BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Topeka resident Lanell Griffith urged senators Thursday to support a proposed constitutional amendment that would cap annual increases in appraised property values that result in higher tax bills.

Describing herself as a representative of “grassroots unpaid activists,” Griffith said past legislation that requires local officials to hold public meetings before raising property taxes was only a step in the right direction. She said she is subject to 10 taxing entities and finds it difficult to attend every meeting.

The Senate tax committee heard testimony from Griffith and others on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1603/" target="_blank">Senate Concurrent Resolution 1603</a>, which would cap annual increases in appraised value at 3%.

“With no cap on those increases, we citizens just have an unknown — I call it — theft,” Griffith said. “You already own it, and they’re just telling you you gotta pay more and more. We need to stop the hemorrhaging and increase transparency.”

The proposed resolution, co-sponsored by 18 Senate Republicans, requires approval from two-thirds of both the Senate and House members. If passed, it would place a constitutional amendment before voters on the Nov. 4, 2025, ballot.

If at least 50% of voters support the amendment, it would take effect Jan. 1., 2026.

The proposed cap would include exceptions for new construction and improvements to property, changes in property classifications, and when a property changes owners.

Sen. Ethan Corson, D-Fairway, raised a concern about the potential for two virtually identical properties on the same block to have different tax rates, depending on when the homes were purchased.

Other groups, including the teachers union, oppose the constitutional amendment because of the potential effects on public school funding, which is largely collected through a state-assessed mill levy.

The Kansas Farm Bureau opposed the constitutional amendment because it favors cutting the mill levy for schools instead.

But Republicans said constituents made it clear during last year’s election that property tax relief was a top priority.

“I wasn’t going to push this this year,” said Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican who chairs the committee. “I had told people the House isn’t going to move on it, ag people don’t want it, but there was enough push from our body, and I’m listening to them.”

Sen. Mike Thompson, R-Shawnee, testified in support of the amendment. He said property tax relief was the No. 1 issue he heard about from voters when he knocked on doors during the campaign last year.

He said lawmakers should consider the strongest restrictions possible on property taxes.

“If we truly value liberty,” Thompson said, “property tax wouldn’t even exist.”

“We’re allowing the valuations of the appraiser to do the dirty work,” he added, while elected officials “can ostensibly say we didn’t raise your taxes.”

John Donley, lobbyist for Kansas Farm Bureau, said he agreed with the need for property tax relief and grew frustrated last year when Republican leadership and the Democratic governor were more interested in a tax relief package that primarily dealt with individual income.

He said he thought about the issue as he drove Thursday morning to testify at the Statehouse.

“I was like, welp, it’s the middle of January in an odd-numbered year — we’re here talking about how all we hear about is property taxes on the doorsteps,” Donley said. “This is my 10th election cycle that I’ve been working in this building, and this is what we do in January of odd-numbered years.”

The Kansas Farm Bureau is concerned that the annual cap would effectively shift the tax burden away from residential property, where values are skyrocketing, onto other classifications, such as agriculture.

Instead, Donley said, the state should lower the statewide mill levy.

“We just feel like this is the wrong tool,” Donley said. “This is truly a tax shift.”

Leah Fliter, a lobbyist for the Kansas Association of School Boards, asked lawmakers to exercise caution when considering changes to tax policy.

“We oppose arbitrary limits on taxes and valuations because of the long-term impact on revenues for schools and other public services,” she said, quoting the organization’s member-adopted legislative policy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737081675888.png" alt=" Topeka resident Lanell Griffith testifies Jan. 16, 2025, before the Senate tax committee. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Topeka resident Lanell Griffith testifies Jan. 16, 2025, before the Senate tax committee. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Topeka resident Lanell Griffith urged senators Thursday to support a proposed constitutional amendment that would cap annual increases in appraised property values that result in higher tax bills.Describing herself as a representative of “grassroots unpaid activists,” Griffith said past legislation that requires local officials to hold public meetings before raising property taxes was only a step in the right direction. She said she is subject to 10 taxing entities and finds it difficult to attend every meeting.The Senate tax committee heard testimony from Griffith and others on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1603/" target="_blank">Senate Concurrent Resolution 1603</a>, which would cap annual increases in appraised value at 3%.“With no cap on those increases, we citizens just have an unknown — I call it — theft,” Griffith said. “You already own it, and they’re just telling you you gotta pay more and more. We need to stop the hemorrhaging and increase transparency.”The proposed resolution, co-sponsored by 18 Senate Republicans, requires approval from two-thirds of both the Senate and House members. If passed, it would place a constitutional amendment before voters on the Nov. 4, 2025, ballot.If at least 50% of voters support the amendment, it would take effect Jan. 1., 2026.The proposed cap would include exceptions for new construction and improvements to property, changes in property classifications, and when a property changes owners.Sen. Ethan Corson, D-Fairway, raised a concern about the potential for two virtually identical properties on the same block to have different tax rates, depending on when the homes were purchased.Other groups, including the teachers union, oppose the constitutional amendment because of the potential effects on public school funding, which is largely collected through a state-assessed mill levy.The Kansas Farm Bureau opposed the constitutional amendment because it favors cutting the mill levy for schools instead.But Republicans said constituents made it clear during last year’s election that property tax relief was a top priority.“I wasn’t going to push this this year,” said Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican who chairs the committee. “I had told people the House isn’t going to move on it, ag people don’t want it, but there was enough push from our body, and I’m listening to them.”Sen. Mike Thompson, R-Shawnee, testified in support of the amendment. He said property tax relief was the No. 1 issue he heard about from voters when he knocked on doors during the campaign last year.He said lawmakers should consider the strongest restrictions possible on property taxes.“If we truly value liberty,” Thompson said, “property tax wouldn’t even exist.”“We’re allowing the valuations of the appraiser to do the dirty work,” he added, while elected officials “can ostensibly say we didn’t raise your taxes.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737081651056.png" alt="John Donley, lobbyist for Kansas Farm Bureau, answers questions from the Senate tax committee on Jan. 16, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>John Donley, lobbyist for Kansas Farm Bureau, answers questions from the Senate tax committee on Jan. 16, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>John Donley, lobbyist for Kansas Farm Bureau, said he agreed with the need for property tax relief and grew frustrated last year when Republican leadership and the Democratic governor were more interested in a tax relief package that primarily dealt with individual income.He said he thought about the issue as he drove Thursday morning to testify at the Statehouse.“I was like, welp, it’s the middle of January in an odd-numbered year — we’re here talking about how all we hear about is property taxes on the doorsteps,” Donley said. “This is my 10th election cycle that I’ve been working in this building, and this is what we do in January of odd-numbered years.”The Kansas Farm Bureau is concerned that the annual cap would effectively shift the tax burden away from residential property, where values are skyrocketing, onto other classifications, such as agriculture.Instead, Donley said, the state should lower the statewide mill levy.“We just feel like this is the wrong tool,” Donley said. “This is truly a tax shift.”Leah Fliter, a lobbyist for the Kansas Association of School Boards, asked lawmakers to exercise caution when considering changes to tax policy.“We oppose arbitrary limits on taxes and valuations because of the long-term impact on revenues for schools and other public services,” she said, quoting the organization’s member-adopted legislative policy.

Kansas Senate considers constitutional amendment to cap taxable property values

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in a June 4, homicide is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Friday.

Jeremiah Walker, 23 of Wichita, is charged with 2nd degree murder in the death of&nbsp;27-year-old Quentin Gordon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 9:30p.m. June 4, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call reporting a shooting in the 4800 block of East Funston.

Wichita Police, Wichita Fire, and Sedgwick County EMS responded to the scene and found Gordon suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

&nbsp;Preliminary findings suggest that Gordon was involved in an argument with another individual when the shooting occurred, indicating that this was not a random act of violence, according to Moses.

On June 6, police asked for help to locate Anjaliyah S. Orange and Jeremiah Z. Walker as they may have information about the homicide.&nbsp;

On June 12, Wichita Police Homicide investigators arrested Walker, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718212493808.png" alt="Walker -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Walker -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in a June 4, homicide is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Friday.Jeremiah Walker, 23 of Wichita, is charged with 2nd degree murder in the death of&nbsp;27-year-old Quentin Gordon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 9:30p.m. June 4, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call reporting a shooting in the 4800 block of East Funston.Wichita Police, Wichita Fire, and Sedgwick County EMS responded to the scene and found Gordon suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;Preliminary findings suggest that Gordon was involved in an argument with another individual when the shooting occurred, indicating that this was not a random act of violence, according to Moses.On June 6, police asked for help to locate Anjaliyah S. Orange and Jeremiah Z. Walker as they may have information about the homicide.&nbsp;On June 12, Wichita Police Homicide investigators arrested Walker, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.

Kan. murder suspect captured after 6-day search due back in court

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;announced Friday that he was commuting the sentences of almost 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, using his final days in office on a flurry of clemency actions meant to nullify prison terms he deemed too harsh.

The recent round of clemency gives Biden the presidential record for most individual pardons and commutations issued. The Democrat said he is seeking to undo “disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice.”

“Today’s clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes,” Biden said in a statement. “This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars.”

The White House did not immediately release the names of those receiving commutations.

Still, Biden said more could yet be coming, promising to use the time before President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is inaugurated Monday to “continue to review additional commutations and pardons.”

Friday's action follows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-pardons-clemency-4432002d67334e6716c2776fd73f3cc8">Biden's commutations last month</a>&nbsp;of the sentences of roughly 1,500 people who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the pardoning of 39 Americans convicted of nonviolent crimes. That was the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history.

All of this comes as Biden continues to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-hunter-pardon-president-trump-e2d0ce366c6980cd31c6717edbc9938a">weigh whether to issue sweeping pardons</a>&nbsp;for officials and allies who the White House fears could be unjustly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-enemies-from-within-5c4a34776469a55e71d3ba4d4e68cf62">targeted by Trump’s</a>&nbsp;administration. Though presidential pardoning powers are absolute, such a preemptive move would be a novel and risky use of the president’s extraordinary constitutional power.

Last month, Biden also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/23/fact-sheet-president-biden-commutes-the-sentences-of-37-individuals-on-death-row/">commuted the sentences</a>&nbsp;of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row, converting their punishments to life imprisonment just weeks before Trump, an outspoken proponent of expanding capital punishment, takes office. Trump has vowed to roll back that order after his term begins.

Biden also recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-hunter-biden-pardon-son-9307d6bade834df77c265cae7d3b7c25">pardoned his son Hunter</a>, not just for his convictions on federal gun and tax violations but for any potential federal offense committed over an 11-year period, as the president feared Trump allies would seek to prosecute his son for other offenses.

If history is any guide, meanwhile, Biden also is likely to issue more targeted pardons to help allies before leaving the White House, as presidents typically do in some of their final actions.

Just before midnight on the final night of his first term, Trump, a Republican, signed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-bannon-trump-pardons-broidy-66c82f25134735e742b2501c118723bb">flurry of pardons</a>&nbsp;and commutations for more than 140 people, including his former chief strategist, Steve Bannon, rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black and ex-members of Congress.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;announced Friday that he was commuting the sentences of almost 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, using his final days in office on a flurry of clemency actions meant to nullify prison terms he deemed too harsh.The recent round of clemency gives Biden the presidential record for most individual pardons and commutations issued. The Democrat said he is seeking to undo “disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, I&#39;m commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offenses. This is an important step toward righting historic wrongs and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their communities after far too much time behind bars. <a href="https://t.co/q7mtuyWKl2">pic.twitter.com/q7mtuyWKl2</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1880228578396368918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Today’s clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes,” Biden said in a statement. “This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars.”The White House did not immediately release the names of those receiving commutations.Still, Biden said more could yet be coming, promising to use the time before President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is inaugurated Monday to “continue to review additional commutations and pardons.”Friday's action follows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-pardons-clemency-4432002d67334e6716c2776fd73f3cc8">Biden's commutations last month</a>&nbsp;of the sentences of roughly 1,500 people who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the pardoning of 39 Americans convicted of nonviolent crimes. That was the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history.All of this comes as Biden continues to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-hunter-pardon-president-trump-e2d0ce366c6980cd31c6717edbc9938a">weigh whether to issue sweeping pardons</a>&nbsp;for officials and allies who the White House fears could be unjustly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-enemies-from-within-5c4a34776469a55e71d3ba4d4e68cf62">targeted by Trump’s</a>&nbsp;administration. Though presidential pardoning powers are absolute, such a preemptive move would be a novel and risky use of the president’s extraordinary constitutional power.Last month, Biden also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/23/fact-sheet-president-biden-commutes-the-sentences-of-37-individuals-on-death-row/">commuted the sentences</a>&nbsp;of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row, converting their punishments to life imprisonment just weeks before Trump, an outspoken proponent of expanding capital punishment, takes office. Trump has vowed to roll back that order after his term begins.Biden also recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-hunter-biden-pardon-son-9307d6bade834df77c265cae7d3b7c25">pardoned his son Hunter</a>, not just for his convictions on federal gun and tax violations but for any potential federal offense committed over an 11-year period, as the president feared Trump allies would seek to prosecute his son for other offenses.If history is any guide, meanwhile, Biden also is likely to issue more targeted pardons to help allies before leaving the White House, as presidents typically do in some of their final actions.Just before midnight on the final night of his first term, Trump, a Republican, signed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-bannon-trump-pardons-broidy-66c82f25134735e742b2501c118723bb">flurry of pardons</a>&nbsp;and commutations for more than 140 people, including his former chief strategist, Steve Bannon, rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black and ex-members of Congress.

History: Biden granting clemency for nearly 2,500 non-violent drug offenders

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

The Texas judge who previously halted approval of the nation’s most common method of abortion ruled Thursday that three states can move ahead with another attempt to roll back federal rules and make it harder for people across the U.S. to access the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mifepristone-abortion-pill-supreme-court-1d2221251197a391c9bca833918e4554">abortion drug mifepristone</a>.

Idaho, Kansas and Missouri requested late last year to pursue the case in federal court in Amarillo, Texas, after the U.S. Supreme Court issued a narrow ruling finding that abortion opponents who first filed the case lacked the legal right to sue.

The only federal judge based in Amarillo is Matthew Kacsmaryk, a nominee of former President Donald Trump who in recent years ruled against the Biden administration on several issues, including immigration and LGBTQ protections.

The states want the federal Food and Drug Administration to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-mifespristone-state-lawsuit-f03bfe0d9b9fc04e4c8b01a1c6d16851">prohibit telehealth prescriptions</a>&nbsp;for mifepristone and require that it be used only in the first seven weeks of pregnancy instead of the current limit of 10 weeks. They also want to require three in-person doctor office visits instead of none to get the drug.

That's because, the states argue, efforts to provide access to the pills “undermine state abortion laws and frustrate state law enforcement,” according to court documents.

Meanwhile, Kacsmaryk said they shouldn't be automatically discounted from suing in Texas just because they're outside the state.

The American Civil Liberties Union said Thursday that the case should have been settled when the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously preserved access to mifepristone last year, where the justices issued a narrow ruling finding that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;opponents who first filed the case lacked the legal right to sue.

Kacsmaryk’s decision “has left the door open for extremist politicians to continue attacking medication abortion in his courtroom," the ACLU said.

The ruling comes days before Trump begins his second term as president, so his administration will likely be representing the FDA in the case. Trump has repeatedly said abortion is an issue for the states, not the federal government, though he’s also stressed on the campaign trail that he appointed justices to the Supreme Court who were in the majority when striking down the national right to abortion in 2022.

In the years since, abortion opponents have increasingly targeted abortion pills, largely due to most U.S. abortions being carried out using drugs rather than through surgical procedures. So far, at least four states — Indiana, Missouri, New Hampshire and Tennessee — have seen Republicans introduce bills aimed at banning pills. None take the same approach as Louisiana, which last year classified the drugs as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-louisiana-misoprostol-pregnancy-mifepristone-69a52fcdb711a833ae14edf6f56afc0c">controlled dangerous substances</a>.

Previously, Kacsmaryk sided with a group of anti-abortion doctors and organizations that wanted the FDA to be forced to rescind entirely its approval of mifepristone in 2000.

Yet the states are pursuing a narrower challenge. Rather than target the approval entirely, they sought to undo a series of FDA updates that have eased access.

But while the states’ leaders are pushing to severely limit access to the drugs, voters in Missouri sent a different message in November when they approved a ballot measure to undo one of the nation’s strictest bans. In Idaho, abortion is banned at all stages of pregnancy. In Kansas, abortion is generally legal up until the 22nd week of pregnancy.

Across the U.S., 13 states under Republican legislative control bar abortion at all stages of pregnancy, with some exceptions, and four more ban it after the first six weeks — before women often know they’re pregnant.

Some Democratic-controlled states have adopted laws seeking to shield from investigations and prosecutions the doctors who prescribe the pills via telehealth appointments and mail them to patients in states with bans. Those prescriptions are a major reason&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-numbers-telehealth-wecount-pills-bans-663be20ac1a40345ec5c8fe23ab43a60">a study found</a>&nbsp;that residents of states with bans are getting abortions in about the same numbers as they were before the bans were in place.

Mifepristone is usually used in combination with a second drug for medication abortion, which has accounted for more than three-fifths of all abortions in the U.S. since the Supreme Court’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-measure-court-roe-anniversary-b136c17b7c680a2702f12a4735a3f226">ruling overturning Roe v. Wade</a>.

The drugs are different than Plan B and other emergency contraceptives that are usually taken within three days after possible conception, weeks before women know they’re pregnant.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mifepristone-abortion-pill-supreme-court-1d2221251197a391c9bca833918e4554">Studies have found</a>&nbsp;they’re generally safe and result in completed abortions more than 97% of the time, which is less effective than procedural abortions.

Whitehurst reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Kimberlee Kruesi in Nashville, Tennessee, contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680967457500.png" alt="Photo Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>Photo Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22GEOFF%20MULVIHILL%20and%20LINDSAY%20WHITEHURST%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By GEOFF MULVIHILL and LINDSAY WHITEHURST Associated Press</a>The Texas judge who previously halted approval of the nation’s most common method of abortion ruled Thursday that three states can move ahead with another attempt to roll back federal rules and make it harder for people across the U.S. to access the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mifepristone-abortion-pill-supreme-court-1d2221251197a391c9bca833918e4554">abortion drug mifepristone</a>.Idaho, Kansas and Missouri requested late last year to pursue the case in federal court in Amarillo, Texas, after the U.S. Supreme Court issued a narrow ruling finding that abortion opponents who first filed the case lacked the legal right to sue.The only federal judge based in Amarillo is Matthew Kacsmaryk, a nominee of former President Donald Trump who in recent years ruled against the Biden administration on several issues, including immigration and LGBTQ protections.The states want the federal Food and Drug Administration to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-mifespristone-state-lawsuit-f03bfe0d9b9fc04e4c8b01a1c6d16851">prohibit telehealth prescriptions</a>&nbsp;for mifepristone and require that it be used only in the first seven weeks of pregnancy instead of the current limit of 10 weeks. They also want to require three in-person doctor office visits instead of none to get the drug.That's because, the states argue, efforts to provide access to the pills “undermine state abortion laws and frustrate state law enforcement,” according to court documents.Meanwhile, Kacsmaryk said they shouldn't be automatically discounted from suing in Texas just because they're outside the state.The American Civil Liberties Union said Thursday that the case should have been settled when the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously preserved access to mifepristone last year, where the justices issued a narrow ruling finding that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;opponents who first filed the case lacked the legal right to sue.Kacsmaryk’s decision “has left the door open for extremist politicians to continue attacking medication abortion in his courtroom," the ACLU said.The ruling comes days before Trump begins his second term as president, so his administration will likely be representing the FDA in the case. Trump has repeatedly said abortion is an issue for the states, not the federal government, though he’s also stressed on the campaign trail that he appointed justices to the Supreme Court who were in the majority when striking down the national right to abortion in 2022.In the years since, abortion opponents have increasingly targeted abortion pills, largely due to most U.S. abortions being carried out using drugs rather than through surgical procedures. So far, at least four states — Indiana, Missouri, New Hampshire and Tennessee — have seen Republicans introduce bills aimed at banning pills. None take the same approach as Louisiana, which last year classified the drugs as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-louisiana-misoprostol-pregnancy-mifepristone-69a52fcdb711a833ae14edf6f56afc0c">controlled dangerous substances</a>.Previously, Kacsmaryk sided with a group of anti-abortion doctors and organizations that wanted the FDA to be forced to rescind entirely its approval of mifepristone in 2000.Yet the states are pursuing a narrower challenge. Rather than target the approval entirely, they sought to undo a series of FDA updates that have eased access.But while the states’ leaders are pushing to severely limit access to the drugs, voters in Missouri sent a different message in November when they approved a ballot measure to undo one of the nation’s strictest bans. In Idaho, abortion is banned at all stages of pregnancy. In Kansas, abortion is generally legal up until the 22nd week of pregnancy.Across the U.S., 13 states under Republican legislative control bar abortion at all stages of pregnancy, with some exceptions, and four more ban it after the first six weeks — before women often know they’re pregnant.Some Democratic-controlled states have adopted laws seeking to shield from investigations and prosecutions the doctors who prescribe the pills via telehealth appointments and mail them to patients in states with bans. Those prescriptions are a major reason&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-numbers-telehealth-wecount-pills-bans-663be20ac1a40345ec5c8fe23ab43a60">a study found</a>&nbsp;that residents of states with bans are getting abortions in about the same numbers as they were before the bans were in place.Mifepristone is usually used in combination with a second drug for medication abortion, which has accounted for more than three-fifths of all abortions in the U.S. since the Supreme Court’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-measure-court-roe-anniversary-b136c17b7c680a2702f12a4735a3f226">ruling overturning Roe v. Wade</a>.The drugs are different than Plan B and other emergency contraceptives that are usually taken within three days after possible conception, weeks before women know they’re pregnant.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mifepristone-abortion-pill-supreme-court-1d2221251197a391c9bca833918e4554">Studies have found</a>&nbsp;they’re generally safe and result in completed abortions more than 97% of the time, which is less effective than procedural abortions.__Whitehurst reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Kimberlee Kruesi in Nashville, Tennessee, contributed.

Judge rules Kansas can pick up legal fight against abortion pill

WASHINGTON —Vice President Kamala Harris marking the final days in the Biden administration added her signature to the desk drawer in her ceremonial office on Tuesday. 

This is a tradition carried on by presidents and vice presidents since the 1940s.

WASHINGTON —Vice President Kamala Harris marking the final days in the Biden administration added her signature to the desk drawer in her ceremonial office on Tuesday. <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Vice President Kamala Harris adds her signature to the desk drawer in her ceremonial office, following a long tradition of outgoing vice presidents. <a href="https://t.co/EhHjG5ZY0P">pic.twitter.com/EhHjG5ZY0P</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1880012806973493719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>This is a tradition carried on by presidents and vice presidents since the 1940s.

Harris joins a decades-old tradition for vice presidents

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating one of three homicides that occurred on Tuesday in Kansas City have identified another victim as 36-year-old Colton J Stock, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Just after 4:30p.m. police were dispatched to the 3900 block of N Lister Avenue on a reported shooting disturbance. Upon arrival, officers located a victim, later identified as Stock, lying outside of a nearby residence suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased, according to Officer Gonzalez.

Officers located another adult male victim inside of the home suffering from gunshot trauma who was transported to the hospital with critical injuries. Preliminary investigation indicates the shooting may have started over an argument. Police are working to determine the relationship between both shooting victims and identify a person of interest.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737066538204.png" alt="Police on the scene Tuesday -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene Tuesday -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating one of three homicides that occurred on Tuesday in Kansas City have identified another victim as 36-year-old Colton J Stock, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Just after 4:30p.m. police were dispatched to the 3900 block of N Lister Avenue on a reported shooting disturbance. Upon arrival, officers located a victim, later identified as Stock, lying outside of a nearby residence suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased, according to Officer Gonzalez.Officers located another adult male victim inside of the home suffering from gunshot trauma who was transported to the hospital with critical injuries. Preliminary investigation indicates the shooting may have started over an argument. Police are working to determine the relationship between both shooting victims and identify a person of interest.&nbsp;

Police ID victim in deadly Kansas City gun fight

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2481/Jerome-Davis-Complaint-Packet-REDACTED">charged with 10 felonies</a>&nbsp;in connection with a fatal shooting near the 3100 block of Elmwood Ave. in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

Jerome L. Davis faces Murder in the 2nd Degree, four counts of Armed Criminal Action, Assault in the 1st Degree, two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Tampering with a Motor Vehicle in the 1st Degree, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2480/Davis_Jerome---PC-Statement_Redacted_FINAL">According to court records</a>, on January 1, 2025, officers were dispatched to the area of Elmwood Avenue near 31st Street where they located four parties at a residence, two of whom were suffering from gunshot wounds. The first victim was declared deceased, and the other was sent to a nearby hospital for a gunshot wound to his arm.&nbsp;

Witnesses told detectives they were celebrating at a New Years Eve party at the residence when they saw the defendant load his 9mm handgun in the living room and shoot the victims. Then, witnesses said they saw the defendant pull out of the driveway in the vehicle the deceased victim arrived in.

Detectives conducted a computer search of the defendant after witnesses told them he had just been released from prison, and they found he was on federal house arrest. Contact was made with his probation officer who advised the defendant was wearing an ankle monitor GPS device, which indicated him to be at the residence at the time of the shooting.&nbsp;

When detectives conducted a search warrant of the defendant’s residence, they found multiple shell casings consisting of the same calibers that were recovered from the original crime scene.

In a statement to detectives, the defendant said he was present at the party, but was not aware of a homicide, did not feel threatened or engage in any arguments, and got a ride home with an unknown individual. &nbsp;

The defendant is being held on no bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736998125701.png" alt="Davis has a previous conviction for flee and elude law enforcement- photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Davis has a previous conviction for flee and elude law enforcement- photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2481/Jerome-Davis-Complaint-Packet-REDACTED">charged with 10 felonies</a>&nbsp;in connection with a fatal shooting near the 3100 block of Elmwood Ave. in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736956567240.jpeg" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation New Year's Day" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation New Year's Day</figcaption>
 </figure>Jerome L. Davis faces Murder in the 2nd Degree, four counts of Armed Criminal Action, Assault in the 1st Degree, two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Tampering with a Motor Vehicle in the 1st Degree, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2480/Davis_Jerome---PC-Statement_Redacted_FINAL">According to court records</a>, on January 1, 2025, officers were dispatched to the area of Elmwood Avenue near 31st Street where they located four parties at a residence, two of whom were suffering from gunshot wounds. The first victim was declared deceased, and the other was sent to a nearby hospital for a gunshot wound to his arm.&nbsp;Witnesses told detectives they were celebrating at a New Years Eve party at the residence when they saw the defendant load his 9mm handgun in the living room and shoot the victims. Then, witnesses said they saw the defendant pull out of the driveway in the vehicle the deceased victim arrived in.Detectives conducted a computer search of the defendant after witnesses told them he had just been released from prison, and they found he was on federal house arrest. Contact was made with his probation officer who advised the defendant was wearing an ankle monitor GPS device, which indicated him to be at the residence at the time of the shooting.&nbsp;When detectives conducted a search warrant of the defendant’s residence, they found multiple shell casings consisting of the same calibers that were recovered from the original crime scene.In a statement to detectives, the defendant said he was present at the party, but was not aware of a homicide, did not feel threatened or engage in any arguments, and got a ride home with an unknown individual. &nbsp;The defendant is being held on no bond.&nbsp;

Kansas felon charged for killing at New Year's party 

Scott Bessent, The billionaire money manager from South Carolina took questions from members of the Senate Finance Committee including Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, during his confirmation hearing Thursday.

On social media Marshall wrote, "Scott Bessent, our next Secretary of Treasury, is committed to delivering prosperity to all Americans, including in small-town America."

Before the hearing began, Bessent walked around the room shaking hands with senators before being seated.

Republican Senate Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo opened Bessent’s confirmation hearing, telling him: “It’s clear you followed applicable law and provided thousands of pages of documentation that substantiate your positions.”

“President Trump made an excellent choice in nominating you for Secretary of Treasury,” Crapo told Bessent.

Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden says voters won’t get the change they voted for in Bessent or Trump

“In a Trump economy, the winner’s circle is small,” Wyden, a ranking member of the committee said in his opening statement.

To bring in revenues, Wyden said the Trump administration “will be offering across the board tariffs,” he said “trillions of dollars in new taxes paid for by working Americans.”

Wyden brought up the IRS’s new Direct File system — where taxpayers can file their taxes directly to the IRS for free — and the threat it faces to be defunded.

“The software giants want Direct File killed. Republicans are on their side, so they might get their way. It could cost American taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars this year alone,” he said.

Bessent talked about his background, growing up in South Carolina and getting involved in finance

“We must work to get our fiscal house in order,” Bessent said in his opening statement. “As we begin 2025, Americans are barreling towards an economic crisis towards year end.”

He called for an extension of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

“For too long, our nation has allowed unfair distortions in the international trade system,” he said.

Sen. Wyden’s first question to Bessent was about the future of the Direct File system

Wyden asked him if would preserve the program, adding that millions of taxpayers would be eligible for it.

“Will you commit to keeping Direct File up and running?” Wyden asked.

“I will commit for this tax season that Direct File will be operative,” Bessent responded. “If confirmed I will consult and study the program.”

Bessent says the nation has a spending problem

Sen. Chuck Grassley brought out a poster that argues “revenues are historically steady regardless of marginal tax rates.”

Bessent responded: “We do not have a revenue problem in the U.S. we have a spending problem.”

Sen. John Cornyn asks about US investments in China and Bessent’s view on transparency requirements

The Treasury secretary serves as the chair of the CFIUS committee which screens foreign investments inside the U.S. as well as U.S. investments in China.

Bessent said China “has the most unbalanced economy in the history in the world,” and “we should have a very rigorous screening process for anything that could be used, in AI, quantum computing, and chips.”

Bessent says Social Security and Medicare funding ‘would not be touched’

Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who’s co-sponsored a bipartisan bill related to preserving the solvency of Social Security, asked whether Bessent would touch Social Security or Medicare funding.

“Those would not be touched,” Bessent said. “One of the tragedies of the blowout of the budget deficit is we need to get our short term house in order.”

The Biden administration’s sanctions on Russia aren’t aggressive enough, Bessent says

“The tragedy going on in Ukraine is one of the greatest tragedies of my adult life,” Bessent said.

He said the Biden administration’s sanctions weren’t strong enough.

“I believe the previous administration was worried about raising U.S. energy prices during an election season and I’m perplexed to see National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on his way out the door raising the sanctions level on Russian oil companies.”

Bessent asked if he believes the Federal Reserve should be independent

In response, Bessent: “Of course and I actually believe the notion that I said President Trump should have influence comes from a highly inaccurate WSJ article.”

Asked by Republican Sen. Todd Young about conducting an impartial review of the Nippon Steel deal, Bessent said: “President Trump has also most recently spoken out against the deal.”

“It is currently in litigation. If it reappears, CFIUS will conduct the same review it always does.”

Would Bessent recommend cutting Medicaid?

When asked whether he’d recommend cutting Medicaid, Bessent stammered slightly and said “I am in favor of empowering states. In some states that will be an increase and some states that will be a decrease.”

Asked whether he would recommend cuts to Head Start, Bessent declined to answer and said “I don’t understand the budget ramifications.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders asks Bessent about Biden’s claim of an oligarchy

Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders, a new member of the Senate Finance Committee, asked Bessent about wealth inequality and started with a speech about the concentration of ownership of the media and the information Americans receive.

“Would you agree with President Biden that an oligarchy is taking shape in America?” Sanders asked.

“The billionaires you listed make the money themselves,” Bessent said. “I would note that President Biden gave a presidential medal of freedom to people who qualify” for Biden’s definition of an oligarch, Bessent added.

For the first time in the hearing, Bessent’s sexual orientation is brought up

It was when Bessent said that at 17 years old, he wanted to attend the U.S. Naval Academy but couldn’t because of his sexual preference.

“President Trump chose me, “Bessent said, for Treasury Secretary, “not because of my sexual preference,” but because of his qualifications. “I think it is a tribute to President Trump. He looks at people as people.”

If confirmed, Bessent would be the first openly gay treasury secretary.

Bessent talks about central bank digital currencies

Asked by Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn about his view on central bank digital currencies, known as CBDCs, and whether he’d continue the Biden administration’s project of looking into the viability of the U.S. implementing a CBDC, Bessent said: "I see no reason for the U.S. to have a central bank digital currency. In my mind a central bank digital currency is for countries that have no other alternatives; many of these countries are doing it out of necessity.”

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse brings up analysis of Bessent’s personal taxes and possible conflicts of interest

“We are up to date on all of our taxes,” Bessent said, adding he would shutter his firm if confirmed, to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

Bessent voiced support for Trump’s promise of no taxes on tips and Social Security

And he said he supports “making auto loans tax deductible once again.”

Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren asked whether Bessent thinks the statutory debt limit should be repealed. Both she and President-elect Trump have called for eliminating the debt limit.

Bessent said in response that if Trump wants to eliminate the debt limit, “I will work with him.”

“The U.S. is not going to default on its debt if I’m confirmed,” he said.

In his closing remarks, Senate Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo said he’ll encourage other lawmakers to advance Bessent’s nomination.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report

Scott Bessent, The billionaire money manager from South Carolina took questions from members of the Senate Finance Committee including Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, during his confirmation hearing Thursday.On social media Marshall wrote, "Scott Bessent, our next Secretary of Treasury, is committed to delivering prosperity to all Americans, including in small-town America."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">WATCH: Scott Bessent, our next Secretary of Treasury, is committed to delivering prosperity to all Americans, including in small-town America. <a href="https://t.co/BsQHMNEE8x">pic.twitter.com/BsQHMNEE8x</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1880005643962290601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Before the hearing began, Bessent walked around the room shaking hands with senators before being seated.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WATCH: Treasury Secretary Nominee Scott Bessent Opening Statement <a href="https://t.co/G1OHeFYYzS">pic.twitter.com/G1OHeFYYzS</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1879951306661462097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Republican Senate Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo opened Bessent’s confirmation hearing, telling him: “It’s clear you followed applicable law and provided thousands of pages of documentation that substantiate your positions.”“President Trump made an excellent choice in nominating you for Secretary of Treasury,” Crapo told Bessent.<h2>Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden says voters won’t get the change they voted for in Bessent or Trump</h2>“In a Trump economy, the winner’s circle is small,” Wyden, a ranking member of the committee said in his opening statement.To bring in revenues, Wyden said the Trump administration “will be offering across the board tariffs,” he said “trillions of dollars in new taxes paid for by working Americans.”Wyden brought up the IRS’s new Direct File system — where taxpayers can file their taxes directly to the IRS for free — and the threat it faces to be defunded.“The software giants want Direct File killed. Republicans are on their side, so they might get their way. It could cost American taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars this year alone,” he said.<h2>Bessent talked about his background, growing up in South Carolina and getting involved in finance</h2>“We must work to get our fiscal house in order,” Bessent said in his opening statement. “As we begin 2025, Americans are barreling towards an economic crisis towards year end.”He called for an extension of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.“For too long, our nation has allowed unfair distortions in the international trade system,” he said.<h2>Sen. Wyden’s first question to Bessent was about the future of the Direct File system</h2>Wyden asked him if would preserve the program, adding that millions of taxpayers would be eligible for it.“Will you commit to keeping Direct File up and running?” Wyden asked.“I will commit for this tax season that Direct File will be operative,” Bessent responded. “If confirmed I will consult and study the program.”<h2>Bessent says the nation has a spending problem</h2>Sen. Chuck Grassley brought out a poster that argues “revenues are historically steady regardless of marginal tax rates.”Bessent responded: “We do not have a revenue problem in the U.S. we have a spending problem.”<h2>Sen. John Cornyn asks about US investments in China and Bessent’s view on transparency requirements</h2>The Treasury secretary serves as the chair of the CFIUS committee which screens foreign investments inside the U.S. as well as U.S. investments in China.Bessent said China “has the most unbalanced economy in the history in the world,” and “we should have a very rigorous screening process for anything that could be used, in AI, quantum computing, and chips.”<h2>Bessent says Social Security and Medicare funding ‘would not be touched’</h2>Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who’s co-sponsored a bipartisan bill related to preserving the solvency of Social Security, asked whether Bessent would touch Social Security or Medicare funding.“Those would not be touched,” Bessent said. “One of the tragedies of the blowout of the budget deficit is we need to get our short term house in order.”<h2>The Biden administration’s sanctions on Russia aren’t aggressive enough, Bessent says</h2>“The tragedy going on in Ukraine is one of the greatest tragedies of my adult life,” Bessent said.He said the Biden administration’s sanctions weren’t strong enough.“I believe the previous administration was worried about raising U.S. energy prices during an election season and I’m perplexed to see National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on his way out the door raising the sanctions level on Russian oil companies.”<h2>Bessent asked if he believes the Federal Reserve should be independent</h2>In response, Bessent: “Of course and I actually believe the notion that I said President Trump should have influence comes from a highly inaccurate WSJ article.”Asked by Republican Sen. Todd Young about conducting an impartial review of the Nippon Steel deal, Bessent said: “President Trump has also most recently spoken out against the deal.”“It is currently in litigation. If it reappears, CFIUS will conduct the same review it always does.”<h2>Would Bessent recommend cutting Medicaid?</h2>When asked whether he’d recommend cutting Medicaid, Bessent stammered slightly and said “I am in favor of empowering states. In some states that will be an increase and some states that will be a decrease.”Asked whether he would recommend cuts to Head Start, Bessent declined to answer and said “I don’t understand the budget ramifications.”<h2>Sen. Bernie Sanders asks Bessent about Biden’s claim of an oligarchy</h2>Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders, a new member of the Senate Finance Committee, asked Bessent about wealth inequality and started with a speech about the concentration of ownership of the media and the information Americans receive.“Would you agree with President Biden that an oligarchy is taking shape in America?” Sanders asked.“The billionaires you listed make the money themselves,” Bessent said. “I would note that President Biden gave a presidential medal of freedom to people who qualify” for Biden’s definition of an oligarch, Bessent added.<h2>For the first time in the hearing, Bessent’s sexual orientation is brought up</h2>It was when Bessent said that at 17 years old, he wanted to attend the U.S. Naval Academy but couldn’t because of his sexual preference.“President Trump chose me, “Bessent said, for Treasury Secretary, “not because of my sexual preference,” but because of his qualifications. “I think it is a tribute to President Trump. He looks at people as people.”If confirmed, Bessent would be the first openly gay treasury secretary.<h2>Bessent talks about central bank digital currencies</h2>Asked by Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn about his view on central bank digital currencies, known as CBDCs, and whether he’d continue the Biden administration’s project of looking into the viability of the U.S. implementing a CBDC, Bessent said: "I see no reason for the U.S. to have a central bank digital currency. In my mind a central bank digital currency is for countries that have no other alternatives; many of these countries are doing it out of necessity.”<h2>Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse brings up analysis of Bessent’s personal taxes and possible conflicts of interest</h2>“We are up to date on all of our taxes,” Bessent said, adding he would shutter his firm if confirmed, to avoid potential conflicts of interest.<h2>Bessent voiced support for Trump’s promise of no taxes on tips and Social Security</h2>And he said he supports “making auto loans tax deductible once again.”Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren asked whether Bessent thinks the statutory debt limit should be repealed. Both she and President-elect Trump have called for eliminating the debt limit.Bessent said in response that if Trump wants to eliminate the debt limit, “I will work with him.”“The U.S. is not going to default on its debt if I’m confirmed,” he said.In his closing remarks, Senate Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo said he’ll encourage other lawmakers to advance Bessent’s nomination.-The Associated Press contributed to this report

🎥Kan. U.S. Senator questions Trump Treasury Secretary nominee

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22MARCIA%20DUNN%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By MARCIA DUNN AP Aerospace Writer</a>

SpaceX launched its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spacex-starship-rocket-launch-7af865e987bb4a2aad38759e06013626">Starship rocket</a>&nbsp;on its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spacex-starbase-texas-city-incorporated-f6404f050b7025c5ce95d0a0114df61d">latest test flight</a>&nbsp;Thursday, but the spacecraft was destroyed following a thrilling booster catch back at the pad.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-elon-apnorc-poll-favorability-8506a4eed5ac5dcfe818a277e4adf42a">Elon Musk’s</a>&nbsp;company said the spacecraft's six engines appeared to shut down one by one, with contact lost just 8 1/2 minutes into the flight.

The spacecraft was supposed to soar across the Gulf of Mexico from Texas on a near loop around the world similar to previous test flights. SpaceX had packed it with 10 dummy satellites for practice at releasing them. It was the first flight of this new and upgraded spacecraft.

A minute earlier, SpaceX used the launch tower's giant mechanical arms to catch the returning booster, a feat achieved only once before. The descending booster hovered over the launch pad before being gripped by the pair of arms dubbed chopsticks.

The thrill of the catch quickly turned into disappointment for not only the company, but the crowds gathered along the southern tip of Texas.

“It was great to see a booster come down, but we are obviously bummed out about ship,” said SpaceX spokesman Dan Huot, adding it would take time to analyze the data and figure out what happened. “It’s a flight test. It’s an experimental vehicle.”

The last data received from the spacecraft indicated an altitude of 90 miles (146 kilometers) and a velocity of 13,245 mph (21,317 kph).

The 400-foot (123-meter) rocket had thundered away in late afternoon from Boca Chica Beach near the Mexican border. The late hour ensured a daylight entry halfway around the world in the Indian Ocean. But the shiny retro-looking spacecraft never got nearly that far.

SpaceX had upgraded the spacecraft for the latest demo. The test satellites were the same size as SpaceX’s Starlink internet satellites and, like the spacecraft, were meant to be destroyed upon entry.

Musk plans to launch actual Starlinks on Starships before moving on to other satellites and, eventually, crews.

It was the seventh test flight for the world’s biggest and most powerful rocket. NASA has reserved a pair of Starships to land astronauts on the moon later this decade. Musk’s goal is Mars.

Hours earlier in Florida, another billionaire’s rocket company — Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin — launched the newest supersized rocket, New Glenn. The rocket reached orbit on its first flight, successfully placing an experimental satellite thousands of miles above Earth. But the first-stage booster was destroyed, missing its targeted landing on a floating platform in the Atlantic.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22MARCIA%20DUNN%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By MARCIA DUNN AP Aerospace Writer</a>SpaceX launched its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spacex-starship-rocket-launch-7af865e987bb4a2aad38759e06013626">Starship rocket</a>&nbsp;on its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spacex-starbase-texas-city-incorporated-f6404f050b7025c5ce95d0a0114df61d">latest test flight</a>&nbsp;Thursday, but the spacecraft was destroyed following a thrilling booster catch back at the pad.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed! ✨ <a href="https://t.co/nn3PiP8XwG">pic.twitter.com/nn3PiP8XwG</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1880040599761596689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-elon-apnorc-poll-favorability-8506a4eed5ac5dcfe818a277e4adf42a">Elon Musk’s</a>&nbsp;company said the spacecraft's six engines appeared to shut down one by one, with contact lost just 8 1/2 minutes into the flight.The spacecraft was supposed to soar across the Gulf of Mexico from Texas on a near loop around the world similar to previous test flights. SpaceX had packed it with 10 dummy satellites for practice at releasing them. It was the first flight of this new and upgraded spacecraft.A minute earlier, SpaceX used the launch tower's giant mechanical arms to catch the returning booster, a feat achieved only once before. The descending booster hovered over the launch pad before being gripped by the pair of arms dubbed chopsticks.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mechazilla has caught the Super Heavy booster! <a href="https://t.co/aq91TloYzY">pic.twitter.com/aq91TloYzY</a>&mdash; SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1880024050048589841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The thrill of the catch quickly turned into disappointment for not only the company, but the crowds gathered along the southern tip of Texas.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Liftoff of Starship! <a href="https://t.co/7lrFjGXzAi">pic.twitter.com/7lrFjGXzAi</a>&mdash; SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1880021718661521611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“It was great to see a booster come down, but we are obviously bummed out about ship,” said SpaceX spokesman Dan Huot, adding it would take time to analyze the data and figure out what happened. “It’s a flight test. It’s an experimental vehicle.”The last data received from the spacecraft indicated an altitude of 90 miles (146 kilometers) and a velocity of 13,245 mph (21,317 kph).The 400-foot (123-meter) rocket had thundered away in late afternoon from Boca Chica Beach near the Mexican border. The late hour ensured a daylight entry halfway around the world in the Indian Ocean. But the shiny retro-looking spacecraft never got nearly that far.SpaceX had upgraded the spacecraft for the latest demo. The test satellites were the same size as SpaceX’s Starlink internet satellites and, like the spacecraft, were meant to be destroyed upon entry.Musk plans to launch actual Starlinks on Starships before moving on to other satellites and, eventually, crews.It was the seventh test flight for the world’s biggest and most powerful rocket. NASA has reserved a pair of Starships to land astronauts on the moon later this decade. Musk’s goal is Mars.Hours earlier in Florida, another billionaire’s rocket company — Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin — launched the newest supersized rocket, New Glenn. The rocket reached orbit on its first flight, successfully placing an experimental satellite thousands of miles above Earth. But the first-stage booster was destroyed, missing its targeted landing on a floating platform in the Atlantic.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

🎥SpaceX loses spacecraft after catching rocket booster at launch pad 

A military doctor who pleaded guilty to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/army-sexual-abuse-jblm-military-81ec47eff2fe6b9547c6f5ede2faa953">sexually abusing dozens of male soldiers</a>&nbsp;at Joint Base Lewis-McChord was sentenced Wednesday to just over 13 years in prison, was ordered to forfeit all pay and allowances and was dismissed from the U.S. Army.

Maj. Michael Stockin, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at the base’s Madigan Army Medical Center,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abuse-jblm-army-military-sexual-abuse-34db9c2b5ae49a7adc8e1f8030bf36d5">pleaded guilty on Jan. 8</a>&nbsp;to 36 specifications, or counts, of abusive sexual contact and five of indecent viewing, said Michelle McCaskill, spokesperson with the U.S. Army Office of Special Trial Counsel.

“The sentence imposed by the court holds Maj. Stockin accountable for every person he victimized through his crimes," Maj. Allyson Montgomery, prosecutor, Army Office of Special Trial Counsel, said in a statement. “The results of this proceeding shine a light on the trauma caused by Maj. Stockin by allowing the voices of every victim to be heard in a public hearing.”

JBLM is the Army’s fifth-largest base and is about 47 miles (75 kilometers) south of Seattle. The Madigan medical center is the Army’s second-largest medical treatment facility.

After his plea, 22 of the 41 victims testified about the trauma and distress they endured because of Stockin’s abuse. Many said Stockin caused them to suffer negative emotional, physical, and psychological harm because of the crimes committed against them.

“The resilience of the victims in this case should be celebrated," said lead prosecutor Maj. Ryan Keeter. "They have been living with the trauma that has come from Maj. Stockin’s actions for years and the last 16 months of litigation on the way to this court-martial has not been easy. I thank them for their patience, their strength, and their determination for justice.”

Stockin's lawyer, Robert Capovilla, said the doctor faced more than 300 years of prison, but his sentence was capped at just over a dozen years.

“Major Stockin took full responsibility for his actions, and he made no excuses,” Capovilla said in an email. “The Defense hopes and prays that the victims and Major Stockin will finally be able to heal and to move forward with their lives.”

Lawyers representing 22 of Stockin’s former patients have filed Federal Tort Claims Act complaints against the Army and Department of Defense on behalf of the servicemen, claiming the agencies were negligent in hiring, supervising and retaining Stockin. Each is seeking $5 million in damages for the emotional distress they say they've suffered.

Christine Dunn, representing the victims, said Stockin's sentencing provides some sense of justice,“ but for our clients, real justice requires holding the Army accountable for its role in allowing this to happen.”

The Army failed their clients and other victims, scarring them for life, Dunn said in an email.

“During the sentencing hearing, victim after victim described the emotional impact the sexual abuse has had on their lives,” Dunn said. “These brave soldiers are now riddled with anxiety and shame – many of them terrified to even seek medical attention.”

The Army launched an investigation into Stockin in 2022 after receiving multiple complaints, McCaskill said. He was suspended from patient care and was given administrative duties. He was formally charged in August 2023 with 23 counts of abusive sexual contact. In January 2024, the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel referred 52 charges and specifications, stemming from allegations by 41 male patients he treated between 2019 and 2022.

Stockin will be transferred to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he'll serve his prison sentence, McCaskill said. Based on his crimes, he'll be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements once released from prison.

By MARTHA BELLISLE Associated PressA military doctor who pleaded guilty to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/army-sexual-abuse-jblm-military-81ec47eff2fe6b9547c6f5ede2faa953">sexually abusing dozens of male soldiers</a>&nbsp;at Joint Base Lewis-McChord was sentenced Wednesday to just over 13 years in prison, was ordered to forfeit all pay and allowances and was dismissed from the U.S. Army.Maj. Michael Stockin, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at the base’s Madigan Army Medical Center,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abuse-jblm-army-military-sexual-abuse-34db9c2b5ae49a7adc8e1f8030bf36d5">pleaded guilty on Jan. 8</a>&nbsp;to 36 specifications, or counts, of abusive sexual contact and five of indecent viewing, said Michelle McCaskill, spokesperson with the U.S. Army Office of Special Trial Counsel.“The sentence imposed by the court holds Maj. Stockin accountable for every person he victimized through his crimes," Maj. Allyson Montgomery, prosecutor, Army Office of Special Trial Counsel, said in a statement. “The results of this proceeding shine a light on the trauma caused by Maj. Stockin by allowing the voices of every victim to be heard in a public hearing.”JBLM is the Army’s fifth-largest base and is about 47 miles (75 kilometers) south of Seattle. The Madigan medical center is the Army’s second-largest medical treatment facility.After his plea, 22 of the 41 victims testified about the trauma and distress they endured because of Stockin’s abuse. Many said Stockin caused them to suffer negative emotional, physical, and psychological harm because of the crimes committed against them.“The resilience of the victims in this case should be celebrated," said lead prosecutor Maj. Ryan Keeter. "They have been living with the trauma that has come from Maj. Stockin’s actions for years and the last 16 months of litigation on the way to this court-martial has not been easy. I thank them for their patience, their strength, and their determination for justice.”Stockin's lawyer, Robert Capovilla, said the doctor faced more than 300 years of prison, but his sentence was capped at just over a dozen years.“Major Stockin took full responsibility for his actions, and he made no excuses,” Capovilla said in an email. “The Defense hopes and prays that the victims and Major Stockin will finally be able to heal and to move forward with their lives.”Lawyers representing 22 of Stockin’s former patients have filed Federal Tort Claims Act complaints against the Army and Department of Defense on behalf of the servicemen, claiming the agencies were negligent in hiring, supervising and retaining Stockin. Each is seeking $5 million in damages for the emotional distress they say they've suffered.Christine Dunn, representing the victims, said Stockin's sentencing provides some sense of justice,“ but for our clients, real justice requires holding the Army accountable for its role in allowing this to happen.”The Army failed their clients and other victims, scarring them for life, Dunn said in an email.“During the sentencing hearing, victim after victim described the emotional impact the sexual abuse has had on their lives,” Dunn said. “These brave soldiers are now riddled with anxiety and shame – many of them terrified to even seek medical attention.”The Army launched an investigation into Stockin in 2022 after receiving multiple complaints, McCaskill said. He was suspended from patient care and was given administrative duties. He was formally charged in August 2023 with 23 counts of abusive sexual contact. In January 2024, the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel referred 52 charges and specifications, stemming from allegations by 41 male patients he treated between 2019 and 2022.Stockin will be transferred to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he'll serve his prison sentence, McCaskill said. Based on his crimes, he'll be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements once released from prison.

Doctor who sexually abused soldiers is sent to prison in Kansas

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating one of three homicides on Tuesday have identified another victims as 22-year-old Alex Benson,&nbsp;, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Just after 2:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting at an apartment complex in the area of 6300 Manchester Avenue in Kansas City, according to Gonzalez.

When officers arrived on scene, they made contact with the calling party who advised someone was shot inside. Officers entered the residence and located a man, later identified as Benson, suffering from apparent, gunshot trauma and unresponsive. EMS personnel responded to the scene and declared him deceased.

Police had no preliminary information at this time that would indicate what lead up to the shooting and have not reported an arrest or suspect information.&nbsp; The name of the victim has not been released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736904780718.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation near 6300 Manchester Avenue on Tuesday afternoon- Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation near 6300 Manchester Avenue on Tuesday afternoon- Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating one of three homicides on Tuesday have identified another victims as 22-year-old Alex Benson,&nbsp;, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Just after 2:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting at an apartment complex in the area of 6300 Manchester Avenue in Kansas City, according to Gonzalez.When officers arrived on scene, they made contact with the calling party who advised someone was shot inside. Officers entered the residence and located a man, later identified as Benson, suffering from apparent, gunshot trauma and unresponsive. EMS personnel responded to the scene and declared him deceased.Police had no preliminary information at this time that would indicate what lead up to the shooting and have not reported an arrest or suspect information.&nbsp; The name of the victim has not been released.

Homicide: Police ID man found dead in Kansas City apartment

Gov. Laura Kelly says it’s up to lawmakers now to ensure western Kansas doesn’t dry up and become deserted

By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly proposed creating a state natural resources office and spending another $30 million each year to address the state’s water crisis in her State of the State Address Wednesday night.&nbsp;

In her speech, Kelly, a Democrat, looked back over the first 25 years of the 21st century and said she sees “so many good things on the horizon” in the next 75 years. But she called the state’s dwindling water supply “seriously concerning.”

“Without that water, the agricultural industry that fuels our economy and sustains our rural way of life cannot survive,” Kelly said.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/tag/ogallala-aquifer/">Ogallala Aquifer</a>, which provides water to the western third of the state, has been dwindling for decades. But despite warnings over the years that the Ogallala, the largest underground store of freshwater in the nation, was a finite resource, the state&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/14/time-for-a-reckoning-kansas-farmers-brace-for-water-cuts-to-save-ogallala-aquifer/" target="_blank">allowed crop irrigation to drain parts of the aquifer</a>&nbsp;to crisis levels.&nbsp;

“Forget making it 75 years down the road,” she said. “Some parts of western Kansas don’t have the groundwater to last another 75 years.”

For that reason, Kelly said, she and other lawmakers have been working to “change decades of inaction on our water supply.” Officials have spread out across the state to listen to farmers, ranchers and other stakeholders.

“As a result, we’ve set a goal: from now on, each generation will work to protect our water supply for the next two generations that follow,” she said, calling it “the multigenerational promise.”&nbsp;

Kelly’s budget proposal, expected to be released Thursday, will include another $30 million each year for water priorities. That’s on top of an additional $35 million the Kansas Legislature authorized for water priorities in 2023.&nbsp;

She did not specify how the additional resources might be spent. The state has been pushing local groundwater agencies to come up with plans to address the aquifer decline.&nbsp;

To address the state’s water crisis, Kelly proposed creating a singular office to govern water issues and streamline conservation efforts. Right now, she said, there are 14 agencies governing water in Kansas, making it “difficult, if not impossible, to align efforts around policy planning and investment.”

Kansas lawmakers considered reorganizing state agencies that address water in 2022, but it&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/01/shooting-themselves-in-the-foot-committee-guts-kansas-bill-to-protect-water/">never made it out of the Kansas House Water Committee</a>.

Kelly also proposed creating a long-term strategy “to ensure that Kansans have the water supply they need to exist … for generations to come.”

More than 35 years ago, Kelly said, the Kansas Legislature created the first comprehensive transportation plan to effectively build and manage roads and other infrastructure. It needs something similar, she said, to ensure Kansans “have the water needed to farm their land, preserve their communities and their way of life.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737051727068.png" alt=" Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly proposed spending more money to preserve the state's dwindling water supply in her State of the State Address Wednesday night. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly proposed spending more money to preserve the state's dwindling water supply in her State of the State Address Wednesday night. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Gov. Laura Kelly says it’s up to lawmakers now to ensure western Kansas doesn’t dry up and become deserted</h2>By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly proposed creating a state natural resources office and spending another $30 million each year to address the state’s water crisis in her State of the State Address Wednesday night.&nbsp;In her speech, Kelly, a Democrat, looked back over the first 25 years of the 21st century and said she sees “so many good things on the horizon” in the next 75 years. But she called the state’s dwindling water supply “seriously concerning.”“Without that water, the agricultural industry that fuels our economy and sustains our rural way of life cannot survive,” Kelly said.The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/tag/ogallala-aquifer/">Ogallala Aquifer</a>, which provides water to the western third of the state, has been dwindling for decades. But despite warnings over the years that the Ogallala, the largest underground store of freshwater in the nation, was a finite resource, the state&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/14/time-for-a-reckoning-kansas-farmers-brace-for-water-cuts-to-save-ogallala-aquifer/" target="_blank">allowed crop irrigation to drain parts of the aquifer</a>&nbsp;to crisis levels.&nbsp;“Forget making it 75 years down the road,” she said. “Some parts of western Kansas don’t have the groundwater to last another 75 years.”For that reason, Kelly said, she and other lawmakers have been working to “change decades of inaction on our water supply.” Officials have spread out across the state to listen to farmers, ranchers and other stakeholders.“As a result, we’ve set a goal: from now on, each generation will work to protect our water supply for the next two generations that follow,” she said, calling it “the multigenerational promise.”&nbsp;Kelly’s budget proposal, expected to be released Thursday, will include another $30 million each year for water priorities. That’s on top of an additional $35 million the Kansas Legislature authorized for water priorities in 2023.&nbsp;She did not specify how the additional resources might be spent. The state has been pushing local groundwater agencies to come up with plans to address the aquifer decline.&nbsp;To address the state’s water crisis, Kelly proposed creating a singular office to govern water issues and streamline conservation efforts. Right now, she said, there are 14 agencies governing water in Kansas, making it “difficult, if not impossible, to align efforts around policy planning and investment.”Kansas lawmakers considered reorganizing state agencies that address water in 2022, but it&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/01/shooting-themselves-in-the-foot-committee-guts-kansas-bill-to-protect-water/">never made it out of the Kansas House Water Committee</a>.Kelly also proposed creating a long-term strategy “to ensure that Kansans have the water supply they need to exist … for generations to come.”More than 35 years ago, Kelly said, the Kansas Legislature created the first comprehensive transportation plan to effectively build and manage roads and other infrastructure. It needs something similar, she said, to ensure Kansans “have the water needed to farm their land, preserve their communities and their way of life.”Kelly said the decisions lawmakers make touch “every aspect of the lives of the people we work for.” She said the Kansas the next generations will inherit “is up to us right now.”&nbsp;“Is our agricultural economy booming because we preserved our water … or is rural Kansas dried up and deserted?” Kelly said. “That’s up to us.”