WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans stayed up all night to pass their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-beautiful-bill-trump-tax-cuts-medicaid-00ce1ff8a7b7fea7a894d38398748c6b">multitrillion-dollar tax breaks package</a>, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Speaker Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;defying the skeptics and unifying his ranks to muscle&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-5-21-2025">President Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;priority bill to approval Thursday.

With&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trumps-big-bill-medicaid-work-requirements-20a4cce877bdb411056578139e405986">last-minute concessions</a>&nbsp;and stark warnings from Trump, the Republican holdouts largely dropped their opposition to salvage the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-beautiful-bill-trump-tax-cuts-medicaid-00ce1ff8a7b7fea7a894d38398748c6b">“One Big Beautiful Bill”</a>&nbsp;that's central to the GOP agenda. The House launched debate before midnight and by dawn the vote was called, 215-214, with Democrats staunchly opposed. It next goes to the Senate. The GOP members of the Kansas House delegation voted for the measure. Kansas Democrat Congresswoman Sharice Davids voted against it.

“To put it simply, this bill gets Americans back to winning again," said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Johnson, R-La</a>.

The outcome caps an intense time on Capitol Hill, with days of private negotiations and public committee hearings, many happening back-to-back, around-the-clock. Republicans insisted their sprawling 1,000-page-plus package was what voters sent them to Congress — and Trump to the White House — to accomplish. They believe it will be “rocket fuel,” as one put it during debate, for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-moodys-trump-china-aff14c914fa270f72bc6ddac9f82e8fd">uneasy U.S. economy</a>.

Trump himself&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-republicans-tax-cuts-trump-johnson-ebc172c76ac51434e9bfa28d867bd9a0">demanded action</a>, visiting House Republicans at Tuesday's conference meeting and hosting GOP leaders and the holdouts for a lengthy session Wednesday at the White House. Before the vote, the administration warned in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-5-21-2025#00000196-f418-da7f-a7bf-f5797af80000">pointed statement</a>&nbsp;that “failure to pass this bill would be the ultimate betrayal.”

Central to the package is the GOP's commitment to extending some $4.5 trillion in tax breaks they engineered during Trump’s first term in 2017, while temporarily adding new ones he campaigned on during his 2024 campaign, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-tax-on-tips-things-to-know-budget-bill-02b9d99dbe17cef93a81bc0cbb2cffcb">no taxes on tips</a>, overtime pay, car loan interest and others.

To make up for some of the lost tax revenue, the Republicans focused on changes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-cuts-trump-tax-cuts-bill-1e2b12a91a3d12ceb0420ce7053de58e">to Medicaid</a>&nbsp;and the food stamps program, largely by imposing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-cuts-work-requirements-congress-republicans-90ec1119f1d95de067c76f79eec7fa87">work requirements</a>&nbsp;on many of those receiving benefits. There's also a massive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-budget-reconciliation-clean-energy-pollution-trump-f8638d3c44e95976b3bf756bc483a8f6">rollback of green energy tax breaks</a>&nbsp;from the Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act.

Additionally, the package tacks on $350 billion in new spending, with about $150 billion going to the Pentagon, including for the president’s new “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/golden-dome-missile-defense-trump-16cb94047bfdd7c2c55c5e099e40f74f">Golden Dome” defense shield</a>, and the rest for Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/deportation-immigration-south-sudan-department-of-homeland-security-300e8c704402e2cb3c920d251b7fa876">mass deportation</a>&nbsp;and border security agenda.

All told, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates 8.6 million fewer people would have health care coverage and 3 million less people a month would have SNAP food stamps benefits with the proposed changes.

The CBO said the tax provisions would increase federal deficits by $3.8 trillion over the decade, while the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-cuts-trump-tax-cuts-bill-1e2b12a91a3d12ceb0420ce7053de58e">changes to Medicaid</a>, food stamps and other services would tally $1 trillion in reduced spending. The lowest-income households in the U.S. would see their resources drop, while the highest ones would see a boost, it said.

House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hakeem-jeffries">Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries</a>&nbsp;of New York read letters from Americans describing the way the program cuts would hurt them. "This is one big ugly bill,” he said.

As the minority, without the votes to stop Trump's package, Democrats instead offered up impassioned speeches and procedural moves to stall its advance. As soon as the House floor reopened for debate, the Democrats forced a vote to adjourn. It failed.

In “the dark of night they want to pass this GOP tax scam,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif.

Other Democrats called it a “big, bad bill” or a “big, broken promise.”

Pulling the package together and pushing it to passage has been an enormous political lift for Johnson, with few votes to spare from his slim GOP majority whose rank-and-file Republicans have conflicting priorities of their own.

Conservatives, particularly from the Freedom Caucus, held out for steeper spending cuts to defray costs piling onto the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-moodys-trump-china-aff14c914fa270f72bc6ddac9f82e8fd">nation's $36 trillion debt</a>.

At the same time, more moderate and centrist GOP lawmakers were wary of the changes to Medicaid that could result in lost health care for their constituents. And some worried the phaseout of the renewable energy tax breaks will impede businesses using them to invest in green energy projects in many states.

One big problem had been the costly deal with GOP lawmakers from New York and other high-tax states to quadruple the $10,000 deduction for state and local taxes, called SALT, to $40,000 for incomes up to $500,000, which was included in the final product.

For every faction Johnson tried to satisfy, another would roar in opposition.

Late in the night, GOP leaders unveiled a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trumps-big-bill-medicaid-work-requirements-20a4cce877bdb411056578139e405986">42-page amendment</a>&nbsp;with a number of revisions.

The changes included speedier implementation of the Medicaid work requirements, which will begin in December 2026, rather than January 2029, and a faster roll back of the production tax credits for clean electricity projects, both sought by the conservatives.

Also tucked into the final version were some unexpected additions — including a $12 billion fund for the Department of Homeland Security to reimburse states that help federal officials with deportations and border security.

And in a nod to Trump's influence, the Republicans renamed a proposed new children’s savings program after the president, changing it from MAGA accounts — money account for growth and advancement — to simply “Trump” accounts.

Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Ind., said Americans shouldn’t believe the dire predictions from Democrats about the impact of the bill. “We can unlock the ‘Golden Age’ of America,” she said, echoing the president’s own words.

By early morning hours, the chief holdouts appeared to be falling in line. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., said they “got some improvements.”

But two Republicans voted against the package, including Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a deficit watcher who had been publicly criticized by Trump, remained unmoved. “This bill is a debt bomb ticking,” he warned.

And Rep. Andy Harris, the chairman of the Freedom Caucus who wanted more time, voted present. Some others did not vote.

Final analysis of the overall package's costs and economic impacts are still being assessed.

Along with extending existing tax breaks, it would increase the standard income tax deduction, to $32,000 for joint filers, and boost the child tax credit to $2,500. There would be an enhanced deduction, of $4,000, for older adults of certain income levels, to help defray taxes on Social Security income.

To cut spending, those seeking Medicaid health care, who are able-bodied adults without dependents, would need to fulfill 80 hours a month on a job or in other community activities.

Similarly, to receive food stamps through SNAP, those up to age 64, rather than 54, who are able-bodied and without dependents, would need to meet the 80 hours a month work or community engagement requirements. Additionally, some parents of children older than 7 years old would need to fulfill the work requirements.

Republicans said they want to root out waste, fraud and abuse in the federal programs.

Associated Press writers Matt Brown and Joey Cappelletti contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans stayed up all night to pass their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-beautiful-bill-trump-tax-cuts-medicaid-00ce1ff8a7b7fea7a894d38398748c6b">multitrillion-dollar tax breaks package</a>, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Speaker Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;defying the skeptics and unifying his ranks to muscle&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-5-21-2025">President Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;priority bill to approval Thursday.With&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trumps-big-bill-medicaid-work-requirements-20a4cce877bdb411056578139e405986">last-minute concessions</a>&nbsp;and stark warnings from Trump, the Republican holdouts largely dropped their opposition to salvage the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-beautiful-bill-trump-tax-cuts-medicaid-00ce1ff8a7b7fea7a894d38398748c6b">“One Big Beautiful Bill”</a>&nbsp;that's central to the GOP agenda. The House launched debate before midnight and by dawn the vote was called, 215-214, with Democrats staunchly opposed. It next goes to the Senate. The GOP members of the Kansas House delegation voted for the measure. Kansas Democrat Congresswoman Sharice Davids voted against it.“To put it simply, this bill gets Americans back to winning again," said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Johnson, R-La</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">PASSED: THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT. House Republicans just passed this HISTORIC piece of legislation FOR YOU. <a href="https://t.co/keVGJstR6c">pic.twitter.com/keVGJstR6c</a>&mdash; House Republicans (@HouseGOP) <a href="https://twitter.com/HouseGOP/status/1925505923822260229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">With our national debt at $36 trillion, our federal spending is unsustainable. Our One Big, Beautiful Bill CUTS the federal deficit by $1.5 trillion and LOWERS taxes for hardworking Kansans.&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1925356184313254287?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My colleagues on the left are trying to deceive Americans about the One Big, Beautiful Bill. In reality, the bill will result in lower taxes, increased wages and stronger economic opportunities for Kansans and Americans at all income levels. <a href="https://t.co/EWmBktxDKC">pic.twitter.com/EWmBktxDKC</a>&mdash; Rep. Ron Estes (@RepRonEstes) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRonEstes/status/1924970150622572866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">If Congress fails to extend <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>&#39; tax cuts, the average KS-02 family’s tax bill will increase by more than $1,100. That’s why Congressman Schmidt and his colleagues are working to ensure that doesn’t happen by passing the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. <a href="https://t.co/w6p7uC9dVg">pic.twitter.com/w6p7uC9dVg</a>&mdash; Rep. Derek Schmidt Press (@RepDerekSchmidt) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDerekSchmidt/status/1925391341225222424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My statement after voting against a partisan budget bill that raises costs on health care and groceries for hardworking families, all to benefit billionaires: <a href="https://t.co/QY7WZmlQY4">pic.twitter.com/QY7WZmlQY4</a>&mdash; Rep. Sharice Davids (@RepDavids) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDavids/status/1925513456716788165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The outcome caps an intense time on Capitol Hill, with days of private negotiations and public committee hearings, many happening back-to-back, around-the-clock. Republicans insisted their sprawling 1,000-page-plus package was what voters sent them to Congress — and Trump to the White House — to accomplish. They believe it will be “rocket fuel,” as one put it during debate, for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-moodys-trump-china-aff14c914fa270f72bc6ddac9f82e8fd">uneasy U.S. economy</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Well done to my friend <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerJohnson</a> on passing One Big Beautiful Bill through the House. Now it’s the Senate’s job to deliver for America.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1925524357025042703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">PASSED: ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT <a href="https://t.co/AiE3w1eo2p">pic.twitter.com/AiE3w1eo2p</a>&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1925508279309869300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump himself&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-republicans-tax-cuts-trump-johnson-ebc172c76ac51434e9bfa28d867bd9a0">demanded action</a>, visiting House Republicans at Tuesday's conference meeting and hosting GOP leaders and the holdouts for a lengthy session Wednesday at the White House. Before the vote, the administration warned in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-5-21-2025#00000196-f418-da7f-a7bf-f5797af80000">pointed statement</a>&nbsp;that “failure to pass this bill would be the ultimate betrayal.”Central to the package is the GOP's commitment to extending some $4.5 trillion in tax breaks they engineered during Trump’s first term in 2017, while temporarily adding new ones he campaigned on during his 2024 campaign, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-tax-on-tips-things-to-know-budget-bill-02b9d99dbe17cef93a81bc0cbb2cffcb">no taxes on tips</a>, overtime pay, car loan interest and others.To make up for some of the lost tax revenue, the Republicans focused on changes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-cuts-trump-tax-cuts-bill-1e2b12a91a3d12ceb0420ce7053de58e">to Medicaid</a>&nbsp;and the food stamps program, largely by imposing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-cuts-work-requirements-congress-republicans-90ec1119f1d95de067c76f79eec7fa87">work requirements</a>&nbsp;on many of those receiving benefits. There's also a massive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-budget-reconciliation-clean-energy-pollution-trump-f8638d3c44e95976b3bf756bc483a8f6">rollback of green energy tax breaks</a>&nbsp;from the Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act.Additionally, the package tacks on $350 billion in new spending, with about $150 billion going to the Pentagon, including for the president’s new “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/golden-dome-missile-defense-trump-16cb94047bfdd7c2c55c5e099e40f74f">Golden Dome” defense shield</a>, and the rest for Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/deportation-immigration-south-sudan-department-of-homeland-security-300e8c704402e2cb3c920d251b7fa876">mass deportation</a>&nbsp;and border security agenda.All told, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates 8.6 million fewer people would have health care coverage and 3 million less people a month would have SNAP food stamps benefits with the proposed changes.The CBO said the tax provisions would increase federal deficits by $3.8 trillion over the decade, while the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-cuts-trump-tax-cuts-bill-1e2b12a91a3d12ceb0420ce7053de58e">changes to Medicaid</a>, food stamps and other services would tally $1 trillion in reduced spending. The lowest-income households in the U.S. would see their resources drop, while the highest ones would see a boost, it said.House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hakeem-jeffries">Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries</a>&nbsp;of New York read letters from Americans describing the way the program cuts would hurt them. "This is one big ugly bill,” he said.As the minority, without the votes to stop Trump's package, Democrats instead offered up impassioned speeches and procedural moves to stall its advance. As soon as the House floor reopened for debate, the Democrats forced a vote to adjourn. It failed.In “the dark of night they want to pass this GOP tax scam,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif.Other Democrats called it a “big, bad bill” or a “big, broken promise.”Pulling the package together and pushing it to passage has been an enormous political lift for Johnson, with few votes to spare from his slim GOP majority whose rank-and-file Republicans have conflicting priorities of their own.Conservatives, particularly from the Freedom Caucus, held out for steeper spending cuts to defray costs piling onto the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-moodys-trump-china-aff14c914fa270f72bc6ddac9f82e8fd">nation's $36 trillion debt</a>.At the same time, more moderate and centrist GOP lawmakers were wary of the changes to Medicaid that could result in lost health care for their constituents. And some worried the phaseout of the renewable energy tax breaks will impede businesses using them to invest in green energy projects in many states.One big problem had been the costly deal with GOP lawmakers from New York and other high-tax states to quadruple the $10,000 deduction for state and local taxes, called SALT, to $40,000 for incomes up to $500,000, which was included in the final product.For every faction Johnson tried to satisfy, another would roar in opposition.Late in the night, GOP leaders unveiled a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trumps-big-bill-medicaid-work-requirements-20a4cce877bdb411056578139e405986">42-page amendment</a>&nbsp;with a number of revisions.The changes included speedier implementation of the Medicaid work requirements, which will begin in December 2026, rather than January 2029, and a faster roll back of the production tax credits for clean electricity projects, both sought by the conservatives.Also tucked into the final version were some unexpected additions — including a $12 billion fund for the Department of Homeland Security to reimburse states that help federal officials with deportations and border security.And in a nod to Trump's influence, the Republicans renamed a proposed new children’s savings program after the president, changing it from MAGA accounts — money account for growth and advancement — to simply “Trump” accounts.Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Ind., said Americans shouldn’t believe the dire predictions from Democrats about the impact of the bill. “We can unlock the ‘Golden Age’ of America,” she said, echoing the president’s own words.By early morning hours, the chief holdouts appeared to be falling in line. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., said they “got some improvements.”But two Republicans voted against the package, including Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a deficit watcher who had been publicly criticized by Trump, remained unmoved. “This bill is a debt bomb ticking,” he warned.And Rep. Andy Harris, the chairman of the Freedom Caucus who wanted more time, voted present. Some others did not vote.Final analysis of the overall package's costs and economic impacts are still being assessed.Along with extending existing tax breaks, it would increase the standard income tax deduction, to $32,000 for joint filers, and boost the child tax credit to $2,500. There would be an enhanced deduction, of $4,000, for older adults of certain income levels, to help defray taxes on Social Security income.To cut spending, those seeking Medicaid health care, who are able-bodied adults without dependents, would need to fulfill 80 hours a month on a job or in other community activities.Similarly, to receive food stamps through SNAP, those up to age 64, rather than 54, who are able-bodied and without dependents, would need to meet the 80 hours a month work or community engagement requirements. Additionally, some parents of children older than 7 years old would need to fulfill the work requirements.Republicans said they want to root out waste, fraud and abuse in the federal programs.___Associated Press writers Matt Brown and Joey Cappelletti contributed to this report.

Kan. lawmakers help House pass Trump's big bill of tax breaks, program cuts

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) — A man who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-church-fire-arson-71c1358e3da351bf8ee096c6620bcf2c">admitted in federal court</a>&nbsp;to setting the fire that destroyed an eastern Missouri church has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison and ordered to pay the church nearly $7 million.

The sentence for Christopher Scott Pritchard, 49, was imposed Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-church-fire-arson-71c1358e3da351bf8ee096c6620bcf2c">the April 2021 fire</a>&nbsp;at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints building in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, about 115 miles southeast of St. Louis. Pritchard pleaded guilty in December to one felony count of arson and another felony count of arson to a building used in interstate commerce.

The federal public defender representing Pritchard declined comment Wednesday.

The interstate commerce charge came with a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years, and the judge ordered Pritchard to serve nine years and three months. Prosecutors dropped two other felony charges involving damage to religious property.

Authorities have said that two days before the fire, Pritchard threatened to assault a bishop and “burn the church down.” Officers found more than $1,000 in items belonging to the church in Pritchard’s backpack, including a laptop, tools and 21 apples, and he smelled like smoke, police said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734642561368.png" alt="File photo of the damage courtesy KFVS" />
 <figcaption>File photo of the damage courtesy KFVS</figcaption>
 </figure>CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) — A man who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-church-fire-arson-71c1358e3da351bf8ee096c6620bcf2c">admitted in federal court</a>&nbsp;to setting the fire that destroyed an eastern Missouri church has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison and ordered to pay the church nearly $7 million.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618868869894.png" alt="Pritchard -Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Pritchard -Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>The sentence for Christopher Scott Pritchard, 49, was imposed Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-church-fire-arson-71c1358e3da351bf8ee096c6620bcf2c">the April 2021 fire</a>&nbsp;at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints building in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, about 115 miles southeast of St. Louis. Pritchard pleaded guilty in December to one felony count of arson and another felony count of arson to a building used in interstate commerce.The federal public defender representing Pritchard declined comment Wednesday.The interstate commerce charge came with a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years, and the judge ordered Pritchard to serve nine years and three months. Prosecutors dropped two other felony charges involving damage to religious property.Authorities have said that two days before the fire, Pritchard threatened to assault a bishop and “burn the church down.” Officers found more than $1,000 in items belonging to the church in Pritchard’s backpack, including a laptop, tools and 21 apples, and he smelled like smoke, police said.

Prison for man who admitted he burned down a Missouri church 

WASHINGTON (AP) Republicans, led by Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, have blocked a vote on legislation by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer that would ban the U.S. from using a foreign plane as Air Force One.

Schumer went to the floor to ask for a vote on his bill the same day that the Defense Department accepted a $400 million plane from Qatar for Trump to use as Air Force One. Schumer said it is “outrageous” that the Trump administration accepted the plane.

“This gift screams national security risk,” Schumer said.

&nbsp;Marshall objected, blocking a vote. He did not offer an explanation for his objection.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746987808468.png" alt="President Trump took a tour of the jet from Qatar in February -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Trump took a tour of the jet from Qatar in February -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) Republicans, led by Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, have blocked a vote on legislation by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer that would ban the U.S. from using a foreign plane as Air Force One.Schumer went to the floor to ask for a vote on his bill the same day that the Defense Department accepted a $400 million plane from Qatar for Trump to use as Air Force One. Schumer said it is “outrageous” that the Trump administration accepted the plane.“This gift screams national security risk,” Schumer said.&nbsp;Marshall objected, blocking a vote. He did not offer an explanation for his objection.

Kan. U.S. Senator blocks vote on bill to ban use of foreign plane as Air Force One

KANSAS CITY — Law enforcement continue their search for a suspect wanted in connection with the December 2024&nbsp;shooting that left two teens dead.

The suspect identified as 19-year-0old Terrell Simpson is described as&nbsp; 5-foot'10, 135 pounds with Black hair and Brown eyes.

He was&nbsp;charged in Jackson County&nbsp;with two counts of accessory to first-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action.

KCPD is asking anyone with information to contact the Greater KC Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477. The award is up to $25,000 for any information that leads to an arrest in this case and you can remain 100% anonymous.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747874898831.png" alt="Simpson photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Simpson photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — Law enforcement continue their search for a suspect wanted in connection with the December 2024&nbsp;shooting that left two teens dead.The suspect identified as 19-year-0old Terrell Simpson is described as&nbsp; 5-foot'10, 135 pounds with Black hair and Brown eyes.He was&nbsp;charged in Jackson County&nbsp;with two counts of accessory to first-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action.KCPD is asking anyone with information to contact the Greater KC Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477. The award is up to $25,000 for any information that leads to an arrest in this case and you can remain 100% anonymous.

Search continues for suspect in KC double homicide

COWLEY COUNTY —The Cowley County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to search for missing 81-year-old Jerry McConnell. Her car was located in rural Cowley County, Kansas. 

 The search area is a large ranch and the majority of it has been searched, either on foot or by air.  The Sheriff’s Office is requesting volunteers to assist with a full grid-search on Thursday, May 22nd, at 10:00 am. 

The ranch is located in the 4000 block of 327th Road and parking will be difficult and mainly on the dirt road.  The area to be searched does have rough terrain. We will have a check in point and you will be put into groups and given instructions.&nbsp;

This is private property and we have set some rules that all volunteers must follow.&nbsp;

I have read that several people want to bring horses, drones ect.&nbsp; This area has been extensively searched by helicopters, drones, horses, side by sides, four wheelers, trackers, specialized dog teams, and water rescue units.&nbsp; Please follow the following rules.

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement searching for a missing 81-year-old woman have located her vehicle.

Late Tuesday, the Cowley County Sheriff's office in south central Kansas contacted Overland Park Police to report they had found Jerry McConnell's 2009 Honda Accord., according to Officer John Lacy. Authorities continue to search that area for her.

On Saturday, the Overland Park Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation issue a statewide Silver Alert for McConnell of Overland Park.

McConnell was last seen on Wednesday afternoon in Harrisonville, Missouri and was driving to her residence in Overland Park, Kansas. 

McConnell was believed to be driving a grey 2009 Honda Accord bearing Texas license plate RFP836. McConnell also may have been near Severy, Kansas on May 15.

McConnell is a white female who is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs around 140 pounds. She has blue eyes and gray hair. If you see Jerry McConnell, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, call the Overland Park Police Department at (913)-895-6300.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747502608195.png" alt="photo Overland Park Police" />
 <figcaption>photo Overland Park Police</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY —The Cowley County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to search for missing 81-year-old Jerry McConnell. Her car was located in rural Cowley County, Kansas. The search area is a large ranch and the majority of it has been searched, either on foot or by air. The Sheriff’s Office is requesting volunteers to assist with a full grid-search on Thursday, May 22nd, at 10:00 am. The ranch is located in the 4000 block of 327th Road and parking will be difficult and mainly on the dirt road. The area to be searched does have rough terrain. We will have a check in point and you will be put into groups and given instructions.&nbsp;This is private property and we have set some rules that all volunteers must follow.&nbsp;I have read that several people want to bring horses, drones ect.&nbsp; This area has been extensively searched by helicopters, drones, horses, side by sides, four wheelers, trackers, specialized dog teams, and water rescue units.&nbsp; Please follow the following rules.<ol>
 <li>A staging area has been set up at the Kansas Department of Transportation strip just west of 303rd&nbsp;Road on the north side of US 160, you will need to park there and then ride to the search area by bus.</li><li>We will turn any non-first responders around and direct them to the staging area described in number 1. if volunteers try to drive to the ranch on their own.</li><li>This is strictly a walking search, so no horses side by sides or four wheelers on the property</li><li>Once you are transported to the ranch you will be required to check in and give your personal information</li><li>Bring your own water, snacks, sunscreen and bug repellent.</li><li>Please take your trash with you</li><li>Any gate that is opened must be closed behind you.&nbsp; These properties have cattle on them so please do not try to have contact or try to pet the cattle</li><li>The time to meet at the KDOT strip is 10:00 am.&nbsp; There is no way to gauge how many volunteers we will have, and although we are grateful for their service we may have to limit the numbers to a controllable number.</li><li>Please be patient</li><li>The landowners have requested that the media not come onto the ranch and video, again this is private property</li><li>Lastly, when you are assigned, an area please search only that area.&nbsp; All outbuildings and residences, tank batteries have already been searched by first responders and are clear</li>
 </ol>-----------JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement searching for a missing 81-year-old woman have located her vehicle.Late Tuesday, the Cowley County Sheriff's office in south central Kansas contacted Overland Park Police to report they had found Jerry McConnell's 2009 Honda Accord., according to Officer John Lacy. Authorities continue to search that area for her.On Saturday, the Overland Park Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation issue a statewide Silver Alert for McConnell of Overland Park.McConnell was last seen on Wednesday afternoon in Harrisonville, Missouri and was driving to her residence in Overland Park, Kansas. McConnell was believed to be driving a grey 2009 Honda Accord bearing Texas license plate RFP836. McConnell also may have been near Severy, Kansas on May 15.McConnell is a white female who is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs around 140 pounds. She has blue eyes and gray hair. If you see Jerry McConnell, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, call the Overland Park Police Department at (913)-895-6300.

Silver Alert: Sheriff needs volunteers in search for Kansas woman

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-embassy-jewish-museum-shooting-9e77d16a88d634b0dde5b2455c96dddf">Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington</a>&nbsp;were shot and killed Wednesday evening while leaving an event at a Jewish museum, and the suspect yelled,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">“Free, free Palestine” after he was arrested</a>, police said.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. Lischinsky was a research assistant, and Milgrim organized visits and missions to Israel.

They were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when the suspect approached a group of four people and opened fire, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/mayor-attorney-general-condemn-deadly-shooting-incident-outside-jewish-museum-in-washington-dc-32607e74992e4bbba64e83e683c13699">at a news conference.</a>

The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, was observed pacing outside the museum before the shooting, walked into the museum after the shooting and was detained by event security, Smith said.

When he was taken into custody, the suspect began chanting, “Free, free Palestine,” Smith said. She said law enforcement did not believe there was an ongoing threat to the community.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-embassy-washington-jewish-museum-shooting-photos-9bb0f101b642c6b74ee24c08001878b3">The stunning attack</a>&nbsp;prompted Israeli missions to beef up their security. The shooting comes as Israel has launched another major offensive in the Gaza Strip in a war with Hamas that has heightened tensions across the Middle East and internationally.

“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!” President Donald Trump posted on social media early Thursday. “Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA."

Israeli Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;’s office said Thursday that he was “shocked” by the “horrific, antisemitic” shooting.

“We are witnessing the terrible price of antisemitism and wild incitement against Israel,” he said in a statement.

Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter said the two people killed were a young couple about to be engaged, saying the man had purchased a ring this week with the intent to propose next week in Jerusalem.

Former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Mike Herzog told Israeli Army Radio that the woman killed was an American employee of the embassy and the man was Israeli.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was at the scene with former judge Jeanine Pirro, who serves as the U.S. attorney in Washington and whose office would prosecute the case.

The statement from Netanyahu’s office said he spoke to Bondi, who told him Trump was “involved in managing the incident” and the U.S. would bring the perpetrator to justice.

It was not immediately clear whether Rodriguez had an attorney who could comment on his behalf. A telephone number listed in public records rang unanswered.

Dan Bongino, deputy director of the FBI, wrote in a post on social media that “early indicators are that this is an act of targeted violence.”

The influential pan-Arab satellite channel Al Jazeera aired on a loop what appeared to be mobile phone footage of the alleged gunman, wearing a suit jacket and slacks, being pulled away after the shooting, his hands behind his back.

The war in the Gaza Strip began with the Palestinian militant group Hamas coming out of Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, to kill 1,200 people and take some 250 hostages back to the coastal enclave.

In the time since, Israel’s devastating campaign in Gaza has killed more than 53,000 people, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities, whose count doesn’t differentiate between combatants and civilians. The fighting has displaced 90% of the territory’s roughly 2 million population,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-hostages-05-21-2025-11444e8b684b983dbb64daa5854b7b14">sparked a hunger crisis</a>&nbsp;and obliterated vast swaths of Gaza’s urban landscape.

The violence occurred following the American Jewish Committee's annual Young Diplomats reception at the museum.

"This is a shocking act of violence and our community is holding each other tighter tonight," Ted Deutch, American Jewish Committee’s chief executive, said in a statement early Thursday. “At this painful moment, we mourn with the victims’ families, loved ones, and all of Israel. May their memories be for a blessing."

Yoni Kalin and Katie Kalisher were inside the museum when they heard gunshots and a man came inside looking distressed, they said. Kalin said people came to his aid and brought him water, thinking he needed help, without realizing he was the suspect. When police arrived, he pulled out a red keffiyeh and repeatedly yelled, “Free Palestine,’” Kalin said.

“This event was about humanitarian aid,” Kalin said. “How can we actually help both the people in Gaza and the people in Israel? How can we bring together Muslims and Jews and Christians to work together to actually help innocent people? And then here he is just murdering two people in cold blood.”

Last week, the Capital Jewish Museum was one of the local nonprofits in Washington awarded funding from a $500,000 grant program to increase its security. The museum’s leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/antisemitism-united-states-jews-donald-trump-2c2db56fd4d994cbabfde037cb107af8">were concerned because it is a Jewish organization</a>&nbsp;and due to its new LGBTQ exhibit, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/capital-jewish-museum-receives-dc-grant-amid-security-concerns-for-lgbtq-exhibit/3918302/?_osource=SocialFlowTwt_DCBrand">NBC4 Washington</a>.

“We recognize that there are threats associated with this as well,” Executive Director Beatrice Gurwitz told the TV station. “And again, we want to ensure that our space is as welcoming and secure for everybody who comes here while we are exploring these stories.”

In response to the shooting, the museum said in a statement that they are “deeply saddened and horrified by the senseless violence outside the Museum this evening.”

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington CEO Gil Preuss said in a statement that he was horrified by the shooting and mourned the loss of the two people killed.

“Our hearts are with their families and loved ones, and with all of those who are impacted by this tragic act of antisemitic violence,” he said.

Israeli diplomats in the past have been targeted by violence, both by state-backed assailants and Palestinian militants over the decades of the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict that grew out of the founding of Israel in 1948. The Palestinians seek Gaza and the West Bank for a future state, with east Jerusalem as its capital — lands Israel captured in the 1967 war. However, the peace process between the sides has been stalled for years.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-embassy-jewish-museum-shooting-9e77d16a88d634b0dde5b2455c96dddf">Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington</a>&nbsp;were shot and killed Wednesday evening while leaving an event at a Jewish museum, and the suspect yelled,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">“Free, free Palestine” after he was arrested</a>, police said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!” —President Donald J. Trump <a href="https://t.co/Z30bjAQOpZ">pic.twitter.com/Z30bjAQOpZ</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1925405865382703451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. Lischinsky was a research assistant, and Milgrim organized visits and missions to Israel.They were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when the suspect approached a group of four people and opened fire, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/mayor-attorney-general-condemn-deadly-shooting-incident-outside-jewish-museum-in-washington-dc-32607e74992e4bbba64e83e683c13699">at a news conference.</a>The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, was observed pacing outside the museum before the shooting, walked into the museum after the shooting and was detained by event security, Smith said.When he was taken into custody, the suspect began chanting, “Free, free Palestine,” Smith said. She said law enforcement did not believe there was an ongoing threat to the community.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-embassy-washington-jewish-museum-shooting-photos-9bb0f101b642c6b74ee24c08001878b3">The stunning attack</a>&nbsp;prompted Israeli missions to beef up their security. The shooting comes as Israel has launched another major offensive in the Gaza Strip in a war with Hamas that has heightened tensions across the Middle East and internationally.“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!” President Donald Trump posted on social media early Thursday. “Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA."<h2>Israel's reaction</h2>Israeli Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;’s office said Thursday that he was “shocked” by the “horrific, antisemitic” shooting.“We are witnessing the terrible price of antisemitism and wild incitement against Israel,” he said in a statement.Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter said the two people killed were a young couple about to be engaged, saying the man had purchased a ring this week with the intent to propose next week in Jerusalem.Former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Mike Herzog told Israeli Army Radio that the woman killed was an American employee of the embassy and the man was Israeli.Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was at the scene with former judge Jeanine Pirro, who serves as the U.S. attorney in Washington and whose office would prosecute the case.The statement from Netanyahu’s office said he spoke to Bondi, who told him Trump was “involved in managing the incident” and the U.S. would bring the perpetrator to justice.It was not immediately clear whether Rodriguez had an attorney who could comment on his behalf. A telephone number listed in public records rang unanswered.Dan Bongino, deputy director of the FBI, wrote in a post on social media that “early indicators are that this is an act of targeted violence.”<h2>Israel's campaign in Gaza</h2>The influential pan-Arab satellite channel Al Jazeera aired on a loop what appeared to be mobile phone footage of the alleged gunman, wearing a suit jacket and slacks, being pulled away after the shooting, his hands behind his back.The war in the Gaza Strip began with the Palestinian militant group Hamas coming out of Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, to kill 1,200 people and take some 250 hostages back to the coastal enclave.In the time since, Israel’s devastating campaign in Gaza has killed more than 53,000 people, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities, whose count doesn’t differentiate between combatants and civilians. The fighting has displaced 90% of the territory’s roughly 2 million population,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-hostages-05-21-2025-11444e8b684b983dbb64daa5854b7b14">sparked a hunger crisis</a>&nbsp;and obliterated vast swaths of Gaza’s urban landscape.<h2>‘In cold blood’</h2>The violence occurred following the American Jewish Committee's annual Young Diplomats reception at the museum."This is a shocking act of violence and our community is holding each other tighter tonight," Ted Deutch, American Jewish Committee’s chief executive, said in a statement early Thursday. “At this painful moment, we mourn with the victims’ families, loved ones, and all of Israel. May their memories be for a blessing."Yoni Kalin and Katie Kalisher were inside the museum when they heard gunshots and a man came inside looking distressed, they said. Kalin said people came to his aid and brought him water, thinking he needed help, without realizing he was the suspect. When police arrived, he pulled out a red keffiyeh and repeatedly yelled, “Free Palestine,’” Kalin said.“This event was about humanitarian aid,” Kalin said. “How can we actually help both the people in Gaza and the people in Israel? How can we bring together Muslims and Jews and Christians to work together to actually help innocent people? And then here he is just murdering two people in cold blood.”Last week, the Capital Jewish Museum was one of the local nonprofits in Washington awarded funding from a $500,000 grant program to increase its security. The museum’s leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/antisemitism-united-states-jews-donald-trump-2c2db56fd4d994cbabfde037cb107af8">were concerned because it is a Jewish organization</a>&nbsp;and due to its new LGBTQ exhibit, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/capital-jewish-museum-receives-dc-grant-amid-security-concerns-for-lgbtq-exhibit/3918302/?_osource=SocialFlowTwt_DCBrand">NBC4 Washington</a>.“We recognize that there are threats associated with this as well,” Executive Director Beatrice Gurwitz told the TV station. “And again, we want to ensure that our space is as welcoming and secure for everybody who comes here while we are exploring these stories.”In response to the shooting, the museum said in a statement that they are “deeply saddened and horrified by the senseless violence outside the Museum this evening.”The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington CEO Gil Preuss said in a statement that he was horrified by the shooting and mourned the loss of the two people killed.“Our hearts are with their families and loved ones, and with all of those who are impacted by this tragic act of antisemitic violence,” he said.Israeli diplomats in the past have been targeted by violence, both by state-backed assailants and Palestinian militants over the decades of the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict that grew out of the founding of Israel in 1948. The Palestinians seek Gaza and the West Bank for a future state, with east Jerusalem as its capital — lands Israel captured in the 1967 war. However, the peace process between the sides has been stalled for years.___

Terror in DC: Israeli Embassy staffers killed near Jewish museum

TOPEKA—A Kansas man will serve more than three years in prison for felony abuse of a child, according to Kansas Attorney General Chris Kobach.

On January 31, James Z.T. Rhodes, 33, of Paradise, pled guilty to the crimes.&nbsp; Russell County District Court Judge Levi Morris imposed the sentence of 41 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections.

On July 23, 2024, after the 5-month-old victim was transported to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita with life-threatening injuries, Rhodes admitted to becoming angry with the victim and throwing her into her crib. 

He also admitted to forcefully striking the infant’s forehead with his open hand.

“Our job is to protect the most vulnerable,” said Assistant Attorney General Nicole Southall, who prosecuted the case on behalf of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. 

“Holding the abuser accountable before a homicide occurred is a fundamental step in our pursuit of justice for this child.”

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigated the crime.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747862614840.png" alt="Rhodes photo Phillips County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Rhodes photo Phillips County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—A Kansas man will serve more than three years in prison for felony abuse of a child, according to Kansas Attorney General Chris Kobach.On January 31, James Z.T. Rhodes, 33, of Paradise, pled guilty to the crimes.&nbsp; Russell County District Court Judge Levi Morris imposed the sentence of 41 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections.On July 23, 2024, after the 5-month-old victim was transported to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita with life-threatening injuries, Rhodes admitted to becoming angry with the victim and throwing her into her crib. He also admitted to forcefully striking the infant’s forehead with his open hand.“Our job is to protect the most vulnerable,” said Assistant Attorney General Nicole Southall, who prosecuted the case on behalf of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. “Holding the abuser accountable before a homicide occurred is a fundamental step in our pursuit of justice for this child.”The Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigated the crime.

Prison: Kansas man's violence injured 5-month-old

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspect on multiple allegations after a

Just after 4a.m. May 18, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Escape for a traffic violation near 110th Road on U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver, 62-year-old Dewayne Marshall Anderson, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of stolen property, transporting an open container, illegal registration and no insurance. 

 The passenger, 43-year-old Stella Marie Mahkuk, of Horton, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of methampehtamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747757779580.png" alt="Anderson photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Anderson photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspect on multiple allegations after aJust after 4a.m. May 18, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Escape for a traffic violation near 110th Road on U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747757761082.png" alt="Mahkuk photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Mahkuk photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver, 62-year-old Dewayne Marshall Anderson, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of stolen property, transporting an open container, illegal registration and no insurance. The passenger, 43-year-old Stella Marie Mahkuk, of Horton, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of methampehtamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container.

Kan. couple caught transporting stolen property, cocaine

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has accepted a luxury&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-qatar-air-force-one-2ef13d87b71185bde547abe6840b098c">Boeing 747 jet from Qatar</a>&nbsp;for President Donald Trump to use as Air Force One, the Pentagon said Wednesday, despite ongoing questions about the ethics and legality of taking the expensive gift from a foreign nation.

The Defense Department will “work to ensure proper security measures” on the plane to make it safe for use by the president, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said. He added that the plane was accepted “in accordance with all federal rules and regulations.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-qatar-gift-jet-air-force-one-7f9afb461c6b3ac16fca3bb0973715ff">Trump has defended the gift</a>, which came up during his recent Middle East trip, as a way to save tax dollars.

“Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of Dollars when they can get it for FREE,” Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114503203859060399">posted on his social media site</a>&nbsp;during the trip.

Others, however, have said Trump's acceptance of an aircraft that has been called a “palace in the sky” is a violation of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/emoluments-clause-trump-jet-qatar-56f995acb57eb741b0214aba5e7e8220">Constitution’s prohibition on foreign gifts</a>. Democrats have been united in outrage, and even some of the Republican president’s GOP allies in Congress have expressed concerns.

“This unprecedented action is a stain on the office of the presidency and cannot go unanswered,” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York. “Until Americans get transparency on this shady deal, which apparently includes a corrupt plot for Donald Trump to keep the plane at his library after leaving office, I’ll continue to hold all Department of Justice political nominees.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-plane-qatar-schumer-nominees-senate-8efd139a898c32cb7a1fa554c3e937c7">Schumer has introduced legislation</a>&nbsp;that would prohibit any foreign aircraft from being used as Air Force One and forbid use of taxpayer money to modify or restore the aircraft.

Critics also have noted the need to retrofit the plane to meet security requirements, which would be costly and take time.

“Far from saving money, this unconstitutional action will not only cost our nation its dignity, but it will force taxpayers to waste over $1 billion in taxpayer dollars to overhaul this particular aircraft when we currently have not one, but two fully operational and fully capable Air Force One aircraft,” said Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill.

She said during a hearing Tuesday that it is a “dangerous course of action” for the U.S. to accept the aircraft from the Qatari ruling family.

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told senators that Hegseth has ordered the service to start planning how to update the jet to meet needed standards and acknowledged that the plane will require “significant” modifications.

The Air Force, in a statement, said it is preparing to award a contract to modify a Boeing 747 aircraft, but that any details are classified.

Trump was asked about the move Wednesday while he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ramaphosa-south-africa-9ce43dd5a9cd58e912653c99a8ab1944">meeting in the Oval Office with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa</a>. “They are giving the United States Air Force a jet,” Trump said, bristling at being questioned about the gift by a reporter.

Trump said it was given “not to me, to the United States Air Force, so they could help us out” and noted that “Boeing’s a little bit late, unfortunately.”

Ramaphosa, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-south-africa-oval-office-drama-0080e7c7288860bd0511b8cc4efd06f6">sitting next to Trump</a>&nbsp;and has been working to repair his relationship with the president, said, “I’m sorry I don’t have a plane to give you.”

“If your country was offering the United States Air Force a plane, I would take it,” Trump said.

Trump has presented no national security imperative for a swift upgrade rather than waiting for Boeing to finish new Air Force One jets that have been in the works for years.

He has tried to tamp down some of the opposition by saying he wouldn’t fly around in the aircraft when his term ends. Instead, he said, the plane would be donated to a future presidential library, similar to how the Boeing 707 used by President Ronald Reagan was decommissioned and put on display as a museum piece.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746987808468.png" alt="President Trump took a tour of the jet in February&nbsp; &nbsp;-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Trump took a tour of the jet in February&nbsp; &nbsp;-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has accepted a luxury&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-qatar-air-force-one-2ef13d87b71185bde547abe6840b098c">Boeing 747 jet from Qatar</a>&nbsp;for President Donald Trump to use as Air Force One, the Pentagon said Wednesday, despite ongoing questions about the ethics and legality of taking the expensive gift from a foreign nation.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">After President Trump shows videos about genocide, <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterAlexander?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PeterAlexander</a> asks about jet from Qatar. President Trump: &quot;&quot;What are you talking about? You know, you oughta get out of here...you&#39;re a terrible reporter.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/4KgjHOvEUF">pic.twitter.com/4KgjHOvEUF</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1925233710594465954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Defense Department will “work to ensure proper security measures” on the plane to make it safe for use by the president, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said. He added that the plane was accepted “in accordance with all federal rules and regulations.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-qatar-gift-jet-air-force-one-7f9afb461c6b3ac16fca3bb0973715ff">Trump has defended the gift</a>, which came up during his recent Middle East trip, as a way to save tax dollars.“Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of Dollars when they can get it for FREE,” Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114503203859060399">posted on his social media site</a>&nbsp;during the trip.Others, however, have said Trump's acceptance of an aircraft that has been called a “palace in the sky” is a violation of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/emoluments-clause-trump-jet-qatar-56f995acb57eb741b0214aba5e7e8220">Constitution’s prohibition on foreign gifts</a>. Democrats have been united in outrage, and even some of the Republican president’s GOP allies in Congress have expressed concerns.“This unprecedented action is a stain on the office of the presidency and cannot go unanswered,” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York. “Until Americans get transparency on this shady deal, which apparently includes a corrupt plot for Donald Trump to keep the plane at his library after leaving office, I’ll continue to hold all Department of Justice political nominees.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-plane-qatar-schumer-nominees-senate-8efd139a898c32cb7a1fa554c3e937c7">Schumer has introduced legislation</a>&nbsp;that would prohibit any foreign aircraft from being used as Air Force One and forbid use of taxpayer money to modify or restore the aircraft.Critics also have noted the need to retrofit the plane to meet security requirements, which would be costly and take time.“Far from saving money, this unconstitutional action will not only cost our nation its dignity, but it will force taxpayers to waste over $1 billion in taxpayer dollars to overhaul this particular aircraft when we currently have not one, but two fully operational and fully capable Air Force One aircraft,” said Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill.She said during a hearing Tuesday that it is a “dangerous course of action” for the U.S. to accept the aircraft from the Qatari ruling family.Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told senators that Hegseth has ordered the service to start planning how to update the jet to meet needed standards and acknowledged that the plane will require “significant” modifications.The Air Force, in a statement, said it is preparing to award a contract to modify a Boeing 747 aircraft, but that any details are classified.Trump was asked about the move Wednesday while he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ramaphosa-south-africa-9ce43dd5a9cd58e912653c99a8ab1944">meeting in the Oval Office with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa</a>. “They are giving the United States Air Force a jet,” Trump said, bristling at being questioned about the gift by a reporter.Trump said it was given “not to me, to the United States Air Force, so they could help us out” and noted that “Boeing’s a little bit late, unfortunately.”Ramaphosa, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-south-africa-oval-office-drama-0080e7c7288860bd0511b8cc4efd06f6">sitting next to Trump</a>&nbsp;and has been working to repair his relationship with the president, said, “I’m sorry I don’t have a plane to give you.”“If your country was offering the United States Air Force a plane, I would take it,” Trump said.Trump has presented no national security imperative for a swift upgrade rather than waiting for Boeing to finish new Air Force One jets that have been in the works for years.He has tried to tamp down some of the opposition by saying he wouldn’t fly around in the aircraft when his term ends. Instead, he said, the plane would be donated to a future presidential library, similar to how the Boeing 707 used by President Ronald Reagan was decommissioned and put on display as a museum piece.___

🎥 Trump responds to question on Defense Dept. accepting jet from Qatar

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

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bitcoin-trump-satoshi-record-6ee18c4f1a8fc2365ff939600cad2d44">Bitcoin</a>&nbsp;hit a new all-time high as the world’s most popular cryptocurrency reached price levels not seen since President Donald Trump’s inauguration.

The digital asset traded above $109,400 Wednesday morning, a huge increase from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-bitcoin-crypto-tariffs-ether-4b59eeac841cb1dd1b71d7fec14be94e#:~:text=After%20holding%20relatively%20stable%20during,before%20seeing%20a%20slight%20rebound.">recent</a>&nbsp;lows of about $75,000 last month.

Several other cryptocurrencies have seen similar large gains in recent days. That includes Trump’s official meme coins, which have jumped up about 75% in the last month. The president is set to have dinner Thursday with some of the meme coins’ biggest investors, a move that’s drawn intense criticism from some Democrats who say that Trump is improperly using the power of the presidency to boost his personal wealth.

Bitcoin’s price increase comes after the crypto industry scored a major win with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-stablecoins-cryptocurrency-coin-trump-5b551cf99c288c4f6059ed1689d6fcb4">U.S. Senate advancing legislation</a>&nbsp;that creates a federal framework to regulate the stablecoins, a fast-growing form of cryptocurrency whose values are often tied to the U.S. dollar.

The bipartisan vote was a major win for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crypto-bitcoin-trump-sacks-2da6c4d45e5df04c2e50b2b5ff8d90c7">politically powerful cryptocurrency industry</a>, which spent heavily in last year’s election and has amassed a large war chest for next year’s contests.

A former skeptic turned enthusiastic booster, Trump has been a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crypto-bitcoin-digital-assets-reserve-2f4246434a657f248cd85296f14382f9">major promoter</a>&nbsp;of the crypto industry and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bitcoin-trump-election-crypto-regulation-c45a747d9c32591bc4e5dcd6e5cc0c22">previously took credit</a>&nbsp;when bitcoin’s price broke $100,000 in December. His administration has established a “strategic bitcoin reserve” for the U.S. government and dropped or paused several enforcement actions against major crypto companies.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22ALAN%20SUDERMAN%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By ALAN SUDERMAN</a> Associated Press<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bitcoin-trump-satoshi-record-6ee18c4f1a8fc2365ff939600cad2d44">Bitcoin</a>&nbsp;hit a new all-time high as the world’s most popular cryptocurrency reached price levels not seen since President Donald Trump’s inauguration.The digital asset traded above $109,400 Wednesday morning, a huge increase from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-bitcoin-crypto-tariffs-ether-4b59eeac841cb1dd1b71d7fec14be94e#:~:text=After%20holding%20relatively%20stable%20during,before%20seeing%20a%20slight%20rebound.">recent</a>&nbsp;lows of about $75,000 last month.Several other cryptocurrencies have seen similar large gains in recent days. That includes Trump’s official meme coins, which have jumped up about 75% in the last month. The president is set to have dinner Thursday with some of the meme coins’ biggest investors, a move that’s drawn intense criticism from some Democrats who say that Trump is improperly using the power of the presidency to boost his personal wealth.Bitcoin’s price increase comes after the crypto industry scored a major win with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-stablecoins-cryptocurrency-coin-trump-5b551cf99c288c4f6059ed1689d6fcb4">U.S. Senate advancing legislation</a>&nbsp;that creates a federal framework to regulate the stablecoins, a fast-growing form of cryptocurrency whose values are often tied to the U.S. dollar.The bipartisan vote was a major win for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crypto-bitcoin-trump-sacks-2da6c4d45e5df04c2e50b2b5ff8d90c7">politically powerful cryptocurrency industry</a>, which spent heavily in last year’s election and has amassed a large war chest for next year’s contests.A former skeptic turned enthusiastic booster, Trump has been a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crypto-bitcoin-digital-assets-reserve-2f4246434a657f248cd85296f14382f9">major promoter</a>&nbsp;of the crypto industry and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bitcoin-trump-election-crypto-regulation-c45a747d9c32591bc4e5dcd6e5cc0c22">previously took credit</a>&nbsp;when bitcoin’s price broke $100,000 in December. His administration has established a “strategic bitcoin reserve” for the U.S. government and dropped or paused several enforcement actions against major crypto companies.

Bitcoin hits new price highs as crypto industry scores wins

By GERALD IMRAY and AAMER MADHANI Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump used a White House meeting to forcefully confront South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing the country of failing to address Trump's baseless claim of the systematic killing of white farmers.

Trump even dimmed the lights of the Oval Office to play a video of a far-left politician chanting a song that includes the lyrics "kill the farmer." He also leafed through news articles to underscore his point, saying the country's white farmers have faced "death, death, death, horrible death."

Trump had already cut all U.S. assistance to South Africa and welcomed several dozen white South African farmers to the U.S. as refugees as he pressed the case that a "genocide" is underway in the country.

The U.S. president has launched a series of accusations at South Africa's Black-led government, claiming it is seizing land from white farmers, enforcing antiwhite policies and pursuing an anti-American foreign policy.

Experts in South Africa say there is no evidence of whites being targeted for their race, although farmers of all races are victims of violent home invasions in a country with a high crime rate.

"People are fleeing South Africa for their own safety," Trump said. "Their land is being confiscated and in many cases they're being killed."

Ramaphosa pushed back against Trump's accusation. The South African leader had sought to use the meeting to set the record straight and salvage his country's relationship with the United States. The bilateral relationship is at its lowest point since South Africa enforced its apartheid system of racial segregation, which ended in 1994.

"We are completely opposed to that," Ramaphosa said of the behavior alleged by Trump in their exchange. He added, "that is not government policy" and "our government policy is completely, completely against what he was saying."

"When they take the land, they kill the white farmer," he said.

Trump appeared prepared to confront Ramaphosa at the start of the meeting while journalists were present. Videos were cued up on a large TV set to show a clip of an opposition party leader, Julius Malema, leading an old anti-apartheid song.

The song has been contentious for years in the country because of its central lyrics "kill the Boer" and "shoot the Boer" — with Boer a word that refers to a white farmer. Malema, featured in the video, is not part of the country's governing coalition.

Another clip played showed white crosses on the side of a road, described as a memorial for white farmers who were killed. Ramaphosa seemed baffled. "I'd like to know where that is, because this I've never seen."

Trump kicked off the meeting by describing the South African president as a "truly respected man in many, many circles." He added: "And in some circles he's considered a little controversial."

Ramaphosa chimed in, playfully jabbing back at a U.S. president who is no stranger to controversy. "We're all like that," Ramaphosa said.

Trump issued an executive order in February cutting all funding to South Africa over some of its domestic and foreign policies. The order criticized the South African government on multiple fronts, saying it is pursuing antiwhite policies at home and supporting "bad actors" in the world like the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Iran.

Trump has falsely accused the South African government of rights violations against white Afrikaner farmers by seizing their land through a new expropriation law. No land has been seized and the South African government has pushed back, saying U.S. criticism is driven by misinformation.

The Trump administration's references to the Afrikaner people — who are descendants of Dutch and other European settlers — have also elevated previous claims made by Trump's South African-born adviser Elon Musk and some conservative U.S. commentators that the South African government is allowing attacks on white farmers in what amounts to a genocide.

The administration's concerns about South African policies cut even deeper than the concerns about white farmers.

South Africa has also angered the Trump White House over its move to bring charges at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Ramaphosa has also faced scrutiny in Washington for his past connections to MTN Group, Iran's second-largest telecom provider. It owns nearly half of Irancell, a joint venture linked with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Ramaphosa served as board chair of MTN from 2002 to 2013.

"When one country is consistently unaligned with the United States on issue after issue after issue after issue, now you become -- you have to make conclusions about it," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at a Senate hearing this week.

Ramaphosa came into the meeting looking to avoid the sort of contentious engagement that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy experienced during his February Oval Office visit, when the Ukrainian leader found himself being berated by Trump and Vice President JD Vance. That disastrous meeting ended with White House officials asking Zelenskyy and his delegation to leave the White House grounds.

The South African president's delegation included golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, a gesture to the golf-obsessed U.S. president. Ramaphosa brought Trump a massive book about South Africa's golf courses. He even told Trump that he's been working on his golf game, seeming to angle for an invitation to the links with the president.

Luxury goods tycoon and Afrikaner Johann Rupert was also in the delegation to help ease Trump's concerns that land was being seized from white farmers.

At one point, Ramaphosa called on Zingiswa Losi, the president of a group of South African trade unions, who told Trump it is true that South Africa is a "violent nation for a number of reasons." But she told him it was important to understand that Black men and women in rural areas were also being targeted in heinous crimes.

"The problem in South Africa, it is not necessarily about race, but it's about crime," Losi said. "We are here to say how do we, both nations, work together to reset, to really talk about investment but also help ... to really address the levels of crime we have in our country."

Musk also attended Wednesday's talks. He has been at the forefront of the criticism of his homeland, casting its affirmative action laws as racist against whites.

Musk has said on social media that his Starlink satellite internet service isn't able to get a license to operate in South Africa because he is not Black.

South African authorities say Starlink hasn't formally applied. It can, but it would be bound by affirmative action laws in the communications sector that require foreign companies to allow 30% of their South African subsidiaries to be owned by shareholders who are Black or from other racial groups disadvantaged under apartheid.

The South African government says its long-standing affirmative action laws are a cornerstone of its efforts to right the injustices of the white minority rule of apartheid, which denied opportunities to Blacks and other racial groups.

Following the contentious Oval Office exchange in front of the cameras, Trump hosted Ramaphosa for lunch.

Asked by a reporter as he left the White House if he thought Trump heard him out, the South African leader responded, "Yes, he did, and it went very well."

Imray reported from Johannesburg. AP writers Seung Min Kim, Chris Megerian, Darlene Superville, Sagar Meghani and Ali Swenson contributed reporting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747860688909.png" alt="Image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>Image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERALD IMRAY and AAMER MADHANI Associated PressWASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump used a White House meeting to forcefully confront South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing the country of failing to address Trump's baseless claim of the systematic killing of white farmers.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa exchange on genocide. Q: &quot;What will it take for you to be convinced that there&#39;s no white genocide in South Africa?&quot; Ramaphosa: &quot;I can answer that for the president.&quot; Trump: &quot;I&#39;d rather have him answer.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/8v8hXFGmK0">pic.twitter.com/8v8hXFGmK0</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1925241941513707991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 JUST SHOWN IN THE OVAL OFFICE: Proof of Persecution in South Africa. <a href="https://t.co/rER1l8sqAU">pic.twitter.com/rER1l8sqAU</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1925232291220951370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump even dimmed the lights of the Oval Office to play a video of a far-left politician chanting a song that includes the lyrics "kill the farmer." He also leafed through news articles to underscore his point, saying the country's white farmers have faced "death, death, death, horrible death."Trump had already cut all U.S. assistance to South Africa and welcomed several dozen white South African farmers to the U.S. as refugees as he pressed the case that a "genocide" is underway in the country.The U.S. president has launched a series of accusations at South Africa's Black-led government, claiming it is seizing land from white farmers, enforcing antiwhite policies and pursuing an anti-American foreign policy.Experts in South Africa say there is no evidence of whites being targeted for their race, although farmers of all races are victims of violent home invasions in a country with a high crime rate."People are fleeing South Africa for their own safety," Trump said. "Their land is being confiscated and in many cases they're being killed."Ramaphosa pushed back against Trump's accusation. The South African leader had sought to use the meeting to set the record straight and salvage his country's relationship with the United States. The bilateral relationship is at its lowest point since South Africa enforced its apartheid system of racial segregation, which ended in 1994."We are completely opposed to that," Ramaphosa said of the behavior alleged by Trump in their exchange. He added, "that is not government policy" and "our government policy is completely, completely against what he was saying."Trump was unmoved."When they take the land, they kill the white farmer," he said.Trump appeared prepared to confront Ramaphosa at the start of the meeting while journalists were present. Videos were cued up on a large TV set to show a clip of an opposition party leader, Julius Malema, leading an old anti-apartheid song.The song has been contentious for years in the country because of its central lyrics "kill the Boer" and "shoot the Boer" — with Boer a word that refers to a white farmer. Malema, featured in the video, is not part of the country's governing coalition.Another clip played showed white crosses on the side of a road, described as a memorial for white farmers who were killed. Ramaphosa seemed baffled. "I'd like to know where that is, because this I've never seen."Trump kicked off the meeting by describing the South African president as a "truly respected man in many, many circles." He added: "And in some circles he's considered a little controversial."Ramaphosa chimed in, playfully jabbing back at a U.S. president who is no stranger to controversy. "We're all like that," Ramaphosa said.Trump issued an executive order in February cutting all funding to South Africa over some of its domestic and foreign policies. The order criticized the South African government on multiple fronts, saying it is pursuing antiwhite policies at home and supporting "bad actors" in the world like the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Iran.Trump has falsely accused the South African government of rights violations against white Afrikaner farmers by seizing their land through a new expropriation law. No land has been seized and the South African government has pushed back, saying U.S. criticism is driven by misinformation.The Trump administration's references to the Afrikaner people — who are descendants of Dutch and other European settlers — have also elevated previous claims made by Trump's South African-born adviser Elon Musk and some conservative U.S. commentators that the South African government is allowing attacks on white farmers in what amounts to a genocide.The administration's concerns about South African policies cut even deeper than the concerns about white farmers.South Africa has also angered the Trump White House over its move to bring charges at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Ramaphosa has also faced scrutiny in Washington for his past connections to MTN Group, Iran's second-largest telecom provider. It owns nearly half of Irancell, a joint venture linked with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Ramaphosa served as board chair of MTN from 2002 to 2013."When one country is consistently unaligned with the United States on issue after issue after issue after issue, now you become -- you have to make conclusions about it," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at a Senate hearing this week.Ramaphosa came into the meeting looking to avoid the sort of contentious engagement that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy experienced during his February Oval Office visit, when the Ukrainian leader found himself being berated by Trump and Vice President JD Vance. That disastrous meeting ended with White House officials asking Zelenskyy and his delegation to leave the White House grounds.The South African president's delegation included golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, a gesture to the golf-obsessed U.S. president. Ramaphosa brought Trump a massive book about South Africa's golf courses. He even told Trump that he's been working on his golf game, seeming to angle for an invitation to the links with the president.Luxury goods tycoon and Afrikaner Johann Rupert was also in the delegation to help ease Trump's concerns that land was being seized from white farmers.At one point, Ramaphosa called on Zingiswa Losi, the president of a group of South African trade unions, who told Trump it is true that South Africa is a "violent nation for a number of reasons." But she told him it was important to understand that Black men and women in rural areas were also being targeted in heinous crimes."The problem in South Africa, it is not necessarily about race, but it's about crime," Losi said. "We are here to say how do we, both nations, work together to reset, to really talk about investment but also help ... to really address the levels of crime we have in our country."Musk also attended Wednesday's talks. He has been at the forefront of the criticism of his homeland, casting its affirmative action laws as racist against whites.Musk has said on social media that his Starlink satellite internet service isn't able to get a license to operate in South Africa because he is not Black.South African authorities say Starlink hasn't formally applied. It can, but it would be bound by affirmative action laws in the communications sector that require foreign companies to allow 30% of their South African subsidiaries to be owned by shareholders who are Black or from other racial groups disadvantaged under apartheid.The South African government says its long-standing affirmative action laws are a cornerstone of its efforts to right the injustices of the white minority rule of apartheid, which denied opportunities to Blacks and other racial groups.Following the contentious Oval Office exchange in front of the cameras, Trump hosted Ramaphosa for lunch.Asked by a reporter as he left the White House if he thought Trump heard him out, the South African leader responded, "Yes, he did, and it went very well."___Imray reported from Johannesburg. AP writers Seung Min Kim, Chris Megerian, Darlene Superville, Sagar Meghani and Ali Swenson contributed reporting.

🎥Shocking video shown to So. African leader during Trump meeting

NODAWAY COUNTY, Mo. —The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested and charged Jon Worrell, age 58, of Douglas, Georgia, with Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, and Aggravated Battery related to the death of his wife, Doris Worrell, almost 20 years ago, according to a media release from the agency.

Worrell, a current resident of Maryville, Missouri, approximately 90 minutes north of Kansas City, was taken into custody without incident.&nbsp; He is currently waiting for an extradition hearing to determine the timing of his return to Coffee County, Georgia.

On September 20, 2006, the GBI regional investigative office in Douglas, Georgia, was requested by the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office to assist with a death investigation at Jon’s Sports Park in Douglas, Georgia. Doris Worrell, 39 years old at the time, was found shot and killed inside their local business. Over the years, the GBI and the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office pursued investigative leads, both in the U.S. and internationally, remaining committed to uncovering the truth behind Doris’ murder. This arrest is the direct result of those relentless efforts.

The GBI and the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office were assisted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maryville Department of Public Safety.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747845466660.png" alt="Doris Worrell photo&nbsp; Photo Coffee County Georgia Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Doris Worrell photo&nbsp; Photo Coffee County Georgia Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>NODAWAY COUNTY, Mo. —The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested and charged Jon Worrell, age 58, of Douglas, Georgia, with Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, and Aggravated Battery related to the death of his wife, Doris Worrell, almost 20 years ago, according to a media release from the agency.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747845292431.png" alt="Jon Worrell- Photo Coffee County Georgia Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Jon Worrell- Photo Coffee County Georgia Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Worrell, a current resident of Maryville, Missouri, approximately 90 minutes north of Kansas City, was taken into custody without incident.&nbsp; He is currently waiting for an extradition hearing to determine the timing of his return to Coffee County, Georgia.On September 20, 2006, the GBI regional investigative office in Douglas, Georgia, was requested by the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office to assist with a death investigation at Jon’s Sports Park in Douglas, Georgia. Doris Worrell, 39 years old at the time, was found shot and killed inside their local business. Over the years, the GBI and the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office pursued investigative leads, both in the U.S. and internationally, remaining committed to uncovering the truth behind Doris’ murder. This arrest is the direct result of those relentless efforts.The GBI and the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office were assisted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maryville Department of Public Safety.

Fugitive captured near KC for murder of wife in 2006

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

Passengers on Southwest Airlines flights will soon be required to keep their portable chargers in plain sight while using them because of concerns about the growing number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/airplanes-lithium-ion-batteries-hazard-2ccb98a6b7b0c43d1ff255d5797c24c8">lithium battery fires</a>&nbsp;in a new policy that other airlines may adopt.

Southwest announced the new policy that will go into effect May 28 and said passengers may already have seen notifications about the industry-leading rule when using the airline's app.

There is growing concern about lithium-ion battery fires on planes because the number of incidents continues to grow yearly, and devices powered by those batteries are ubiquitous. There have already been 19 incidents involving these batteries this year, following last year's record high of 89, according to Federal Aviation Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/resources/lithium_batteries/incidents">statistics</a>.

The incidents have more than doubled since the pandemic-era low of 39 in 2020, and have climbed annually.

Compared to the roughly 180,000 flights U.S. airlines operate each week, the number of incidents is still relatively small and lithium batteries can overheat anywhere. However, this is a growing concern for the airlines.

Last summer,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/american-airlines-flight-smoking-laptop-san-francisco-449d04bdd66ad411fa024799045e1992">a smoking laptop</a>&nbsp;in a passenger’s bag led to the evacuation of a plane awaiting takeoff at San Francisco International Airport. In 2023, a flight from Dallas to Orlando, Florida, made an emergency landing in Jacksonville, Florida, after a battery&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spirit-airlines-flight-259-diverted-fire-e867e93b7d762c3fb0a77bcf92688c96">caught fire in an overhead bin</a>.

Southwest said that requiring these chargers to be kept out in the open when they are being used will help because “in the rare event a lithium battery overheats or catches fire, quick access is critical and keeping power banks in plain sight allow for faster intervention and helps protect everyone onboard.”

The airline will allow the chargers to be stored inside carry-on bags when they aren't in use.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/transportation-security-administration">Transportation Security Administration</a>&nbsp;has long prohibited e-cigarettes and chargers and power banks with lithium-ion batteries in checked bags, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all">allows them in carry-on bags</a>. The rule exists precisely because fires in the cargo hold might be harder to detect and extinguish.

The FAA recommends passengers keep cell phones and other devices nearby on planes so they can access them quickly. The agency said flight crews are trained to recognize and respond to lithium battery fires. Passengers should notify the flight crew immediately if their lithium battery or device is overheating, expanding, smoking or burning.

A previous&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn.bfldr.com/D35SAQ1Q/as/qtg97zjx2t4nhp6x8j4q6hf9/Lithium-Ion_Battery_Incidents_and_Their_Impact_on_Aviation_Safety">report</a>&nbsp;released last year by UL Standards &amp; Engagement said e-cigarettes overheated more often than any other device. More than one-quarter of passengers surveyed for that study said they put vaping cigarettes and portable chargers in checked bags. That is against federal rules.

UL Standards &amp; Engagement, part of a safety-science company once known as Underwriters Laboratories, said it based its findings on data from 35 passenger and cargo airlines, including nine of the 10 leading U.S. passenger carriers.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JOSH%20FUNK%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JOSH FUNK Associated Press</a>Passengers on Southwest Airlines flights will soon be required to keep their portable chargers in plain sight while using them because of concerns about the growing number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/airplanes-lithium-ion-batteries-hazard-2ccb98a6b7b0c43d1ff255d5797c24c8">lithium battery fires</a>&nbsp;in a new policy that other airlines may adopt.Southwest announced the new policy that will go into effect May 28 and said passengers may already have seen notifications about the industry-leading rule when using the airline's app.There is growing concern about lithium-ion battery fires on planes because the number of incidents continues to grow yearly, and devices powered by those batteries are ubiquitous. There have already been 19 incidents involving these batteries this year, following last year's record high of 89, according to Federal Aviation Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/resources/lithium_batteries/incidents">statistics</a>.The incidents have more than doubled since the pandemic-era low of 39 in 2020, and have climbed annually.Compared to the roughly 180,000 flights U.S. airlines operate each week, the number of incidents is still relatively small and lithium batteries can overheat anywhere. However, this is a growing concern for the airlines.Last summer,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/american-airlines-flight-smoking-laptop-san-francisco-449d04bdd66ad411fa024799045e1992">a smoking laptop</a>&nbsp;in a passenger’s bag led to the evacuation of a plane awaiting takeoff at San Francisco International Airport. In 2023, a flight from Dallas to Orlando, Florida, made an emergency landing in Jacksonville, Florida, after a battery&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spirit-airlines-flight-259-diverted-fire-e867e93b7d762c3fb0a77bcf92688c96">caught fire in an overhead bin</a>.Southwest said that requiring these chargers to be kept out in the open when they are being used will help because “in the rare event a lithium battery overheats or catches fire, quick access is critical and keeping power banks in plain sight allow for faster intervention and helps protect everyone onboard.”The airline will allow the chargers to be stored inside carry-on bags when they aren't in use.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/transportation-security-administration">Transportation Security Administration</a>&nbsp;has long prohibited e-cigarettes and chargers and power banks with lithium-ion batteries in checked bags, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all">allows them in carry-on bags</a>. The rule exists precisely because fires in the cargo hold might be harder to detect and extinguish.The FAA recommends passengers keep cell phones and other devices nearby on planes so they can access them quickly. The agency said flight crews are trained to recognize and respond to lithium battery fires. Passengers should notify the flight crew immediately if their lithium battery or device is overheating, expanding, smoking or burning.A previous&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn.bfldr.com/D35SAQ1Q/as/qtg97zjx2t4nhp6x8j4q6hf9/Lithium-Ion_Battery_Incidents_and_Their_Impact_on_Aviation_Safety">report</a>&nbsp;released last year by UL Standards &amp; Engagement said e-cigarettes overheated more often than any other device. More than one-quarter of passengers surveyed for that study said they put vaping cigarettes and portable chargers in checked bags. That is against federal rules.UL Standards &amp; Engagement, part of a safety-science company once known as Underwriters Laboratories, said it based its findings on data from 35 passenger and cargo airlines, including nine of the 10 leading U.S. passenger carriers.

Southwest Airlines changes policy on chargers due to battery fire concerns

McClain County, Oklahoma—Authorities in Oklahoma shared a video Tuesday of a dramatic lightning strike of a police car.

The strike occurred on Monday during a severe storm, according to Newcastle Emergency Emergency Management.&nbsp;No one was hurt. 

"But that could’ve been anyone," the agency reminded. "If you hear thunder, you’re close enough to get hit. Get inside, stay away from trees and metal, and unplug electronics until the storm passes. Take lightning seriously every time."&nbsp; Newcastle is located approximately 2 and one half hours south of Wichita.

McClain County, Oklahoma—Authorities in Oklahoma shared a video Tuesday of a dramatic lightning strike of a police car.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=395&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F100068070158289%2Fvideos%2F1709176623353212%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1" width="560" height="395" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The strike occurred on Monday during a severe storm, according to Newcastle Emergency Emergency Management.&nbsp;No one was hurt. "But that could’ve been anyone," the agency reminded. "If you hear thunder, you’re close enough to get hit. Get inside, stay away from trees and metal, and unplug electronics until the storm passes. Take lightning seriously every time."&nbsp; Newcastle is located approximately 2 and one half hours south of Wichita.