DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Yemen's Houthi rebels launched two anti-ship cruise missiles and struck a commercial ship Thursday in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen, setting it on fire and severely wounding one civilian mariner, authorities said.

The M/V Verbena was still ablaze and the mariner was flown by a U.S. helicopter based on the USS Philippine Sea to another nearby ship for medical treatment, the U.S. military's Central Command said.

In a statement, Central Command said the Verbena is a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned and Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier that had docked in Malaysia and was on its way to Italy carrying wood. “The M/V Verbena reported damage and subsequent fires on board. The crew continues to fight the fire,” the statement said.

The attack is the latest such assault in the Houthis' campaign over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war.</a>

Earlier Thursday, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said a vessel had been attacked and had caught fire. And the private security firm Ambrey said a merchant vessel made a radio distress call saying it had been struck by a missile.

The Houthis later claimed the attack on the Verbena, as well as attacks on two other ships in the Red Sea. Central Command said the Houthis had launched two ballistic missiles in the Red Sea that caused “no injuries or significant damage.”

The UKMTO said one vessel earlier missed by the Houthis was hit by a “third projectile” that caused “minor damage." The vessel was able to remain underway, it said.

The attack on the Verbena follows the Houthis launching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-ship-attack-israel-hamas-war-f72e5a614ba04254031de5b8aaa26f2f">a boat-borne bomb attack</a>&nbsp;against a commercial ship in the Red Sea on Wednesday.

Central Command also said it destroyed a Houthi drone boat and two patrol boats in the Red Sea, as well as one airborne drone.

The Houthis, who seized Yemen’s capital nearly a decade ago and have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition since shortly after, have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-iran-503de70230fba0cd7c992558e2d1b83a">targeting shipping throughout the Red Sea corridor</a>.

They say the attacks are aimed at stopping the war and supporting the Palestinians, though the attacks often&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-iran-503de70230fba0cd7c992558e2d1b83a">target vessels that have nothing to do with the conflict</a>.

The war in Gaza has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians there, according to Gaza health officials, while hundreds of others have been killed in Israeli operations in the West Bank. It&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">began after Hamas-led militants</a>&nbsp;attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks</a>&nbsp;on shipping, killed three sailors, seized one vessel and sunk another since November, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. A U.S.-led airstrike campaign has targeted the Houthis since January, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-war-us-british-airstrikes-israel-hamas-12f99b7afc389a703f8dd333f2376b20">a series of strikes May 30</a>&nbsp;killing at least 16 people and wounding 42 others, the rebels say.

Also Thursday, the Washington-based National Democratic Institute said three of its staff were detained by the Houthis earlier this month. Their detention comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-un-detentions-israel-hamas-war-966dce0c3d7cd96679b3c3562ee57068">staff of United Nations agencies and those working for aid groups also have been detained</a>&nbsp;in a widening crackdown by the rebels.

“This arbitrary and inhumane treatment of Yemeni citizens involved in humanitarian assistance, diplomacy, democracy and human rights, peacemaking and civil society development is entirely without foundation and must be ended immediately,” the institute said. It called for the “swift release by the Houthi regime of our staff, and of all individuals who have been unjustly detained.”

The institute is a democracy promotion organization that has worked in Yemen since 1993. It receives funding from the U.S. government and others.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705969629635.png" alt="File photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Yemen's Houthi rebels launched two anti-ship cruise missiles and struck a commercial ship Thursday in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen, setting it on fire and severely wounding one civilian mariner, authorities said.The M/V Verbena was still ablaze and the mariner was flown by a U.S. helicopter based on the USS Philippine Sea to another nearby ship for medical treatment, the U.S. military's Central Command said.In a statement, Central Command said the Verbena is a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned and Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier that had docked in Malaysia and was on its way to Italy carrying wood. “The M/V Verbena reported damage and subsequent fires on board. The crew continues to fight the fire,” the statement said.The attack is the latest such assault in the Houthis' campaign over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war.</a>Earlier Thursday, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said a vessel had been attacked and had caught fire. And the private security firm Ambrey said a merchant vessel made a radio distress call saying it had been struck by a missile.The Houthis later claimed the attack on the Verbena, as well as attacks on two other ships in the Red Sea. Central Command said the Houthis had launched two ballistic missiles in the Red Sea that caused “no injuries or significant damage.”The UKMTO said one vessel earlier missed by the Houthis was hit by a “third projectile” that caused “minor damage." The vessel was able to remain underway, it said.The attack on the Verbena follows the Houthis launching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-ship-attack-israel-hamas-war-f72e5a614ba04254031de5b8aaa26f2f">a boat-borne bomb attack</a>&nbsp;against a commercial ship in the Red Sea on Wednesday.Central Command also said it destroyed a Houthi drone boat and two patrol boats in the Red Sea, as well as one airborne drone.The Houthis, who seized Yemen’s capital nearly a decade ago and have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition since shortly after, have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-iran-503de70230fba0cd7c992558e2d1b83a">targeting shipping throughout the Red Sea corridor</a>.They say the attacks are aimed at stopping the war and supporting the Palestinians, though the attacks often&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-iran-503de70230fba0cd7c992558e2d1b83a">target vessels that have nothing to do with the conflict</a>.The war in Gaza has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians there, according to Gaza health officials, while hundreds of others have been killed in Israeli operations in the West Bank. It&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">began after Hamas-led militants</a>&nbsp;attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks</a>&nbsp;on shipping, killed three sailors, seized one vessel and sunk another since November, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. A U.S.-led airstrike campaign has targeted the Houthis since January, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-war-us-british-airstrikes-israel-hamas-12f99b7afc389a703f8dd333f2376b20">a series of strikes May 30</a>&nbsp;killing at least 16 people and wounding 42 others, the rebels say.Also Thursday, the Washington-based National Democratic Institute said three of its staff were detained by the Houthis earlier this month. Their detention comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-un-detentions-israel-hamas-war-966dce0c3d7cd96679b3c3562ee57068">staff of United Nations agencies and those working for aid groups also have been detained</a>&nbsp;in a widening crackdown by the rebels.“This arbitrary and inhumane treatment of Yemeni citizens involved in humanitarian assistance, diplomacy, democracy and human rights, peacemaking and civil society development is entirely without foundation and must be ended immediately,” the institute said. It called for the “swift release by the Houthi regime of our staff, and of all individuals who have been unjustly detained.”The institute is a democracy promotion organization that has worked in Yemen since 1993. It receives funding from the U.S. government and others.___The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks</a>&nbsp;on shipping, killed three sailors, seized one vessel and sunk another since November, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. A U.S.-led airstrike campaign has targeted the Houthis since January, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-war-us-british-airstrikes-israel-hamas-12f99b7afc389a703f8dd333f2376b20">a series of strikes May 30</a>&nbsp;killing at least 16 people and wounding 42 others, the rebels say.Also Thursday, the Washington-based National Democratic Institute said three of its staff were detained by the Houthis earlier this month. Their detention comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-un-detentions-israel-hamas-war-966dce0c3d7cd96679b3c3562ee57068">staff of United Nations agencies and those working for aid groups also have been detained</a>&nbsp;in a widening crackdown by the rebels.“This arbitrary and inhumane treatment of Yemeni citizens involved in humanitarian assistance, diplomacy, democracy and human rights, peacemaking and civil society development is entirely without foundation and must be ended immediately,” the institute said. It called for the “swift release by the Houthi regime of our staff, and of all individuals who have been unjustly detained.”The institute is a democracy promotion organization that has worked in Yemen since 1993. It receives funding from the U.S. government and others.___

U.S. Report: Rebel missile strike sets ship on fire in Gulf of Aden

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Thursday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Audi A6 driven by Camille Breonne&nbsp;Carter, 20, Kansas City, Kansas, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of 18th Street.

The car struck a pedestrian who was walking south across the highway. The pedestrian died. The KHP is working to positively identify the victim.&nbsp; Carter and three passengers in the car were not injured.&nbsp;

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Thursday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Audi A6 driven by Camille Breonne&nbsp;Carter, 20, Kansas City, Kansas, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of 18th Street.The car struck a pedestrian who was walking south across the highway. The pedestrian died. The KHP is working to positively identify the victim.&nbsp; Carter and three passengers in the car were not injured.&nbsp;

KHP working to ID pedestrian struck, killed on Kan. highway

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for a sex crime.

Last week,&nbsp;&nbsp;Romeo Martinez, 23, of Lawrence, was sentenced to 66 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for the sexually motivated aggravated battery of a then 21-year-old woman, according to&nbsp; Douglas County District Attorney&nbsp; Suzanne Valdez.

“The survivor did not let fear keep them from seeking justice,” District Attorney Valdez said.

Judge Stacey Donovan made the special finding that the offense was sexually motivated. Martinez, who pleaded no contest in May also was sentenced to 36 months post-release supervision. Martinez must register as a sex offender for 15 years.

Charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on December 5, 2022, when Martinez battered the Lawrence woman at her home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717792240704.png" alt="Martinez-photo Douglas Co." />
 <figcaption>Martinez-photo Douglas Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for a sex crime.Last week,&nbsp;&nbsp;Romeo Martinez, 23, of Lawrence, was sentenced to 66 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for the sexually motivated aggravated battery of a then 21-year-old woman, according to&nbsp; Douglas County District Attorney&nbsp; Suzanne Valdez.“The survivor did not let fear keep them from seeking justice,” District Attorney Valdez said.Judge Stacey Donovan made the special finding that the offense was sexually motivated. Martinez, who pleaded no contest in May also was sentenced to 36 months post-release supervision. Martinez must register as a sex offender for 15 years.Charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on December 5, 2022, when Martinez battered the Lawrence woman at her home.

DA: Kan. sex assault victim did not let fear keep her from seeking justice

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas boy died in an accident just after 8p.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County.

A bicycle ridden by 15-year-old Daniel Collier of Wichita was traveling near the intersection of 44th Street South and Hoover, according to Police Captain Aaron Moses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A truck driven by a 35-year-old woman struck the bicycle. EMS transported the boy to a local hospital where he was pronounce deceased.&nbsp;

The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating fully with the investigation.

The Wichita Police Department's Accident Follow-up Investigators are diligently reviewing all available evidence to understand the events leading up to the collision.

Wichita Police ask anyone who witnessed the accident or has information about it to call the Accident Follow-Up Unit at 316-350-3690.

This incident marks the 17th traffic fatality of 2024. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718297503798.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal incident-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal incident-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas boy died in an accident just after 8p.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County.A bicycle ridden by 15-year-old Daniel Collier of Wichita was traveling near the intersection of 44th Street South and Hoover, according to Police Captain Aaron Moses.&nbsp;&nbsp;A truck driven by a 35-year-old woman struck the bicycle. EMS transported the boy to a local hospital where he was pronounce deceased.&nbsp;The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating fully with the investigation.The Wichita Police Department's Accident Follow-up Investigators are diligently reviewing all available evidence to understand the events leading up to the collision.Wichita Police ask anyone who witnessed the accident or has information about it to call the Accident Follow-Up Unit at 316-350-3690.This incident marks the 17th traffic fatality of 2024.

15-year-old Kan. bicyclist dies after struck by vehicle

KANSAS CITY —A man critically injured in a knife attack has died and the suspect has been charged for the crime.

Just after 8a.m. June 2, police were dispatched to the 7000 block of Prospect Avenue on a reported knife attack, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

First responders located a man suffering from apparent stab wounds. EMS transported the victim to the hospital for treatment.

Responding officers were able to identify, locate, and apprehend a suspect on scene and he was placed on a 24 hour investigative hold for further investigation. 

Detectives presented their findings to the Jackson County Prosecutors office where he was subsequently charged in custody.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, prosecutors were notified the victim died of his injuries. After police presented their findings to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, Ronald E. Moore was charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action.&nbsp; 

According to court records filed soon after the June 2 incident, responding officers saw the suspect at the scene with blood on his clothing and he had a laceration to his left hand. The suspect, according to witnesses, attacked the victim with a knife without argument or any words exchanged.&nbsp;&nbsp;The charges will be reviewed in light of the victim's death. Police have not released the name of the victim.

KANSAS CITY —A man critically injured in a knife attack has died and the suspect has been charged for the crime.Just after 8a.m. June 2, police were dispatched to the 7000 block of Prospect Avenue on a reported knife attack, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.First responders located a man suffering from apparent stab wounds. EMS transported the victim to the hospital for treatment.Responding officers were able to identify, locate, and apprehend a suspect on scene and he was placed on a 24 hour investigative hold for further investigation. Detectives presented their findings to the Jackson County Prosecutors office where he was subsequently charged in custody.&nbsp;On Tuesday, prosecutors were notified the victim died of his injuries. After police presented their findings to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, Ronald E. Moore was charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action.&nbsp; According to court records filed soon after the June 2 incident, responding officers saw the suspect at the scene with blood on his clothing and he had a laceration to his left hand. The suspect, according to witnesses, attacked the victim with a knife without argument or any words exchanged.&nbsp;&nbsp;The charges will be reviewed in light of the victim's death. Police have not released the name of the victim.

KCPD: Victim in bus stop stabbing has died

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Two former Republican congressman from Kansas endorsed Jeff Kahrs in the five-candidate GOP primary for the 2nd District vacancy created by the decision of U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner not to seek reelection.

Former Congressman Jim Ryun, who served a decade in Washington before falling to defeat in 2006, and former Congressman Todd Tiahrt, who was in the House from 1995 to 2011 and lost a 2010 campaign for U.S. Senate, said in a statement they supported Kahrs’ bid in the eastern Kansas district. At one point, Kahrs was a Tiahrt staff member in Washington.

“When Jeff Kahrs was my chief of staff and top adviser, I counted on him to effectively lead, to be the conservative backbone of my team and to fight for our conservative legislation to win,” Tiahrt said.

Ryun, who was known for track skills that took him to the Olympics, said he supported Kahrs because he would strive to prevent a “transgender ideology” from taking over the United States.

“His Christian faith, determination to protect our republic’s constitution, her borders and commitment to rooting out the cultural rot of transgender ideology that is attempting to transform our country will serve Kansas and our nation well,” Ryun said.

Kahrs, of Topeka, was previously endorsed by former Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback. A former Brownback staff member is serving as Kahrs’ campaign treasurer.

Other Republican candidates in the U.S. House race are former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt of Independence, Michael Ogle of Topeka, Shawn Tiffany of Delvan and Chad Young of Lawrence.

The two Democrats in the August primary are Matt Kleinmann of Kansas City, Kansas, and former U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda, who defeated incumbent Ryun in 2006.

Schmidt’s campaign recently said the Kansas State Fraternal Order Of Police endorsed his candidacy in the 2nd District. The organization has 4,300 members.

“Derek’s commitment to public safety, support for law enforcement and dedication to the well-being of our community make him an outstanding candidate,” said Amanda Wood, the Kansas FOP president. “His legislative initiatives and policies align with the core values of our organization, and we believe his leadership will greatly benefit the people of Kansas.”

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Two former Republican congressman from Kansas endorsed Jeff Kahrs in the five-candidate GOP primary for the 2nd District vacancy created by the decision of U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner not to seek reelection.Former Congressman Jim Ryun, who served a decade in Washington before falling to defeat in 2006, and former Congressman Todd Tiahrt, who was in the House from 1995 to 2011 and lost a 2010 campaign for U.S. Senate, said in a statement they supported Kahrs’ bid in the eastern Kansas district. At one point, Kahrs was a Tiahrt staff member in Washington.“When Jeff Kahrs was my chief of staff and top adviser, I counted on him to effectively lead, to be the conservative backbone of my team and to fight for our conservative legislation to win,” Tiahrt said.Ryun, who was known for track skills that took him to the Olympics, said he supported Kahrs because he would strive to prevent a “transgender ideology” from taking over the United States.“His Christian faith, determination to protect our republic’s constitution, her borders and commitment to rooting out the cultural rot of transgender ideology that is attempting to transform our country will serve Kansas and our nation well,” Ryun said.Kahrs, of Topeka, was previously endorsed by former Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback. A former Brownback staff member is serving as Kahrs’ campaign treasurer.Other Republican candidates in the U.S. House race are former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt of Independence, Michael Ogle of Topeka, Shawn Tiffany of Delvan and Chad Young of Lawrence.The two Democrats in the August primary are Matt Kleinmann of Kansas City, Kansas, and former U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda, who defeated incumbent Ryun in 2006.Schmidt’s campaign recently said the Kansas State Fraternal Order Of Police endorsed his candidacy in the 2nd District. The organization has 4,300 members.“Derek’s commitment to public safety, support for law enforcement and dedication to the well-being of our community make him an outstanding candidate,” said Amanda Wood, the Kansas FOP president. “His legislative initiatives and policies align with the core values of our organization, and we believe his leadership will greatly benefit the people of Kansas.”

Kan. Republican picks up 2nd District primary endorsements from former congressmen

&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY —Authorities continue to work through a ransomware attack on the Ascension health system operating in Kansas and 18 other states across the U.S.

<a href="https://about.ascension.org/cybersecurity-event/regional-pages/kansas">Click here for more details</a> on the impact on hospitals in Kansas

The attack first reported in early May forced some of its 140 hospitals to divert ambulances, caused patients to postpone medical tests and blocked online access to patient records.

On Thursday, the hospital system reported,“We have made progress in our investigation and recovery with the help of third-party cybersecurity experts.

 At this point, we now have evidence that indicates that the attackers were able to take files from a small number of file servers used by our associates primarily for daily and routine tasks. These servers represent seven of the approximately 25,000 servers across our network. Though we are still investigating, we believe some of those files may contain Protected Health Information (PHI) and Personally Identifiable Information (PII) for certain individuals, although the specific data may differ from individual to individual.

We have also identified how the attacker gained access to our systems. An individual working in one of our facilities accidentally downloaded a malicious file that they thought was legitimate. We have no reason to believe this was anything but an honest mistake.

Importantly, we have no evidence that data was taken from our Electronic Health Records (EHR) and other clinical systems, where our full patient records are securely stored.

"Right now, we don’t know precisely what data was potentially affected and for which patients. In order to reach those conclusions, we need to conduct a full review of the files that may have been impacted and carefully analyze them."

"While we have started this process, it is a significant undertaking that will take time.&nbsp;In the meantime, to provide our patients and associates with the greatest peace of mind possible, we are offering complimentary credit monitoring and identity theft protection services to any Ascension patient or associate who requests it, free of charge, and regardless of whether we determine in the future that their data was actually involved in this incident."

"Individuals who wish to enroll in free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services should call our dedicated call center at&nbsp;<a href="tel:8884988066">1-888-498-8066</a>."

"We encourage all Ascension patients and staff who are concerned to take advantage of these services. We want to be clear, however, that this offer does not mean we have determined that any specific individual patient’s data has been compromised. Rather, it illustrates our desire to do everything possible to reassure our patients and associates, regardless of any impact to specific individuals’ data."

"We understand individuals may have questions about their data, including whether it was affected, but at this point we are not able to answer those questions on an individual basis. Once our data analysis is complete, however, we are committed to following all applicable laws and regulations to notify affected individuals and the appropriate regulatory bodies. To our patients, associates and the communities we serve, we regret any disruption or concern you may have experienced as a result of this incident.”

&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY —Authorities continue to work through a ransomware attack on the Ascension health system operating in Kansas and 18 other states across the U.S.<a href="https://about.ascension.org/cybersecurity-event/regional-pages/kansas">Click here for more details</a> on the impact on hospitals in KansasThe attack first reported in early May forced some of its 140 hospitals to divert ambulances, caused patients to postpone medical tests and blocked online access to patient records.On Thursday, the hospital system reported,“We have made progress in our investigation and recovery with the help of third-party cybersecurity experts. At this point, we now have evidence that indicates that the attackers were able to take files from a small number of file servers used by our associates primarily for daily and routine tasks. These servers represent seven of the approximately 25,000 servers across our network. Though we are still investigating, we believe some of those files may contain Protected Health Information (PHI) and Personally Identifiable Information (PII) for certain individuals, although the specific data may differ from individual to individual.We have also identified how the attacker gained access to our systems. An individual working in one of our facilities accidentally downloaded a malicious file that they thought was legitimate. We have no reason to believe this was anything but an honest mistake.Importantly, we have no evidence that data was taken from our Electronic Health Records (EHR) and other clinical systems, where our full patient records are securely stored."Right now, we don’t know precisely what data was potentially affected and for which patients. In order to reach those conclusions, we need to conduct a full review of the files that may have been impacted and carefully analyze them.""While we have started this process, it is a significant undertaking that will take time.&nbsp;In the meantime, to provide our patients and associates with the greatest peace of mind possible, we are offering complimentary credit monitoring and identity theft protection services to any Ascension patient or associate who requests it, free of charge, and regardless of whether we determine in the future that their data was actually involved in this incident.""Individuals who wish to enroll in free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services should call our dedicated call center at&nbsp;<a href="tel:8884988066">1-888-498-8066</a>.""We encourage all Ascension patients and staff who are concerned to take advantage of these services. We want to be clear, however, that this offer does not mean we have determined that any specific individual patient’s data has been compromised. Rather, it illustrates our desire to do everything possible to reassure our patients and associates, regardless of any impact to specific individuals’ data.""We understand individuals may have questions about their data, including whether it was affected, but at this point we are not able to answer those questions on an individual basis. Once our data analysis is complete, however, we are committed to following all applicable laws and regulations to notify affected individuals and the appropriate regulatory bodies. To our patients, associates and the communities we serve, we regret any disruption or concern you may have experienced as a result of this incident.”

Ascension health learns what caused ransomware attack

DOUGLAS COUNTY&nbsp; – Investigators are asking anyone with additional evidence or information in the overnight shooting death of a 17-year-old Lawrence teen to come forward.&nbsp;

Just after 1a.m. Thursday, police were called to 2406 Alabama Street where they found&nbsp; 17-year-old Isaiah Neal with multiple gunshot wounds and began performing life-saving aid until paramedics with Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical arrived on scene.&nbsp;

At that point, additional officers began securing the scene as a number of witnesses and family&nbsp;members began to gather. Investigations personnel were called to the scene.&nbsp; LDCFM paramedics transported Neal to the hospital where he later died.

Police have not made an arrest or provided suspect details.

DOUGLAS COUNTY&nbsp; – Investigators are asking anyone with additional evidence or information in the overnight shooting death of a 17-year-old Lawrence teen to come forward.&nbsp;Just after 1a.m. Thursday, police were called to 2406 Alabama Street where they found&nbsp; 17-year-old Isaiah Neal with multiple gunshot wounds and began performing life-saving aid until paramedics with Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical arrived on scene.&nbsp;At that point, additional officers began securing the scene as a number of witnesses and family&nbsp;members began to gather. Investigations personnel were called to the scene.&nbsp; LDCFM paramedics transported Neal to the hospital where he later died.Police have not made an arrest or provided suspect details.

Police ask for help to ID suspect in killing of 17-year-old Kan. boy

HESSTON, Kan. — AGCO announced in a meeting on Wednesday that they are moving the Small Square Baler, Windrower Header, and Round Baler Lines to Mexico.

It is currently unknown what will happen to the employees of the line, but the company does not expect layoffs.

“To simplify and streamline operations at AGCO’s Hesston, Kansas, facility, the company is shifting some production to another AGCO plant. Hesston will continue to manufacture Massey Ferguson windrowers, large square balers, combines and combine headers using the more than $28 million in investments made in the Kansas facility since 2021. Those investments have focused on updating and modernizing Hesston’s systems and equipment. Production of small square balers, round balers and rotary mowers will move to its Querétaro, Mexico, facility beginning in 2025. By streamlining the Hesston portfolio, our goal is to secure a profitable future for the plant. AGCO expects the impact of this change on the overall workforce in Hesston to be accomplished through typical attrition.“

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718278218409.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HESSTON, Kan. — AGCO announced in a meeting on Wednesday that they are moving the Small Square Baler, Windrower Header, and Round Baler Lines to Mexico.It is currently unknown what will happen to the employees of the line, but the company does not expect layoffs.A statement from AGCO is below.“To simplify and streamline operations at AGCO’s Hesston, Kansas, facility, the company is shifting some production to another AGCO plant. Hesston will continue to manufacture Massey Ferguson windrowers, large square balers, combines and combine headers using the more than $28 million in investments made in the Kansas facility since 2021. Those investments have focused on updating and modernizing Hesston’s systems and equipment. Production of small square balers, round balers and rotary mowers will move to its Querétaro, Mexico, facility beginning in 2025. By streamlining the Hesston portfolio, our goal is to secure a profitable future for the plant. AGCO expects the impact of this change on the overall workforce in Hesston to be accomplished through typical attrition.“

AGCO Hesston moving some work to Mexico

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Thursday unanimously preserved access to a medication that was used in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pills-mifepristone-supreme-court-27d18f91242eb08c4d805880ddb5bb60">nearly two-thirds of all abortions</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. last year, in the court’s first abortion decision since conservative justices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;two years ago.

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24743495-fda-v-alliance-for-hippocratic-medicine-opinion">The justices ruled</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;opponents lacked the legal right to sue over the federal Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the medication,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mifepristone-supreme-court-abortion-d451e14148ffbe6ce4811b1a37651480">mifepristone</a>, and the FDA's subsequent actions to ease access to it.

The case had threatened to restrict access to mifepristone across the country, including in states where abortion remains legal.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for the court that “federal courts are the wrong forum for addressing the plaintiffs’ concerns about FDA’s actions." Kavanaugh was part of the majority to overturn Roe.

The high court is separately considering another abortion case, about whether&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-medical-emergencies-idaho-8ca89d7de0c1fa9256dcd27d1847e144">a federal law on emergency treatment</a>&nbsp;at hospitals overrides state abortion bans in rare emergency cases in which a pregnant patient’s health is at serious risk.

More than 6 million people have used mifepristone since 2000. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone and primes the uterus to respond to the contraction-causing effect of a second drug, misoprostol.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation">The two-drug regimen</a>&nbsp;has been used to end a pregnancy through 10 weeks gestation.

Health care providers have said that if mifepristone is no longer available or is too hard to obtain, they would switch to using only misoprostol, which is somewhat less effective in ending pregnancies.

President Joe Biden’s administration and drug manufacturers had warned that siding with abortion opponents in this case could undermine the FDA’s drug approval process beyond the abortion context by inviting judges to second-guess the agency’s scientific judgments. The Democratic administration and New York-based Danco Laboratories, which makes mifepristone, argued that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mifepristone-abortion-pill-supreme-court-1d2221251197a391c9bca833918e4554">drug is among the safest</a>&nbsp;the FDA has ever approved.

The abortion opponents argued in court papers that the FDA’s decisions in 2016 and 2021 to relax restrictions on getting the drug were unreasonable and “jeopardize women’s health across the nation.”

The mifepristone case began five months after the Supreme Court overturned Roe. Abortion opponents initially won a sweeping ruling nearly a year ago from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-judge-matthew-kacsmaryk-abortion-pill-fda-75964b777ef09593a1ad948c6cfc0237">U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk</a>, a Trump nominee in Texas, which would have revoked the drug’s approval entirely. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals left intact the FDA’s initial approval of mifepristone. But it would reverse changes regulators made in 2016 and 2021 that eased some conditions for administering the drug.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680967457500.png" alt="Photo Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>Photo Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Thursday unanimously preserved access to a medication that was used in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pills-mifepristone-supreme-court-27d18f91242eb08c4d805880ddb5bb60">nearly two-thirds of all abortions</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. last year, in the court’s first abortion decision since conservative justices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;two years ago.<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24743495-fda-v-alliance-for-hippocratic-medicine-opinion">The justices ruled</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;opponents lacked the legal right to sue over the federal Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the medication,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mifepristone-supreme-court-abortion-d451e14148ffbe6ce4811b1a37651480">mifepristone</a>, and the FDA's subsequent actions to ease access to it.The case had threatened to restrict access to mifepristone across the country, including in states where abortion remains legal.Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for the court that “federal courts are the wrong forum for addressing the plaintiffs’ concerns about FDA’s actions." Kavanaugh was part of the majority to overturn Roe.The high court is separately considering another abortion case, about whether&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-medical-emergencies-idaho-8ca89d7de0c1fa9256dcd27d1847e144">a federal law on emergency treatment</a>&nbsp;at hospitals overrides state abortion bans in rare emergency cases in which a pregnant patient’s health is at serious risk.More than 6 million people have used mifepristone since 2000. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone and primes the uterus to respond to the contraction-causing effect of a second drug, misoprostol.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation">The two-drug regimen</a>&nbsp;has been used to end a pregnancy through 10 weeks gestation.Health care providers have said that if mifepristone is no longer available or is too hard to obtain, they would switch to using only misoprostol, which is somewhat less effective in ending pregnancies.President Joe Biden’s administration and drug manufacturers had warned that siding with abortion opponents in this case could undermine the FDA’s drug approval process beyond the abortion context by inviting judges to second-guess the agency’s scientific judgments. The Democratic administration and New York-based Danco Laboratories, which makes mifepristone, argued that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mifepristone-abortion-pill-supreme-court-1d2221251197a391c9bca833918e4554">drug is among the safest</a>&nbsp;the FDA has ever approved.The abortion opponents argued in court papers that the FDA’s decisions in 2016 and 2021 to relax restrictions on getting the drug were unreasonable and “jeopardize women’s health across the nation.”The mifepristone case began five months after the Supreme Court overturned Roe. Abortion opponents initially won a sweeping ruling nearly a year ago from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-judge-matthew-kacsmaryk-abortion-pill-fda-75964b777ef09593a1ad948c6cfc0237">U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk</a>, a Trump nominee in Texas, which would have revoked the drug’s approval entirely. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals left intact the FDA’s initial approval of mifepristone. But it would reverse changes regulators made in 2016 and 2021 that eased some conditions for administering the drug.

Unanimous: Supreme Court preserves access to abortion pill

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attempted child abduction and have made an arrest.

Just after 1pm. Wednesday, police responded to a reported attempted child abduction outside of So Long Saloon in the 1100 block of Moro Street in Manhattan, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.

When officers arrived on the scene the manager identified the suspect as Jonathan Valentine, 43, of Manhattan. 

Witnesses reported the subject aggressively claimed a child did not belong to the child's guardian and attempted to forcibly take the 7-month-old, causing a minor injury to the child.

Officers quickly detained the Valentine and arrested him on a requested charge of attempted aggravated kidnapping. He is being held on a $50,000 bond.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attempted child abduction and have made an arrest.Just after 1pm. Wednesday, police responded to a reported attempted child abduction outside of So Long Saloon in the 1100 block of Moro Street in Manhattan, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.When officers arrived on the scene the manager identified the suspect as Jonathan Valentine, 43, of Manhattan. Witnesses reported the subject aggressively claimed a child did not belong to the child's guardian and attempted to forcibly take the 7-month-old, causing a minor injury to the child.Officers quickly detained the Valentine and arrested him on a requested charge of attempted aggravated kidnapping. He is being held on a $50,000 bond.

Police: Baby injured, Kan. man jailed after attempted child abduction

Gov. Laura Kelly likes focus on property taxes, still negotiating with GOP leadership

TOPEKA — Outgoing state Sen. Tom Holland recommended Wednesday ahead of a special session of the Kansas Legislature a state tax reform bill highlighted by residential, commercial and agricultural property tax relief rather than offering a package emphasizing state income tax rate cuts.

Holland, a Baldwin City Democrat who decided not to seek reelection after 22 years in the Legislature, said during a news conference at the Capitol that he would urge lawmakers to increase state exemptions in all property tax classes and trim the state property tax mill levy for public schools. With inclusion of property tax relief for veterans, Holland’s approach would deliver nearly $200 million annually in property tax reductions.

“I am here to announce a tax proposal for next week’s special session that provides all Kansans with meaningful, significant tax relief that is fiscally sustainable,” Holland said. “Make no mistake, the number one hated tax in any state government or local government scheme is property tax.”

He referred to his strategy as the “Statehouse Kumbaya Tax Plan,” because contents were drawn from legislation receiving bipartisan support in the House and Senate. Overall, he said, his bill would offer an average $361 million annual reduction in state tax revenue through 2028. It would leave an estimated $600 million in the state treasury after four years, but that would be a significant reduction from the current surplus of $1.9 billion.

Under Holland’s bill, the state would adopt an income tax exemption on Social Security benefits that would cost the state $152 million in the first year by level off to about $125 million annually going forward. He didn’t propose a broad reduction in income tax rates, arguing it was impossible to make progress on property taxes if the Republican-led Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly devoted too much capital to lowering income taxes.

GOP legislative leaders and Kelly have tangled for the past two years on what would be an appropriate reduction in state income taxes, given the constitutional imperative to balance the state budget. GOP lawmakers say Kansas had sufficient cash reserves to make big income tax changes, especially for benefit of wealthy Kansans. Kelly has sought modest reductions that lower the risk of a budget quagmire over the next five years.

“I, like most legislators, have heard from many of my constituents regarding their tax burden,” Holland said. “Kansas property owners will be extremely pleased to hear that this plan provides approximately $1 billion, with a ‘b,’ in property tax relief over five years.”

Holland’s plan would nearly triple the state’s residential property tax exemption to $125,000 and shrink the state property tax mill levy for public schools from 20 mills to 18 mills. He said his bill would obligate state government to make up for reductions in property tax revenue for K-12 schools so that burden wouldn’t shift to local property taxpayers.

He said the interest among Kansas politicians in rolling back state income tax rates was problematic because legislation sent to the governor would torpedo the state budget. Rank-and-file legislators understand Kelly vetoed three tax bills in the 2024 legislative session because they weren’t sustainable, he said.

Grace Hoge, a spokeswoman for Kelly, said she appreciated Holland’s inclusion of significant property tax relief in his proposal.

“Kansans have been asking for property tax relief for months,” Hoge said. “There continues to be productive conversations with legislative leaders on responsible tax relief for all Kansans that does not threaten the state’s long-term fiscal stability.”

Members of the House and Senate expect to convene Monday for committee meetings dedicated to sorting through options for a new tax bill. Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, said Republican legislators would develop a fresh bill that made a priority of modifying income taxes.

In addition, both chambers plan to work during the special session on a bill outlining economic development incentives that might attract the Kansas City Chiefs or Kansas City Royals to new stadiums built in Kansas.

While there has been considerable legislative interest in making a deal on tax reform, the idea of issuing bonds for construction of professional sports stadiums in Wyandottee or Johnson counties hadn’t been vetted by legislators and could run into dedicated opposition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718282389726.png" alt=" Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, proposed a five-year plan reducing the state’s tax burden by $361 million annually, but would concentrate on lowering property taxes rather than individual income tax rates. The Kansas Legislature convenes Tuesday for a special session to debate tax reform. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, proposed a five-year plan reducing the state’s tax burden by $361 million annually, but would concentrate on lowering property taxes rather than individual income tax rates. The Kansas Legislature convenes Tuesday for a special session to debate tax reform. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Gov. Laura Kelly likes focus on property taxes, still negotiating with GOP leadership</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Outgoing state Sen. Tom Holland recommended Wednesday ahead of a special session of the Kansas Legislature a state tax reform bill highlighted by residential, commercial and agricultural property tax relief rather than offering a package emphasizing state income tax rate cuts.Holland, a Baldwin City Democrat who decided not to seek reelection after 22 years in the Legislature, said during a news conference at the Capitol that he would urge lawmakers to increase state exemptions in all property tax classes and trim the state property tax mill levy for public schools. With inclusion of property tax relief for veterans, Holland’s approach would deliver nearly $200 million annually in property tax reductions.“I am here to announce a tax proposal for next week’s special session that provides all Kansans with meaningful, significant tax relief that is fiscally sustainable,” Holland said. “Make no mistake, the number one hated tax in any state government or local government scheme is property tax.”He referred to his strategy as the “Statehouse Kumbaya Tax Plan,” because contents were drawn from legislation receiving bipartisan support in the House and Senate. Overall, he said, his bill would offer an average $361 million annual reduction in state tax revenue through 2028. It would leave an estimated $600 million in the state treasury after four years, but that would be a significant reduction from the current surplus of $1.9 billion.Under Holland’s bill, the state would adopt an income tax exemption on Social Security benefits that would cost the state $152 million in the first year by level off to about $125 million annually going forward. He didn’t propose a broad reduction in income tax rates, arguing it was impossible to make progress on property taxes if the Republican-led Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly devoted too much capital to lowering income taxes.GOP legislative leaders and Kelly have tangled for the past two years on what would be an appropriate reduction in state income taxes, given the constitutional imperative to balance the state budget. GOP lawmakers say Kansas had sufficient cash reserves to make big income tax changes, especially for benefit of wealthy Kansans. Kelly has sought modest reductions that lower the risk of a budget quagmire over the next five years.“I, like most legislators, have heard from many of my constituents regarding their tax burden,” Holland said. “Kansas property owners will be extremely pleased to hear that this plan provides approximately $1 billion, with a ‘b,’ in property tax relief over five years.”Holland’s plan would nearly triple the state’s residential property tax exemption to $125,000 and shrink the state property tax mill levy for public schools from 20 mills to 18 mills. He said his bill would obligate state government to make up for reductions in property tax revenue for K-12 schools so that burden wouldn’t shift to local property taxpayers.He said the interest among Kansas politicians in rolling back state income tax rates was problematic because legislation sent to the governor would torpedo the state budget. Rank-and-file legislators understand Kelly vetoed three tax bills in the 2024 legislative session because they weren’t sustainable, he said.Grace Hoge, a spokeswoman for Kelly, said she appreciated Holland’s inclusion of significant property tax relief in his proposal.“Kansans have been asking for property tax relief for months,” Hoge said. “There continues to be productive conversations with legislative leaders on responsible tax relief for all Kansans that does not threaten the state’s long-term fiscal stability.”Members of the House and Senate expect to convene Monday for committee meetings dedicated to sorting through options for a new tax bill. Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, said Republican legislators would develop a fresh bill that made a priority of modifying income taxes.In addition, both chambers plan to work during the special session on a bill outlining economic development incentives that might attract the Kansas City Chiefs or Kansas City Royals to new stadiums built in Kansas.While there has been considerable legislative interest in making a deal on tax reform, the idea of issuing bonds for construction of professional sports stadiums in Wyandottee or Johnson counties hadn’t been vetted by legislators and could run into dedicated opposition.

Kan. Democratic senator pitches reform bill anchored by robust property tax relief

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement in Johnson County are investigating a shooting at Riverfront Park in Shawnee.

Around 11:47 p.m. on June 11, police responded to the 5500 block of Frisbie Road in the city of Shawnee to a report of an armed disturbance with shots fired, according to a media release.

A suspect fired into an occupied vehicle which shattered the rear window, of the victims’ vehicle. The occupants were not hit by gunfire. No injuries were reported.

The victims and suspect are known to each other. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 913-631-2150.&nbsp;

As a reminder, the undeveloped Riverfront Park is closed to the public after 10:00 p.m. All motorized vehicles and alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the park. Officers will increase patrols in the area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718214486523.png" alt="Photo Shawnee Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Shawnee Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement in Johnson County are investigating a shooting at Riverfront Park in Shawnee.Around 11:47 p.m. on June 11, police responded to the 5500 block of Frisbie Road in the city of Shawnee to a report of an armed disturbance with shots fired, according to a media release.A suspect fired into an occupied vehicle which shattered the rear window, of the victims’ vehicle. The occupants were not hit by gunfire. No injuries were reported.The victims and suspect are known to each other. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 913-631-2150.&nbsp;As a reminder, the undeveloped Riverfront Park is closed to the public after 10:00 p.m. All motorized vehicles and alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the park. Officers will increase patrols in the area.

Police: Suspect fired gun into occupied vehicle at Kansas park

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted Wednesday to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/garland-contempt-biden-classified-documents-justice-department-bc2fb71b225ae672eb257ee2055cfa67">contempt of Congress</a>&nbsp;for refusing to turn over audio of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-classified-documents-age-trump-2024-4791639cc06cc0affee55aba80c7e6b3">President Joe Biden’s interview in his classified documents</a>&nbsp;case, Republicans' latest and strongest rebuke of the Justice Department as partisan conflict over the rule of law animates the 2024 presidential campaign.

The 216-207 vote fell along party lines, with Republicans coalescing behind the contempt effort despite reservations among some of the party's more centrist members. Kansas GOP lawmakers Ron Estes, Jake LaTurner and Tracey Mann voted with the majority. Kansas Democrat congresswoman Sharice Davids voted against the bill.

<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24476201/biden1-copy.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;transcript of&nbsp;day 1 interview with President Biden.

<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24476203/biden-2-copy.pdf">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;transcript of day 2 interview with President Biden

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/storage/report-from-special-counsel-robert-k-hur-february-2024.pdf">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>the 345 page report following the interview

“We have to defend the Constitution. We have to defend the authority of Congress,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said at a press conference ahead of the vote. “We can’t allow the Department of Justice and Executive Branch to hide information from Congress.”

Garland is now the third attorney general to be held in contempt of Congress. Yet it is unlikely that the Justice Department — which Garland oversees — will prosecute him. The White House’s decision to exert executive privilege over the audio recording, shielding it from Congress, would make it exceedingly difficult to make a criminal case against Garland.

The White House and congressional Democrats have slammed Republicans’ motives for pursuing contempt and dismissed their efforts to obtain the audio as purely political. They also pointed out that Rep. Jim Jordan, the GOP chair of the House Judiciary Committee, defied his own congressional subpoena last session.

“This contempt resolution will do very little, other than smear the reputation of Merrick Garland, who will remain a good and decent public servant no matter what Republicans say about him today," New York Rep. Jerry Nadler, the top Democrat on Judiciary Committee, said during floor debate.

Garland has defended the Justice Department, saying officials have gone to extraordinary lengths to provide information to the committees about Special Counsel Robert&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-hur-biden-special-counsel-classified-documents-0f8e4a9d99f8b7d035f75f78e9b8d3d3">Hur’s</a>&nbsp;classified documents investigation, including a transcript of Biden’s interview with him.

“There have been a series of unprecedented and frankly unfounded attacks on the Justice Department,” Garland said in a press conference last month. “This request, this effort to use contempt as a method of obtaining our sensitive law enforcement files is just most recent.”

Republicans were incensed when Hur&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-hur-biden-special-counsel-classified-documents-0f8e4a9d99f8b7d035f75f78e9b8d3d3">declined to prosecute</a>&nbsp;Biden over his handling of classified documents and quickly opened an investigation. GOP lawmakers — led by Jordan and Rep. James Comer — sent a subpoena for audio of Hur’s interviews with Biden during the spring. But the Justice Department only turned over some of the records, leaving out audio of the interview with the president.

On the last day to comply with the Republicans' subpoena for the audio, the White House blocked the release by invoking executive privilege. It said that Republicans in Congress only wanted the recordings “to chop them up” and use them for political purposes.

Executive privilege gives presidents the right to keep information from the courts, Congress and the public to protect the confidentiality of decision-making, though it can be challenged in court.

Administrations of both political parties have long held the position that officials who assert a president’s claim of executive privilege can’t be prosecuted for contempt of Congress, a Justice Department official told Republicans last month.

Assistant Attorney General Carlos Felipe Uriarte cited a committee’s decision in 2008 to back down from a contempt effort after President George W. Bush asserted executive privilege to keep Congress from getting records involving Vice President Dick Cheney.

Before Garland, the last attorney general held in contempt was Bill Barr in 2019. That was when the Democratically controlled House voted to issue a referral against Barr after he refused to turn over documents related to a special counsel investigation into Trump.

Years before that, then-Attorney General Eric Holder was held in contempt related to the gun-running operation known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ab23eac5b2264f67a40b0c98ab17cdfd">Operation Fast and Furious</a>. In each of those instances, the Justice Department took no action against the attorney general.

The special counsel in Biden’s case, Hur, spent a year investigating the president’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-michael-pence-us-federal-bureau-of-investigation-9c2d7f472b8ff63f76f2c9fbb03dfde2">improper retention of classified documents</a>, from his time as a senator and as vice president. The result was a 345-page report that questioned Biden’s age and mental competence but recommended no criminal charges for the 81-year-old. Hur said he found insufficient evidence to successfully prosecute a case in court.

In March, Hur stood by his no-prosecution assessment in testimony before the Judiciary Committee, where he was grilled for more than four hours by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.

His defense did not satisfy Republicans, who insist that there is a politically motivated double standard at the Justice Department, which is prosecuting former President Donald Trump over his retention of classified documents at his Florida club after he left the White House.

But there are major differences between the two probes. Biden’s team returned the documents after they were discovered, and the president cooperated with the investigation by voluntarily sitting for an interview and consenting to searches of his homes.

Trump, by contrast, is accused of enlisting the help of aides and lawyers to conceal the documents from the government and of seeking to have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-classified-documents-justice-department-special-counsel-2025feb3f0f4e3820d14387c67ce4316">potentially incriminating evidence</a>&nbsp;destroyed.

__ Associated Press writers Kevin Freking and Alanna Durkin Richer contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635370077745.png" alt="Attorney General Merrick Garland-Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Attorney General Merrick Garland-Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted Wednesday to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/garland-contempt-biden-classified-documents-justice-department-bc2fb71b225ae672eb257ee2055cfa67">contempt of Congress</a>&nbsp;for refusing to turn over audio of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-classified-documents-age-trump-2024-4791639cc06cc0affee55aba80c7e6b3">President Joe Biden’s interview in his classified documents</a>&nbsp;case, Republicans' latest and strongest rebuke of the Justice Department as partisan conflict over the rule of law animates the 2024 presidential campaign.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">House GOP built a record of evidence proving that President Biden knew about and benefited from his family’s &amp; associate’s shady business deals. No one is above the law. I voted to hold AG Garland accountable for refusing to comply w/ subpoenas regarding our impeachment inquiry.&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1801242799293047232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The 216-207 vote fell along party lines, with Republicans coalescing behind the contempt effort despite reservations among some of the party's more centrist members. Kansas GOP lawmakers Ron Estes, Jake LaTurner and Tracey Mann voted with the majority. Kansas Democrat congresswoman Sharice Davids voted against the bill.<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24476201/biden1-copy.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;transcript of&nbsp;day 1 interview with President Biden.<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24476203/biden-2-copy.pdf">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;transcript of day 2 interview with President Biden<a href="https://www.justice.gov/storage/report-from-special-counsel-robert-k-hur-february-2024.pdf">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>the 345 page report following the interview“We have to defend the Constitution. We have to defend the authority of Congress,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said at a press conference ahead of the vote. “We can’t allow the Department of Justice and Executive Branch to hide information from Congress.”Garland is now the third attorney general to be held in contempt of Congress. Yet it is unlikely that the Justice Department — which Garland oversees — will prosecute him. The White House’s decision to exert executive privilege over the audio recording, shielding it from Congress, would make it exceedingly difficult to make a criminal case against Garland.The White House and congressional Democrats have slammed Republicans’ motives for pursuing contempt and dismissed their efforts to obtain the audio as purely political. They also pointed out that Rep. Jim Jordan, the GOP chair of the House Judiciary Committee, defied his own congressional subpoena last session.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715865284940.png" alt="In a letter last month, Garland advised Biden that the audio falls within the scope of executive privilege. Garland told the Democratic president that the “committee's needs are plainly insufficient to outweigh the deleterious effects that the production of the recordings would have on the integrity and effectiveness of similar law enforcement investigations in the future."" />
 <figcaption>In a letter last month, Garland advised Biden that the audio falls within the scope of executive privilege. Garland told the Democratic president that the “committee's needs are plainly insufficient to outweigh the deleterious effects that the production of the recordings would have on the integrity and effectiveness of similar law enforcement investigations in the future."</figcaption>
 </figure>“This contempt resolution will do very little, other than smear the reputation of Merrick Garland, who will remain a good and decent public servant no matter what Republicans say about him today," New York Rep. Jerry Nadler, the top Democrat on Judiciary Committee, said during floor debate.Garland has defended the Justice Department, saying officials have gone to extraordinary lengths to provide information to the committees about Special Counsel Robert&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-hur-biden-special-counsel-classified-documents-0f8e4a9d99f8b7d035f75f78e9b8d3d3">Hur’s</a>&nbsp;classified documents investigation, including a transcript of Biden’s interview with him.“There have been a series of unprecedented and frankly unfounded attacks on the Justice Department,” Garland said in a press conference last month. “This request, this effort to use contempt as a method of obtaining our sensitive law enforcement files is just most recent.”Republicans were incensed when Hur&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-hur-biden-special-counsel-classified-documents-0f8e4a9d99f8b7d035f75f78e9b8d3d3">declined to prosecute</a>&nbsp;Biden over his handling of classified documents and quickly opened an investigation. GOP lawmakers — led by Jordan and Rep. James Comer — sent a subpoena for audio of Hur’s interviews with Biden during the spring. But the Justice Department only turned over some of the records, leaving out audio of the interview with the president.On the last day to comply with the Republicans' subpoena for the audio, the White House blocked the release by invoking executive privilege. It said that Republicans in Congress only wanted the recordings “to chop them up” and use them for political purposes.Executive privilege gives presidents the right to keep information from the courts, Congress and the public to protect the confidentiality of decision-making, though it can be challenged in court.Administrations of both political parties have long held the position that officials who assert a president’s claim of executive privilege can’t be prosecuted for contempt of Congress, a Justice Department official told Republicans last month.Assistant Attorney General Carlos Felipe Uriarte cited a committee’s decision in 2008 to back down from a contempt effort after President George W. Bush asserted executive privilege to keep Congress from getting records involving Vice President Dick Cheney.Before Garland, the last attorney general held in contempt was Bill Barr in 2019. That was when the Democratically controlled House voted to issue a referral against Barr after he refused to turn over documents related to a special counsel investigation into Trump.Years before that, then-Attorney General Eric Holder was held in contempt related to the gun-running operation known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ab23eac5b2264f67a40b0c98ab17cdfd">Operation Fast and Furious</a>. In each of those instances, the Justice Department took no action against the attorney general.The special counsel in Biden’s case, Hur, spent a year investigating the president’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-michael-pence-us-federal-bureau-of-investigation-9c2d7f472b8ff63f76f2c9fbb03dfde2">improper retention of classified documents</a>, from his time as a senator and as vice president. The result was a 345-page report that questioned Biden’s age and mental competence but recommended no criminal charges for the 81-year-old. Hur said he found insufficient evidence to successfully prosecute a case in court.In March, Hur stood by his no-prosecution assessment in testimony before the Judiciary Committee, where he was grilled for more than four hours by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.His defense did not satisfy Republicans, who insist that there is a politically motivated double standard at the Justice Department, which is prosecuting former President Donald Trump over his retention of classified documents at his Florida club after he left the White House.But there are major differences between the two probes. Biden’s team returned the documents after they were discovered, and the president cooperated with the investigation by voluntarily sitting for an interview and consenting to searches of his homes.Trump, by contrast, is accused of enlisting the help of aides and lawyers to conceal the documents from the government and of seeking to have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-classified-documents-justice-department-special-counsel-2025feb3f0f4e3820d14387c67ce4316">potentially incriminating evidence</a>&nbsp;destroyed.__ Associated Press writers Kevin Freking and Alanna Durkin Richer contributed to this report.

Kan. GOP lawmakers vote to hold AG in contempt of Congress

EDITOR'S NOTE: Just before 10a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Sheriff's office reported the victim's last name is Cline-Rookstool.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal accident that occurred just after 10a.m. Wednesday in Shawnee County have identified the woman who died as Rita M. Cline Rookstool of Topeka, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.

Investigators determined, while assisting a friend that was backing up a UTV,&nbsp;  Rookstool&nbsp;was struck and became trapped under what was originally reported as a tractor.&nbsp;

The friend immediately called 911. Deputies and fire personnel arrived and removed the UTV from Cline's body. CPR was attempted until American Medical Response arrived on scene.&nbsp; Rookstool&nbsp;was pronounced deceased at the scene. This accident is still under investigation by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 10a.m.&nbsp; Wednesday in Shawnee County.

Deputies and emergency crews responded to a 911 call regarding an individual trapped under a tractor in the 3200 block of SW 93rd Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Firs responders found an individual suffering from significant injuries. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;This incident is still under investigation.

Check the Post for additional information as it is released.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Just before 10a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Sheriff's office reported the victim's last name is Cline-Rookstool.SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal accident that occurred just after 10a.m. Wednesday in Shawnee County have identified the woman who died as Rita M. Cline Rookstool of Topeka, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.Investigators determined, while assisting a friend that was backing up a UTV,&nbsp; Rookstool&nbsp;was struck and became trapped under what was originally reported as a tractor.&nbsp;The friend immediately called 911. Deputies and fire personnel arrived and removed the UTV from Cline's body. CPR was attempted until American Medical Response arrived on scene.&nbsp; Rookstool&nbsp;was pronounced deceased at the scene. This accident is still under investigation by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office-------------------SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 10a.m.&nbsp; Wednesday in Shawnee County.Deputies and emergency crews responded to a 911 call regarding an individual trapped under a tractor in the 3200 block of SW 93rd Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Firs responders found an individual suffering from significant injuries. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;This incident is still under investigation.Check the Post for additional information as it is released.

Sheriff IDs Kansas woman who died after trapped under UTV

ABOARD THE USS LABOON IN THE RED SEA (AP) — Yemen's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-ship-attack-israel-hamas-war-f72e5a614ba04254031de5b8aaa26f2f">Houthi rebels launched a boat-borne bomb attack</a>&nbsp;against a commercial ship in the Red Sea on Wednesday, authorities said, the latest escalation despite a U.S.-led campaign trying to protect the vital waterway.

The use of a boat loaded with explosives raised the specter of 2000's USS Cole attack, a suicide assault by al-Qaida on the warship when it was at port in Aden, killing 17 on board. Associated Press journalists saw the Cole in the Red Sea on Wednesday, now taking part in the U.S. campaign while visiting one of her sister ships, the USS Laboon.

Yemen's military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack, identifying the vessel targeted as the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier Tutor. He described the attack as using a “drone boat,” as well as drones and ballistic missiles.

In a warning to shippers, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center described the vessel as being hit in its stern by a small white craft southwest of the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeida.

The captain “reports the vessel is taking on water, and not under command of the crew,” the UKMTO said. He also “reports the vessel was hit for a second time by an unknown airborne projectile."

The U.S. military's Central Command also acknowledged the attack, saying the Tutor “most recently docked in Russia.”

“The impact of the (drone boat) caused severe flooding and damage to the engine room,” it added.

The U.S. military separately destroyed three anti-ship cruise missile launchers in Houthi-held Yemen, as well as one rebel drone over the Red Sea. The Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles over the Red Sea, but they caused no damage, Central Command said.

The Houthis, who seized Yemen’s capital nearly a decade ago and have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition since shortly after, have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-iran-503de70230fba0cd7c992558e2d1b83a">targeting shipping throughout the Red Sea corridor</a>&nbsp;over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip.

The war in Gaza has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians there, while hundreds of others have been killed in Israeli operations in the West Bank. It&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">began after Hamas-led militants</a>&nbsp;attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage.

Associated Press journalists on an embark with the U.S. Navy were interviewing Cmdr. Eric Blomberg, the commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer Laboon, when the alert came in on the attack. Blomberg took multiple calls from sailors on board the vessel, giving updates on the apparent attack.

The Laboon is one of the destroyers accompanying the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier and both has shot down Houthi fire and escorted vessels through the region. Though Blomberg and others stressed they were still investigating the attack, he said it appeared the vessel targeted had nothing to do with the Israel-Hamas war.

The Houthis “hit ships that are completely not associated or tied to the U.S. or Israel at all,” Blomberg said.

“These are just innocent merchant sailors carrying goods through the Red Sea, trying to get it through the least-expensive route, and they're paying for it,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710291193776.png" alt="File Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>ABOARD THE USS LABOON IN THE RED SEA (AP) — Yemen's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-ship-attack-israel-hamas-war-f72e5a614ba04254031de5b8aaa26f2f">Houthi rebels launched a boat-borne bomb attack</a>&nbsp;against a commercial ship in the Red Sea on Wednesday, authorities said, the latest escalation despite a U.S.-led campaign trying to protect the vital waterway.The use of a boat loaded with explosives raised the specter of 2000's USS Cole attack, a suicide assault by al-Qaida on the warship when it was at port in Aden, killing 17 on board. Associated Press journalists saw the Cole in the Red Sea on Wednesday, now taking part in the U.S. campaign while visiting one of her sister ships, the USS Laboon.Yemen's military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack, identifying the vessel targeted as the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier Tutor. He described the attack as using a “drone boat,” as well as drones and ballistic missiles.In a warning to shippers, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center described the vessel as being hit in its stern by a small white craft southwest of the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeida.The captain “reports the vessel is taking on water, and not under command of the crew,” the UKMTO said. He also “reports the vessel was hit for a second time by an unknown airborne projectile."The U.S. military's Central Command also acknowledged the attack, saying the Tutor “most recently docked in Russia.”“The impact of the (drone boat) caused severe flooding and damage to the engine room,” it added.The U.S. military separately destroyed three anti-ship cruise missile launchers in Houthi-held Yemen, as well as one rebel drone over the Red Sea. The Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles over the Red Sea, but they caused no damage, Central Command said.The Houthis, who seized Yemen’s capital nearly a decade ago and have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition since shortly after, have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-iran-503de70230fba0cd7c992558e2d1b83a">targeting shipping throughout the Red Sea corridor</a>&nbsp;over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip.They say the attacks are aimed at stopping the war and supporting the Palestinians, though the attacks often&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-iran-503de70230fba0cd7c992558e2d1b83a">target vessels that have nothing to do with the conflict</a>.The war in Gaza has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians there, while hundreds of others have been killed in Israeli operations in the West Bank. It&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">began after Hamas-led militants</a>&nbsp;attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks</a>&nbsp;on shipping, killed three sailors, seized one vessel and sunk another since November, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. A U.S.-led airstrike campaign has targeted the Houthis since January, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-war-us-british-airstrikes-israel-hamas-12f99b7afc389a703f8dd333f2376b20">a series of strikes May 30</a>&nbsp;killing at least 16 people and wounding 42 others, the rebels say.Associated Press journalists on an embark with the U.S. Navy were interviewing Cmdr. Eric Blomberg, the commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer Laboon, when the alert came in on the attack. Blomberg took multiple calls from sailors on board the vessel, giving updates on the apparent attack.The Laboon is one of the destroyers accompanying the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier and both has shot down Houthi fire and escorted vessels through the region. Though Blomberg and others stressed they were still investigating the attack, he said it appeared the vessel targeted had nothing to do with the Israel-Hamas war.The Houthis “hit ships that are completely not associated or tied to the U.S. or Israel at all,” Blomberg said.“These are just innocent merchant sailors carrying goods through the Red Sea, trying to get it through the least-expensive route, and they're paying for it,” he said.

Rebels launch bomb attack against Greek-owned ship in Red Sea

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex ctimes.

On Monday, police responded to St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City for a reported rape, according to a media release.

Through the investigation, it was learned that 50-year-old Willie Clay, Jr.,&nbsp; allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted the victim at his residence earlier that day. 

Police arrested Clay at the Finney County Law Enforcement Center. He is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Rape and Aggravated Criminal Sodomy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718146737641.png" alt="Clay photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Clay photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex ctimes.On Monday, police responded to St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City for a reported rape, according to a media release.Through the investigation, it was learned that 50-year-old Willie Clay, Jr.,&nbsp; allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted the victim at his residence earlier that day. Police arrested Clay at the Finney County Law Enforcement Center. He is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Rape and Aggravated Criminal Sodomy.

SW Kan. man allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted victim

DOUGLAS COUNTY– Police are investigating a homicide that occurred Tuesday night during a fight.

Just after 10:30p.m. law enforcement responded to a report from witnesses who observed two men in a physical fight at intersection of E 25th Terrace and Franklin Road in Lawrence, according to a media release.

A deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was first on scene in the immediate aftermath of the altercation and observed both individuals on the ground, one of them unconscious. 

Responding deputies and officers quickly detained one man and began rendering aid to the unresponsive other man. Despite extensive life-saving efforts by law enforcement and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical, the victim later identified as 43-year-old&nbsp; Christopher Allen Lickteig was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect identified as 34-year-old George Luke Miller was taken to Lawrence Police Headquarters for questioning, and subsequently arrested on a requested charge of first-degree murder.

Lickteig and Miller were staying at the Lawrence Community Shelter.

The events and circumstances of the evening, including whether the two men knew each other, are still being investigated. At this early stage of the investigation, detectives do not believe weapons were involved, nor did they recover one at the scene. Police have already interviewed several witnesses and will continue to gather evidence and track down leads to determine what led up to the event.

Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to call the Douglas County Emergency Communications Center at (785)832-7509, or information may be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County at (785) 843-TIPS (8477).

DOUGLAS COUNTY– Police are investigating a homicide that occurred Tuesday night during a fight.Just after 10:30p.m. law enforcement responded to a report from witnesses who observed two men in a physical fight at intersection of E 25th Terrace and Franklin Road in Lawrence, according to a media release.A deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was first on scene in the immediate aftermath of the altercation and observed both individuals on the ground, one of them unconscious. Responding deputies and officers quickly detained one man and began rendering aid to the unresponsive other man. Despite extensive life-saving efforts by law enforcement and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical, the victim later identified as 43-year-old&nbsp; Christopher Allen Lickteig was pronounced dead at the scene.The suspect identified as 34-year-old George Luke Miller was taken to Lawrence Police Headquarters for questioning, and subsequently arrested on a requested charge of first-degree murder.Lickteig and Miller were staying at the Lawrence Community Shelter.The events and circumstances of the evening, including whether the two men knew each other, are still being investigated. At this early stage of the investigation, detectives do not believe weapons were involved, nor did they recover one at the scene. Police have already interviewed several witnesses and will continue to gather evidence and track down leads to determine what led up to the event.Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to call the Douglas County Emergency Communications Center at (785)832-7509, or information may be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County at (785) 843-TIPS (8477).

Police ID Kansas man killed during street fight

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Southern Baptists narrowly rejected a proposal Wednesday to enshrine a ban on churches with women pastors in the denomination’s constitution after opponents argued it was unnecessary because the denomination already has a way of ousting such churches.

The vote received support from 61% of the delegates, but it failed to get the required two-thirds supermajority. The action reversed a preliminary vote last year in favor of the official ban.

But it still leaves the Southern Baptist Convention with its official doctrinal statement saying the office of pastor is limited to men. Even the opponents of the ban said they favored that doctrinal statement but didn’t think it was necessary to reinforce it in the constitution.

Opponents noted that the SBC already can oust churches that assert women can serve as pastors — as it did&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southern-baptists-saddleback-vote-women-pastors-new-orleans-7ee6606b57d0bf0c4c7ed91316af12b1">last year</a>&nbsp;and again&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southern-baptist-annual-meeting-indianapolis-women-pastors-politics-f1f43f93947fda83119c761c06ea18f0">Tuesday night</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718210618422.png" alt="Image courtesy Southern Baptist&nbsp; Convention Executive Committee" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Southern Baptist&nbsp; Convention Executive Committee</figcaption>
 </figure>INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Southern Baptists narrowly rejected a proposal Wednesday to enshrine a ban on churches with women pastors in the denomination’s constitution after opponents argued it was unnecessary because the denomination already has a way of ousting such churches.The vote received support from 61% of the delegates, but it failed to get the required two-thirds supermajority. The action reversed a preliminary vote last year in favor of the official ban.But it still leaves the Southern Baptist Convention with its official doctrinal statement saying the office of pastor is limited to men. Even the opponents of the ban said they favored that doctrinal statement but didn’t think it was necessary to reinforce it in the constitution.Opponents noted that the SBC already can oust churches that assert women can serve as pastors — as it did&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southern-baptists-saddleback-vote-women-pastors-new-orleans-7ee6606b57d0bf0c4c7ed91316af12b1">last year</a>&nbsp;and again&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southern-baptist-annual-meeting-indianapolis-women-pastors-politics-f1f43f93947fda83119c761c06ea18f0">Tuesday night</a>.The vote was perhaps the most highly anticipated of the annual meeting, reflecting years of debate in the United States’ largest Protestant denomination. It is the final day of the SBC’s two-day annual meeting in Indianapolis.Since 2000, the SBC’s nonbinding statement of faith has declared that only men are qualified for the role of pastor. It’s interpreted differently across the denomination, with some believing it doesn’t apply to associate pastors so long as the senior pastor is male.The proposed amendment, which received preliminary approval last year, would formally exclude churches that have women in any pastoral positions, from lead pastor to associates, or even affirms them in that role. Supporters believe it is biblically necessary, estimating hundreds of Southern Baptist churches have women in those roles.The rejected amendment would have said any church deemed in “friendly cooperation” — the official term for SBC affiliation — must be one that “affirms, appoints, or employs only men as any kind of pastor or elder as qualified by Scripture.”Opponents argued the convention already has the power to remove churches over this issue, and the amendment will have unintended consequences, including disproportionately affecting Black Southern Baptist congregations, which tend to have women on their pastoral staffs.But the motion went swiftly to a vote after only brief debate.Ryan Fullerton, pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, said the measure is “not about preventing women from exercising their gifts” in the church, in roles on church staff such as “children’s ministers.” But he said the Bible is clear that the office of pastor is for men.He said there is “confusion about gender” in the wider culture and cited what he called “the ravages of the LGBTQIA agenda.”But Spence Shelton, pastor of Mercy Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, argued that it was unnecessary.He said there is no doubt that Southern Baptists are “complementarian,” as they describe the view that men and women have equal value but different roles that complement one another.But he noted that the convention voted to affirm the ouster of a historic Virginia church Tuesday and two other churches last year, including the California megachurch Saddleback, which all have women pastors and affirmed they could hold top pastoral positions.The reason for ousting them was that they don’t have a faith and practice consistent with the Baptist Faith and Message, the document approved in 2000 that includes the affirmation that the pastoral position is reserved for men.“Y’all, we have shown the mechanisms we currently have are sufficient to deal with this question,” Shelton said.Mike Law, pastor of Arlington Baptist Church in Virginia and author of the amendment, cited a report that there are about 1,800 women pastors working in the denomination. He cited Bible verses limiting the pastoral office to men.“Our culture may see this prohibition as harsh, but our God is all wise, and wrote this word for the flourishing of both men and women,” he said.“This amendment is not about women in ministry,” Law added. “It’s specifically about women in the pastoral office.” He did not spell out the difference in his brief floor speech.The denomination can’t tell its independent churches what to do or whom to appoint as a pastor. But they can say which churches are in and which are out.Last year, Southern Baptists refused to take back Saddleback, one of the convention’s largest congregations, and a small Kentucky church over the issue.Both churches, which had women in top pastoral positions, appealed their ouster to the 2023 annual meeting and were overwhelmingly rejected by the delegates. A similar scenario played out in Indianapolis on Tuesday, when messengers voted overwhelmingly to kick out First Baptist Church of Alexandria in Virginia, which has a woman in an associate position and also asserted that women can hold the top job.Supporters of the amendment say it probably won’t result in an immediate, large-scale purge, but opponents expressed concern it would burden SBC volunteers and staffs with numerous investigations of churches.Delegates also elected a North Carolina pastor and longtime denominational statesman to be the next president of their convention in a contest between six candidates that went into two run-off votes.Clint Pressley, who is senior pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, will be the next Southern Baptist Convention president after winning 56% of votes in the final run-off race.The SBC president — one of the most prominent faces of the conservative evangelical network of churches — presides over the annual meeting and appoints members to the denomination’s committees.Pressley’s nearest opponent, Tennessee pastor, Dan Spencer, received 44 percent of the votes after four other candidates were eliminated in earlier rounds.Pressley has said he favors a measure being voted on later Wednesday to amend the SBC constitution to ban churches with women pastors.Pressley earned a master of divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisiana, one of the SBC’s official seminaries. He has led Hickory Grove since 2011 after pastoring churches in Alabama and Mississippi. Pressley was first vice president of the SBC in 2014-15 and served on numerous other denominational boards.Messengers early Wednesday rejected a proposal to abolish the SBC’s public policy agency, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. The measure reflected the views of some that the the staunchly conservative commission wasn’t conservative enough.<h2>___</h2>Meyer reported from Nashville, Tennessee.<h2>___</h2>Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir" target="_blank">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.