KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just before 9a.m. Thursday in Kansas City.

An international semi-truck pulling two trailers, was eastbound on Interstate 435 in Kansas City, according to Officer Corey Carlisle.

 Just east of 103rd, the semi was struck by debris from a pickup and swerved right to avoid more debris that was flying out of the bed of the pickup.

 The semi struck a Honda Civic&nbsp; and then a guardrail located on the south side of the interstate.

 The semi continued eastbound, traveling off the roadway to the right, into a drainage ditch and striking a concrete noise abatement wall.

 Upon impact with the wall, the cab of the semi-truck immediately exploded, engulfing the cab and both trailers in fire. 

The driver of the semi-truck was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Honda was uninjured. The pickup continued eastbound on Interstate 435. 

Five of the six lanes of eastbound Interstate 435 were completely closed to traffic for approximately five hours.&nbsp; Three lanes of eastbound Interstate 435 were still closed Thursday afternoon as the semi trailers and cargo are extricated from the scene. 

Authorities have not released the driver's name or additional details. The accident remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690487667755.png" alt="The cause of the accident remains under investigation-photo KC Scout camera" />
 <figcaption>The cause of the accident remains under investigation-photo KC Scout camera</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just before 9a.m. Thursday in Kansas City.An international semi-truck pulling two trailers, was eastbound on Interstate 435 in Kansas City, according to Officer Corey Carlisle. Just east of 103rd, the semi was struck by debris from a pickup and swerved right to avoid more debris that was flying out of the bed of the pickup. The semi struck a Honda Civic&nbsp; and then a guardrail located on the south side of the interstate. The semi continued eastbound, traveling off the roadway to the right, into a drainage ditch and striking a concrete noise abatement wall. Upon impact with the wall, the cab of the semi-truck immediately exploded, engulfing the cab and both trailers in fire. The driver of the semi-truck was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Honda was uninjured. The pickup continued eastbound on Interstate 435. Five of the six lanes of eastbound Interstate 435 were completely closed to traffic for approximately five hours.&nbsp; Three lanes of eastbound Interstate 435 were still closed Thursday afternoon as the semi trailers and cargo are extricated from the scene. Authorities have not released the driver's name or additional details. The accident remains under investigation.

Semi swerved to avoid debris before fatal KC crash, fire

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Allowing transgender Kansas residents to intervene in a lawsuit that seeks to force the state to list the sex they were assigned at birth on their driver's licenses would create a legal “morass,” the state's Republican attorney general argued in a new court filing.

Attorney General Kris Kobach also contends in a filing made public Wednesday that the five transgender people trying to intervene do not have a substantial interest in the lawsuit's outcome. Kobach wants to keep the focus of the case on his argument that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/sb180_enrolled.pdf">a new state law</a>&nbsp;that rolled back transgender rights as of July 1 bars the state from changing transgender people's driver's licenses to reflect their gender identities.

Kobach filed the lawsuit last month against two top officials in the Kansas Department of Revenue, which issues driver's licenses. The lawsuit came after Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly announced that people could continue to have their driver's licenses changed despite the new law, which defines male and female under any state law as the sex assigned to a person at birth. The Republican-controlled Legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-rights-bathroom-law-kansas-b3d068afa2bc02bb15314ee04e8e3899">overrode Kelly's veto</a>&nbsp;and enacted it.

District Judge Theresa Watson has an Aug. 16 hearing set in Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, on the transgender people's request to intervene. Watson already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-drivers-licenses-kansas-3ad43a98dd96a8eb5864f6cdc19beffb">has directed the department not to change</a>&nbsp;transgender people's licenses while the lawsuit moves forward, and that order is to remain in place until at least Nov. 1. Kansas is among a few states that don't allow such changes, along with Montana, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

The five transgender individuals are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and argue that barring changes in the sex listings on driver's licenses violates their rights under the Kansas Constitution.

Kobach argued in his filing, dated Tuesday, “That is not the issue in this case.” Instead, he said, the question is only whether the Department of Revenue is complying with the new law.

“Thus, whatever grievances third parties may have ... such matters are simply not relevant," Kobach wrote.

Kobach also argued that if the transgender people intervene and raise constitutional issues, he would be obligated as the state's top lawyer to defend the Department of Revenue against those claims — in his own lawsuit.

“Allowing intervention will create a procedural morass,” he wrote.

Attorneys representing the Department of Revenue against Kobach's lawsuit support the transgender people's request and argued in their own filing Tuesday that allowing them to intervene would promote “judicial economy.” The lawyers said the transgender residents are likely to file a separate lawsuit if their request is denied.

Sharon Brett, legal director for the ACLU of Kansas, said in a statement that because Kobach's interpretation of the new law conflicts with transgender people's rights, “Their voices must be heard.”

“It is telling that Mr. Kobach is going to great lengths to prevent the voices of transgender Kansans from being heard in this case,” she added.

Kobach also is trying to stop Kansas from changing the sex listing on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-birth-certificates-kansas-3cf1c3dd7de174a465d7026a71afbd5e">transgender people's birth certificates</a>&nbsp;in a separate federal lawsuit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687829963398.png" alt="Kris Kobach during a news briefing June 26, 2023, at the Statehouse in Topeka photo by Sam Bailey" />
 <figcaption>Kris Kobach during a news briefing June 26, 2023, at the Statehouse in Topeka photo by Sam Bailey</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Allowing transgender Kansas residents to intervene in a lawsuit that seeks to force the state to list the sex they were assigned at birth on their driver's licenses would create a legal “morass,” the state's Republican attorney general argued in a new court filing.Attorney General Kris Kobach also contends in a filing made public Wednesday that the five transgender people trying to intervene do not have a substantial interest in the lawsuit's outcome. Kobach wants to keep the focus of the case on his argument that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/sb180_enrolled.pdf">a new state law</a>&nbsp;that rolled back transgender rights as of July 1 bars the state from changing transgender people's driver's licenses to reflect their gender identities.Kobach filed the lawsuit last month against two top officials in the Kansas Department of Revenue, which issues driver's licenses. The lawsuit came after Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly announced that people could continue to have their driver's licenses changed despite the new law, which defines male and female under any state law as the sex assigned to a person at birth. The Republican-controlled Legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-rights-bathroom-law-kansas-b3d068afa2bc02bb15314ee04e8e3899">overrode Kelly's veto</a>&nbsp;and enacted it.District Judge Theresa Watson has an Aug. 16 hearing set in Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, on the transgender people's request to intervene. Watson already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-drivers-licenses-kansas-3ad43a98dd96a8eb5864f6cdc19beffb">has directed the department not to change</a>&nbsp;transgender people's licenses while the lawsuit moves forward, and that order is to remain in place until at least Nov. 1. Kansas is among a few states that don't allow such changes, along with Montana, Oklahoma and Tennessee.The five transgender individuals are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and argue that barring changes in the sex listings on driver's licenses violates their rights under the Kansas Constitution.Kobach argued in his filing, dated Tuesday, “That is not the issue in this case.” Instead, he said, the question is only whether the Department of Revenue is complying with the new law.“Thus, whatever grievances third parties may have ... such matters are simply not relevant," Kobach wrote.Kobach also argued that if the transgender people intervene and raise constitutional issues, he would be obligated as the state's top lawyer to defend the Department of Revenue against those claims — in his own lawsuit.“Allowing intervention will create a procedural morass,” he wrote.Attorneys representing the Department of Revenue against Kobach's lawsuit support the transgender people's request and argued in their own filing Tuesday that allowing them to intervene would promote “judicial economy.” The lawyers said the transgender residents are likely to file a separate lawsuit if their request is denied.Sharon Brett, legal director for the ACLU of Kansas, said in a statement that because Kobach's interpretation of the new law conflicts with transgender people's rights, “Their voices must be heard.”“It is telling that Mr. Kobach is going to great lengths to prevent the voices of transgender Kansans from being heard in this case,” she added.Kobach also is trying to stop Kansas from changing the sex listing on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-birth-certificates-kansas-3cf1c3dd7de174a465d7026a71afbd5e">transgender people's birth certificates</a>&nbsp;in a separate federal lawsuit.

AG: Lawsuit over Kan. IDs would be a 'morass' if transgender intervene

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man&nbsp;who was fleeing police when his pickup was involved in a four-vehicle crash that killed a pregnant Kansas woman is going to prison.

On Wednesday, District Court Judge Tyler Roush sentenced 37-year-old Javan Ervin to life in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He will not be eligible to apply for parole for 60 years.

In June a jury found Ervin guilty of first-degree murder in&nbsp;the&nbsp;death of&nbsp;Samantha Russell.

In July of 2021, a&nbsp;2002 Dodge Ram driven by<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=161387">&nbsp;Javan Jermaine Ervin</a>&nbsp;was actively attempting to elude law enforcement following a robbery.

The pickup was northbound on Ridge Road in Wichita at a high rate of speed and failed to stop at the red traffic light at Central Avenue.

The pickup collided with a westbound 2000 Chevy Silverado driven by Jordan Samuel Peltzer, 40, Henderson, Nevada.

The impact caused the driver side rear wheels and tires to detach from the vehicle which collided with a 2016 Jeep Compass driven by Connie L. Holt, 73, Wichita, that was stopped on the inside left turn lane from South bound Ridge Road to East bound Central Avenue.

The Dodge Ram then collided with 2019 Mazda CX3 driven by 22-year--old <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/wsph3-support-for-the-russell-family">Samantha Lee Russell</a> which was stopped behind the Jeep. The Dodge Ram then rolled onto its top and came to a rest in the North bound lanes of Ridge Road.

EMS transported Russell to Wesley Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.&nbsp;She was 33 weeks pregnant. Doctors delivered the baby boy who at that time was hospitalized in critical condition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625654789637.png" alt="Ervin-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Ervin-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man&nbsp;who was fleeing police when his pickup was involved in a four-vehicle crash that killed a pregnant Kansas woman is going to prison.On Wednesday, District Court Judge Tyler Roush sentenced 37-year-old Javan Ervin to life in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He will not be eligible to apply for parole for 60 years.In June a jury found Ervin guilty of first-degree murder in&nbsp;the&nbsp;death of&nbsp;Samantha Russell.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625655160724.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the fatal 4-vehicle crash photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the fatal 4-vehicle crash photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>In July of 2021, a&nbsp;2002 Dodge Ram driven by<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=161387">&nbsp;Javan Jermaine Ervin</a>&nbsp;was actively attempting to elude law enforcement following a robbery.The pickup was northbound on Ridge Road in Wichita at a high rate of speed and failed to stop at the red traffic light at Central Avenue.The pickup collided with a westbound 2000 Chevy Silverado driven by Jordan Samuel Peltzer, 40, Henderson, Nevada.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625764005417.png" alt="Samantha Russell and her husband Brandon -photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Samantha Russell and her husband Brandon -photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>The impact caused the driver side rear wheels and tires to detach from the vehicle which collided with a 2016 Jeep Compass driven by Connie L. Holt, 73, Wichita, that was stopped on the inside left turn lane from South bound Ridge Road to East bound Central Avenue.The Dodge Ram then collided with 2019 Mazda CX3 driven by 22-year--old <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/wsph3-support-for-the-russell-family">Samantha Lee Russell</a> which was stopped behind the Jeep. The Dodge Ram then rolled onto its top and came to a rest in the North bound lanes of Ridge Road.EMS transported Russell to Wesley Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.&nbsp;She was 33 weeks pregnant. Doctors delivered the baby boy who at that time was hospitalized in critical condition.

Man sentenced for chase, crash that killed pregnant Kan. woman

Ordinance limiting locations may mean no place qualifies for drag performances in the city of ‘faith, family and flag’

By ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/30/open-enrollment-missouri-school-choice/">Missouri Independent</a>

Municipalities in Missouri are attempting to restrict drag performances as obscenity or a planning-and-development concern, with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRVneZbXY2U">Branson</a>&nbsp;among the first after advancing an ordinance Tuesday night limiting drag to a small area of town.

Rolla recently tried to limit drag, but an ordinance defining it as obscene, failed during a city council meeting last week.

These local actions are reminiscent of policies proposed by GOP state lawmakers during the legislative session. Bills from Rep. Ben Baker, R-Neosho, and Rep. Mazzie Boyd, R-Hamilton, sought to label drag performances as adult cabaret shows and never made it out of the House.

Boyd’s legislation would’ve made drag venues akin to strip clubs in Missouri, where facilities are bound to strict hours and location requirements.

Two state representatives, Branson’s Brian Seitz and Brad Hudson of Cape Fair, spoke during Branson’s Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday evening. During the legislative session, Seitz and Hudson joined Boyd in filing bills that limited the rights of LGBTQ+ Missourians.

Hudson was the House sponsor for a bill, recently signed by Gov. Mike Parson, that bans gender-affirming care for transgender minors. Tuesday, the ACLU of Missouri and Lambda Legal&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/lawsuit-seeks-to-block-missouri-ban-on-transgender-care-for-minors/">filed a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;in hopes to stop the implementation of the law.

Hudson compared the drag restrictions in Branson to the gender-affirming-care ban, asking the aldermen to consider if allowing children in drag shows will “negatively impact the child for the rest of its [sic] life.”

“Anytime you have a situation where children could be in harm’s way, it is absolutely the government’s responsibility to step in and protect those innocent kids,” he said.

Branson’s aldermen removed a clause that would’ve allowed those under 18 to attend drag performances alongside a parent or guardian.

The resulting ordinance, passed in a 3-2 vote Tuesday night, mirrors the city’s rules for other “adult performances.” The board will take a vote in August to finalize the ordinance.

<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofbranson.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=4416">It restricts new or expanded drag performances to Branson’s downtown district</a>&nbsp;with a special-use permit. The venue also can’t be located near a public park, school, church, other drag club or a facility serving liquor.

“The series of proposed changes within the ordinance are intended to preserve the city’s values by restricting adult-oriented activities to a location of the city that currently allows such activities and where citizens and tourists can expect to encounter and attend such activities if desired,” the city’s fact sheet says.

The area zoned as “downtown” is different from the “entertainment” region. Downtown has the least amount of commercial land, with under 150 parcels, according to the city’s map.

“The downtown district was created to ensure that the peace and safety of residential and neighborhood-adjacent districts are not negatively impacted by live entertainment uses, which typically include bright signs, loud noises, and heavy pedestrian and car traffic that may continue late into the night. Therefore, drag shows would be zoned to the downtown district,” an ordinance brief says.

Centered around Commercial Street, it looks like a town square one could find in many Missouri towns. It is largely small storefronts where pedestrians can wander through to pick up a homemade pie, buy old-fashioned candy or stop by the bank.

It is far from a sin city in a world of cowboy boots and family values.

Steve Hartley, who owns Dick’s 5 &amp; 10 downtown, told the mayor and aldermen he sees families walking through the area all day.

“I would certainly hate to see anything, whether real or perceived, tarnish the wholesome image we in downtown Branson are working so hard to promote,” he said.

City spokeswoman Lisa Rau told The Independent that adult-centric events have been held in the area with a special-event permit previously. She said the city is trying to please community members while balancing “the need to be respectful to our families.”

But the downtown area doesn’t fit the provisions prescribed in the ordinance, which requires setbacks of 10 feet alongside the back and sides and a 20-foot setback in front of the property and its parking. A setback is the distance between the property line and the structure.

According to the city’s SiteSketch tool, none of the parcels in the downtown area have setbacks on all sides of the property.

Kevin Vaughan, a promoter for a Branson drag show, said during the board meeting that downtown wouldn’t work for the performances.

“There is no venue that can hold a drag show in the downtown district,” he said. “This feels like some sort of attack on the LGBTQ community.”

Some supporters of drag&nbsp; said the shows have operated in Branson for at least 20 years, but more public attention has stirred the community after HBO’s show “We’re Here” featured Branson in its third episode.

During the public-comment period during the board meeting, most residents opposed the ordinance. Some thought drag should be banned throughout the city and spoke of the ordinance as permission for the performances.

“There are some people that think that what we’re discussing tonight is opening up an opportunity,” Mayor Larry Milton said. “The reality is today, drag shows are allowed anywhere in the city limits of Branson.”

Richie Zates, asking for an outright ban of drag in Branson, said, “We have to maintain purity in this town.”

Others quoted from The Bible, although Milton warned at the top of the meeting that he wouldn’t use scripture as a justification for disobeying the U.S. Constitution.

Joe Lauber, a Lee’s-Summit-based attorney hired by the city, said it is tricky to craft the ordinance while maintaining freedom of speech and expression and not committing gender discrimination.

“​​It is constitutionally challenging to create legislation as that which has been requested,” he said, beginning his presentation of the ordinance.

“For the most part, regulation of the activities that form the subject of this proposed ordinance is better left to individuals, the free market or private or nonprofit organizations including religious institutions,” he said.

Justice Horn, chair of Kansas City’s LGBTQ+ Commission, asked in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/JusticeHorn_/status/1684031117634965505?s=20">statement on Twitter</a>&nbsp;for the ACLU of Missouri to “step in and protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals who live in rural communities.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690419630293.png" alt=" Branson's mayor and aldermen on Tuesday night approved an ordinance restricting drag shows to the downtown district. (Screenshot via Branson YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption> Branson's mayor and aldermen on Tuesday night approved an ordinance restricting drag shows to the downtown district. (Screenshot via Branson YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Ordinance limiting locations may mean no place qualifies for drag performances in the city of ‘faith, family and flag’</h2>By ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/30/open-enrollment-missouri-school-choice/">Missouri Independent</a>Municipalities in Missouri are attempting to restrict drag performances as obscenity or a planning-and-development concern, with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRVneZbXY2U">Branson</a>&nbsp;among the first after advancing an ordinance Tuesday night limiting drag to a small area of town.Rolla recently tried to limit drag, but an ordinance defining it as obscene, failed during a city council meeting last week.These local actions are reminiscent of policies proposed by GOP state lawmakers during the legislative session. Bills from Rep. Ben Baker, R-Neosho, and Rep. Mazzie Boyd, R-Hamilton, sought to label drag performances as adult cabaret shows and never made it out of the House.Boyd’s legislation would’ve made drag venues akin to strip clubs in Missouri, where facilities are bound to strict hours and location requirements.Two state representatives, Branson’s Brian Seitz and Brad Hudson of Cape Fair, spoke during Branson’s Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday evening. During the legislative session, Seitz and Hudson joined Boyd in filing bills that limited the rights of LGBTQ+ Missourians.Hudson was the House sponsor for a bill, recently signed by Gov. Mike Parson, that bans gender-affirming care for transgender minors. Tuesday, the ACLU of Missouri and Lambda Legal&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/lawsuit-seeks-to-block-missouri-ban-on-transgender-care-for-minors/">filed a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;in hopes to stop the implementation of the law.Hudson compared the drag restrictions in Branson to the gender-affirming-care ban, asking the aldermen to consider if allowing children in drag shows will “negatively impact the child for the rest of its [sic] life.”“Anytime you have a situation where children could be in harm’s way, it is absolutely the government’s responsibility to step in and protect those innocent kids,” he said.Branson’s aldermen removed a clause that would’ve allowed those under 18 to attend drag performances alongside a parent or guardian.The resulting ordinance, passed in a 3-2 vote Tuesday night, mirrors the city’s rules for other “adult performances.” The board will take a vote in August to finalize the ordinance.<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofbranson.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=4416">It restricts new or expanded drag performances to Branson’s downtown district</a>&nbsp;with a special-use permit. The venue also can’t be located near a public park, school, church, other drag club or a facility serving liquor.“The series of proposed changes within the ordinance are intended to preserve the city’s values by restricting adult-oriented activities to a location of the city that currently allows such activities and where citizens and tourists can expect to encounter and attend such activities if desired,” the city’s fact sheet says.The area zoned as “downtown” is different from the “entertainment” region. Downtown has the least amount of commercial land, with under 150 parcels, according to the city’s map.“The downtown district was created to ensure that the peace and safety of residential and neighborhood-adjacent districts are not negatively impacted by live entertainment uses, which typically include bright signs, loud noises, and heavy pedestrian and car traffic that may continue late into the night. Therefore, drag shows would be zoned to the downtown district,” an ordinance brief says.Centered around Commercial Street, it looks like a town square one could find in many Missouri towns. It is largely small storefronts where pedestrians can wander through to pick up a homemade pie, buy old-fashioned candy or stop by the bank.It is far from a sin city in a world of cowboy boots and family values.Steve Hartley, who owns Dick’s 5 &amp; 10 downtown, told the mayor and aldermen he sees families walking through the area all day.“I would certainly hate to see anything, whether real or perceived, tarnish the wholesome image we in downtown Branson are working so hard to promote,” he said.City spokeswoman Lisa Rau told The Independent that adult-centric events have been held in the area with a special-event permit previously. She said the city is trying to please community members while balancing “the need to be respectful to our families.”But the downtown area doesn’t fit the provisions prescribed in the ordinance, which requires setbacks of 10 feet alongside the back and sides and a 20-foot setback in front of the property and its parking. A setback is the distance between the property line and the structure.According to the city’s SiteSketch tool, none of the parcels in the downtown area have setbacks on all sides of the property.Kevin Vaughan, a promoter for a Branson drag show, said during the board meeting that downtown wouldn’t work for the performances.“There is no venue that can hold a drag show in the downtown district,” he said. “This feels like some sort of attack on the LGBTQ community.”Some supporters of drag&nbsp; said the shows have operated in Branson for at least 20 years, but more public attention has stirred the community after HBO’s show “We’re Here” featured Branson in its third episode.During the public-comment period during the board meeting, most residents opposed the ordinance. Some thought drag should be banned throughout the city and spoke of the ordinance as permission for the performances.“There are some people that think that what we’re discussing tonight is opening up an opportunity,” Mayor Larry Milton said. “The reality is today, drag shows are allowed anywhere in the city limits of Branson.”Richie Zates, asking for an outright ban of drag in Branson, said, “We have to maintain purity in this town.”Others quoted from The Bible, although Milton warned at the top of the meeting that he wouldn’t use scripture as a justification for disobeying the U.S. Constitution.Joe Lauber, a Lee’s-Summit-based attorney hired by the city, said it is tricky to craft the ordinance while maintaining freedom of speech and expression and not committing gender discrimination.“​​It is constitutionally challenging to create legislation as that which has been requested,” he said, beginning his presentation of the ordinance.“For the most part, regulation of the activities that form the subject of this proposed ordinance is better left to individuals, the free market or private or nonprofit organizations including religious institutions,” he said.Justice Horn, chair of Kansas City’s LGBTQ+ Commission, asked in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/JusticeHorn_/status/1684031117634965505?s=20">statement on Twitter</a>&nbsp;for the ACLU of Missouri to “step in and protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals who live in rural communities.”

Branson places ‘adult performance’ restrictions on drag shows

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

The Saline County Sheriff reported a 1999 Chevy Tahoe driven by Shirley Rodriguez, 65, of Longford, was northbound in the 6500 block of N. Ohio Street

The driver lost control of the the SUV. It rolled, left the road and the driver was ejected.

EMS transported Rodriguez to Salina Regional Health Center where she died of her injuries. The sheriff's office reported no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690480064690.png" alt="Photo Saline County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Saline County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6p.m. Wednesday in Saline County.The Saline County Sheriff reported a 1999 Chevy Tahoe driven by Shirley Rodriguez, 65, of Longford, was northbound in the 6500 block of N. Ohio StreetThe driver lost control of the the SUV. It rolled, left the road and the driver was ejected.EMS transported Rodriguez to Salina Regional Health Center where she died of her injuries. The sheriff's office reported no additional details.

Kansas woman dies after ejected in SUV rollover crash

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have made an arrest.

Just after 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to an alarm at Calhoun’s Jewelers, 1801 SW Gage Blvd. in Topeka, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers found that an individual had forced entry into the business.

As a result of the investigation, Raymundo A. Martinez, 36, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, DV, or sexually motivated crime and Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1,000 to $25,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690309886340.png" alt="Martinez-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Martinez-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have made an arrest.Just after 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to an alarm at Calhoun’s Jewelers, 1801 SW Gage Blvd. in Topeka, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers found that an individual had forced entry into the business.As a result of the investigation, Raymundo A. Martinez, 36, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, DV, or sexually motivated crime and Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1,000 to $25,000.

Man accused of burglary at Kansas jewelry store

&nbsp;TOPEKA —A federal judge last week found that a Kansas Highway Patrol practice known as the “Kansas Two-Step” violates motorists' constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and targets motorists traveling from states where marijuana is legal.

In a statement from the patrol on Wednesday, the agency said is reviewing the Court’s decision and respects the Judge’s conclusions and recommendations.&nbsp; 

Moving forward, KHP will continue its endeavor to ensure that our enforcement operations respect constitutional rights and comply with the law as we carry out our missions of Service, Courtesy, and Protection.

The Kansas Highway Patrol understands that many within the public wish to express their concerns and complaints to the agency regarding the lawsuit and the ruling in the case.&nbsp; KHP would like to direct the public to the online complaint forum within our Professional Standards Unit.&nbsp; <a href="https://kansashighwaypatrol.org/about-us/compliments-complaints/">Click here to view and</a> leave comments on the forum&nbsp;

“I remain committed to the Kansas Highway Patrol and the employees that are serving within the agency. The administration and all agency members will continue to be held to the highest levels of integrity and professionalism”, said Colonel Erik Smith, Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586208701830.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;TOPEKA —A federal judge last week found that a Kansas Highway Patrol practice known as the “Kansas Two-Step” violates motorists' constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and targets motorists traveling from states where marijuana is legal.In a statement from the patrol on Wednesday, the agency said is reviewing the Court’s decision and respects the Judge’s conclusions and recommendations.&nbsp; Moving forward, KHP will continue its endeavor to ensure that our enforcement operations respect constitutional rights and comply with the law as we carry out our missions of Service, Courtesy, and Protection.The Kansas Highway Patrol understands that many within the public wish to express their concerns and complaints to the agency regarding the lawsuit and the ruling in the case.&nbsp; KHP would like to direct the public to the online complaint forum within our Professional Standards Unit.&nbsp; <a href="https://kansashighwaypatrol.org/about-us/compliments-complaints/">Click here to view and</a> leave comments on the forum&nbsp;“I remain committed to the Kansas Highway Patrol and the employees that are serving within the agency. The administration and all agency members will continue to be held to the highest levels of integrity and professionalism”, said Colonel Erik Smith, Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol.

KHP wants your comments after judge’s ruling on two-step practice

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell briefly left his own press conference Wednesday after stopping his remarks midsentence and staring off into space for several seconds.

McConnell approached the podium for his weekly press conference and began speaking about the annual defense bill on the floor, which he said was proceeding with “good bipartisan cooperation.” But he then appeared to lose his train of thought, trailing off with a drawn-out “uh.”

The Kentucky senator then appeared to freeze up and stared vacantly for around 20 seconds before his colleagues in Republican leadership, who were standing behind him and could not see his face, grabbed his elbows and asked if he wanted to go back to his office.

He did not answer, but slowly walked back to his office with an aide and Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, a former orthopedic surgeon who is the No. 3 Republican in the Senate. After sitting down in his office for several minutes, McConnell later returned to the press conference and answered questions from the press.

McConnell, 81, was out of the Senate for almost six weeks earlier this year after falling and hitting his head after a dinner event at a hotel. He was hospitalized for several days, and his office later said he suffered a concussion and fractured a rib. His speech has sounded more halting in recent weeks, prompting questions among some of his colleagues about his health.

When he returned to answer questions, McConnell said he was “fine.” Asked if he is still able to do his job, he said, “Yeah.”

McConnell's office declined to say whether he was seen by a doctor after the episode.

After the press conference, Barrasso told reporters he “wanted to make sure everything was fine” and walked McConnell down the hall to his office.

Barrasso said he has been concerned since McConnell was injured earlier this year, “and I continue to be concerned.”

But asked about his particular concerns, Barrasso said: “I said I was concerned when he fell and hit his head a number of months ago and was hospitalized. And I think he's made a remarkable recovery, he's doing a great job leading our conference and was able to answer every question the press asked him today.”

Walking out of his office Wednesday evening, McConnell again told reporters he was fine. He said President Joe Biden had called him.

“The president called to check up on me, and I told him I got sandbagged,” McConnell joked, referencing a quote from Biden in June after he tripped over a sandbag and fell while onstage at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation.

First elected to the Senate in 1984, McConnell became the longest-serving Senate party leader in history in January. He was easily reelected to his leadership post that same month, despite a challenge from Florida Sen. Rick Scott.

Still, several Republicans, including No. 2 Republican Sen. John Thune of South Dakota and Barrasso, are seen as waiting in the wings to someday replace him.

Texas Sen. John Cornyn, who is also seen as a potential candidate to succeed McConnell, told reporters after the episode, “I support Senator McConnell as long as he wants to serve as leader.”

McConnell had polio in his early childhood and he has long acknowledged some difficulty as an adult in climbing stairs. In addition to his fall in March, he also tripped and fell four years ago at his home in Kentucky, causing a shoulder fracture that required surgery.

The Republican leader is one of several senators who have been absent due to health issues this year. Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, 90, was out of the Senate for more than two months as she recovered from a bout of shingles. And Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., 53, took leave for several weeks to get treatment for clinical depression.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell briefly left his own press conference Wednesday after stopping his remarks midsentence and staring off into space for several seconds.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Senator Minority Leader Mitch McConnell appears to have a health issue while speaking during a press conference in the U.S. Capitol. About 12 minutes later, the Minority Leader returned to the press conference and, when asked about what happened, said, &quot;I&#39;m fine.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/EU7zDzGT0m">pic.twitter.com/EU7zDzGT0m</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1684278322098761728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>McConnell approached the podium for his weekly press conference and began speaking about the annual defense bill on the floor, which he said was proceeding with “good bipartisan cooperation.” But he then appeared to lose his train of thought, trailing off with a drawn-out “uh.”The Kentucky senator then appeared to freeze up and stared vacantly for around 20 seconds before his colleagues in Republican leadership, who were standing behind him and could not see his face, grabbed his elbows and asked if he wanted to go back to his office.He did not answer, but slowly walked back to his office with an aide and Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, a former orthopedic surgeon who is the No. 3 Republican in the Senate. After sitting down in his office for several minutes, McConnell later returned to the press conference and answered questions from the press.McConnell, 81, was out of the Senate for almost six weeks earlier this year after falling and hitting his head after a dinner event at a hotel. He was hospitalized for several days, and his office later said he suffered a concussion and fractured a rib. His speech has sounded more halting in recent weeks, prompting questions among some of his colleagues about his health.When he returned to answer questions, McConnell said he was “fine.” Asked if he is still able to do his job, he said, “Yeah.”McConnell's office declined to say whether he was seen by a doctor after the episode.After the press conference, Barrasso told reporters he “wanted to make sure everything was fine” and walked McConnell down the hall to his office.Barrasso said he has been concerned since McConnell was injured earlier this year, “and I continue to be concerned.”But asked about his particular concerns, Barrasso said: “I said I was concerned when he fell and hit his head a number of months ago and was hospitalized. And I think he's made a remarkable recovery, he's doing a great job leading our conference and was able to answer every question the press asked him today.”Walking out of his office Wednesday evening, McConnell again told reporters he was fine. He said President Joe Biden had called him.“The president called to check up on me, and I told him I got sandbagged,” McConnell joked, referencing a quote from Biden in June after he tripped over a sandbag and fell while onstage at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation.First elected to the Senate in 1984, McConnell became the longest-serving Senate party leader in history in January. He was easily reelected to his leadership post that same month, despite a challenge from Florida Sen. Rick Scott.Still, several Republicans, including No. 2 Republican Sen. John Thune of South Dakota and Barrasso, are seen as waiting in the wings to someday replace him.Texas Sen. John Cornyn, who is also seen as a potential candidate to succeed McConnell, told reporters after the episode, “I support Senator McConnell as long as he wants to serve as leader.”McConnell had polio in his early childhood and he has long acknowledged some difficulty as an adult in climbing stairs. In addition to his fall in March, he also tripped and fell four years ago at his home in Kentucky, causing a shoulder fracture that required surgery.The Republican leader is one of several senators who have been absent due to health issues this year. Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, 90, was out of the Senate for more than two months as she recovered from a bout of shingles. And Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., 53, took leave for several weeks to get treatment for clinical depression.

🎥 GOP Senate leader has health scare during presser; says he’s ‘fine’

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating an armed robbery in southwest Kansas have two suspects in custody.

On Wednesday, police in Garden City asked the public for help&nbsp; identifying two suspects responsible for the aggravated robbery.&nbsp;

Just after 3:00 a.m. Wednesday, two men entered the Corner Market at 2522 N. Taylor Avenue in Garden City. One of the suspects pointed a handgun at an employee, while the other suspect shattered the Vape Pen display case and stole merchandise and placed them into a backpack.

The suspects fled the scene from the west door entrance. The suspect with the handgun was described as a white male who was wearing a red/black t-shirt, black pants, orange Crocs, and a blue balaclava face mask.

The other suspect who stole the vape pens was wearing a black hoodie, white/black/gray striped shorts, white Crocs, and a gray backpack. He was described as a white or Hispanic male.

Police have reported no additional details and possible charges against the suspects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690423563994.png" alt="Photos Garden City Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Garden City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating an armed robbery in southwest Kansas have two suspects in custody.On Wednesday, police in Garden City asked the public for help&nbsp; identifying two suspects responsible for the aggravated robbery.&nbsp;Just after 3:00 a.m. Wednesday, two men entered the Corner Market at 2522 N. Taylor Avenue in Garden City. One of the suspects pointed a handgun at an employee, while the other suspect shattered the Vape Pen display case and stole merchandise and placed them into a backpack.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690455128662.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The suspects fled the scene from the west door entrance. The suspect with the handgun was described as a white male who was wearing a red/black t-shirt, black pants, orange Crocs, and a blue balaclava face mask.The other suspect who stole the vape pens was wearing a black hoodie, white/black/gray striped shorts, white Crocs, and a gray backpack. He was described as a white or Hispanic male.Police have reported no additional details and possible charges against the suspects.

Police capture SW Kansas armed robbery suspects

CLOUD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating vandalism at the city park in Concordia have identified two juvenile suspects, according to a media release from police.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On July 14,&nbsp;police responded to report of damage at the park in the 300 Block of West 11th Street in Concordia that included the swimming pool and pickle ball courts, according to Police Chief Brent Gering.&nbsp;

The damage prevented the community from using the pool and courts over that weekend and resulted in costly repairs to buildings and equipment, lost wages to seasonal employees and lost revenue to the city. Police offered a $200 reward for information that led to an arrest and prosecution.

Officers have sent requested charges against the identified juveniles to the Cloud County Attorney's office.&nbsp; The investigation into the damage continues as&nbsp; officers pursue additional suspects.

Anyone with information on the vandalism, contact Concordia Police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689547541085.png" alt="Anyone with information on the vandalism, contact Concordia Police. Google image" />
 <figcaption>Anyone with information on the vandalism, contact Concordia Police. Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>CLOUD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating vandalism at the city park in Concordia have identified two juvenile suspects, according to a media release from police.&nbsp;&nbsp;On July 14,&nbsp;police responded to report of damage at the park in the 300 Block of West 11th Street in Concordia that included the swimming pool and pickle ball courts, according to Police Chief Brent Gering.&nbsp;The damage prevented the community from using the pool and courts over that weekend and resulted in costly repairs to buildings and equipment, lost wages to seasonal employees and lost revenue to the city. Police offered a $200 reward for information that led to an arrest and prosecution.Officers have sent requested charges against the identified juveniles to the Cloud County Attorney's office.&nbsp; The investigation into the damage continues as&nbsp; officers pursue additional suspects.Anyone with information on the vandalism, contact Concordia Police.

Police: 2 juveniles face charges for vandalism at city pool, pickle ball courts 

CLAY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating after finding an injured bald eagle.

Over the weekend, Lt. Amanda Alexander received a call about an injured bald eagle in Clay County, according to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife Game Wardens.

 Lt.&nbsp; Alexander located the eagle and transport it to Operation Wildlife for evaluation. 

The eagle was found to have a pelvic injury most likely caused by a vehicle. The eagle was released into the custody of Operation Wildlife.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690405116574.png" alt="Photos KDW&amp;P Game Wardens" />
 <figcaption>Photos KDW&amp;P Game Wardens</figcaption>
 </figure>CLAY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating after finding an injured bald eagle.Over the weekend, Lt. Amanda Alexander received a call about an injured bald eagle in Clay County, according to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife Game Wardens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690405093524.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> Lt.&nbsp; Alexander located the eagle and transport it to Operation Wildlife for evaluation. The eagle was found to have a pelvic injury most likely caused by a vehicle. The eagle was released into the custody of Operation Wildlife.

Kan. Game Wardens: Vehicle may have struck injured bald eagle

By ARIANA FIGUEROA&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Wednesday faced off with Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee, who did not directly call for his impeachment but strongly criticized his oversight of the agency.

“I know that today Secretary Mayorkas is going to try to paint a rosy picture of this disastrous mismanagement of our border. But nothing about the Biden administration’s policy is safe, orderly, or humane,” Chair Rep. Jim Jordan, an Ohio Republican, said. “The numbers don’t lie.”

House Republicans have held multiple hearings about immigration at the Southern border as part of their broader strategy to impeach Mayorkas on the grounds that he has failed to enforce U.S. law. Multiple impeachment resolutions have been introduced and co-sponsored by dozens of Republicans.

House GOP members have also floated the idea of impeaching President Joe Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland. During an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity on Monday, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, suggested that House Republicans could be headed toward impeachment hearings for Biden.

On Tuesday, McCarthy again floated the idea that impeachment of Biden could be considered in light of questions Republicans are raising about Biden family finances,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-mccarthy-hannity-78e4c7efeb030b29e1576f868257179b">The Associated Press reported.</a>

Democrats spent much of the five-hour-plus Judiciary hearing pushing back against Republicans’ claims about migration at the U.S. Southern border and defending DHS practices.

The top Democrat on the committee, Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York, said Republicans used the hearing as a “baseless attempt to impeach Secretary Mayorkas.”

“To be clear, Republicans have not established any legitimate grounds to impeach Secretary Mayorkas, they’ve not uncovered evidence of wrongdoing or malfeasance of any kind,” Nadler said. “They have policy disagreements with this secretary.”

Mayorkas argued that the Biden administration’s policies at the border are working to deter unauthorized immigration, citing the use of parole programs for certain nationals and a new policy established after the end of pandemic-era immigration enforcement tool known as Title 42 that restricts asylum.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-blocks-biden-rule-limits-asylum-migrants-border">A federal judge Tuesday blocked that policy</a>, and the Department of Justice has appealed the decision.

“Under President Biden’s leadership, we have led the largest expansion of lawful, safe and orderly pathways for people to seek humanitarian relief under our laws, at the same time imposing tougher consequences on those who instead resort to the ruthless smuggling organizations that prey on the most vulnerable,” Mayorkas said.

There has been a decline in recent months in unauthorized border crossings, with the most recent data from May showing a 15% decrease compared to May 2022, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-releases-may-2023-monthly-operational-update">U.S. Customs and Border Protection data</a>

Democratic Rep. Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania said that each day hundreds of people die from overdoses, with a majority of those from illicit fentanyl. Mayorkas said that DHS has focused on seizing fentanyl at ports of entry.

“We have a serious problem,” Dean said. “We don’t have folks on the other side of the aisle serious about solving it.”

The National Center for Health Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates">found</a>&nbsp;that deaths “involving synthetic opioids other than methadone (primarily fentanyl) continued to rise with 70,601 overdose deaths reported in 2021.”

“We are leading an unprecedented effort to interdict the flow of fentanyl into our communities, which has escalated for more than five years,” Mayorkas said.

Republican Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado told Mayorkas that his constituents consider Mayorkas a “traitor” because of the fentanyl crisis.

Republican Rep. Thomas Tiffany of Wisconsin accused Mayorkas of having an “open border policy,” and asked him if that has led to an increase in fentanyl in the U.S.

“We have interdicted more fentanyl at the ports of entry than in the prior administration,” Mayorkas said, adding that there is not an open border policy.

Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida and Jordan grilled Mayorkas on his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ice.gov/doclib/news/guidelines-civilimmigrationlaw.pdf">directive</a>&nbsp;that focuses on removing undocumented people with a criminal record.

<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/06/23/us-supreme-court-turns-down-push-by-states-to-challenge-biden-deportation-policy/">The Supreme Court in June overwhelmingly agreed</a>&nbsp;that the Biden administration has the legal authority to prioritize arresting and deporting noncitizens who have recently crossed the border without authorization and noncitizens who pose a threat to public safety.

“So long as you don’t commit a crime, you get to stay here and burden our schools, burden our social services, burden our jails,” Gaetz said.

Mayorkas said because there are anywhere between 11 and 12 million undocumented people in the country, it would not be feasible for the agency to focus its resources on deporting people who have not committed a crime. He added that the agency has deported more than 1.4 million people who did not have legal status.

Democratic Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia pushed back and said that “MAGA Republican extremists want to sell us on an apocalyptic fantasy,” and “want us to believe that the border is out of control.”

“But in reality, the greatest threat facing our homeland is white nationalist ideology,” Johnson said.

Republican Rep. Dan Bishop of North Carolina asked Mayokras if under his tenure the cartels have “become stronger or weaker.”

“Our efforts have weakened those cartels by the investigations and prosecutions that we have conducted with our international partners,” he said.

Democrats argued that there is only so much that DHS can do, because Congress has failed to update immigration laws.

“Our colleagues across the aisle have made clear with their tone and questions today that their primary interest is in scapegoating you and the Biden administration for the consequences of Congress failing for decades to address either the root causes of immigration at our Southern border … and (the) all but complete collapse of the U.S. immigration system,” Democratic Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon of Pennsylvania said.

Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington said with the issues Mayorkas inherited from the Trump administration and Congress’ inability to pass immigration reform, it’s led to record levels of backlogs in the immigration system.

She asked Mayorkas about the impact of expanding legal pathways such as the parole systems that allow up to 30,000 migrants each month from Cuba, Haiti and Nicaragua who have U.S.-based financial sponsors and pass a background check.

“Our approach is to expand lawful pathways so that individuals who qualify for relief under the laws of this Congress do not have to place their lives and their life savings in the hands of unscrupulous smugglers,” Mayorkas said.

Several Republicans such as Reps. Mike Johnson of Louisiana, Andy Biggs of Arizona and Thomas Massie of Kentucky pressed Mayorkas about the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

CISA was formed in 2018. The agency is tasked with improving the government’s cybersecurity against private and foreign hackers, along with overall strengthening of the government’s cyber infrastructure across all agencies.

Johnson charged that CISA suppresses speech online, mainly that of conservative voices. He&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-limits-biden-administration-contact-with-social-media-platforms-in-censorship-case/">cited a case</a>&nbsp;filed by former Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt,in which a federal judge earlier this month prohibited the Biden administration from communicating with social media platforms about “protected speech.”

Mayorkas said the agency does not “censor free speech,” and that the purpose of the CISA is to identify and track adverse nations that weaponize disinformation, which is when someone purposely spreads false information.

Massie asked Mayorkas if it was illegal to “undermine public trust in government institutions.”

Mayorkas said that DHS does not get involved in speech surrounding ideology, only if that ideology is connected to violence. He said the agency does evaluate certain ideologies.

“What we get engaged in is a connectivity to violence,” he said. “It is our responsibility to prevent violence from occurring.”

An example he gave was the c<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8576388/">onspiracy theory that 5G cell towers</a>&nbsp;were connected to the coronavirus. DHS became involved and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/dhs-to-advise-telecom-firms-on-preventing-5g-cell-tower-attacks-linked-to-coronavirus-conspiracy-theories/2020/05/13/6aa9eaa6-951f-11ea-82b4-c8db161ff6e5_story.html">issued warnings to the telecom industry</a>&nbsp;because they believed there could be attacks to cell towers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690419772316.png" alt=" Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas testifies on Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee. (Screenshot from committee webcast)" />
 <figcaption> Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas testifies on Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee. (Screenshot from committee webcast)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ARIANA FIGUEROA&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Wednesday faced off with Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee, who did not directly call for his impeachment but strongly criticized his oversight of the agency.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sen. <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RogerMarshallMD</a> calls out Joe Biden and Alejandro Mayorkas for fueling the worst border crisis in U.S. history, and for their complete refusal to secure the border. <a href="https://t.co/OwTzV4tjWA">pic.twitter.com/OwTzV4tjWA</a>&mdash; GOP (@GOP) <a href="https://twitter.com/GOP/status/1682435857649737728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“I know that today Secretary Mayorkas is going to try to paint a rosy picture of this disastrous mismanagement of our border. But nothing about the Biden administration’s policy is safe, orderly, or humane,” Chair Rep. Jim Jordan, an Ohio Republican, said. “The numbers don’t lie.”House Republicans have held multiple hearings about immigration at the Southern border as part of their broader strategy to impeach Mayorkas on the grounds that he has failed to enforce U.S. law. Multiple impeachment resolutions have been introduced and co-sponsored by dozens of Republicans.House GOP members have also floated the idea of impeaching President Joe Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland. During an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity on Monday, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, suggested that House Republicans could be headed toward impeachment hearings for Biden.On Tuesday, McCarthy again floated the idea that impeachment of Biden could be considered in light of questions Republicans are raising about Biden family finances,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-impeachment-mccarthy-hannity-78e4c7efeb030b29e1576f868257179b">The Associated Press reported.</a>Democrats spent much of the five-hour-plus Judiciary hearing pushing back against Republicans’ claims about migration at the U.S. Southern border and defending DHS practices.The top Democrat on the committee, Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York, said Republicans used the hearing as a “baseless attempt to impeach Secretary Mayorkas.”“To be clear, Republicans have not established any legitimate grounds to impeach Secretary Mayorkas, they’ve not uncovered evidence of wrongdoing or malfeasance of any kind,” Nadler said. “They have policy disagreements with this secretary.”Mayorkas argued that the Biden administration’s policies at the border are working to deter unauthorized immigration, citing the use of parole programs for certain nationals and a new policy established after the end of pandemic-era immigration enforcement tool known as Title 42 that restricts asylum.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-blocks-biden-rule-limits-asylum-migrants-border">A federal judge Tuesday blocked that policy</a>, and the Department of Justice has appealed the decision.“Under President Biden’s leadership, we have led the largest expansion of lawful, safe and orderly pathways for people to seek humanitarian relief under our laws, at the same time imposing tougher consequences on those who instead resort to the ruthless smuggling organizations that prey on the most vulnerable,” Mayorkas said.There has been a decline in recent months in unauthorized border crossings, with the most recent data from May showing a 15% decrease compared to May 2022, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-releases-may-2023-monthly-operational-update">U.S. Customs and Border Protection data</a><h2>Fentanyl crisis</h2>Democratic Rep. Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania said that each day hundreds of people die from overdoses, with a majority of those from illicit fentanyl. Mayorkas said that DHS has focused on seizing fentanyl at ports of entry.“We have a serious problem,” Dean said. “We don’t have folks on the other side of the aisle serious about solving it.”The National Center for Health Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates">found</a>&nbsp;that deaths “involving synthetic opioids other than methadone (primarily fentanyl) continued to rise with 70,601 overdose deaths reported in 2021.”“We are leading an unprecedented effort to interdict the flow of fentanyl into our communities, which has escalated for more than five years,” Mayorkas said.Republican Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado told Mayorkas that his constituents consider Mayorkas a “traitor” because of the fentanyl crisis.Republican Rep. Thomas Tiffany of Wisconsin accused Mayorkas of having an “open border policy,” and asked him if that has led to an increase in fentanyl in the U.S.“We have interdicted more fentanyl at the ports of entry than in the prior administration,” Mayorkas said, adding that there is not an open border policy.<h2>Outdated immigration system</h2>Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida and Jordan grilled Mayorkas on his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ice.gov/doclib/news/guidelines-civilimmigrationlaw.pdf">directive</a>&nbsp;that focuses on removing undocumented people with a criminal record.<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/06/23/us-supreme-court-turns-down-push-by-states-to-challenge-biden-deportation-policy/">The Supreme Court in June overwhelmingly agreed</a>&nbsp;that the Biden administration has the legal authority to prioritize arresting and deporting noncitizens who have recently crossed the border without authorization and noncitizens who pose a threat to public safety.“So long as you don’t commit a crime, you get to stay here and burden our schools, burden our social services, burden our jails,” Gaetz said.Mayorkas said because there are anywhere between 11 and 12 million undocumented people in the country, it would not be feasible for the agency to focus its resources on deporting people who have not committed a crime. He added that the agency has deported more than 1.4 million people who did not have legal status.Democratic Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia pushed back and said that “MAGA Republican extremists want to sell us on an apocalyptic fantasy,” and “want us to believe that the border is out of control.”“But in reality, the greatest threat facing our homeland is white nationalist ideology,” Johnson said.Republican Rep. Dan Bishop of North Carolina asked Mayokras if under his tenure the cartels have “become stronger or weaker.”“Our efforts have weakened those cartels by the investigations and prosecutions that we have conducted with our international partners,” he said.Democrats argued that there is only so much that DHS can do, because Congress has failed to update immigration laws.“Our colleagues across the aisle have made clear with their tone and questions today that their primary interest is in scapegoating you and the Biden administration for the consequences of Congress failing for decades to address either the root causes of immigration at our Southern border … and (the) all but complete collapse of the U.S. immigration system,” Democratic Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon of Pennsylvania said.Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington said with the issues Mayorkas inherited from the Trump administration and Congress’ inability to pass immigration reform, it’s led to record levels of backlogs in the immigration system.She asked Mayorkas about the impact of expanding legal pathways such as the parole systems that allow up to 30,000 migrants each month from Cuba, Haiti and Nicaragua who have U.S.-based financial sponsors and pass a background check.“Our approach is to expand lawful pathways so that individuals who qualify for relief under the laws of this Congress do not have to place their lives and their life savings in the hands of unscrupulous smugglers,” Mayorkas said.<h2>Questions about speech online</h2>Several Republicans such as Reps. Mike Johnson of Louisiana, Andy Biggs of Arizona and Thomas Massie of Kentucky pressed Mayorkas about the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.CISA was formed in 2018. The agency is tasked with improving the government’s cybersecurity against private and foreign hackers, along with overall strengthening of the government’s cyber infrastructure across all agencies.Johnson charged that CISA suppresses speech online, mainly that of conservative voices. He&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-limits-biden-administration-contact-with-social-media-platforms-in-censorship-case/">cited a case</a>&nbsp;filed by former Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt,in which a federal judge earlier this month prohibited the Biden administration from communicating with social media platforms about “protected speech.”Mayorkas said the agency does not “censor free speech,” and that the purpose of the CISA is to identify and track adverse nations that weaponize disinformation, which is when someone purposely spreads false information.Massie asked Mayorkas if it was illegal to “undermine public trust in government institutions.”Mayorkas said that DHS does not get involved in speech surrounding ideology, only if that ideology is connected to violence. He said the agency does evaluate certain ideologies.“What we get engaged in is a connectivity to violence,” he said. “It is our responsibility to prevent violence from occurring.”An example he gave was the c<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8576388/">onspiracy theory that 5G cell towers</a>&nbsp;were connected to the coronavirus. DHS became involved and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/dhs-to-advise-telecom-firms-on-preventing-5g-cell-tower-attacks-linked-to-coronavirus-conspiracy-theories/2020/05/13/6aa9eaa6-951f-11ea-82b4-c8db161ff6e5_story.html">issued warnings to the telecom industry</a>&nbsp;because they believed there could be attacks to cell towers.

Biden border policies ripped by U.S. House GOP; impeachment threats ramp up 

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A federal appeals court panel has halted next month's planned execution of a 45-year-old Missouri man convicted of killing a 6-year-old girl, though the state is appealing the ruling.

The three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday voted 2-1 to stop the execution of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-execution-august-06f474f368dfd5ff5c4145164b222a3b">Johnny Johnson</a>, who is scheduled to receive a lethal injection next Tuesday at the state prison in Bonne Terre for killing Casey Williamson after trying to sexually assault her in 2002.

The Missouri Attorney General's Office responded by asking that the full 8th Circuit court reconsider the case, which will likely end up before the U.S. Supreme Court before the scheduled execution date.

Attorneys for Johnson have claimed he isn't mentally competent to be executed because his schizophrenia prevents him from understanding the link between his crime and the punishment. They have also said Johnson has delusions about the devil using his death to bring about the end of the world.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-execution-johnny-johnson-052a2b3c6a25f14ef51ce35c59935084">The Missouri Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;in June declined to halt the execution based on the mental health claim. The attorney general's office challenged the credibility of psychiatric evaluations of Johnson and contended that medical records indicate he is able to manage his mental illness through medication.

Johnson lured the girl to an abandoned glass factory, even carrying her on his shoulders on the walk to the dilapidated site. When he tried to sexually assault her, Casey screamed and tried to break free. He killed her with bricks and rocks, then washed off in the Meramec River. Johnson confessed to the crimes.

Casey’s disappearance set off a frantic search involving first responders and volunteers. Her body was found in a pit less than a mile (1.6 kilometers) from her home, buried beneath rocks and debris.

The execution would be the fourth in Missouri this year. Five of the 15 U.S. executions this year have been in Texas, Florida has carried out four, Missouri has conducted three, two have happened in Oklahoma and one took place in Alabama.

Previous executions in Missouri this year included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-legal-proceedings-missouri-st-louis-capital-punishment-b45a31029fa42d9eb67b5b4e1f6a6ffe">Amber McLaughlin</a>, 49, who killed a woman and dumped the body near the Mississippi River in St. Louis. McLaughlin’s execution in January was believed to be the first of a transgender woman in the U.S.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-state-government-california-homicide-94fe2fefa47faa618d3826c7f32e6f1d">Raheem Taylor</a>, 58, was executed in February for killing his live-in girlfriend and her three children in 2004 in St. Louis County.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-execution-michael-tisius-7f961969aabd38e4e6b3dbe83ae72813">Michael Tisius</a>, 42, was executed in June for killing two central Missouri jailers during a failed attempt to help another man escape from a rural jail in 2000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690408112630.png" alt="Johnson photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —A federal appeals court panel has halted next month's planned execution of a 45-year-old Missouri man convicted of killing a 6-year-old girl, though the state is appealing the ruling.The three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday voted 2-1 to stop the execution of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-execution-august-06f474f368dfd5ff5c4145164b222a3b">Johnny Johnson</a>, who is scheduled to receive a lethal injection next Tuesday at the state prison in Bonne Terre for killing Casey Williamson after trying to sexually assault her in 2002.The Missouri Attorney General's Office responded by asking that the full 8th Circuit court reconsider the case, which will likely end up before the U.S. Supreme Court before the scheduled execution date.Attorneys for Johnson have claimed he isn't mentally competent to be executed because his schizophrenia prevents him from understanding the link between his crime and the punishment. They have also said Johnson has delusions about the devil using his death to bring about the end of the world.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-execution-johnny-johnson-052a2b3c6a25f14ef51ce35c59935084">The Missouri Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;in June declined to halt the execution based on the mental health claim. The attorney general's office challenged the credibility of psychiatric evaluations of Johnson and contended that medical records indicate he is able to manage his mental illness through medication.Johnson lured the girl to an abandoned glass factory, even carrying her on his shoulders on the walk to the dilapidated site. When he tried to sexually assault her, Casey screamed and tried to break free. He killed her with bricks and rocks, then washed off in the Meramec River. Johnson confessed to the crimes.Casey’s disappearance set off a frantic search involving first responders and volunteers. Her body was found in a pit less than a mile (1.6 kilometers) from her home, buried beneath rocks and debris.The execution would be the fourth in Missouri this year. Five of the 15 U.S. executions this year have been in Texas, Florida has carried out four, Missouri has conducted three, two have happened in Oklahoma and one took place in Alabama.Previous executions in Missouri this year included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-legal-proceedings-missouri-st-louis-capital-punishment-b45a31029fa42d9eb67b5b4e1f6a6ffe">Amber McLaughlin</a>, 49, who killed a woman and dumped the body near the Mississippi River in St. Louis. McLaughlin’s execution in January was believed to be the first of a transgender woman in the U.S.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-state-government-california-homicide-94fe2fefa47faa618d3826c7f32e6f1d">Raheem Taylor</a>, 58, was executed in February for killing his live-in girlfriend and her three children in 2004 in St. Louis County.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-execution-michael-tisius-7f961969aabd38e4e6b3dbe83ae72813">Michael Tisius</a>, 42, was executed in June for killing two central Missouri jailers during a failed attempt to help another man escape from a rural jail in 2000.

Court halts execution of man convicted of killing 6-year-old

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is concealing a longstanding program that retrieves and reverse engineers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7227512231fa206da624f813455c2f0b">unidentified flying objects</a>, a former Air Force intelligence officer testified Wednesday to Congress. The Pentagon has denied his claims.

(Click below to watch a replay of the hearing)

Retired Maj. David Grusch's highly anticipated testimony before a House Oversight subcommittee was Congress'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-politics-government-and-congress-4234f7cd9379fa1cc4ffd3cf8d5b230a">latest foray into the world of UAPs</a>&nbsp;— or “unidentified aerial phenomena," which is the official term the U.S. government uses instead of UFOs. While the study of mysterious aircraft or objects often evokes talk of aliens and “little green men,” Democrats and Republicans in recent years have pushed for more research as a national security matter due to concerns that sightings observed by pilots may be tied to U.S. adversaries.

Grusch said he was asked in 2019 by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-government-and-politics-f5f24502d97072fd4bef34b6fe36c81d">the head of a government task force on UAPs</a>&nbsp;to identify all highly classified programs relating to the task force's mission. At the time, Grusch was detailed to the National Reconnaissance Office, the agency that operates U.S. spy satellites.

“I was informed in the course of my official duties of a multi-decade UAP crash retrieval and reverse engineering program to which I was denied access,” he said.

Asked whether the U.S. government had information about extraterrestrial life, Grusch said the U.S. likely has been aware of “non-human” activity since the 1930s.

The Pentagon has denied Grusch's claims of a coverup. In a statement, Defense Department spokeswoman Sue Gough said investigators have not discovered “any verifiable information to substantiate claims that any programs regarding the possession or reverse-engineering of extraterrestrial materials have existed in the past or exist currently.” The statement did not address UFOs that are not suspected of being extraterrestrial objects.

Grusch says he became a government whistleblower after his discovery and has faced retaliation for coming forward. He declined to be more specific about the retaliatory tactics, citing an ongoing investigation.

“It was very brutal and very unfortunate, some of the tactics they used to hurt me both professionally and personally,” he said.

Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis., chaired the panel's hearing and joked to a packed audience, “Welcome to the most exciting subcommittee in Congress this week.” But members of both parties asked Grusch about his study of UFOs and the consequences he faced.

“I take it that you’re arguing what we need is real transparency and reporting systems so we can get some clarity on what’s going on out there,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md.

Some lawmakers criticized the Pentagon for not providing more details in a classified briefing or releasing images that could be shown to the public. In previous hearings,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-politics-government-and-congress-4234f7cd9379fa1cc4ffd3cf8d5b230a">Pentagon officials showed</a>&nbsp;a video taken from an F-18 military plane that showed an image of one balloon-like shape.

Pentagon officials in December said they had received “several hundreds” of new reports since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7227512231fa206da624f813455c2f0b">launching a renewed effort</a>&nbsp;to investigate reports of UFOs.

At that point, “we have not seen anything, and we’re still very early on, that would lead us to believe that any of the objects that we have seen are of alien origin,” said Ronald Moultrie, the undersecretary of defense for intelligence and security. “Any unauthorized system in our airspace we deem as a threat to safety.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690390765039.png" alt="Retired Maj. David Grusch's highly anticipated testimony before a House Oversight subcommittee was Congress'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-politics-government-and-congress-4234f7cd9379fa1cc4ffd3cf8d5b230a">latest foray into the world of UAPs</a>&nbsp;— or “unidentified aerial phenomena," which is the official term the U.S. government uses instead of UFOs.-image House Oversight Committee" />
 <figcaption>Retired Maj. David Grusch's highly anticipated testimony before a House Oversight subcommittee was Congress'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-politics-government-and-congress-4234f7cd9379fa1cc4ffd3cf8d5b230a">latest foray into the world of UAPs</a>&nbsp;— or “unidentified aerial phenomena," which is the official term the U.S. government uses instead of UFOs.-image House Oversight Committee</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is concealing a longstanding program that retrieves and reverse engineers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7227512231fa206da624f813455c2f0b">unidentified flying objects</a>, a former Air Force intelligence officer testified Wednesday to Congress. The Pentagon has denied his claims.(Click below to watch a replay of the hearing)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KQ7Dw-739VY?start=1197" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Retired Maj. David Grusch's highly anticipated testimony before a House Oversight subcommittee was Congress'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-politics-government-and-congress-4234f7cd9379fa1cc4ffd3cf8d5b230a">latest foray into the world of UAPs</a>&nbsp;— or “unidentified aerial phenomena," which is the official term the U.S. government uses instead of UFOs. While the study of mysterious aircraft or objects often evokes talk of aliens and “little green men,” Democrats and Republicans in recent years have pushed for more research as a national security matter due to concerns that sightings observed by pilots may be tied to U.S. adversaries.Grusch said he was asked in 2019 by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-government-and-politics-f5f24502d97072fd4bef34b6fe36c81d">the head of a government task force on UAPs</a>&nbsp;to identify all highly classified programs relating to the task force's mission. At the time, Grusch was detailed to the National Reconnaissance Office, the agency that operates U.S. spy satellites.“I was informed in the course of my official duties of a multi-decade UAP crash retrieval and reverse engineering program to which I was denied access,” he said.Asked whether the U.S. government had information about extraterrestrial life, Grusch said the U.S. likely has been aware of “non-human” activity since the 1930s.The Pentagon has denied Grusch's claims of a coverup. In a statement, Defense Department spokeswoman Sue Gough said investigators have not discovered “any verifiable information to substantiate claims that any programs regarding the possession or reverse-engineering of extraterrestrial materials have existed in the past or exist currently.” The statement did not address UFOs that are not suspected of being extraterrestrial objects.Grusch says he became a government whistleblower after his discovery and has faced retaliation for coming forward. He declined to be more specific about the retaliatory tactics, citing an ongoing investigation.“It was very brutal and very unfortunate, some of the tactics they used to hurt me both professionally and personally,” he said.Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis., chaired the panel's hearing and joked to a packed audience, “Welcome to the most exciting subcommittee in Congress this week.” But members of both parties asked Grusch about his study of UFOs and the consequences he faced.“I take it that you’re arguing what we need is real transparency and reporting systems so we can get some clarity on what’s going on out there,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md.Some lawmakers criticized the Pentagon for not providing more details in a classified briefing or releasing images that could be shown to the public. In previous hearings,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-politics-government-and-congress-4234f7cd9379fa1cc4ffd3cf8d5b230a">Pentagon officials showed</a>&nbsp;a video taken from an F-18 military plane that showed an image of one balloon-like shape.Pentagon officials in December said they had received “several hundreds” of new reports since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7227512231fa206da624f813455c2f0b">launching a renewed effort</a>&nbsp;to investigate reports of UFOs.At that point, “we have not seen anything, and we’re still very early on, that would lead us to believe that any of the objects that we have seen are of alien origin,” said Ronald Moultrie, the undersecretary of defense for intelligence and security. “Any unauthorized system in our airspace we deem as a threat to safety.”