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

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

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.

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.

<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.

Harsh reaction: Gov. shortens prison sentence of former Chiefs assistant

HUTCHINSON — Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas told Hutch Post that the trend from the last few weeks regarding gas prices is continuing.

"We've started to see those gas prices go up at the pumps," Steward said. "Both national and state averages have jumped a pretty good amount, up seven cents nationally and up five cents in Kansas over the past week."

"Right now, we're seeing some rise in demand for gasoline here, domestically, according to the latest reports and also supply has tightened up a bit," Steward said. "Plus, crude oil prices have gone up recently, as well. We're in the $80 a barrel range right now, approaching $80 for West Texas Intermediate Crude, after recently, we had been fluctuating in the mid 70s."

"This is generally a time when we start seeing demand rise," Steward said. "As the weather improves, we head toward spring break, as far as road trips and then we head toward summer vacation time, as well."

In addition, summer blend gasoline costs a little more to refine than the winter blend, so that has a little upward pressure on prices as the switchover happens in the mid to late spring.

HUTCHINSON — Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas told Hutch Post that the trend from the last few weeks regarding gas prices is continuing."We've started to see those gas prices go up at the pumps," Steward said. "Both national and state averages have jumped a pretty good amount, up seven cents nationally and up five cents in Kansas over the past week."Both are up 18 cents over a month ago."Right now, we're seeing some rise in demand for gasoline here, domestically, according to the latest reports and also supply has tightened up a bit," Steward said. "Plus, crude oil prices have gone up recently, as well. We're in the $80 a barrel range right now, approaching $80 for West Texas Intermediate Crude, after recently, we had been fluctuating in the mid 70s.""This is generally a time when we start seeing demand rise," Steward said. "As the weather improves, we head toward spring break, as far as road trips and then we head toward summer vacation time, as well."In addition, summer blend gasoline costs a little more to refine than the winter blend, so that has a little upward pressure on prices as the switchover happens in the mid to late spring.

Prices at pump continue upward trend

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

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

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

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

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

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

On Saturday afternoon, police responded after two people were shot outside North Kansas City High School, 620 E 23rd Ave, North Kansas City, during a basketball game.

&nbsp;The shooting occurred as North Kansas City Hornets and Staley Falcons were participating in the Class 6 District 8 High School Basketball Tournament.&nbsp; The school was also hosting a debate tournament Saturday evening, according to the school web site.

EMS transported the shooting victims to an area hospital. Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

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

Classes to resume after student shot at KC high school basketball game

COWLEY COUNTY—Officials are working to determine the cause of a fire in a large business building in downtown Winfield.

Just after 9a.m. Sunday, crews were dispatch to a building fire at 122 East Fifth Street in Winfield, according to a media release.

Two businesses, the Winfield Thrift Store and Hair Tamers/Dreamcatchers, 421 Millington Street, share the location.

First responders found the building fully involved with fire. Due to the fire's progress and the strong south winds, fire crews began a defensive attack. Fire crews focused on protection nearby buildings.

Fire crews remained on the scene throughout Sunday to monitor hot spots.&nbsp; &nbsp; There were no injuries reported. Fire officials have not reported an estimated dollar loss. Friends started&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/dreamcatchers-salon">&nbsp;an online</a> fundraiser for the salon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709513187504.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY—Officials are working to determine the cause of a fire in a large business building in downtown Winfield.Just after 9a.m. Sunday, crews were dispatch to a building fire at 122 East Fifth Street in Winfield, according to a media release.Two businesses, the Winfield Thrift Store and Hair Tamers/Dreamcatchers, 421 Millington Street, share the location.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709513580110.png" alt="Photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders found the building fully involved with fire. Due to the fire's progress and the strong south winds, fire crews began a defensive attack. Fire crews focused on protection nearby buildings.Fire crews remained on the scene throughout Sunday to monitor hot spots.&nbsp; &nbsp; There were no injuries reported. Fire officials have not reported an estimated dollar loss. Friends started&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/dreamcatchers-salon">&nbsp;an online</a> fundraiser for the salon.

Two Kansas businesses destroyed in fire 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nikki Haley has won the Republican primary in the District of Columbia, notching her first victory of the 2024 campaign.

Her victory Sunday at least temporarily halts Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-election-michigan-2024-6e0b9fc18773e975fdfd23f7287ed615">sweep of the GOP voting contests</a>, although the former president is likely to pick up several hundred more delegates in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-tuesday-what-to-watch-d97942c329ece50c3205c883fdc4ac52">this week’s Super Tuesday races</a>.

Despite her early losses, Haley has said she would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nikki-haley-donald-trump-election-2024-b1582a35c3617eee49b36288523a1ea6">remain in the race at least through those contests</a>, although she has declined to name any primary she felt confident she would win. Following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-nikki-haley-south-carolina-primary-republicans-13237d287ce770e0a45e9bccee78e8ee">her loss in her home state of South Carolina</a>, Haley remained adamant that voters in the places that followed deserved an alternative to Trump despite his dominance thus far in the campaign.

The Associated Press declared Haley the winner Sunday night after D.C. Republican Party officials released the results. She won all 19 delegates at stake.

“It’s not surprising that Republicans closest to Washington dysfunction are rejecting Donald Trump and all his chaos,” Haley spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas said in a statement, noting that Haley became the first woman to win a Republican primary in history.

Washington is one of the most heavily Democratic jurisdictions in the nation, with only about 23,000 registered Republicans in the city. Democrat Joe Biden won the district in the 2020 general election with 92% of the vote.

Trump's campaign issued a statement shortly after Haley’s victory sarcastically congratulating her on being named “Queen of the Swamp by the lobbyists and DC insiders that want to protect the failed status quo.”

Haley held a rally in the nation’s capital on Friday before heading back to North Carolina and a series of states holding Super Tuesday primaries. She joked with more than 100 supporters inside a hotel ballroom, “Who says there’s no Republicans in D.C., come on.”

“We’re trying to make sure that we touch every hand that we can and speak to every person,” Haley said.

As she gave her standard campaign speech, criticizing Trump for running up federal deficit, one rallygoer bellowed, “He cannot win a general election. It’s madness.” That prompted agreement from Haley, who argues that she can deny Biden a second term but Trump can't.

While campaigning as an avowed conservative, Haley has tended to perform better among more moderate and independent-leaning voters.

Four in 10 Haley supporters in South Carolina’s GOP primary were self-described moderates, compared with 15% for Trump, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ap-votecast-faq">AP VoteCast</a>, a survey of more than 2,400 voters taking part in the Republican primary in South Carolina, conducted for AP by NORC at the University of Chicago. On the other hand, 8 in 10 Trump supporters identified as conservatives, compared to about half of Haley’s backers.

Trump won an uncontested D.C. primary during his 2020 reelection bid but placed a distant third four years earlier behind Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and former Ohio Gov. John Kasich. Rubio’s win was one of only three in his unsuccessful 2016 bid. Other more centrist Republicans, including Mitt Romney and John McCain, won the city’s primaries in 2012 and 2008 on their way to winning the GOP nomination.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709521768315.png" alt="Photo Team Nikki Haley" />
 <figcaption>Photo Team Nikki Haley</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Nikki Haley has won the Republican primary in the District of Columbia, notching her first victory of the 2024 campaign.Her victory Sunday at least temporarily halts Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-election-michigan-2024-6e0b9fc18773e975fdfd23f7287ed615">sweep of the GOP voting contests</a>, although the former president is likely to pick up several hundred more delegates in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-tuesday-what-to-watch-d97942c329ece50c3205c883fdc4ac52">this week’s Super Tuesday races</a>.Despite her early losses, Haley has said she would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nikki-haley-donald-trump-election-2024-b1582a35c3617eee49b36288523a1ea6">remain in the race at least through those contests</a>, although she has declined to name any primary she felt confident she would win. Following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-nikki-haley-south-carolina-primary-republicans-13237d287ce770e0a45e9bccee78e8ee">her loss in her home state of South Carolina</a>, Haley remained adamant that voters in the places that followed deserved an alternative to Trump despite his dominance thus far in the campaign.The Associated Press declared Haley the winner Sunday night after D.C. Republican Party officials released the results. She won all 19 delegates at stake.“It’s not surprising that Republicans closest to Washington dysfunction are rejecting Donald Trump and all his chaos,” Haley spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas said in a statement, noting that Haley became the first woman to win a Republican primary in history.Washington is one of the most heavily Democratic jurisdictions in the nation, with only about 23,000 registered Republicans in the city. Democrat Joe Biden won the district in the 2020 general election with 92% of the vote.Trump's campaign issued a statement shortly after Haley’s victory sarcastically congratulating her on being named “Queen of the Swamp by the lobbyists and DC insiders that want to protect the failed status quo.”Haley held a rally in the nation’s capital on Friday before heading back to North Carolina and a series of states holding Super Tuesday primaries. She joked with more than 100 supporters inside a hotel ballroom, “Who says there’s no Republicans in D.C., come on.”“We’re trying to make sure that we touch every hand that we can and speak to every person,” Haley said.As she gave her standard campaign speech, criticizing Trump for running up federal deficit, one rallygoer bellowed, “He cannot win a general election. It’s madness.” That prompted agreement from Haley, who argues that she can deny Biden a second term but Trump can't.While campaigning as an avowed conservative, Haley has tended to perform better among more moderate and independent-leaning voters.Four in 10 Haley supporters in South Carolina’s GOP primary were self-described moderates, compared with 15% for Trump, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ap-votecast-faq">AP VoteCast</a>, a survey of more than 2,400 voters taking part in the Republican primary in South Carolina, conducted for AP by NORC at the University of Chicago. On the other hand, 8 in 10 Trump supporters identified as conservatives, compared to about half of Haley’s backers.Trump won an uncontested D.C. primary during his 2020 reelection bid but placed a distant third four years earlier behind Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and former Ohio Gov. John Kasich. Rubio’s win was one of only three in his unsuccessful 2016 bid. Other more centrist Republicans, including Mitt Romney and John McCain, won the city’s primaries in 2012 and 2008 on their way to winning the GOP nomination.

History: Nikki Haley wins the District of Columbia’s GOP primary

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated assault suspect who was fleeing Kansas City&nbsp; police and involved in a three vehicle crash.

A Nissan Rogue was westbound on Truman Road, at a very high rate of speed fleeing police, according to KCPD Police Captain Jake Beccina.

The Nissan failed to stop for a red traffic control light at the intersection of Van Brunt. 

The Nissan struck a southbound Honda CRV that was traveling through the green light.&nbsp; After impact, the Nissan driver lost control of the SUV. It slid and struck an eastbound Cadillac Deville nearly head-on and pushed the Cadillac into a metal light pole. 

The Nissan continued past the Cadillac where it came to final rest in front of 4933 Truman Road. 

&nbsp;The drivers of the Honda and the Cadillac were not injured in the collision.&nbsp;The driver of the Nissan was not wearing his seatbelt. He was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries and then police took the driver into custody, according to Becchina.&nbsp; Police did not release the suspects name.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated assault suspect who was fleeing Kansas City&nbsp; police and involved in a three vehicle crash.A Nissan Rogue was westbound on Truman Road, at a very high rate of speed fleeing police, according to KCPD Police Captain Jake Beccina.The Nissan failed to stop for a red traffic control light at the intersection of Van Brunt. The Nissan struck a southbound Honda CRV that was traveling through the green light.&nbsp; After impact, the Nissan driver lost control of the SUV. It slid and struck an eastbound Cadillac Deville nearly head-on and pushed the Cadillac into a metal light pole. The Nissan continued past the Cadillac where it came to final rest in front of 4933 Truman Road. &nbsp;The drivers of the Honda and the Cadillac were not injured in the collision.&nbsp;The driver of the Nissan was not wearing his seatbelt. He was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries and then police took the driver into custody, according to Becchina.&nbsp; Police did not release the suspects name.

KC assault suspect arrested after 3-vehicle crash while fleeing police

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.

On Feb. 29, a member of the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit was in the 1600 block of SE 29th Street in Topeka when he observed what appeared to be suspicious narcotics related activity.

During the investigation, a loaded firearm was located on the individual and illegal narcotics were located inside the vehicle. It was determined that the individual was not permitted to possess a firearm.

Alex J. Burghart, 27, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of criminal possession of a weapon by a felon and a felony probation violation.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for robbery, burglary, theft and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709391568316.png" alt="Burghart-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Burghart-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.On Feb. 29, a member of the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit was in the 1600 block of SE 29th Street in Topeka when he observed what appeared to be suspicious narcotics related activity.During the investigation, a loaded firearm was located on the individual and illegal narcotics were located inside the vehicle. It was determined that the individual was not permitted to possess a firearm.Alex J. Burghart, 27, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of criminal possession of a weapon by a felon and a felony probation violation.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for robbery, burglary, theft and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. man, convicted of burglary, caught with drugs and a gun

DOUGLAS COUNTY —On. person died in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Sunday in Douglas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Indian Chieftan motorcycle driven by Christopher Robert&nbsp;Stergos, 48, Tonganoxie, was southbound on U.S. 59 at the Baldwin U.S. 56 junction.

The rear tire of motorcycle blew out. The motorcycle slid and eject both occupants. A passenger identified as Margaret Kathleen Coleman, 48, Tonganoxie, was pronounced dead at the scene.

EMS transported Stergos to Overland Park Regional Medical Center. They were not wearing helmets, according to the KHP.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —On. person died in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Sunday in Douglas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Indian Chieftan motorcycle driven by Christopher Robert&nbsp;Stergos, 48, Tonganoxie, was southbound on U.S. 59 at the Baldwin U.S. 56 junction.The rear tire of motorcycle blew out. The motorcycle slid and eject both occupants. A passenger identified as Margaret Kathleen Coleman, 48, Tonganoxie, was pronounced dead at the scene.EMS transported Stergos to Overland Park Regional Medical Center. They were not wearing helmets, according to the KHP.

Kan. woman dies, man injured after ejected from motorcycle

KANSAS CITY —A Jackson County judge has sentenced a Kansas City man to 66 years in prison after a jury convicted him in January 2023 of the murder of his girlfriend and her cousin outside the girlfriend's home in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

The judge sentenced 51-year-old Damon Goodrich to 30 years on each conviction of Murder in the 2nd Degree and 3 years on each of two counts of Armed Criminal Action. The judge set all sentences to run consecutively for a total of 66 years. A jury convicted Goodrich of the four felony counts in a November 2023 trial.

According to court records, Goodrich was accused of shooting his girlfriend and her cousin on Jan. 8, 2023. Teenage children of the female victim witnessed parts of the violence. Ring doorbell footage and surveillance cameras supported that the defendant was at or near the house during the encounter at the victim's residence.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699651169366.png" alt="Goodrich-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Goodrich-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Jackson County judge has sentenced a Kansas City man to 66 years in prison after a jury convicted him in January 2023 of the murder of his girlfriend and her cousin outside the girlfriend's home in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.The judge sentenced 51-year-old Damon Goodrich to 30 years on each conviction of Murder in the 2nd Degree and 3 years on each of two counts of Armed Criminal Action. The judge set all sentences to run consecutively for a total of 66 years. A jury convicted Goodrich of the four felony counts in a November 2023 trial.According to court records, Goodrich was accused of shooting his girlfriend and her cousin on Jan. 8, 2023. Teenage children of the female victim witnessed parts of the violence. Ring doorbell footage and surveillance cameras supported that the defendant was at or near the house during the encounter at the victim's residence.&nbsp;

Teen children witness murder of their mother and her cousin

CHICAGO (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ivf-frozen-embryo-alabama-court-7c968cc00201731d7baba5a284655b0d">The recent ruling in Alabama</a>&nbsp;that frozen embryos are legally considered children created a political firestorm after&nbsp;<a href="https://publicportal-api.alappeals.gov/courts/68f021c4-6a44-4735-9a76-5360b2e8af13/cms/case/343D203A-B13D-463A-8176-C46E3AE4F695/docketentrydocuments/E3D95592-3CBE-4384-AFA6-063D4595AA1D">the decision</a>&nbsp;halted treatment for many couples seeking to have families through fertility treatments. It also has turned the spotlight on the importance of institutions that are poised to play a central in this year's elections: state supreme courts.

<a href="https://publicportal-api.alappeals.gov/courts/68f021c4-6a44-4735-9a76-5360b2e8af13/cms/case/343d203a-b13d-463a-8176-c46e3ae4f695/docketentrydocuments/e3d95592-3cbe-4384-afa6-063d4595aa1d">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the ruling

Decisions by states' highest courts have become especially critical in the nearly two years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a constitutional right to abortion. This year, campaigns for state supreme court seats are expected to be among the most expensive and bitterly contested races on the ballot. At stake are future decisions over abortion, other reproductive rights, gerrymandering, voting rights and other crucial issues.

“This is where the action is,” said Jessie Hill, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-frozen-embryos-pause-4cf5d3139e1a6cbc62bc5ad9946cc1b8">The ruling</a>&nbsp;on Feb. 16 by the Republican-majority Alabama Supreme Court to consider frozen embryos created through IVF to be children under state law has unexpectedly made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-ivf-embryos-ruling-republicans-campaign-democrats-5fa61803333ab1ec1062835397c15570">in vitro fertilization, or IVF,</a>&nbsp;an emerging&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-ivf-legislation-0506c070085407b8983bf55409b1465c">issue</a>&nbsp;in campaigns up and down the ballot. With multiple providers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-ivf-legislation-0506c070085407b8983bf55409b1465c">pausing fertility treatments</a>&nbsp;in the state, fearing criminal charges or punitive damages, the GOP-controlled Legislature is under pressure&nbsp;<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/alabama-lawmakers-look-for-ivf-solution-as-patients-remain-in-limbo/ar-BB1iYLgW">to come up with a fix</a>.

After the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The%20Supreme,Wade.">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;in 2022, eliminating federal protections for abortion rights, the decision unleashed a flurry of activity in the states, from legislation to lawsuits that often have ended up before state supreme courts. Those cases have magnified the stakes of having liberals or conservatives controlling a majority on those courts.

“Many people may not have realized that state supreme courts can decide on these kinds of issues that have such a direct impact on their everyday lives," Hill said. "But this Alabama ruling is a reminder that these courts hold so much power, especially now, over people’s rights.”

This year's elections bring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-supreme-courts-abortion-redistricting-2024-931a453131fac282815ae31b4f0ea271">80 races</a>&nbsp;for supreme court seats in 33 states, including a few such as Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia where partisan control is on the line. At least four states will have state supreme court races on Super Tuesday, including Alabama, Arkansas, North Carolina and Texas. Others, including Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Oregon and West Virginia will have contests through the spring.

In Alabama, five of the nine seats on the all-Republican Supreme Court are on the ballot.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-frozen-embryos-conservative-christian-views-ruling-d9b7f720b5ef865ab35205ad36061f2d?utm_campaign=TrueAnthem&amp;utm_medium=AP&amp;utm_source=Twitter">Chief Justice Tom Parker</a>, 72, who cited verses from the Bible and Christian theologians in his concurring opinion in the IVF case, is unable to seek another term because the Mississippi Constitution does not allow judges older than 70 to be elected.

Since Roe fell in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/state-court-abortion-litigation-tracker#arizona">about 40 lawsuits</a>&nbsp;challenging abortion bans have been filed in 23 states, and many have worked their up to to states' highest courts as advocates search state constitutions for protections to abortion rights.

According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://reproductiverights.org/maps/state-constitutions-and-abortion-rights/">Center for Reproductive Rights</a>, 30 state supreme courts have decided cases challenging abortion restrictions under their state constitutions. Of these, 12 have recognized protections for abortion rights in state constitutions, while four have denied their state constitutions protect abortion rights. Other state high courts have either upheld or blocked abortion restrictions without explicitly deciding on whether their state constitutions protect abortion rights.

These rulings have had direct consequences for those trying to access abortion care. In December, the Texas Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-ban-supreme-court-decision-10767891a475e7ce2c82b1404450908a">overturned a court order</a>&nbsp;that would have allowed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kate-cox-texas-exceptions-e85664b2ab76bcb689b1b91913d3e33e">Dallas woman</a>&nbsp;to get an abortion after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-texas-court-kate-cox-complications-3e24f473b0eab907993ddcad189e8115">her story</a>&nbsp;of being forced to leave the state to terminate her nonviable pregnancy sparked a national outcry.

Abortion rights are just one recent example of the U.S. Supreme Court deferring to states on major issues, said Douglas Keith, senior counsel in the judiciary program at the Brennan Center for Justice, which tracks spending in judicial races. The U.S. Supreme Court also stepped back from ruling on issues such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/54daa625511445969fee66696f7979c2">partisan gerrymandering</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-act-supreme-court-black-voters-6f840911e360c44fd2e4947cc743baa2">voting rights</a>, often making state supreme courts the final word on those issues.

“The Dobbs decision and others made clear that these courts would be the ones to decide these fundamental issues during a time where the U.S. Supreme Court was taking a step back from protecting certain rights,” Keith said.

State courts also are involved in the process of getting statewide citizen initiatives to the ballot, often deciding disputes over the technical requirements of petitions and the signature-gathering process. They will be play a pivotal role this year, as reproductive rights groups seek to place measures protecting abortion before voters in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-amendment-ban-protection-states-2024-052ff9846f8416efb725240af22b92ec">a number of states</a>.

State supreme courts are expected to rule on such measures planned in Florida, Missouri and Nevada.

Florida’s Republican attorney general in January&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-abortion-ballot-elections-931be34f9ffdd6d74f6beade05eeee47">asked</a>&nbsp;the state Supreme Court to keep a proposed abortion rights amendment off the ballot.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-ballot-constitution-ruling-edb5f44fc0f9799d01cda22cd1f70b40">In Missouri</a>, an appeals court ruled in October that summaries written by Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, an abortion opponent who is running for governor, were politically partisan and misleading. The Missouri Supreme Court declined to hear Ashcroft's appeal of the ruling.

A Nevada district court judge in January&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nevada-abortion-access-ballot-471e9036864c030cc5296e7c78da8dad">approved</a>&nbsp;an abortion-rights ballot measure petition as eligible for signature-gathering, despite a legal challenge by anti-abortion groups. In November, the judge rejected an earlier petition that was much broader, including protections for prenatal care, postpartum care, vasectomies, tubal ligations, miscarriages and infertility. Nevadans for Reproductive Freedoms, the group behind the petition, appealed that rejection to the Nevada Supreme Court and is awaiting a ruling.

Activists also aim to place abortion rights on the ballot in Arizona, where Republican governors have appointed all seven of the Supreme Court justices.

“In many cases, state supreme courts have a lot of power to shut down direct democracy by preventing a question from getting on the ballot,” said Brian Fitzpatrick, a professor at Vanderbilt Law School.

Strategies that attempt to derail ballot initiatives are part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-initiatives-voters-democracy-2024-602ebb8a74d7ae45163d79c065a23ef0">blueprint</a>&nbsp;created by anti-abortion groups in other states, including Ohio, where voters last year overwhelmingly decided to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-abortion-amendment-election-2023-fe3e06747b616507d8ca21ea26485270">enshrine abortion rights</a>&nbsp;in the state constitution.

Even with voter approval, the Ohio Supreme Court will be the “ultimate arbiter” of how to interpret the constitutional amendment and how it will affect existing abortion laws, said Hill, the Case Western law professor who served as a consultant to the Ohio campaign to enshrine abortion rights. This means the state's Supreme Court races this year, starting with a March 19 primary, will be vital to abortion rights in the state, as well as other topics including gerrymandering, environmental protections and criminal justice, she said.

With three seats up for a vote and a current 4-3 Republican majority, Democrats have an opportunity to flip the majority of the court for the first time since 1986 while Republicans will try to expand their control.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-election-abortion-0d188b5c6f841546f98436c1ab8180fa">result</a>&nbsp;of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-abortion-spending-82a3481a75665110e6d4b3d503ee2a24">heated race</a>&nbsp;in Wisconsin last year already has had an impact, after that state's Supreme Court flipped to a liberal majority for the first time in 15 years.

In December, the new Wisconsin Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-redistricting-eccbcfee414d1943073a9fb949743860">overturned</a>&nbsp;Republican-drawn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-redistricting-legislature-5bc5c0347b26a40fd615f4faf7583b46">legislative maps</a>&nbsp;and ordered new district boundary lines to be drawn. Wisconsin is a swing state but also is one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-impeachment-republicans-gerrymandering-legislature-21fc8c3cf99623a379cbf4dd01ed0b8c">most heavily gerrymandered</a>&nbsp;in the country, allowing Republicans to have outsized majorities in the Legislature. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-abortion-ban-lawsuit-planned-parenthood-1518465359ed39a39d38e14a8d97a94e">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;challenging Wisconsin’s abortion ban might also be headed to the state supreme court.

“There have been immediate consequences for redistricting that have fundamentally reshaped politics in Wisconsin,” said Kyle Kondik, managing editor of an elections and campaign newsletter published by the University of Virginia Center for Politics. “It goes to show just how important these races are.”

CHICAGO (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ivf-frozen-embryo-alabama-court-7c968cc00201731d7baba5a284655b0d">The recent ruling in Alabama</a>&nbsp;that frozen embryos are legally considered children created a political firestorm after&nbsp;<a href="https://publicportal-api.alappeals.gov/courts/68f021c4-6a44-4735-9a76-5360b2e8af13/cms/case/343D203A-B13D-463A-8176-C46E3AE4F695/docketentrydocuments/E3D95592-3CBE-4384-AFA6-063D4595AA1D">the decision</a>&nbsp;halted treatment for many couples seeking to have families through fertility treatments. It also has turned the spotlight on the importance of institutions that are poised to play a central in this year's elections: state supreme courts.<a href="https://publicportal-api.alappeals.gov/courts/68f021c4-6a44-4735-9a76-5360b2e8af13/cms/case/343d203a-b13d-463a-8176-c46e3ae4f695/docketentrydocuments/e3d95592-3cbe-4384-afa6-063d4595aa1d">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the rulingDecisions by states' highest courts have become especially critical in the nearly two years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a constitutional right to abortion. This year, campaigns for state supreme court seats are expected to be among the most expensive and bitterly contested races on the ballot. At stake are future decisions over abortion, other reproductive rights, gerrymandering, voting rights and other crucial issues.“This is where the action is,” said Jessie Hill, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-frozen-embryos-pause-4cf5d3139e1a6cbc62bc5ad9946cc1b8">The ruling</a>&nbsp;on Feb. 16 by the Republican-majority Alabama Supreme Court to consider frozen embryos created through IVF to be children under state law has unexpectedly made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-ivf-embryos-ruling-republicans-campaign-democrats-5fa61803333ab1ec1062835397c15570">in vitro fertilization, or IVF,</a>&nbsp;an emerging&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-ivf-legislation-0506c070085407b8983bf55409b1465c">issue</a>&nbsp;in campaigns up and down the ballot. With multiple providers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-ivf-legislation-0506c070085407b8983bf55409b1465c">pausing fertility treatments</a>&nbsp;in the state, fearing criminal charges or punitive damages, the GOP-controlled Legislature is under pressure&nbsp;<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/alabama-lawmakers-look-for-ivf-solution-as-patients-remain-in-limbo/ar-BB1iYLgW">to come up with a fix</a>.After the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The%20Supreme,Wade.">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;in 2022, eliminating federal protections for abortion rights, the decision unleashed a flurry of activity in the states, from legislation to lawsuits that often have ended up before state supreme courts. Those cases have magnified the stakes of having liberals or conservatives controlling a majority on those courts.“Many people may not have realized that state supreme courts can decide on these kinds of issues that have such a direct impact on their everyday lives," Hill said. "But this Alabama ruling is a reminder that these courts hold so much power, especially now, over people’s rights.”This year's elections bring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-supreme-courts-abortion-redistricting-2024-931a453131fac282815ae31b4f0ea271">80 races</a>&nbsp;for supreme court seats in 33 states, including a few such as Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia where partisan control is on the line. At least four states will have state supreme court races on Super Tuesday, including Alabama, Arkansas, North Carolina and Texas. Others, including Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Oregon and West Virginia will have contests through the spring.In Alabama, five of the nine seats on the all-Republican Supreme Court are on the ballot.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-frozen-embryos-conservative-christian-views-ruling-d9b7f720b5ef865ab35205ad36061f2d?utm_campaign=TrueAnthem&amp;utm_medium=AP&amp;utm_source=Twitter">Chief Justice Tom Parker</a>, 72, who cited verses from the Bible and Christian theologians in his concurring opinion in the IVF case, is unable to seek another term because the Mississippi Constitution does not allow judges older than 70 to be elected.Since Roe fell in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/state-court-abortion-litigation-tracker#arizona">about 40 lawsuits</a>&nbsp;challenging abortion bans have been filed in 23 states, and many have worked their up to to states' highest courts as advocates search state constitutions for protections to abortion rights.According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://reproductiverights.org/maps/state-constitutions-and-abortion-rights/">Center for Reproductive Rights</a>, 30 state supreme courts have decided cases challenging abortion restrictions under their state constitutions. Of these, 12 have recognized protections for abortion rights in state constitutions, while four have denied their state constitutions protect abortion rights. Other state high courts have either upheld or blocked abortion restrictions without explicitly deciding on whether their state constitutions protect abortion rights.These rulings have had direct consequences for those trying to access abortion care. In December, the Texas Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-ban-supreme-court-decision-10767891a475e7ce2c82b1404450908a">overturned a court order</a>&nbsp;that would have allowed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kate-cox-texas-exceptions-e85664b2ab76bcb689b1b91913d3e33e">Dallas woman</a>&nbsp;to get an abortion after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-texas-court-kate-cox-complications-3e24f473b0eab907993ddcad189e8115">her story</a>&nbsp;of being forced to leave the state to terminate her nonviable pregnancy sparked a national outcry.Abortion rights are just one recent example of the U.S. Supreme Court deferring to states on major issues, said Douglas Keith, senior counsel in the judiciary program at the Brennan Center for Justice, which tracks spending in judicial races. The U.S. Supreme Court also stepped back from ruling on issues such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/54daa625511445969fee66696f7979c2">partisan gerrymandering</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-act-supreme-court-black-voters-6f840911e360c44fd2e4947cc743baa2">voting rights</a>, often making state supreme courts the final word on those issues.“The Dobbs decision and others made clear that these courts would be the ones to decide these fundamental issues during a time where the U.S. Supreme Court was taking a step back from protecting certain rights,” Keith said.State courts also are involved in the process of getting statewide citizen initiatives to the ballot, often deciding disputes over the technical requirements of petitions and the signature-gathering process. They will be play a pivotal role this year, as reproductive rights groups seek to place measures protecting abortion before voters in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-amendment-ban-protection-states-2024-052ff9846f8416efb725240af22b92ec">a number of states</a>.State supreme courts are expected to rule on such measures planned in Florida, Missouri and Nevada.Florida’s Republican attorney general in January&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-abortion-ballot-elections-931be34f9ffdd6d74f6beade05eeee47">asked</a>&nbsp;the state Supreme Court to keep a proposed abortion rights amendment off the ballot.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-ballot-constitution-ruling-edb5f44fc0f9799d01cda22cd1f70b40">In Missouri</a>, an appeals court ruled in October that summaries written by Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, an abortion opponent who is running for governor, were politically partisan and misleading. The Missouri Supreme Court declined to hear Ashcroft's appeal of the ruling.A Nevada district court judge in January&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nevada-abortion-access-ballot-471e9036864c030cc5296e7c78da8dad">approved</a>&nbsp;an abortion-rights ballot measure petition as eligible for signature-gathering, despite a legal challenge by anti-abortion groups. In November, the judge rejected an earlier petition that was much broader, including protections for prenatal care, postpartum care, vasectomies, tubal ligations, miscarriages and infertility. Nevadans for Reproductive Freedoms, the group behind the petition, appealed that rejection to the Nevada Supreme Court and is awaiting a ruling.Activists also aim to place abortion rights on the ballot in Arizona, where Republican governors have appointed all seven of the Supreme Court justices.“In many cases, state supreme courts have a lot of power to shut down direct democracy by preventing a question from getting on the ballot,” said Brian Fitzpatrick, a professor at Vanderbilt Law School.Strategies that attempt to derail ballot initiatives are part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-initiatives-voters-democracy-2024-602ebb8a74d7ae45163d79c065a23ef0">blueprint</a>&nbsp;created by anti-abortion groups in other states, including Ohio, where voters last year overwhelmingly decided to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-abortion-amendment-election-2023-fe3e06747b616507d8ca21ea26485270">enshrine abortion rights</a>&nbsp;in the state constitution.Even with voter approval, the Ohio Supreme Court will be the “ultimate arbiter” of how to interpret the constitutional amendment and how it will affect existing abortion laws, said Hill, the Case Western law professor who served as a consultant to the Ohio campaign to enshrine abortion rights. This means the state's Supreme Court races this year, starting with a March 19 primary, will be vital to abortion rights in the state, as well as other topics including gerrymandering, environmental protections and criminal justice, she said.With three seats up for a vote and a current 4-3 Republican majority, Democrats have an opportunity to flip the majority of the court for the first time since 1986 while Republicans will try to expand their control.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-election-abortion-0d188b5c6f841546f98436c1ab8180fa">result</a>&nbsp;of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-abortion-spending-82a3481a75665110e6d4b3d503ee2a24">heated race</a>&nbsp;in Wisconsin last year already has had an impact, after that state's Supreme Court flipped to a liberal majority for the first time in 15 years.In December, the new Wisconsin Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-redistricting-eccbcfee414d1943073a9fb949743860">overturned</a>&nbsp;Republican-drawn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-redistricting-legislature-5bc5c0347b26a40fd615f4faf7583b46">legislative maps</a>&nbsp;and ordered new district boundary lines to be drawn. Wisconsin is a swing state but also is one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-impeachment-republicans-gerrymandering-legislature-21fc8c3cf99623a379cbf4dd01ed0b8c">most heavily gerrymandered</a>&nbsp;in the country, allowing Republicans to have outsized majorities in the Legislature. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-abortion-ban-lawsuit-planned-parenthood-1518465359ed39a39d38e14a8d97a94e">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;challenging Wisconsin’s abortion ban might also be headed to the state supreme court.“There have been immediate consequences for redistricting that have fundamentally reshaped politics in Wisconsin,” said Kyle Kondik, managing editor of an elections and campaign newsletter published by the University of Virginia Center for Politics. “It goes to show just how important these races are.”___

IVF ruling highlights importance of state court races in US elections

CRAWFORD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 3a.m. Sunday in Crawford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by Ashley M.&nbsp;Rendon, 26, Parsons,&nbsp;was westbound on Kansas 126 four miles west of Pittsburg. The car traveled off the roadway into the south ditch, struck a culvert, rolled onto its top and caught on fire

Rendon was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Derfelt Funeral Home. The KHP did not have seat belt usage details.

CRAWFORD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 3a.m. Sunday in Crawford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by Ashley M.&nbsp;Rendon, 26, Parsons,&nbsp;was westbound on Kansas 126 four miles west of Pittsburg. The car traveled off the roadway into the south ditch, struck a culvert, rolled onto its top and caught on fireRendon was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Derfelt Funeral Home. The KHP did not have seat belt usage details.

Kansas woman dies after rollover crash, fire

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating to suspects on drug allegations.

On Feb. 26, a sheriff's deputy conducted a&nbsp;traffic stop on 198th Road near Q. Road in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 Deputies seized illegal drug contraband during the stop.  John Albert Johnston, 39, and Melissa Ann Hibbs, 40, both of Topeka, were arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail. Johnston was booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended and driving while habitual violator. Hibbs was booked on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709070678374.png" alt="Johnston-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Johnston-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating to suspects on drug allegations.On Feb. 26, a sheriff's deputy conducted a&nbsp;traffic stop on 198th Road near Q. Road in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709070654143.png" alt="Hibbs-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hibbs-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Deputies seized illegal drug contraband during the stop. John Albert Johnston, 39, and Melissa Ann Hibbs, 40, both of Topeka, were arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail. Johnston was booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended and driving while habitual violator. Hibbs was booked on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kansas couple caught transporting methamphetamine

WASHINGTON (AP) — The transcript of the congressional deposition of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;was released late Thursday, providing a full view of the contentious testimony that took place behind closed doors Wednesday as Republicans aggressively questioned the central figure in their impeachment inquiry.

<a href="https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Hunter-Biden-Transcript_Redacted.pdf">Click here to read the</a> transcript

The nearly 230 pages of questioning laid bare the deep-seated hostility between President Joe Biden's son and the GOP lawmakers who have been investigating his family for the past several years. Arguments were frequent and tempers short, providing a preview of what is sure to come when Republicans hold a public hearing with Hunter Biden in the next several weeks.

He was defiant through the deposition as Republicans flooded him with questions about his former business affairs and his life, his answers veering from heated to emotional as he talked of his long battle with addiction and turmoil in his personal life.

Throughout the nearly seven-hour deposition, Hunter Biden remained adamant on one point, vehemently and repeatedly denying under oath that his father ever financially benefited or participated in any of his business work.

The 14-month Republican investigation into the Biden family has centered on Hunter Biden and his overseas work for clients in Ukraine, China, Romania and other countries. Republicans have long questioned whether those business dealings involved corruption and influence peddling by President Biden, particularly in the years when he was vice president.

Republican investigators zeroed in on a series of dinners and meetings that took place after Joe Biden left the vice presidency in which the younger Biden put his father on speakerphone while in the company of business partners.

“And why would you place your dad on speakerphone?” an unidentified Republican staffer asked.

“I’m surprised my dad hasn’t called me right now, and if he did, I would put him on speakerphone to say hi to you and to Congressman Raskin and everybody else in the room,” Hunter Biden replied. “It is nothing nefarious literally.”

He said that after the tragedies his family has suffered — including the death of his mother and two siblings — calls in his family are always answered, no matter what.

“You always pick up the phone. It’s something that we always do. And you can ask anybody that I know,” Hunter Biden added.

Large portions of the testimony Wednesday diverged into Hunter Biden's well-documented battle with drug and alcohol addiction.

In one particularly harsh exchange, Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida, questioned whether the president’s son’s business dealings, particularly with the Ukrainian energy firm Burisma, were legitimate. Gaetz asked, “Were you on drugs when you were on the Burisma board?”

Hunter responded: “Mr. Gaetz, look me in the eye. You really think that’s appropriate to ask me?”

Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, intervened, telling his client he didn't need to respond.

“I will answer it this way: I have been absolutely transparent about my drug use,” Hunter Biden said. “I’m sorry; I’m an addict. I was an addict.”

He told the panel he has been in recovery for more than four years and works “really, really hard at it” under what he called an enormous amount of pressure.

“Was I an addict? Yes, I was an addict,” he said. “What does that have to do with whether or not you’re going to go forward with an impeachment of my father other than to simply try to embarrass me?”

Gaetz tried to interrupt, but Hunter Biden kept talking: “Why? Why?"

Another point of interest for House Republicans' investigation is what they describe as Hunter Biden and associates selling the Biden “brand” to clients overseas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704904282755.png" alt="File photo -Hunter Biden made a surprise appearance at the Capitol on Jan. 10-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo -Hunter Biden made a surprise appearance at the Capitol on Jan. 10-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The transcript of the congressional deposition of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;was released late Thursday, providing a full view of the contentious testimony that took place behind closed doors Wednesday as Republicans aggressively questioned the central figure in their impeachment inquiry.<a href="https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Hunter-Biden-Transcript_Redacted.pdf">Click here to read the</a> transcriptThe nearly 230 pages of questioning laid bare the deep-seated hostility between President Joe Biden's son and the GOP lawmakers who have been investigating his family for the past several years. Arguments were frequent and tempers short, providing a preview of what is sure to come when Republicans hold a public hearing with Hunter Biden in the next several weeks.He was defiant through the deposition as Republicans flooded him with questions about his former business affairs and his life, his answers veering from heated to emotional as he talked of his long battle with addiction and turmoil in his personal life.Throughout the nearly seven-hour deposition, Hunter Biden remained adamant on one point, vehemently and repeatedly denying under oath that his father ever financially benefited or participated in any of his business work.Takeaways from the transcript:‘You always pick up the phone’The 14-month Republican investigation into the Biden family has centered on Hunter Biden and his overseas work for clients in Ukraine, China, Romania and other countries. Republicans have long questioned whether those business dealings involved corruption and influence peddling by President Biden, particularly in the years when he was vice president.Republican investigators zeroed in on a series of dinners and meetings that took place after Joe Biden left the vice presidency in which the younger Biden put his father on speakerphone while in the company of business partners.“And why would you place your dad on speakerphone?” an unidentified Republican staffer asked.“I’m surprised my dad hasn’t called me right now, and if he did, I would put him on speakerphone to say hi to you and to Congressman Raskin and everybody else in the room,” Hunter Biden replied. “It is nothing nefarious literally.”He said that after the tragedies his family has suffered — including the death of his mother and two siblings — calls in his family are always answered, no matter what.“You always pick up the phone. It’s something that we always do. And you can ask anybody that I know,” Hunter Biden added.Hunter Biden's ‘darkest days’Large portions of the testimony Wednesday diverged into Hunter Biden's well-documented battle with drug and alcohol addiction.In one particularly harsh exchange, Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida, questioned whether the president’s son’s business dealings, particularly with the Ukrainian energy firm Burisma, were legitimate. Gaetz asked, “Were you on drugs when you were on the Burisma board?”Hunter responded: “Mr. Gaetz, look me in the eye. You really think that’s appropriate to ask me?”“Absolutely,” Gaetz said.Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, intervened, telling his client he didn't need to respond.“I will answer it this way: I have been absolutely transparent about my drug use,” Hunter Biden said. “I’m sorry; I’m an addict. I was an addict.”He told the panel he has been in recovery for more than four years and works “really, really hard at it” under what he called an enormous amount of pressure.“Was I an addict? Yes, I was an addict,” he said. “What does that have to do with whether or not you’re going to go forward with an impeachment of my father other than to simply try to embarrass me?”Gaetz tried to interrupt, but Hunter Biden kept talking: “Why? Why?"What was the ‘Biden brand’?Another point of interest for House Republicans' investigation is what they describe as Hunter Biden and associates selling the Biden “brand” to clients overseas.One of their purported key witnesses, Devon Archer, a former business associate of Hunter Biden, testified to the House Oversight Committee last year that the president's family sold “the illusion of access” to the corridors of power in Washington. Republicans questioned whether Burisma, the Ukrainian energy firm, wanted Hunter Biden on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-europe-business-c49555d51eb243e09a42f7577fc5937f">its board in 2014</a>&nbsp;"because your dad was the Vice President?”“No, I don’t think that it’s fair,” Hunter Biden responded.When asked about what value he brought to Burisma, Hunter Biden talked about the breadth of his resume and defended his family.“Primarily, the name ‘Biden’ is my dad’s legacy. And he passed it down to me and, when my brother was alive, my brother, my sister, now to my children. It’s our responsibility to not screw that up."He added, "If other people saw the brand as something that they could market, it’s not -- it was not with my -- without going through me first. And if they did so, they didn’t go through me first."Rather than probe the Bidens, Democrats turn to the TrumpsDemocrats at one point tried to turn the deposition back toward Donald Trump, contrasting the Bidens' business dealings with the former Republican president’s family and its business operations.Rep. Eric Swalwell, the Democrat from California, led one particularly pointed exchange intended to draw out the differences between President Biden and Trump, the Republican front-runner to challenge him for the White House.“Did your father ever employ in the Oval Office any direct family member to also work in the Oval Office?” Swalwell asked.“My father has never employed any direct family members, to my knowledge,” Hunter Biden testified.Swalwell went on to ask questions referring to the Trump hotel in Washington, D.C., Trump’s legal case in New York City, his daughter-in-law’s recent bid to lead the Republican National Committee and his son-in-law Jared Kushner’s business dealings with Saudi Arabia.“As President and the leader of the party, has your father ever tried to install as the chairperson of the party a daughter-in-law or anyone else in the family?” Swalwell probed.“No. And I don’t think that anyone in my family would be crazy enough to want to be the chairperson of the DNC” — the Democratic National Committee.Had his father ever been fined $355 million? “No, he has not, thank God,” Hunter Biden testified.Emails, text messages and the laptopThe impeachment inquiry has focused on several pieces of evidence as Republicans try to build their case, including emails, text messages and a now-in-dispute laptop.One email from a Hunter Biden business associate proposes a 10% equity stake in their firm to be held for “the big” guy, who Republicans say is Joe Biden. It's a message that has become central to the GOP claims of influence peddling, but one that another business associate Rob Walker has testified was all “bull-—-.”Hunter Biden testified that he does not recall ever responding to the email. “I’m not even sure whether I ever fully read this.”Further emails exhibited to the committee showed that any equity split would be made equally among the five partners, including Hunter Biden and his longtime business partner Jim Biden, who is the president’s brother and his uncle. The business deal with a Chinese energy company never happened, and no one was paid.“There’s no secret big guy anywhere in this email?” asked a Democratic questioner.“No, there’s not,” Hunter Biden replied.“Joe Biden is not anywhere in this agreement?” he asked.“No, he is not.”As for Hunter Biden’s laptop that was allegedly dropped off at a Delaware repair shop and the source for many allegations against the Biden family, he testified that he does not recall bringing it in.If his computer needed repairs, Hunter Biden testified, “I would have gone to the Apple store.”