backgrounds. There’s been legal debate about whether the Supreme Court decision extends to financial aid, with some schools and institutions deciding to scrap racial requirements for some scholarships.

The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators said there’s no consensus on the question, and the group is trying to understand how the memo could affect student aid.

“The last thing students need when making plans about how to pay for college is uncertainty over when or whether they will receive financial aid they’ve been relying on,” the group said in a statement.

The confusion around Trump's order was apparent at last week's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/linda-mcmahon-education-confirmation-hearing-417b1d36f9347b8279798fd311d211dc">confirmation hearing</a>&nbsp;for education secretary nominee Linda McMahon. Asked whether classes on African American history would run afoul of the president's order, McMahon said she wasn't certain.

Trump has called for the elimination of the Education Department, and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ies-musk-doge-education-cuts-4461d7bdbe9d55c5a411d8465999b011">slashed dozens of contracts</a>&nbsp;deemed wasteful.

The DOGE team won a legal victory on Monday when a federal judge declined to block it from federal student loan records. The judge said the plaintiff, the University of California Student Association, failed to prove it was harmed by DOGE's access to the data.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739919166661.jpeg" alt="Webcam view Tuesday Feb. 18 St. Louis University" />
 <figcaption>Webcam view Tuesday Feb. 18 St. Louis University</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is giving America’s schools and universities two weeks to eliminate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-critical-race-theory-antisemitism-college-protests-18136b8c8f5adb9c75c47907e020268a">diversity initiatives</a>&nbsp;or risk losing federal money, raising the stakes in the president’s fight against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-woke-education-24f864d83e2f5745d12a79ebac0d7cc4">“wokeness”</a>&nbsp;and sowing confusion as schools scramble to comply.In a memo Friday, the Education Department gave an ultimatum to stop using “racial preferences” as a factor in admissions, financial aid, hiring or other areas. Schools are being given 14 days to end any practice that treats students or workers differently because of their race.Educators at colleges nationwide were rushing to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-dei-college-university-9f26a51617744de5c3f929a293027758">evaluate their risk</a>&nbsp;and decide whether to stand up for practices they believe are legal. The sweeping demand threatens to upend all aspects of campus operations, from essays on college applications to classroom lessons and campus clubs.It’s meant to correct what the memo described as rampant discrimination in education, often against white and Asian students.“Schools have been operating on the pretext that selecting students for ‘diversity’ or similar euphemisms is not selecting them based on race,” said Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights. “No longer. Students should be assessed according to merit, accomplishment and character.”The guidance drew sharp backlash from civil rights groups and university groups. Some believe its vague language is meant to have a chilling effect, pressuring schools to eliminate anything touching on the topic of race even if it may be defensible in court.“Creating a sense of risk around doing work that might promote diverse and welcoming campuses is much more of the goal than a clear statement of existing law,” said Jonathan Fansmith, senior vice president of government relations at the American Council on Education, an association of college presidents.The memo is an extension of President Donald Trump’s executive order&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-executive-orders-dei-7ef0bf4ce1d465f6b61f3fcfde544593">banning diversity, equity and inclusion</a>&nbsp;programs. It reflects a change in the federal government’s interpretation of antidiscrimination laws. As legal justification, it cites the 2023&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-affirmative-action-college-race-f83d6318017ec9b9029b12ee2256e744#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The%20Supreme,to%20achieve%20diverse%20student%20bodies.">Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;barring race as a factor in college admissions.“Put simply, educational institutions may neither separate or segregate students based on race, nor distribute benefits or burdens based on race,” it said.On Monday the Education Department announced it also cut $600 million in grants for organizations that train teachers. The programs promoted “divisive” concepts like DEI, critical race theory and social justice activism, the department said.The new guidance seeks to remove race from areas including financial aid, housing, graduation ceremonies, hiring and promotion. It takes aim directly at college admissions, suggesting colleges have sought to work around the Supreme Court's decision.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-application-affirmative-action-f0c006a6210ab244c1b6b4c2b1926b6d">College essays</a>, for instance, cannot be used to predict a student's race, the guidance says. In the Supreme Court decision, Chief Justice John Roberts said nothing prevents colleges “from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life,” though he warned that colleges couldn’t use essays as an indirect workaround to consider students’ race.The memo also said it's unlawful for colleges to eliminate standardized testing requirements “to achieve a desired racial balance or to increase racial diversity.” Dozens of colleges across the U.S. have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/standardized-testing">dropped SAT and ACT requirements</a>&nbsp;in recent years, citing concerns the exams favor students from high-income families.Practices that have long been commonplace could become legal liabilities, including recruiting in underrepresented areas or buying lists of potential students with certain academic and demographic information, said Angel B. Pérez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling.“Colleges and universities are going to find themselves between a rock and a hard place,” Pérez said. “They know that what they’re doing is not illegal, but they are worried that if they do not comply, not having federal funding will decimate them.”Some universities they expect little change. At Oregon State University, a legal review concluded that its programs “are fully compliant with all state and federal laws,” according to a campus message from Rob Odom, vice president of university relations and marketing.The department memo appears to take aim at scholarships for students from certain racial backgrounds. There’s been legal debate about whether the Supreme Court decision extends to financial aid, with some schools and institutions deciding to scrap racial requirements for some scholarships.The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators said there’s no consensus on the question, and the group is trying to understand how the memo could affect student aid.“The last thing students need when making plans about how to pay for college is uncertainty over when or whether they will receive financial aid they’ve been relying on,” the group said in a statement.The confusion around Trump's order was apparent at last week's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/linda-mcmahon-education-confirmation-hearing-417b1d36f9347b8279798fd311d211dc">confirmation hearing</a>&nbsp;for education secretary nominee Linda McMahon. Asked whether classes on African American history would run afoul of the president's order, McMahon said she wasn't certain.Trump has called for the elimination of the Education Department, and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ies-musk-doge-education-cuts-4461d7bdbe9d55c5a411d8465999b011">slashed dozens of contracts</a>&nbsp;deemed wasteful.The DOGE team won a legal victory on Monday when a federal judge declined to block it from federal student loan records. The judge said the plaintiff, the University of California Student Association, failed to prove it was harmed by DOGE's access to the data.___

Trump admin. gives schools a deadline to end DEI programs or risk losing federal money

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

Kansas one of 10 states refusing to embrace wider Medicaid eligibility

TOPEKA — Kansas Senate Democrats attempted Tuesday to insert Medicaid expansion into a bill increasing legislative oversight over public assistance programs.

The outcome was the same in the Kansas House when a Democrat sought to drop a Medicaid reform package into a state government budget bill.

Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican, brought forth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb161/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 161</a>, which would require legislative approval for any changes to public assistance programs in Kansas if they seek to expand eligibility, increase costs to the state, request federal waivers or modify intellectual or developmental disability services.

A Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, Sen. Pat Pettey, took the opportunity during floor debate on the bill to introduce an amendment that would adopt the Healthcare Access for Working Kansans, or HAWK, Act.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and a handful of Democrats in the House and Senate announced in early February&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/06/kansas-governor-takes-another-swing-at-joining-41-states-that-have-expanded-medicaid/">the HAWK Act’s introduction</a>&nbsp;into both chambers. It was the governor’s seventh time trying for Medicaid expansion.

The proposal drew support from Democrats and health advocacy groups, but that support was tinged with criticism for a work requirement baked into the act.&nbsp;

It did not receive a hearing this session, Pettey pointed out Tuesday.

“Medicaid expansion is not political,” she said, referencing survey data that shows most Kansans support expansion or widespread access to affordable health care.&nbsp;

Kansas is one of 10 holdout states that have not expanded Medicaid.

“It saves lives,” Pettey said. “It saves Kansans money. It stabilizes rural hospitals. It brings taxpayers’ money back to Kansas.”

Pettey said the state has passed up on more than $8 billion by refusing to expand KanCare, as Medicaid is known in Kansas.

Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, pushed back.

“I agree that it is not partisan,” he said, “but there is a whole host of reasons not to do it.”&nbsp;

He acknowledged the lack of discussion on Medicaid expansion this session and encouraged it to take place, rather than block consideration of Pettey’s amendment.

“It’s not like Kansas isn’t getting its money back,” Masterson said. “Kansas is doing the right thing and putting the right people at the front of the line.”

Democrats’ efforts were unsuccessful without the support of a majority of Republicans. Pettey’s amendment&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/vote_view/je_20250218133629_925711/" target="_blank">failed</a>&nbsp;with 12 in favor — three Republicans and nine Democrats — and 28 Republicans opposed. Republicans who voted in favor were freshman Sen. Mike Argabright of Olpe, Sen. Rick Billinger of Goodland and Sen. Brenda Dietrich of Topeka.

Members of the Kansas House deflected an attempt to insert Medicaid expansion into next year’s state budget bill. The maneuver failed by a wide margin following lengthy debate. It was stopped with a roll call vote of 34-82. Republicans hold an 88-37 majority over Democrats in the House.

Rep. Suzanne Wikle, D-Lawrence, proposed a plan that would extend health coverage to about 150,000 lower-income workers across the state without costing the state treasury.

Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government must cover 90% of a state’s increased expenditures for Medicaid expansion. Congress adopted a supplemental incentive aimed at Kansas and other holdout states. The additional federal support would mean Kansas could save $78 million on Medicaid in the upcoming fiscal year by approving expansion.

“Budgets are a reflection of your priorities,” Wikle said. “Show me a budget and I’ll show you what you care about.”

Rep. Troy Waymaster, the Bunker Hill Republican who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, acknowledged the financial reality of Wikle’s proposal but urged lawmakers to reject her amendment.

“I recognize there might be some savings, but we need to vote this down,” Waymaster said. “If this were to pass, we’d have Medicaid expansion for one year. That’s it. Unless there is legislation that would pass in subsequent years.”

Rep. Nikki McDonald, D-Olathe, said it was frustrating House GOP leaders had again sought to stifle regular debate on fiscally responsible Medicaid expansion proposals in House committees and on the House floor. She urged rank-and-file Republicans to pressure their GOP leaders to bring about meaningful debate on Medicaid expansion rather than suppress an approach for improving access to affordable health care embraced by 40 states.

House members who didn’t believe it important to extend preventive health care to thousands of Kansans with modest incomes should take a different approach to Medicaid expansion, said Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton, D-Overland Park.

“If you’re not going to vote for this out of a moral reason, you should at least vote for this out of a cold-hearted business decision to make sure that our workforce is as healthy as possible so we can make sure we are working them as much as possible to help our economy,” Sawyer Clayton said.

In the Senate, the underlying bill on government efficiency was passed despite criticism from Democrats.

Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat, called the bill “inefficient” and said it added “layers of bureaucracy for even the simplest program changes.”

“That red tape could result in thousands of Kansans being unable to get time-sensitive help,” she said.&nbsp;

When the Legislature is not in session, oversight of public assistance program changes would shift to the Legislative Coordinating Council, which consists of the governor and House and Senate leadership.&nbsp;

More than half a dozen advocacy organizations indicated their opposition to the bill at a hearing before the GOP-led Senate Committee on Government Efficiency, which was created in response to and modeled after the federal initiative under billionaire Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which is not actually a federal department. However, Shawnee Republican Sen. Mike Thompson indicated at the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/17/kansas-senates-efficiency-committee-embraces-trio-of-bills-aimed-at-state-spending/">hearing</a>&nbsp;the bill could be a solution to complaints over the Kelly administration’s pursuit of changes to intellectual and developmental disabilities programs.

During the hearing and again on the Senate floor, Holscher said the bill could put at risk Kansas’ existing share of Medicaid funds, more than $3 billion for fiscal year 2025. That could be the case if certain federal deadlines, such as those associated with payment rate adjustments, are not met.&nbsp;

Legislators pushed bills through the Senate at a rapid clip Tuesday ahead of a self-imposed deadline Thursday to pass all bills that originated within the chamber. Senators on Tuesday gave first-round approval to more than 40 bills.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739971301681.jpeg" alt=" Sen. Pat Pettey, a Kansas City Democrat, in March 2023 at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sen. Pat Pettey, a Kansas City Democrat, in March 2023 at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Kansas one of 10 states refusing to embrace wider Medicaid eligibility</h2>TOPEKA — Kansas Senate Democrats attempted Tuesday to insert Medicaid expansion into a bill increasing legislative oversight over public assistance programs.The outcome was the same in the Kansas House when a Democrat sought to drop a Medicaid reform package into a state government budget bill.Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican, brought forth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb161/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 161</a>, which would require legislative approval for any changes to public assistance programs in Kansas if they seek to expand eligibility, increase costs to the state, request federal waivers or modify intellectual or developmental disability services.A Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, Sen. Pat Pettey, took the opportunity during floor debate on the bill to introduce an amendment that would adopt the Healthcare Access for Working Kansans, or HAWK, Act.Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and a handful of Democrats in the House and Senate announced in early February&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/06/kansas-governor-takes-another-swing-at-joining-41-states-that-have-expanded-medicaid/">the HAWK Act’s introduction</a>&nbsp;into both chambers. It was the governor’s seventh time trying for Medicaid expansion.The proposal drew support from Democrats and health advocacy groups, but that support was tinged with criticism for a work requirement baked into the act.&nbsp;It did not receive a hearing this session, Pettey pointed out Tuesday.“Medicaid expansion is not political,” she said, referencing survey data that shows most Kansans support expansion or widespread access to affordable health care.&nbsp;Kansas is one of 10 holdout states that have not expanded Medicaid.“It saves lives,” Pettey said. “It saves Kansans money. It stabilizes rural hospitals. It brings taxpayers’ money back to Kansas.”Pettey said the state has passed up on more than $8 billion by refusing to expand KanCare, as Medicaid is known in Kansas.Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, pushed back.“I agree that it is not partisan,” he said, “but there is a whole host of reasons not to do it.”&nbsp;He acknowledged the lack of discussion on Medicaid expansion this session and encouraged it to take place, rather than block consideration of Pettey’s amendment.“It’s not like Kansas isn’t getting its money back,” Masterson said. “Kansas is doing the right thing and putting the right people at the front of the line.”Democrats’ efforts were unsuccessful without the support of a majority of Republicans. Pettey’s amendment&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/vote_view/je_20250218133629_925711/" target="_blank">failed</a>&nbsp;with 12 in favor — three Republicans and nine Democrats — and 28 Republicans opposed. Republicans who voted in favor were freshman Sen. Mike Argabright of Olpe, Sen. Rick Billinger of Goodland and Sen. Brenda Dietrich of Topeka.<h2>Over in the House</h2>Members of the Kansas House deflected an attempt to insert Medicaid expansion into next year’s state budget bill. The maneuver failed by a wide margin following lengthy debate. It was stopped with a roll call vote of 34-82. Republicans hold an 88-37 majority over Democrats in the House.Rep. Suzanne Wikle, D-Lawrence, proposed a plan that would extend health coverage to about 150,000 lower-income workers across the state without costing the state treasury.Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government must cover 90% of a state’s increased expenditures for Medicaid expansion. Congress adopted a supplemental incentive aimed at Kansas and other holdout states. The additional federal support would mean Kansas could save $78 million on Medicaid in the upcoming fiscal year by approving expansion.“Budgets are a reflection of your priorities,” Wikle said. “Show me a budget and I’ll show you what you care about.”Rep. Troy Waymaster, the Bunker Hill Republican who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, acknowledged the financial reality of Wikle’s proposal but urged lawmakers to reject her amendment.“I recognize there might be some savings, but we need to vote this down,” Waymaster said. “If this were to pass, we’d have Medicaid expansion for one year. That’s it. Unless there is legislation that would pass in subsequent years.”Rep. Nikki McDonald, D-Olathe, said it was frustrating House GOP leaders had again sought to stifle regular debate on fiscally responsible Medicaid expansion proposals in House committees and on the House floor. She urged rank-and-file Republicans to pressure their GOP leaders to bring about meaningful debate on Medicaid expansion rather than suppress an approach for improving access to affordable health care embraced by 40 states.House members who didn’t believe it important to extend preventive health care to thousands of Kansans with modest incomes should take a different approach to Medicaid expansion, said Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton, D-Overland Park.“If you’re not going to vote for this out of a moral reason, you should at least vote for this out of a cold-hearted business decision to make sure that our workforce is as healthy as possible so we can make sure we are working them as much as possible to help our economy,” Sawyer Clayton said.<h2>Senate’s efficiency bill</h2>In the Senate, the underlying bill on government efficiency was passed despite criticism from Democrats.Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat, called the bill “inefficient” and said it added “layers of bureaucracy for even the simplest program changes.”“That red tape could result in thousands of Kansans being unable to get time-sensitive help,” she said.&nbsp;When the Legislature is not in session, oversight of public assistance program changes would shift to the Legislative Coordinating Council, which consists of the governor and House and Senate leadership.&nbsp;More than half a dozen advocacy organizations indicated their opposition to the bill at a hearing before the GOP-led Senate Committee on Government Efficiency, which was created in response to and modeled after the federal initiative under billionaire Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which is not actually a federal department. However, Shawnee Republican Sen. Mike Thompson indicated at the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/17/kansas-senates-efficiency-committee-embraces-trio-of-bills-aimed-at-state-spending/">hearing</a>&nbsp;the bill could be a solution to complaints over the Kelly administration’s pursuit of changes to intellectual and developmental disabilities programs.During the hearing and again on the Senate floor, Holscher said the bill could put at risk Kansas’ existing share of Medicaid funds, more than $3 billion for fiscal year 2025. That could be the case if certain federal deadlines, such as those associated with payment rate adjustments, are not met.&nbsp;Legislators pushed bills through the Senate at a rapid clip Tuesday ahead of a self-imposed deadline Thursday to pass all bills that originated within the chamber. Senators on Tuesday gave first-round approval to more than 40 bills.

Medicaid expansion amendments offered by Democrats fail in Kansas Senate, House

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-doge-white-house-layoffs-0fcdbb692717c63203ef971cb9807b35">Department of Government Efficiency</a>&nbsp;staffers were at the Pentagon on Tuesday and receiving lists of the military’s probationary employees, U.S. officials said.

However, it was not clear that all probationary personnel would be let go — instead, some might be exempted due to the critical nature of their work. The military services each had until end of business Tuesday to identify their probationary employees.

The affected personnel would include defense civilians who are still new to their jobs, not uniformed military personnel, who are exempt, according to the four officials who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

The potential cuts at the Pentagon, first reported by The Washington Post, follow reductions at other federal agencies, where probationary employees who were conducting critical functions and had high-level clearances, including staff at the National Nuclear Security Administration, were fired despite their role.

The vast majority of the fired NNSA staff were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nuclear-doge-firings-trump-federal-916e6819104f04f44c345b7dde4904d5">later told they were being reinstated</a>.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has supported cuts to the department, posting on X last week that the Pentagon needs “to cut the fat (HQ) and grow the muscle (warfighters.)”

The Government Accountability Office found in 2023 that more than 700,000 full-time civilians were working for the Defense Department.

President Donald Trump has entrusted the workforce reductions to Elon Musk, who has billions of dollars in government contracts with the Pentagon.

In recent days, however, Trump has said Musk is not officially in charge of DOGE but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-doge-white-house-layoffs-0fcdbb692717c63203ef971cb9807b35">serving as his senior adviser</a>, which followed multiple lawsuits challenging Musk’s authority to carve through federal agencies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739971978242.png" alt="Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth meeting with troops last week in Europe" />
 <figcaption>Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth meeting with troops last week in Europe</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-doge-white-house-layoffs-0fcdbb692717c63203ef971cb9807b35">Department of Government Efficiency</a>&nbsp;staffers were at the Pentagon on Tuesday and receiving lists of the military’s probationary employees, U.S. officials said.However, it was not clear that all probationary personnel would be let go — instead, some might be exempted due to the critical nature of their work. The military services each had until end of business Tuesday to identify their probationary employees.The affected personnel would include defense civilians who are still new to their jobs, not uniformed military personnel, who are exempt, according to the four officials who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.The potential cuts at the Pentagon, first reported by The Washington Post, follow reductions at other federal agencies, where probationary employees who were conducting critical functions and had high-level clearances, including staff at the National Nuclear Security Administration, were fired despite their role.The vast majority of the fired NNSA staff were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nuclear-doge-firings-trump-federal-916e6819104f04f44c345b7dde4904d5">later told they were being reinstated</a>.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has supported cuts to the department, posting on X last week that the Pentagon needs “to cut the fat (HQ) and grow the muscle (warfighters.)”The Government Accountability Office found in 2023 that more than 700,000 full-time civilians were working for the Defense Department.President Donald Trump has entrusted the workforce reductions to Elon Musk, who has billions of dollars in government contracts with the Pentagon.In recent days, however, Trump has said Musk is not officially in charge of DOGE but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-doge-white-house-layoffs-0fcdbb692717c63203ef971cb9807b35">serving as his senior adviser</a>, which followed multiple lawsuits challenging Musk’s authority to carve through federal agencies.

DOGE getting lists of the military’s probationary workers from the Pentagon

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspected drug dealer on new allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 9 p.m. February 16, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a black 2007 Chrysler Town &amp; Country minivan in the 700 block of NE Wabash Avenue, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.-

During the investigation, it was discovered that the driver had a suspended driver’s license and was wanted on a warrant out of the Kickapoo Tribal Reservation. A K-9 Unit assisted and illegal narcotics were also located.

Bertrand A. Wheaton, 42, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for his warrant and requested charges of Distribution of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant,&nbsp;Distribution or possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia, Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Driving while license suspended and No vehicle liability insurance.&nbsp;

He has previous convictions for theft, making false writing, DUI and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739892529046.png" alt="Wheaton photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Wheaton photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspected drug dealer on new allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 9 p.m. February 16, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a black 2007 Chrysler Town &amp; Country minivan in the 700 block of NE Wabash Avenue, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.-During the investigation, it was discovered that the driver had a suspended driver’s license and was wanted on a warrant out of the Kickapoo Tribal Reservation. A K-9 Unit assisted and illegal narcotics were also located.Bertrand A. Wheaton, 42, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for his warrant and requested charges of Distribution of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant,&nbsp;Distribution or possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia, Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Driving while license suspended and No vehicle liability insurance.&nbsp;He has previous convictions for theft, making false writing, DUI and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Deputies arrest wanted Kansas felon for selling drugs

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed wealthy financier Howard Lutnick as commerce secretary Tuesday, putting in place a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump's hardline trade polices.

The Senate vote to confirm Lutnick was 51-45. Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran did not vote.  Republicans Gary Peters and Dan Sullivan also did not vote. Democrat Senator Cory Booker also missed the vote. Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall voted with the majority.

At the Commerce Department, Lutnick, who was CEO at the investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald, will oversee 50,000 employees who do everything from collecting economic statistics to running the census to issuing weather reports. But he's likely to spend a lot of time — along with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cabinet-trade-greer-lutnick-c8fa358407ab066bb4d8f32692ad4d84">Jamieson Greer, Trump's nominee</a>&nbsp;to be the top U.S. trade negotiator — managing the president's aggressive plans to impose import taxes on U.S. trading partners, including allies and adversaries alike.

Trump views the tariffs as a versatile economic tool. They can raise money to finance his tax cuts elsewhere, protect U.S. industries and pressure other countries into making concessions on such issues as their own trade barriers, immigration and drug trafficking. Mainstream economists mostly view tariffs as counterproductive: They are paid by import companies in the United States, which try to pass along the higher costs to consumers and can thereby add to inflationary pressures throughout the economy.

At his confirmation hearing last month, Lutnick dismissed as “nonsense'' the idea that tariffs contribute to inflation. He expressed support for deploying across-the-board tariffs ”country by country'' to strong-arm other countries into lowering barriers to American exports.

Trump last week announced plans for "reciprocal'' tariffs — raising U.S. import tax rates to match the higher taxes that other countries impose on goods from the U.S. The move would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-reciprocal-tariff-trade-deficit-4329a37b5a41ac944dcc74093410a126">shatter the rules that have governed world trade</a>&nbsp;for decades. Since the 1960s, tariff rates have mostly emerged from negotiations between dozens of countries. Trump is commandeering the process.

The president has also imposed 10% tariffs on Chinese imports and effectively raised U.S. taxes on foreign steel and aluminum. He has threatened — and delayed until March 4 — 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico.

Lutnick was CEO at Cantor Fitzgerald when its offices were hit in the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center. The firm lost two-thirds of its employees — 658 people — that day, including Lutnick’s brother. Howard Lutnick led the firm's recovery and is a member of the Board of Directors of the National September 11 Memorial &amp; Museum.

Lutnick has promised to sell off his business holdings. They're complicated. His&nbsp;<a href="https://extapps2.oge.gov/201/Presiden.nsf/PAS+Index/AC841CF0E3B5807A85258C1C00320D21/$FILE/Lutnick%2C%20Howard%20%20final278.pdf">financial disclosure statement</a>&nbsp;showed that he had positions in more than 800 businesses and other private organizations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739925505432.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran met with Lutnick in late December" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran met with Lutnick in late December</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed wealthy financier Howard Lutnick as commerce secretary Tuesday, putting in place a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump's hardline trade polices.The Senate vote to confirm Lutnick was 51-45. Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran did not vote. Republicans Gary Peters and Dan Sullivan also did not vote. Democrat Senator Cory Booker also missed the vote. Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall voted with the majority.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">CONFIRMED 🇺🇸 Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/howardlutnick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@howardlutnick</a> on his confirmation as Secretary of Commerce! He brings decades of experience to the agency and will work with President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> to rebuild America’s economy.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1892196042247922136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>At the Commerce Department, Lutnick, who was CEO at the investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald, will oversee 50,000 employees who do everything from collecting economic statistics to running the census to issuing weather reports. But he's likely to spend a lot of time — along with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cabinet-trade-greer-lutnick-c8fa358407ab066bb4d8f32692ad4d84">Jamieson Greer, Trump's nominee</a>&nbsp;to be the top U.S. trade negotiator — managing the president's aggressive plans to impose import taxes on U.S. trading partners, including allies and adversaries alike.Trump views the tariffs as a versatile economic tool. They can raise money to finance his tax cuts elsewhere, protect U.S. industries and pressure other countries into making concessions on such issues as their own trade barriers, immigration and drug trafficking. Mainstream economists mostly view tariffs as counterproductive: They are paid by import companies in the United States, which try to pass along the higher costs to consumers and can thereby add to inflationary pressures throughout the economy.At his confirmation hearing last month, Lutnick dismissed as “nonsense'' the idea that tariffs contribute to inflation. He expressed support for deploying across-the-board tariffs ”country by country'' to strong-arm other countries into lowering barriers to American exports.Trump last week announced plans for "reciprocal'' tariffs — raising U.S. import tax rates to match the higher taxes that other countries impose on goods from the U.S. The move would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-reciprocal-tariff-trade-deficit-4329a37b5a41ac944dcc74093410a126">shatter the rules that have governed world trade</a>&nbsp;for decades. Since the 1960s, tariff rates have mostly emerged from negotiations between dozens of countries. Trump is commandeering the process.The president has also imposed 10% tariffs on Chinese imports and effectively raised U.S. taxes on foreign steel and aluminum. He has threatened — and delayed until March 4 — 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico.Lutnick was CEO at Cantor Fitzgerald when its offices were hit in the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center. The firm lost two-thirds of its employees — 658 people — that day, including Lutnick’s brother. Howard Lutnick led the firm's recovery and is a member of the Board of Directors of the National September 11 Memorial &amp; Museum.Lutnick has promised to sell off his business holdings. They're complicated. His&nbsp;<a href="https://extapps2.oge.gov/201/Presiden.nsf/PAS+Index/AC841CF0E3B5807A85258C1C00320D21/$FILE/Lutnick%2C%20Howard%20%20final278.pdf">financial disclosure statement</a>&nbsp;showed that he had positions in more than 800 businesses and other private organizations.

Moran missed vote as Senate confirms Lutnick for Commerce Secretary

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Abortions resumed in Missouri over the weekend following a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-rights-missouri-b7590919a9eedccc044c519646e996d5">ruling</a>&nbsp;blocking regulations that clinics said made it impossible to provide abortions despite a new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-amendment-ballot-election-f114445b087e77d0cc786d3eeb2eb615">constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;for reproductive rights, officials confirmed Tuesday.

Emily Wales, the president and CEO of a Kansas City Planned Parenthood clinic, said on Saturday they “provided the first abortion in Missouri since Dobbs, a truly historic moment for our affiliate.”

“For more than 50 years, we have served patients at our midtown Kansas City clinic, and we are honored to once again provide the comprehensive care Missourians need,” Wales said in a statement. "We will share more details on appointment opportunities in the coming weeks.”

Planned Parenthood Great Rivers is also opening appointment availability this week at the St. Louis clinic.

Abortions are once again available in Missouri thanks to a Friday court ruling temporarily lifting some regulations on providers while a lawsuit by Planned Parenthood plays out.

Missouri almost immediately enacted a near-total ban on abortions in 2022 after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Abortions were only allowed in the state for medical emergencies. There were no exceptions for cases of rape or incest.

Abortion-rights advocates in response went to voters, who in November enshrined reproductive rights in the state constitution. Judges still must weigh whether to strike down Missouri's many bans and other restrictions on abortion, which is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ban-ruling-missouri-8a846e1490a965977133eb5854a7602e">playing out in court now</a>.

Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang said in her Friday ruling that Planned Parenthood likely would succeed in its lawsuit against Missouri abortion laws.

Despite public support,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-abortion-rights-amendment-legislature-fd6ef70e8bb8d337de8efcc737fb7385">GOP lawmakers</a>&nbsp;have repeatedly pledged to go back to voters with another proposal to further limit abortions, although Republicans have not yet agreed on how far to go with more possible restrictions.

“Missourians deserve to be presented with better options at the ballot box — options that are more in line with their values,” Republican state Sen. Adam Schnelting told reporters Tuesday. “And my hope is that as we get further on in the legislative session, that’s exactly what we’ll do."

So far, Republican lawmakers have proposed constitutional amendments that would outlaw abortion completely, only allow it in cases of medical emergencies, ban most abortions once cardiac activity is detected, or ban it after fetal viability.

The term “viability” is used by health care providers to describe whether a pregnancy is expected to continue developing normally or whether a fetus might survive outside the uterus. Though there is no defined time frame, doctors say it is sometime after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-technology-science-health-birmingham-7fc806f3c06aeae94c5d6ed1b06a6461">21st week</a>&nbsp;of pregnancy.

A Missouri House panel on Tuesday also mulled a program to keep a registry of pregnant women deemed “at risk” of getting an abortion and offer them adoption resources, although the bill author quickly backtracked and promised to amend the legislation following bipartisan pushback.

“I don’t like data mining anyway," Republican Chair Rep. Holly Jones told the sponsor during a House Children and Families Committee hearing. “I’m not 100% sure that that’s what this does. But I think that the committee is going have a lot of questions for you.”

Ballentine reported on this story from Columbia, Missouri. Writer David A. Lieb contributed from Jefferson City, Missouri.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Abortions resumed in Missouri over the weekend following a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-rights-missouri-b7590919a9eedccc044c519646e996d5">ruling</a>&nbsp;blocking regulations that clinics said made it impossible to provide abortions despite a new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-amendment-ballot-election-f114445b087e77d0cc786d3eeb2eb615">constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;for reproductive rights, officials confirmed Tuesday.Emily Wales, the president and CEO of a Kansas City Planned Parenthood clinic, said on Saturday they “provided the first abortion in Missouri since Dobbs, a truly historic moment for our affiliate.”“For more than 50 years, we have served patients at our midtown Kansas City clinic, and we are honored to once again provide the comprehensive care Missourians need,” Wales said in a statement. "We will share more details on appointment opportunities in the coming weeks.”Planned Parenthood Great Rivers is also opening appointment availability this week at the St. Louis clinic.Abortions are once again available in Missouri thanks to a Friday court ruling temporarily lifting some regulations on providers while a lawsuit by Planned Parenthood plays out.Missouri almost immediately enacted a near-total ban on abortions in 2022 after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Abortions were only allowed in the state for medical emergencies. There were no exceptions for cases of rape or incest.Abortion-rights advocates in response went to voters, who in November enshrined reproductive rights in the state constitution. Judges still must weigh whether to strike down Missouri's many bans and other restrictions on abortion, which is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ban-ruling-missouri-8a846e1490a965977133eb5854a7602e">playing out in court now</a>.Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang said in her Friday ruling that Planned Parenthood likely would succeed in its lawsuit against Missouri abortion laws.Despite public support,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-abortion-rights-amendment-legislature-fd6ef70e8bb8d337de8efcc737fb7385">GOP lawmakers</a>&nbsp;have repeatedly pledged to go back to voters with another proposal to further limit abortions, although Republicans have not yet agreed on how far to go with more possible restrictions.“Missourians deserve to be presented with better options at the ballot box — options that are more in line with their values,” Republican state Sen. Adam Schnelting told reporters Tuesday. “And my hope is that as we get further on in the legislative session, that’s exactly what we’ll do."So far, Republican lawmakers have proposed constitutional amendments that would outlaw abortion completely, only allow it in cases of medical emergencies, ban most abortions once cardiac activity is detected, or ban it after fetal viability.The term “viability” is used by health care providers to describe whether a pregnancy is expected to continue developing normally or whether a fetus might survive outside the uterus. Though there is no defined time frame, doctors say it is sometime after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-technology-science-health-birmingham-7fc806f3c06aeae94c5d6ed1b06a6461">21st week</a>&nbsp;of pregnancy.A Missouri House panel on Tuesday also mulled a program to keep a registry of pregnant women deemed “at risk” of getting an abortion and offer them adoption resources, although the bill author quickly backtracked and promised to amend the legislation following bipartisan pushback.“I don’t like data mining anyway," Republican Chair Rep. Holly Jones told the sponsor during a House Children and Families Committee hearing. “I’m not 100% sure that that’s what this does. But I think that the committee is going have a lot of questions for you.”—————————Ballentine reported on this story from Columbia, Missouri. Writer David A. Lieb contributed from Jefferson City, Missouri.