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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3 injured in Kansas City apartment building fire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Man dies after motorcycle struck metal on wall on Kan. highway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas woman with drugs in vehicle tried to flee traffic stop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two more cases are more likely to come later – in Atlanta where Trump faces state charges for his 2020 election plot, and in Florida where he’s tentatively scheduled for a May trial on improper retention of classified documents after leaving the presidency, but the trial date is expected to be postponed.

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

🎥Kan. U.S. Senator, Trump comment on Supreme Court ballot win

SALINE COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 7a.m. Monday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1992 Chevy van driven by Bennett Bernard&nbsp;Kinkelaar, 62, Wichita, was northbound at 12,000 S Gypsum Valley Road seven miles south of Gypsum.

The van left the roadway to the right, entered the field and struck a tree. After impact the vehicle traveled several hundred yards until coming to rest on it wheels.

Kinkelaar was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Ryan Mortuary. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

SALINE COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 7a.m. Monday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1992 Chevy van driven by Bennett Bernard&nbsp;Kinkelaar, 62, Wichita, was northbound at 12,000 S Gypsum Valley Road seven miles south of Gypsum.The van left the roadway to the right, entered the field and struck a tree. After impact the vehicle traveled several hundred yards until coming to rest on it wheels.Kinkelaar was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Ryan Mortuary. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after van struck a tree

The husband and wife owners of a Missouri boarding school for boys have been jailed and charged with felony crimes after a lengthy investigation by a county sheriff.

Wayne County Sheriff Dean Finch said in a news release that Larry Musgraves Jr., 57, was arrested Friday evening on the ABM Ministries campus in Piedmont, a small town 130 miles (209 kilometers) south of St. Louis. Carmen Musgraves, 64, was arrested around 3 a.m. Saturday when she came to the jail to check on her husband, Finch said.

Both have been charged with first-degree kidnapping and jailed without bond. The Musgraves do not yet have listed attorneys. A phone message was left Monday with ABM Ministries, the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-education-af080895d108aa6dc0db533c60be2ebc">Christian boarding school in Missouri</a>&nbsp;to face legal scrutiny.

ABM Ministries' website says its facility, operated as Lighthouse Christian Academy, is a private Christian boarding school for boys ages 10-13, situated on 250 acres that include a spring-fed pond and a pasture with animals. On average, it has around 40 students, the website says. The website claims success in helping boys who are troubled, learning-impaired or dealing with ADHD or other disorders.

Finch said that since early January, his office has received reports of five runaways from the school. In one instance, two boys were picked up by a neighboring resident and taken home. The boys asked her to call 911.

But Finch said his investigation began several months ago after he was contacted by a former student living in Alabama. He followed up by interviewing other former students, and eventually the current students.

A probable cause statement says the former student told Finch that on her 18th birthday, she was locked in a small room and "held against her will." The statement doesn't specify how long she was allegedly kept in the room.

The sheriff's department “anticipates more charges as the investigation continues, with more alleged victims coming forward," the news release stated.

All five boys who had run away since January have been returned to their homes, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article286162626.html">Kansas City Star</a>&nbsp;reported.

The school was coed in 2009 when a federal lawsuit accused a former principal of sex acts with a female student and alleged that the Musgraves failed to take action to protect the girl. Court records show that ABM Ministries and the Musgraves agreed to pay $750,000 in a settlement, and the principal agreed to pay $100,000.

In 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-stockton-missouri-education-6d4bc69348f4349249e49b3ec7c29172">Agape Boarding School</a>&nbsp;in Stockton, Missouri, closed after years of investigations, lawsuits and eventually criminal charges that followed abuse allegations. One former student alleged he was raped and called “seizure boy” because of his epilepsy. Others said they suffered permanent injuries from being disciplined or forced to work long hours of manual labor.

Allegations of abuse at Agape and at the nearby Circle of Hope Girls’ Ranch&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-education-af080895d108aa6dc0db533c60be2ebc">prompted a state law in 2021</a>&nbsp;requiring stricter rules for such facilities. Missouri previously had virtually no oversight for religious boarding schools.

In 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-missouri-springfield-89eb20fc1edcba8cf5963abdc69e48c8">Agape’s longtime doctor, David Smock</a>, was charged with child sex crimes and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-education-child-abuse-kansas-missouri-a97fcf244d041a1468945b10af5f5f76">five employees were charged</a>&nbsp;with low-level abuse counts. Those cases are still pending.

Also in 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-fe24ade3e378bfb53796a0af7cd71deb">Boyd and Stephanie Householder</a>, former owners of Circle of Hope, were charged with around 100 child abuse counts. They pleaded not guilty and have been scheduled to go to trial in November.

Former students at ABM Ministries said justice was long overdue. Juliana Davis, now 34, said she was abused at the school in 2006 and 2007.

“I'm glad that he took us seriously," Davis said of Finch. "There's a whole group of us that have been trying for decades, speaking out about what happened to us and what we saw.”

Another former student, Aralysa Baker, 31, recalled being put in a chokehold and having her head held underwater when she was a student from 2005 to 2007.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709588953542.png" alt="Larry Musgrave -photo Wayne Co." />
 <figcaption>Larry Musgrave -photo Wayne Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The husband and wife owners of a Missouri boarding school for boys have been jailed and charged with felony crimes after a lengthy investigation by a county sheriff.Wayne County Sheriff Dean Finch said in a news release that Larry Musgraves Jr., 57, was arrested Friday evening on the ABM Ministries campus in Piedmont, a small town 130 miles (209 kilometers) south of St. Louis. Carmen Musgraves, 64, was arrested around 3 a.m. Saturday when she came to the jail to check on her husband, Finch said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709588927942.png" alt="Carmen Musgrave photo Wayne Co." />
 <figcaption>Carmen Musgrave photo Wayne Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Both have been charged with first-degree kidnapping and jailed without bond. The Musgraves do not yet have listed attorneys. A phone message was left Monday with ABM Ministries, the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-education-af080895d108aa6dc0db533c60be2ebc">Christian boarding school in Missouri</a>&nbsp;to face legal scrutiny.ABM Ministries' website says its facility, operated as Lighthouse Christian Academy, is a private Christian boarding school for boys ages 10-13, situated on 250 acres that include a spring-fed pond and a pasture with animals. On average, it has around 40 students, the website says. The website claims success in helping boys who are troubled, learning-impaired or dealing with ADHD or other disorders.Finch said that since early January, his office has received reports of five runaways from the school. In one instance, two boys were picked up by a neighboring resident and taken home. The boys asked her to call 911.But Finch said his investigation began several months ago after he was contacted by a former student living in Alabama. He followed up by interviewing other former students, and eventually the current students.A probable cause statement says the former student told Finch that on her 18th birthday, she was locked in a small room and "held against her will." The statement doesn't specify how long she was allegedly kept in the room.The sheriff's department “anticipates more charges as the investigation continues, with more alleged victims coming forward," the news release stated.All five boys who had run away since January have been returned to their homes, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article286162626.html">Kansas City Star</a>&nbsp;reported.The school was coed in 2009 when a federal lawsuit accused a former principal of sex acts with a female student and alleged that the Musgraves failed to take action to protect the girl. Court records show that ABM Ministries and the Musgraves agreed to pay $750,000 in a settlement, and the principal agreed to pay $100,000.In 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-stockton-missouri-education-6d4bc69348f4349249e49b3ec7c29172">Agape Boarding School</a>&nbsp;in Stockton, Missouri, closed after years of investigations, lawsuits and eventually criminal charges that followed abuse allegations. One former student alleged he was raped and called “seizure boy” because of his epilepsy. Others said they suffered permanent injuries from being disciplined or forced to work long hours of manual labor.Allegations of abuse at Agape and at the nearby Circle of Hope Girls’ Ranch&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-education-af080895d108aa6dc0db533c60be2ebc">prompted a state law in 2021</a>&nbsp;requiring stricter rules for such facilities. Missouri previously had virtually no oversight for religious boarding schools.In 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-missouri-springfield-89eb20fc1edcba8cf5963abdc69e48c8">Agape’s longtime doctor, David Smock</a>, was charged with child sex crimes and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-education-child-abuse-kansas-missouri-a97fcf244d041a1468945b10af5f5f76">five employees were charged</a>&nbsp;with low-level abuse counts. Those cases are still pending.Also in 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-fe24ade3e378bfb53796a0af7cd71deb">Boyd and Stephanie Householder</a>, former owners of Circle of Hope, were charged with around 100 child abuse counts. They pleaded not guilty and have been scheduled to go to trial in November.Former students at ABM Ministries said justice was long overdue. Juliana Davis, now 34, said she was abused at the school in 2006 and 2007.“I'm glad that he took us seriously," Davis said of Finch. "There's a whole group of us that have been trying for decades, speaking out about what happened to us and what we saw.”Another former student, Aralysa Baker, 31, recalled being put in a chokehold and having her head held underwater when she was a student from 2005 to 2007.

Owners of Christian boarding school in Mo. charged with kidnapping 

WASHINGTON -&nbsp;The Biden Administration's attempt to update&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa" target="_blank">Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)</a>&nbsp;has put millions of students' financial futures in limbo, according to a media release from Senator Roger Marshall's office.

 The failed rollout of the new FAFSA program and the mismanagement by the U.S. Department of Education has led to a nationwide delay on the 2023-2024 FAFSA applications.

Students seeking federal financial aid for higher education courses must complete the FAFSA paperwork to be eligible for the assistance. Unfortunately, the continued hiccups with the Education Departments FAFSA program has created widespread uncertainty for students, parents, and colleges going into the next school year.&nbsp;

"Repeated delays by the Department of Education in rolling out the new FAFSA application have left millions of students and schools in limbo for the upcoming school year,"&nbsp;said Senator Roger Marshall.&nbsp;"Right now, colleges continue to lack the essential data required to formulate financial aid offers, leading to significant uncertainty for students' futures. The mismanagement within the Department of Education disproportionately affects first-generation and low-income college students, who are most reliant on assistance to pursue higher education. As a community college graduate myself, I understand the stress these students face from this mismanagement."

To help students and families navigate this period of uncertainty, Senator Marshall has published a new<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024FafsaResources.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;FAFSA resource guide</a>. The guide includes links and contact information for his office for further assistance.&nbsp;

FAFSA Resources for Students and Parents

Parents and prospective college students continue to struggle with completing the new FAFSA forms. Below are resources and best practices for the most common concerns and complaints.&nbsp;

If you have tried the resources below and cannot resolve your issue, please contact our office at (785) 829-9000 for additional assistance.&nbsp;

<a href="https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out" target="_blank">https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out</a>&nbsp;

<a href="https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/fafsa-deadlines" target="_blank">https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/fafsa-deadlines</a>

<a href="https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/renew" target="_blank">https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/renew</a>

<a href="https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/review-and-correct" target="_blank">https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/review-and-correct</a>

<a href="https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/what-is-irs-drt" target="_blank">https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/what-is-irs-drt</a>&nbsp;

Completing the FAFSA without a contributor SSN

<a href="https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-support/contributor-social-security-number" target="_blank">https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-support/contributor-social-security-number</a>&nbsp;

<a href="https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/topic/types_of_aid/articles" target="_blank">https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/topic/types_of_aid/articles</a>

<a href="https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/review-and-correct/sar-student-aid-report" target="_blank">https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/review-and-correct/sar-student-aid-report</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700516528497.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON -&nbsp;The Biden Administration's attempt to update&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa" target="_blank">Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)</a>&nbsp;has put millions of students' financial futures in limbo, according to a media release from Senator Roger Marshall's office. The failed rollout of the new FAFSA program and the mismanagement by the U.S. Department of Education has led to a nationwide delay on the 2023-2024 FAFSA applications.Students seeking federal financial aid for higher education courses must complete the FAFSA paperwork to be eligible for the assistance. Unfortunately, the continued hiccups with the Education Departments FAFSA program has created widespread uncertainty for students, parents, and colleges going into the next school year.&nbsp;"Repeated delays by the Department of Education in rolling out the new FAFSA application have left millions of students and schools in limbo for the upcoming school year,"&nbsp;said Senator Roger Marshall.&nbsp;"Right now, colleges continue to lack the essential data required to formulate financial aid offers, leading to significant uncertainty for students' futures. The mismanagement within the Department of Education disproportionately affects first-generation and low-income college students, who are most reliant on assistance to pursue higher education. As a community college graduate myself, I understand the stress these students face from this mismanagement."To help students and families navigate this period of uncertainty, Senator Marshall has published a new<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024FafsaResources.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;FAFSA resource guide</a>. The guide includes links and contact information for his office for further assistance.&nbsp;FAFSA Resources for Students and ParentsParents and prospective college students continue to struggle with completing the new FAFSA forms. Below are resources and best practices for the most common concerns and complaints.&nbsp;If you have tried the resources below and cannot resolve your issue, please contact our office at (785) 829-9000 for additional assistance.&nbsp;Filling out the FAFSA&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out" target="_blank">https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out</a>&nbsp;FAFSA Deadlines<a href="https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/fafsa-deadlines" target="_blank">https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/fafsa-deadlines</a>Renewing your FAFSA<a href="https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/renew" target="_blank">https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/renew</a>Correcting a current FAFSA Form&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/review-and-correct" target="_blank">https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/review-and-correct</a>IRS Data Retrieval Tool&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/what-is-irs-drt" target="_blank">https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/what-is-irs-drt</a>&nbsp;Completing the FAFSA without a contributor SSN<a href="https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-support/contributor-social-security-number" target="_blank">https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-support/contributor-social-security-number</a>&nbsp;Understanding the Types of Student Aid<a href="https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/topic/types_of_aid/articles" target="_blank">https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/topic/types_of_aid/articles</a>Overview of the Student Aid Report<a href="https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/review-and-correct/sar-student-aid-report" target="_blank">https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/review-and-correct/sar-student-aid-report</a>&nbsp;

Senator Marshall offers assistance for students struggling with FAFSA application failures

HARVEY COUNTY —The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office on Monday issued a statement to clarify and to reaffirm its stance that Harvey County is not a sanctuary county.

In the statement, the county explains, "sanctuary jurisdictions are counties or other jurisdictions that have chosen not to cooperate or share information with law enforcement agencies in prosecuting undocumented immigrants for federal immigration laws."

"Harvey County has landed on various websites erroneously listing it as a sanctuary county for several years. At various times, there is an uptick in public interest in sanctuary jurisdictions, leading to confusion amongst the public about the Sheriff’s Office’s position on the matter."

“We’re not a sanctuary county. Period,” said Harvey County Sheriff Chad Gay, who has been the sheriff since 2017. “We have long-standing working relationships with federal, state and local partners, and we intend to continue to work alongside and support those agencies in their work for years to come.”

The Sheriff’s Office has made its position on the matter clear on multiple occasions in the past. However, Harvey County continues to be marked as a sanctuary county despite attempts to correct those reports.

The Sheriff’s Office will continue to honor the work of its law enforcement partners by assisting them in the lawful detainment and transfer of those suspected or convicted of crimes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709582925037.png" alt="Sheriff Chad Gay courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Sheriff Chad Gay courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY —The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office on Monday issued a statement to clarify and to reaffirm its stance that Harvey County is not a sanctuary county.In the statement, the county explains, "sanctuary jurisdictions are counties or other jurisdictions that have chosen not to cooperate or share information with law enforcement agencies in prosecuting undocumented immigrants for federal immigration laws.""Harvey County has landed on various websites erroneously listing it as a sanctuary county for several years. At various times, there is an uptick in public interest in sanctuary jurisdictions, leading to confusion amongst the public about the Sheriff’s Office’s position on the matter."“We’re not a sanctuary county. Period,” said Harvey County Sheriff Chad Gay, who has been the sheriff since 2017. “We have long-standing working relationships with federal, state and local partners, and we intend to continue to work alongside and support those agencies in their work for years to come.”The Sheriff’s Office has made its position on the matter clear on multiple occasions in the past. However, Harvey County continues to be marked as a sanctuary county despite attempts to correct those reports.The Sheriff’s Office will continue to honor the work of its law enforcement partners by assisting them in the lawful detainment and transfer of those suspected or convicted of crimes.

Kan. sheriff clarifies his county is not a sanctuary county

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Three Red Sea underwater cables providing internet and telecommunications around the world have been cut as the waterway remains a target of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>, officials said Monday. Meanwhile, a suspected Houthi attack set a ship ablaze in the Gulf of Aden.

What cut the lines remains unclear. There has been concern about the cables being targeted in the Houthi campaign, which the rebels describe as an effort to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">pressure Israel to end its war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip</a>. The Houthis have denied attacking the lines, however.

While global shipping has already been disrupted through the Red Sea, a crucial route for cargo and energy shipments from Asia and the Middle East to Europe, the sabotage of telecommunication lines could further escalate the monthslong crisis.

The cut lines include Asia-Africa-Europe 1, the Europe India Gateway, Seacom and TGN-Gulf, Hong Kong-based HGC Global Communications said. It described the cuts as affecting 25% of the traffic flowing through the Red Sea. It described the Red Sea route as crucial for data moving from Asia to Europe and said it had begun rerouting traffic.

HGC Global Communications described the Seacom-TGN-Gulf line as being two separate cables when it is actually one at the area of the cut, according to Tim Stronge, a subsea cable expert with TeleGeography, a Washington-based telecommunications market research company.

Responding to questions from The Associated Press, Seacom said that “initial testing indicates the affected segment lies within Yemeni maritime jurisdictions in the Southern Red Sea.” It said it was rerouting the traffic it was able to change, though some services were down.

Tata Communications, part of the Indian conglomerate and behind the Seacom-TGN-Gulf line, told the AP it “initiated immediate and appropriate remedial actions” after the line was cut.

“We invest in various cable consortiums to increase our diversity and hence in such situations of a cable cut or snag, we are able to automatically reroute our services,” Tata said.

Other firms behind those lines, which provide data to Africa, Asia and the Middle East, did not immediately respond to queries Monday from the AP.

In early February, Yemen's internationally recognized government in exile alleged that the Houthis planned to attack the cables. The lines appeared to have been cut on Feb. 24, with the organization NetBlocks noticing internet access in the East African nation of Djibouti suffering from interruptions two days later. Seacom serves Djibouti. There have been disruptions in Bahrain as well, a Persian Gulf island kingdom also served by the lines.

But for their part, the Houthis have denied targeting the cables. The rebels blamed the disruptions on British and U.S. military operations but did not offer evidence to support the allegation and have made false claims in the past.

“The hostilities on Yemen by the British and U.S. naval military units caused a disruption in the submarine cables in the Red Sea, which jeopardized the security and safety of international communications and the normal flow of information,” the Houthi-controlled Transportation Ministry in Yemen's rebel-held capital, Sanaa, alleged.

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

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

The Houthis insist their attacks will continue until Israel stops its combat operations in the Gaza Strip, which have enraged the wider Arab world and seen the Houthis gain international recognition.

Meanwhile, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center on Monday separately warned of a new attack in the Gulf of Aden. The private security firm Ambrey described the vessel targeted as a Liberia-flagged, Israel-affiliated container ship that sustained damage and issued a distress call.

“The container ship reportedly encountered two explosions of which the first occurred at a ‘distance’ off its port quarter, while the second damaged the vessel’s accommodation block and a container leading,” Ambrey said. “The explosion further led to a fire onboard and the crew’s firefighting efforts were underway.”

Ambrey said no crew member on the ship had been injured. The U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, which patrols the Mideast, did not immediately respond to questions about the attack.

The Houthis did not immediately claim the attack, but it typically takes them several hours before they acknowledge an assault.

It remains unclear how the Houthis could attack subsea cables themselves. The rebels are not known to have the diving or salvage capability to target the lines, which sit hundreds of meters (feet) below the surface of the waterway.

However, subsea cables can be cut by anchors, including those dropped from some of the ships that have been disabled in attacks. A drifting ship with its anchor scraping the sea could be the culprit.

“Our team thinks it is plausible that it could have been affected by anchor dragging, due to the amount of marine traffic the region deals with and the low seabed in many parts of the Red Sea,” Seacom said. “This can only be confirmed once the repair ship is on site.”

There are 14 cables now running through the Red Sea, with another six planned, Stronge, the subsea cable expert, said.

“We estimate that over 90% of communications between Europe and Asia traverse submarine cables in the Red Sea,” he said. “Fortunately, telecom operators have built a high degree of redundancy into the system — there are many cables traversing the Red Sea.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709470952151.png" alt="Photo released Sunday, March 3, 2024, by the U.S. military's Central Command shows the Belize-flagged vessel Rubymar sinking in the Red Sea after earlier attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo released Sunday, March 3, 2024, by the U.S. military's Central Command shows the Belize-flagged vessel Rubymar sinking in the Red Sea after earlier attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Three Red Sea underwater cables providing internet and telecommunications around the world have been cut as the waterway remains a target of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>, officials said Monday. Meanwhile, a suspected Houthi attack set a ship ablaze in the Gulf of Aden.What cut the lines remains unclear. There has been concern about the cables being targeted in the Houthi campaign, which the rebels describe as an effort to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">pressure Israel to end its war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip</a>. The Houthis have denied attacking the lines, however.While global shipping has already been disrupted through the Red Sea, a crucial route for cargo and energy shipments from Asia and the Middle East to Europe, the sabotage of telecommunication lines could further escalate the monthslong crisis.The cut lines include Asia-Africa-Europe 1, the Europe India Gateway, Seacom and TGN-Gulf, Hong Kong-based HGC Global Communications said. It described the cuts as affecting 25% of the traffic flowing through the Red Sea. It described the Red Sea route as crucial for data moving from Asia to Europe and said it had begun rerouting traffic.HGC Global Communications described the Seacom-TGN-Gulf line as being two separate cables when it is actually one at the area of the cut, according to Tim Stronge, a subsea cable expert with TeleGeography, a Washington-based telecommunications market research company.Responding to questions from The Associated Press, Seacom said that “initial testing indicates the affected segment lies within Yemeni maritime jurisdictions in the Southern Red Sea.” It said it was rerouting the traffic it was able to change, though some services were down.Tata Communications, part of the Indian conglomerate and behind the Seacom-TGN-Gulf line, told the AP it “initiated immediate and appropriate remedial actions” after the line was cut.“We invest in various cable consortiums to increase our diversity and hence in such situations of a cable cut or snag, we are able to automatically reroute our services,” Tata said.Other firms behind those lines, which provide data to Africa, Asia and the Middle East, did not immediately respond to queries Monday from the AP.In early February, Yemen's internationally recognized government in exile alleged that the Houthis planned to attack the cables. The lines appeared to have been cut on Feb. 24, with the organization NetBlocks noticing internet access in the East African nation of Djibouti suffering from interruptions two days later. Seacom serves Djibouti. There have been disruptions in Bahrain as well, a Persian Gulf island kingdom also served by the lines.But for their part, the Houthis have denied targeting the cables. The rebels blamed the disruptions on British and U.S. military operations but did not offer evidence to support the allegation and have made false claims in the past.“The hostilities on Yemen by the British and U.S. naval military units caused a disruption in the submarine cables in the Red Sea, which jeopardized the security and safety of international communications and the normal flow of information,” the Houthi-controlled Transportation Ministry in Yemen's rebel-held capital, Sanaa, alleged.Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters over the Israel-Hamas war. Those vessels have included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-ship-missile-houthi-rebels-attack-bab-elmandeb-strait-999b911c916f9266c07a6d29cc020e9e">at least one with cargo bound for Iran</a>, the Houthis’ main benefactor, and an aid ship later bound for Houthi-controlled territory.Despite more than a month and a half of U.S.-led airstrikes,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-attacks-iran-ships-retaliation-houthis-d770a3fb0fab4c4b72e2459771833e11">Houthi rebels have remained capable</a>&nbsp;of launching significant attacks. They include the attack last month on a cargo ship carrying fertilizer, the Rubymar,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-rubymar-sinks-red-sea-fb64a490ce935756337ee3606e15d093">which sank on Saturday</a>&nbsp;after drifting for several days, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-red-sea-israel-hamas-6ac2a1bf5032ed0531258816907cfe2c">downing of an American drone</a>&nbsp;worth tens of millions of dollars.The Houthis insist their attacks will continue until Israel stops its combat operations in the Gaza Strip, which have enraged the wider Arab world and seen the Houthis gain international recognition.Meanwhile, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center on Monday separately warned of a new attack in the Gulf of Aden. The private security firm Ambrey described the vessel targeted as a Liberia-flagged, Israel-affiliated container ship that sustained damage and issued a distress call.“The container ship reportedly encountered two explosions of which the first occurred at a ‘distance’ off its port quarter, while the second damaged the vessel’s accommodation block and a container leading,” Ambrey said. “The explosion further led to a fire onboard and the crew’s firefighting efforts were underway.”Ambrey said no crew member on the ship had been injured. The U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, which patrols the Mideast, did not immediately respond to questions about the attack.The Houthis did not immediately claim the attack, but it typically takes them several hours before they acknowledge an assault.It remains unclear how the Houthis could attack subsea cables themselves. The rebels are not known to have the diving or salvage capability to target the lines, which sit hundreds of meters (feet) below the surface of the waterway.However, subsea cables can be cut by anchors, including those dropped from some of the ships that have been disabled in attacks. A drifting ship with its anchor scraping the sea could be the culprit.“Our team thinks it is plausible that it could have been affected by anchor dragging, due to the amount of marine traffic the region deals with and the low seabed in many parts of the Red Sea,” Seacom said. “This can only be confirmed once the repair ship is on site.”There are 14 cables now running through the Red Sea, with another six planned, Stronge, the subsea cable expert, said.“We estimate that over 90% of communications between Europe and Asia traverse submarine cables in the Red Sea,” he said. “Fortunately, telecom operators have built a high degree of redundancy into the system — there are many cables traversing the Red Sea.”

Terrorist attack: Red Sea data cables cut disrupting global internet

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a man's death have identified the victim as 46-year-old&nbsp; William S. Booker, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Just after 6p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to report of a dead body found at Front Street and N. Century Avenue.&nbsp;

First responders located the body of a man later identified as Booker who was unresponsive and appeared to be injured.

Officers rendered aid and called in EMS who declared him deceased. A subject of interest was taken into custody near the scene by responding officers for further investigation.

Detectives and crime scene investigators processed the scene for evidence and gathered more information to determine what led up to Booker being injured.

The cause and manner of death are currently under investigation and will be determined by the medical examiner.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a man's death have identified the victim as 46-year-old&nbsp; William S. Booker, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Just after 6p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to report of a dead body found at Front Street and N. Century Avenue.&nbsp;First responders located the body of a man later identified as Booker who was unresponsive and appeared to be injured.Officers rendered aid and called in EMS who declared him deceased. A subject of interest was taken into custody near the scene by responding officers for further investigation.Detectives and crime scene investigators processed the scene for evidence and gathered more information to determine what led up to Booker being injured.The cause and manner of death are currently under investigation and will be determined by the medical examiner.

Homicide suspect in custody: KCPD IDs man found dead

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Monday restored&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;to 2024 presidential primary ballots, rejecting state attempts to hold the Republican former president accountable for the Capitol riot.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2023/23-719">Click here to listen&nbsp;</a>to a replay of the Feb. 8, oral argument

The justices ruled a day before the Super Tuesday primaries that states cannot invoke a post-Civil War constitutional provision to keep presidential candidates from appearing on ballots. That power resides with Congress, the court wrote in an unsigned opinion.

The outcome ends efforts in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-14th-amendment-2024-colorado-d16dd8f354eeaf450558378c65fd79a2">Colorado</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-illinois-primary-ballot-ruling-a9a4f343ee7cafef312d68e2633ddec4">Illinois</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-trump-presidential-ballot-election-insurrection-081fd38ce1f20be9b8423cb2f8c66dee">Maine</a>&nbsp;and elsewhere to kick Trump, the front-runner for his party’s nomination, off the ballot because of his attempts to undo his loss in the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden, culminating in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">the Jan. 6, 2021, attack</a>&nbsp;on the Capitol.

Trump’s case was the first at the Supreme Court dealing with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-14th-amendment-insurrection-supreme-court-colorado-7703a30566ce2588fb92bf22dd20c84d">a provision of the 14th Amendment</a>&nbsp;that was adopted after the Civil War to prevent former officeholders who “engaged in insurrection” from holding office again.

Colorado’s Supreme Court, in a first-of-its-kind ruling, had decided that the provision, Section 3, could be applied to Trump, who that court found incited the Capitol attack. No court before had applied Section 3 to a presidential candidate.

Some election observers have warned that a ruling requiring congressional action to implement Section 3 could leave the door open to a renewed fight over trying to use the provision to disqualify Trump in the event he wins the election. In one scenario, a Democratic-controlled Congress could try to reject certifying Trump’s election on Jan. 6, 2025, under the clause.

The issue then could return to the court, possibly in the midst of a full-blown constitutional crisis.

Both sides had requested fast work by the court, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-insurrection-trump-2024-election-397a481d2886b64bba06b24ff3d03f37">heard arguments</a>&nbsp;less than a month ago, on Feb. 8. The justices seemed poised then to rule in Trump's favor.

Trump had been kicked off the ballots in Colorado, Maine and Illinois, but all three rulings were on hold awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=/docket/docketfiles/html/public/23-719.html">The case</a>&nbsp;is the court’s most direct involvement in a presidential election since&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oyez.org/cases/2000/00-949">Bush v. Gore</a>, a decision delivered a quarter-century ago that effectively handed the 2000 election to Republican George W. Bush. And it’s just one of several cases involving Trump directly or that could affect his chances of becoming president again, including a case scheduled for arguments in late April about whether he can be criminally prosecuted on election interference charges, including his role in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">the Jan. 6 Capitol attack</a>. The timing of the high court's intervention has raised questions about whether Trump will be tried before the November election.

The arguments in February were the first time the high court had heard a case involving Section 3. The two-sentence provision, intended to keep some Confederates from holding office again, says that those who violate oaths to support the Constitution are barred from various positions including congressional offices or serving as presidential electors. But it does not specifically mention the presidency.

Conservative and liberal justices questioned the case against Trump. Their main concern was whether Congress must act before states can invoke the 14th Amendment. There also were questions about whether the president is covered by the provision.

The lawyers for Republican and independent voters who sued to remove Trump’s name from the Colorado ballot had argued that there is ample evidence that the events of Jan. 6 constituted an insurrection and that it was incited by Trump, who had exhorted a crowd of his supporters at a rally outside the White House to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-capitol-siege-media-e79eb5164613d6718e9f4502eb471f27">“fight like hell.”</a>&nbsp;They said it would be absurd to apply Section 3 to everything but the presidency or that Trump is somehow exempt. And the provision needs no enabling legislation, they argued.

Trump’s lawyers mounted several arguments for why the amendment can’t be used to keep him off the ballot. They contended the Jan. 6 riot wasn’t an insurrection and, even if it was, Trump did not go to the Capitol or join the rioters. The wording of the amendment also excludes the presidency and candidates running for president, they said. Even if all those arguments failed, they said, Congress must pass legislation to reinvigorate Section 3.

The case was decided by a court that includes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-14th-amendment-immunity-supreme-court-d3f001f66c5c3e85302b8772753ed769">three justices appointed by Trump</a>&nbsp;when he was president. They have considered many Trump-related cases in recent years, declining to embrace his bogus claims of fraud in the 2020 election and refusing to shield tax records from Congress and prosecutors in New York.

The 5-4 decision in Bush v. Gore case more than 23 years ago was the last time the court was so deeply involved in presidential politics. Justice Clarence Thomas is the only member of the court who was on the bench then. Thomas has ignored calls by some Democratic lawmakers to step aside from the Trump case because his wife, Ginni, supported Trump’s effort to overturn the 2020 election results and attended the rally that preceded the storming of the Capitol by Trump supporters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686700913232.png" alt="Trump had been kicked off the ballots in Colorado, Maine and Illinois,&nbsp;but all three rulings were on hold awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision. File photo&nbsp; Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>Trump had been kicked off the ballots in Colorado, Maine and Illinois,&nbsp;but all three rulings were on hold awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision. File photo&nbsp; Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Monday restored&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;to 2024 presidential primary ballots, rejecting state attempts to hold the Republican former president accountable for the Capitol riot.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2023/23-719">Click here to listen&nbsp;</a>to a replay of the Feb. 8, oral argument<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-719_19m2.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the full Supreme Court decision<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump: &quot;I want to start by thanking the Supreme Court for its unanimous decision today. It was a very important decision, very well crafted. I think it will go a long way toward bringing our country together, which our country needs.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/6cKLKALsWH">pic.twitter.com/6cKLKALsWH</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1764710433548632240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709565854355.png" alt="Trump posted his reaction on his social media platform" />
 <figcaption>Trump posted his reaction on his social media platform</figcaption>
 </figure>The justices ruled a day before the Super Tuesday primaries that states cannot invoke a post-Civil War constitutional provision to keep presidential candidates from appearing on ballots. That power resides with Congress, the court wrote in an unsigned opinion.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709565729614.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The outcome ends efforts in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-14th-amendment-2024-colorado-d16dd8f354eeaf450558378c65fd79a2">Colorado</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-illinois-primary-ballot-ruling-a9a4f343ee7cafef312d68e2633ddec4">Illinois</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-trump-presidential-ballot-election-insurrection-081fd38ce1f20be9b8423cb2f8c66dee">Maine</a>&nbsp;and elsewhere to kick Trump, the front-runner for his party’s nomination, off the ballot because of his attempts to undo his loss in the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden, culminating in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">the Jan. 6, 2021, attack</a>&nbsp;on the Capitol.Trump’s case was the first at the Supreme Court dealing with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-14th-amendment-insurrection-supreme-court-colorado-7703a30566ce2588fb92bf22dd20c84d">a provision of the 14th Amendment</a>&nbsp;that was adopted after the Civil War to prevent former officeholders who “engaged in insurrection” from holding office again.Colorado’s Supreme Court, in a first-of-its-kind ruling, had decided that the provision, Section 3, could be applied to Trump, who that court found incited the Capitol attack. No court before had applied Section 3 to a presidential candidate.Some election observers have warned that a ruling requiring congressional action to implement Section 3 could leave the door open to a renewed fight over trying to use the provision to disqualify Trump in the event he wins the election. In one scenario, a Democratic-controlled Congress could try to reject certifying Trump’s election on Jan. 6, 2025, under the clause.The issue then could return to the court, possibly in the midst of a full-blown constitutional crisis.Both sides had requested fast work by the court, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-insurrection-trump-2024-election-397a481d2886b64bba06b24ff3d03f37">heard arguments</a>&nbsp;less than a month ago, on Feb. 8. The justices seemed poised then to rule in Trump's favor.Trump had been kicked off the ballots in Colorado, Maine and Illinois, but all three rulings were on hold awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=/docket/docketfiles/html/public/23-719.html">The case</a>&nbsp;is the court’s most direct involvement in a presidential election since&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oyez.org/cases/2000/00-949">Bush v. Gore</a>, a decision delivered a quarter-century ago that effectively handed the 2000 election to Republican George W. Bush. And it’s just one of several cases involving Trump directly or that could affect his chances of becoming president again, including a case scheduled for arguments in late April about whether he can be criminally prosecuted on election interference charges, including his role in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">the Jan. 6 Capitol attack</a>. The timing of the high court's intervention has raised questions about whether Trump will be tried before the November election.The arguments in February were the first time the high court had heard a case involving Section 3. The two-sentence provision, intended to keep some Confederates from holding office again, says that those who violate oaths to support the Constitution are barred from various positions including congressional offices or serving as presidential electors. But it does not specifically mention the presidency.Conservative and liberal justices questioned the case against Trump. Their main concern was whether Congress must act before states can invoke the 14th Amendment. There also were questions about whether the president is covered by the provision.The lawyers for Republican and independent voters who sued to remove Trump’s name from the Colorado ballot had argued that there is ample evidence that the events of Jan. 6 constituted an insurrection and that it was incited by Trump, who had exhorted a crowd of his supporters at a rally outside the White House to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-capitol-siege-media-e79eb5164613d6718e9f4502eb471f27">“fight like hell.”</a>&nbsp;They said it would be absurd to apply Section 3 to everything but the presidency or that Trump is somehow exempt. And the provision needs no enabling legislation, they argued.Trump’s lawyers mounted several arguments for why the amendment can’t be used to keep him off the ballot. They contended the Jan. 6 riot wasn’t an insurrection and, even if it was, Trump did not go to the Capitol or join the rioters. The wording of the amendment also excludes the presidency and candidates running for president, they said. Even if all those arguments failed, they said, Congress must pass legislation to reinvigorate Section 3.The case was decided by a court that includes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-14th-amendment-immunity-supreme-court-d3f001f66c5c3e85302b8772753ed769">three justices appointed by Trump</a>&nbsp;when he was president. They have considered many Trump-related cases in recent years, declining to embrace his bogus claims of fraud in the 2020 election and refusing to shield tax records from Congress and prosecutors in New York.The 5-4 decision in Bush v. Gore case more than 23 years ago was the last time the court was so deeply involved in presidential politics. Justice Clarence Thomas is the only member of the court who was on the bench then. Thomas has ignored calls by some Democratic lawmakers to step aside from the Trump case because his wife, Ginni, supported Trump’s effort to overturn the 2020 election results and attended the rally that preceded the storming of the Capitol by Trump supporters.___

🎧Unanimous decision: Supreme Court overturns Trump ballot ban

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Friday shortened the prison sentence of former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid for a drunken driving crash that seriously injured a 5-year-old girl. Lawmakers and others have criticized the governor for the decision.

Parson's commutation converted the remainder of Reid's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-nfl-sports-football-ce0454049635803df51fc892aaff9dc4?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">three-year prison sentence</a>&nbsp;to house arrest, subject to several conditions. Reid had been sentenced in November 2022 after pleading guilty to driving while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury. He is the son of Chiefs coach Andy Reid.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker criticized the governor's decision. "I believed that the court’s sentence of 3 years imprisonment for Britt Reid was a just sentence. Leaving the courtroom, I believed that the interests of justice were served after a sentencing hearing on the merits. The Court carefully considered the evidence and the harm to our 5-year-old victim, Ariel, and her family."

"It also properly considered the unlawful behavior of the defendant, a repeat offender in other states who chose again to drive while intoxicated. I believe that this was a tragic case for the Court to weigh, and I am grateful for the judge's thoughtful and deliberate decision-making."

"I had believed that the sentence was an example for others that even those with resources and privilege were not above the law. "

"The Governor did not contact anyone who handled this case, or those directly impacted, including Ariel’s family," Baker continued. "There simply can be no response that explains away the failure to notify victims of the offender. To Ariel's family, I offered my resolve to continue to fight for just sentences for those who injure others due to the reckless decision to drink alcohol and operate a motor vehicle."

"We are reminded that this governor did not use his political power to commute the sentence of Kevin Strickland and Lamar Johnson. He used his political power to free a man with status, privilege and connections. Both Kevin and Lamar are freed today under the rule of law, but only after difficult battles to gain their freedom."

"Finally, to my community, I simply say I am saddened by the self-serving political actions of the Governor and the resulting harm that it brings to the system of justice. But my office will fight for just outcomes regardless of social status, privilege or one's connections. This system of justice still stands and will prevail over any fleeting political knock. Of this I am certain," Baker wrote.

Missouri State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman who is running for Congress also criticized Parson.

Parson is a longtime Chiefs season ticket-holder holder who celebrated with the team at its recent Super Bowl victory parade in Kansas City. A Parson spokesman said the governor considered several factors when making his commutation decision.

“Reid had completed his alcohol abuse treatment program and has served more prison time than most individuals convicted of similar offenses,” Parson spokesman Johnathan Shiflett said.

Reid's house arrest will continue until Oct. 31, 2025, with requirements for weekly meetings with a parole officer and peer support sponsor and attendance at behavioral counseling. He also will be required to work at least 30 hours a week and complete 10 hours a month of community service, among other things.

The Chiefs declined to comment about Parson’s commutation of Reid.

Prosecutors said Reid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-football-kansas-city-kansas-city-chiefs-d43b085c56ac1d0ec8445f30faa6a4d0">was intoxicated and driving about 84 mph</a>&nbsp;(135 kph) in a 65 mph zone when his Dodge truck hit the cars on an entrance ramp to Interstate 435 near Arrowhead Stadium on Feb. 4, 2021.

A girl inside one of the cars, Ariel Young, suffered a traumatic brain injury. A total of six people, including Reid, were injured. One of the vehicles he hit had stalled because of a dead battery, and the second was owned by Ariel’s mother, who had arrived to help.

Reid had a blood-alcohol level of 0.113% two hours after the crash, police said. The legal limit is 0.08%.

The Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-health-business-football-b79b53869eb2a017e1e41623ac5abb58">reached a confidential agreement</a>&nbsp;with Ariel’s family to pay for her ongoing medical treatment and other expenses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709418222797.png" alt="Britt Reid as seen in his Missouri Dept. of Corrections booking photo" />
 <figcaption>Britt Reid as seen in his Missouri Dept. of Corrections booking photo</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Friday shortened the prison sentence of former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid for a drunken driving crash that seriously injured a 5-year-old girl. Lawmakers and others have criticized the governor for the decision.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709333157469.png" alt="A portion of the list released by Parson's office.&nbsp;<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MOGOV/2024/03/01/file_attachments/2800812/February%202024%20Pardons%20and%20Commutations.pdf">Click here to see</a>&nbsp;the full list from the governor's office." />
 <figcaption>A portion of the list released by Parson's office.&nbsp;<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MOGOV/2024/03/01/file_attachments/2800812/February%202024%20Pardons%20and%20Commutations.pdf">Click here to see</a>&nbsp;the full list from the governor's office.</figcaption>
 </figure>Parson's commutation converted the remainder of Reid's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-nfl-sports-football-ce0454049635803df51fc892aaff9dc4?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">three-year prison sentence</a>&nbsp;to house arrest, subject to several conditions. Reid had been sentenced in November 2022 after pleading guilty to driving while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury. He is the son of Chiefs coach Andy Reid.Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker criticized the governor's decision. "I believed that the court’s sentence of 3 years imprisonment for Britt Reid was a just sentence. Leaving the courtroom, I believed that the interests of justice were served after a sentencing hearing on the merits. The Court carefully considered the evidence and the harm to our 5-year-old victim, Ariel, and her family."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612784011749.png" alt="Ariel photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Ariel photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>"It also properly considered the unlawful behavior of the defendant, a repeat offender in other states who chose again to drive while intoxicated. I believe that this was a tragic case for the Court to weigh, and I am grateful for the judge's thoughtful and deliberate decision-making.""I had believed that the sentence was an example for others that even those with resources and privilege were not above the law. ""The Governor did not contact anyone who handled this case, or those directly impacted, including Ariel’s family," Baker continued. "There simply can be no response that explains away the failure to notify victims of the offender. To Ariel's family, I offered my resolve to continue to fight for just sentences for those who injure others due to the reckless decision to drink alcohol and operate a motor vehicle.""We are reminded that this governor did not use his political power to commute the sentence of Kevin Strickland and Lamar Johnson. He used his political power to free a man with status, privilege and connections. Both Kevin and Lamar are freed today under the rule of law, but only after difficult battles to gain their freedom.""Finally, to my community, I simply say I am saddened by the self-serving political actions of the Governor and the resulting harm that it brings to the system of justice. But my office will fight for just outcomes regardless of social status, privilege or one's connections. This system of justice still stands and will prevail over any fleeting political knock. Of this I am certain," Baker wrote.Missouri State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman who is running for Congress also criticized Parson.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This isn&#39;t justice. <a href="https://t.co/ZNEGanOMKA">https://t.co/ZNEGanOMKA</a>&mdash; MaryElizabethColeman (@meaccoleman) <a href="https://twitter.com/meaccoleman/status/1763932771695710388?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I cannot imagine the pain this must cause to the family of the victim, an innocent 5-year-old girl whose life is forever changed. This is not justice. <a href="https://t.co/48M03cCsS3">https://t.co/48M03cCsS3</a>&mdash; Tony Luetkemeyer (@TonyForMissouri) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyForMissouri/status/1763934179945828383?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Parson is a longtime Chiefs season ticket-holder holder who celebrated with the team at its recent Super Bowl victory parade in Kansas City. A Parson spokesman said the governor considered several factors when making his commutation decision.“Reid had completed his alcohol abuse treatment program and has served more prison time than most individuals convicted of similar offenses,” Parson spokesman Johnathan Shiflett said.Reid's house arrest will continue until Oct. 31, 2025, with requirements for weekly meetings with a parole officer and peer support sponsor and attendance at behavioral counseling. He also will be required to work at least 30 hours a week and complete 10 hours a month of community service, among other things.The Chiefs declined to comment about Parson’s commutation of Reid.Prosecutors said Reid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-football-kansas-city-kansas-city-chiefs-d43b085c56ac1d0ec8445f30faa6a4d0">was intoxicated and driving about 84 mph</a>&nbsp;(135 kph) in a 65 mph zone when his Dodge truck hit the cars on an entrance ramp to Interstate 435 near Arrowhead Stadium on Feb. 4, 2021.A girl inside one of the cars, Ariel Young, suffered a traumatic brain injury. A total of six people, including Reid, were injured. One of the vehicles he hit had stalled because of a dead battery, and the second was owned by Ariel’s mother, who had arrived to help.Reid had a blood-alcohol level of 0.113% two hours after the crash, police said. The legal limit is 0.08%.The Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-health-business-football-b79b53869eb2a017e1e41623ac5abb58">reached a confidential agreement</a>&nbsp;with Ariel’s family to pay for her ongoing medical treatment and other expenses.An attorney who represented Ariel's family did not immediately respond to messages Friday.Reid's sentencing reprieve was one of three commutations and 36 pardons announced Friday by Parson, who also denied 63 clemency requests.Parson, a former sheriff, has now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pardon-clemency-missouri-governor-mike-parson-wisconsin-dc788c33d850956460a567554b1a8104?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">granted clemency</a>&nbsp;to more than 760 people since 2020 — more than any Missouri governor since the 1940s. Parson has been been working to clear a backlog of nearly 3,700 clemency applications he inherited when taking over as governor in 2018, but he also has considered some new requests.Many of those granted clemency by Parson were convicted decades ago of drug crimes, theft or burglary and had completed their prison sentences long ago.But two notable exceptions were Mark and Patricia McCloskey. The St. Louis couple who gained national attention for waving guns at racial injustice protesters were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-st-louis-20062ccc6593bd91757ad1ea4a190db5">pardoned by Parson</a>&nbsp;on July 30, 2021, just six weeks after Mark McCloskey&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-st-louis-5d8c0dd118abef6df4a4214becd2f30a">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;to misdemeanor fourth-degree assault and Patricia McCloskey pleaded guilty to misdemeanor harassment.