NEMAHA COUNTY —There were no serious injuries despite a violent crash and fire that occurred just after 3a.m. Thursday in Nemaha County.

Two semis were involved in the collision on U.S. 75 five miles north of Sabetha, according to a social media report from the Sabetha Fire Department.

First responders were met with heavy fire, debris, complete blockage of the roadway and ruptured fuel tanks.&nbsp;Firefighters took 30 minutes getting the fire under control.

All occupants had escaped with what were believed to be minor injuries.&nbsp;

Sabetha Fire responded in Rescue 37, Pumper 34, Pumper 32, Brush 1 and 2, and Tanker 35. Crews were assisted on scene by Morrill Fire Department, Brown County Rescue Squad 48, Sherriffs deputies from Brown and Nemaha Counties as well as Kansas Highway Patrol. Emergency Management personnel from both counties responded and  KDOT crews arrived later to assist with traffic control and clearing the roadway. 

U.S. 75.&nbsp;from 192nd Road north to the state line was closed down for much of Thursday due to the debris and highway being damaged.&nbsp; The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717703833390.png" alt="-Photo courtesy Sabetha Fire" />
 <figcaption>-Photo courtesy Sabetha Fire</figcaption>
 </figure>NEMAHA COUNTY —There were no serious injuries despite a violent crash and fire that occurred just after 3a.m. Thursday in Nemaha County.Two semis were involved in the collision on U.S. 75 five miles north of Sabetha, according to a social media report from the Sabetha Fire Department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717704003761.png" alt="Photo courtesy Sabetha Fire" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Sabetha Fire</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders were met with heavy fire, debris, complete blockage of the roadway and ruptured fuel tanks.&nbsp;Firefighters took 30 minutes getting the fire under control.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717704221856.png" alt="Photo Nemaha Co. Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Photo Nemaha Co. Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>All occupants had escaped with what were believed to be minor injuries.&nbsp;Sabetha Fire responded in Rescue 37, Pumper 34, Pumper 32, Brush 1 and 2, and Tanker 35. Crews were assisted on scene by Morrill Fire Department, Brown County Rescue Squad 48, Sherriffs deputies from Brown and Nemaha Counties as well as Kansas Highway Patrol. Emergency Management personnel from both counties responded and KDOT crews arrived later to assist with traffic control and clearing the roadway. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717704385766.png" alt="Photo Nemaha County Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Photo Nemaha County Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. 75.&nbsp;from 192nd Road north to the state line was closed down for much of Thursday due to the debris and highway being damaged.&nbsp; The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Semi crash, fire shuts down portion of Kansas highway

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.

The person, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the event, said team trainers and medical staff were able to react quickly and treat Thompson until paramedics arrived.

The Chiefs planned to wrap up their voluntary offseason workouts on Thursday, but a team spokesman said the practice would be pushed to Friday. That is when Chiefs coach Andy Reid and other players will speak to reporters.

The 27-year-old Thompson was a fifth-round pick of the Chiefs out of Stephen F. Austin in last year's draft. The only game Thompson appeared in was their regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, when Kansas City already had clinched its playoff spot and the game's outcome was meaningless. Thompson had two tackles in that game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717698357421.png" alt="FILE - Kansas City Chiefs’ B.J. Thompson (53) walks to the field before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday, June 6, 2024, after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas City Chiefs’ B.J. Thompson (53) walks to the field before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday, June 6, 2024, after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.The person, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the event, said team trainers and medical staff were able to react quickly and treat Thompson until paramedics arrived.The Chiefs planned to wrap up their voluntary offseason workouts on Thursday, but a team spokesman said the practice would be pushed to Friday. That is when Chiefs coach Andy Reid and other players will speak to reporters.The 27-year-old Thompson was a fifth-round pick of the Chiefs out of Stephen F. Austin in last year's draft. The only game Thompson appeared in was their regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, when Kansas City already had clinched its playoff spot and the game's outcome was meaningless. Thompson had two tackles in that game.

Chiefs lineman hospitalized after cardiac event during team meeting

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Jewish studies, philosophy, geography, physics: The Kansas Board of Regents is in the process of determining which underperforming programs at state universities will be chopped and which will be subjected to progress reviews.

Last summer, KBOR research identified undergraduate programs that were more than five years old and did not meet two or more of the board’s metrics for the six state universities.

Standards included having 25 or more students enrolled in the program, producing 10 or more graduates from the program, having 51% or more of graduates working in the region after graduation and student return on investment. That return is evaluated by having a salary of $38,050 or higher, a number determined by the five-year, post-graduation median salary for 2022.

The metrics placed 31 programs at risk. Schools with underperforming programs have three options: axe the program, merge the program with another program in a cost-effective way, or make an action plan to boost metrics within three years.

Action plans: Bachelor of Science in Math, Bachelor of Science in History, Bachelor of Science in Polymer Chemistry, Bachelor of Science in Physics, Bachelor of Music&nbsp;

Phase-out: International Business Bachelor of Business Administration

Action plans: Bachelor of General Studies/Arts in African &amp; African-American Studies, Bachelor of General Studies/Arts in American Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Global International Studies, Bachelor of General Studies/Arts in Religious Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies, Bachelor of Arts/Science in Astronomy, Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science, Bachelor of General Studies/Arts/Science Geography, Music program classified as Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Fine Arts/Arts in Music, Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics

Merge: Bachelor of Secondary Ed in Physical Ed Plus

Action plan: Bachelor of Arts/Science in Geography,&nbsp;Bachelor of Arts in Music/Bachelor of Music program

Phase-out: Bachelor of Science in Education for Business Education&nbsp;

Action plan: Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts&nbsp;

Action plan: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts/Science in Geology, Bachelor of Arts/Science in Physics, Bachelor of Science in Forensic Sciences

Merge: Bachelor of Arts in Women’s, Ethnicity, &amp; Intersectional Studies

Action plan: Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language: Spanish, Bachelor of Arts/Science in Physics and Bachelor of Arts in Music&nbsp;

Merge: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy&nbsp;

On Tuesday, regents on the Board Academic Affairs Standing Committee&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansasregents.org/resources/PDF/About/BAASC_Meetings/_2024_06_04_BAASC_FINAL_.pdf">reviewed program recommendations</a>, the final step before plans go before the full board later this month.

Regent Alysia Johnston said curriculum dealing with identity is important, but performance has to be a factor.

“I think that that’s important as well,” Johnston said. “But I still am sticking to the fact that I believe some of these things, if we’re not meeting three of the four targets, then we’ve got to be able to do something to act, move forward in terms of how we are going to get this on track.”

Earlier this year, regents members discussed the impact of several of these programs, such as Jewish studies and African studies, which offer rigorous research and opportunities but appear to be underperforming by KBOR metrics.

“I don’t want to see those courses go away completely,” said regent Diana Mendoza. “I think they’re valuable, I think we need to continue to offer those opportunities to students, but I also feel like we need to be efficient in the way that we allocate our resources.”&nbsp;

The University of Kansas has the most programs impacted, with 11 under review, 10 of which the university recommended for action and one recommended to merge.

According to the University of Kansas action plan, Jewish studies allows students to participate in influential research, including through The Druze Studies Project, a digital humanities program for studying Druze culture, literature, and history.

Students have received research scholarships and were given the opportunity to write journal articles. The program hosted a “Druze Studies” symposium last year with 25 international scholars attending, another valuable experience, the university’s plan said.

“One of these students is currently in the process of writing a research article as a follow-up to this event, a testament to the lasting impact of their involvement,” the university argued in defense of the program. “This experience has also opened doors for him in the academic publishing landscape, as he was recently hired as the assistant to the editor of the new Druze Studies Journal.”

Emporia State University reviewed two programs. The institution already has phased out or merged 20% of programs following the KBOR-sanctioned decision in 2022&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/13/emporia-state-university-is-about-to-suspend-tenure-heres-why-you-should-care/">to fire tenured faculty members</a>, and eliminate programs without explanation for which ones were targeted.

An American Association of University Professors&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/aaup_EmporiaState_Final.pdf">investigation</a>&nbsp;later concluded the actions taken by ESU president Ken Hush with<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/14/emporia-state-receives-green-light-to-move-rapidly-with-faculty-program-realignment/">&nbsp;regents support</a>&nbsp;were little more than an attack on academic freedom. The investigation concluded university administrators and Kansas Board of Regents members&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/05/01/emporia-state-university-kansas-board-of-regents-members-unfit-to-lead-investigation-finds/">are “unfit to lead.</a>”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717696933743.png" alt=" All six of the state's public universities have undergone a review process to determine the success of academic programs. At Emporia State University, which had a series of cuts last year, two programs are under review. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> All six of the state's public universities have undergone a review process to determine the success of academic programs. At Emporia State University, which had a series of cuts last year, two programs are under review. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Jewish studies, philosophy, geography, physics: The Kansas Board of Regents is in the process of determining which underperforming programs at state universities will be chopped and which will be subjected to progress reviews.Last summer, KBOR research identified undergraduate programs that were more than five years old and did not meet two or more of the board’s metrics for the six state universities.Standards included having 25 or more students enrolled in the program, producing 10 or more graduates from the program, having 51% or more of graduates working in the region after graduation and student return on investment. That return is evaluated by having a salary of $38,050 or higher, a number determined by the five-year, post-graduation median salary for 2022.The metrics placed 31 programs at risk. Schools with underperforming programs have three options: axe the program, merge the program with another program in a cost-effective way, or make an action plan to boost metrics within three years.<h2>Under review</h2>Pittsburg State UniversityPrograms reviewed: SixAction plans: Bachelor of Science in Math, Bachelor of Science in History, Bachelor of Science in Polymer Chemistry, Bachelor of Science in Physics, Bachelor of Music&nbsp;Phase-out: International Business Bachelor of Business AdministrationUniversity of Kansas&nbsp;Programs reviewed: 11Action plans: Bachelor of General Studies/Arts in African &amp; African-American Studies, Bachelor of General Studies/Arts in American Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Global International Studies, Bachelor of General Studies/Arts in Religious Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies, Bachelor of Arts/Science in Astronomy, Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science, Bachelor of General Studies/Arts/Science Geography, Music program classified as Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Fine Arts/Arts in Music, Bachelor of Science in Engineering PhysicsMerge: Bachelor of Secondary Ed in Physical Ed PlusKansas State UniversityPrograms reviewed: TwoAction plan: Bachelor of Arts/Science in Geography,&nbsp;Bachelor of Arts in Music/Bachelor of Music programEmporia State UniversityPrograms reviewed: TwoPhase-out: Bachelor of Science in Education for Business Education&nbsp;Action plan: Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts&nbsp;Wichita State UniversityPrograms reviewed: FiveAction plan: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts/Science in Geology, Bachelor of Arts/Science in Physics, Bachelor of Science in Forensic SciencesMerge: Bachelor of Arts in Women’s, Ethnicity, &amp; Intersectional StudiesFort Hays State UniversityPrograms reviewed: FiveAction plan: Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language: Spanish, Bachelor of Arts/Science in Physics and Bachelor of Arts in Music&nbsp;Merge: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy&nbsp;On Tuesday, regents on the Board Academic Affairs Standing Committee&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansasregents.org/resources/PDF/About/BAASC_Meetings/_2024_06_04_BAASC_FINAL_.pdf">reviewed program recommendations</a>, the final step before plans go before the full board later this month.Regent Alysia Johnston said curriculum dealing with identity is important, but performance has to be a factor.“I think that that’s important as well,” Johnston said. “But I still am sticking to the fact that I believe some of these things, if we’re not meeting three of the four targets, then we’ve got to be able to do something to act, move forward in terms of how we are going to get this on track.”Earlier this year, regents members discussed the impact of several of these programs, such as Jewish studies and African studies, which offer rigorous research and opportunities but appear to be underperforming by KBOR metrics.“I don’t want to see those courses go away completely,” said regent Diana Mendoza. “I think they’re valuable, I think we need to continue to offer those opportunities to students, but I also feel like we need to be efficient in the way that we allocate our resources.”&nbsp;The University of Kansas has the most programs impacted, with 11 under review, 10 of which the university recommended for action and one recommended to merge.According to the University of Kansas action plan, Jewish studies allows students to participate in influential research, including through The Druze Studies Project, a digital humanities program for studying Druze culture, literature, and history.Students have received research scholarships and were given the opportunity to write journal articles. The program hosted a “Druze Studies” symposium last year with 25 international scholars attending, another valuable experience, the university’s plan said.“One of these students is currently in the process of writing a research article as a follow-up to this event, a testament to the lasting impact of their involvement,” the university argued in defense of the program. “This experience has also opened doors for him in the academic publishing landscape, as he was recently hired as the assistant to the editor of the new Druze Studies Journal.”Emporia State University reviewed two programs. The institution already has phased out or merged 20% of programs following the KBOR-sanctioned decision in 2022&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/13/emporia-state-university-is-about-to-suspend-tenure-heres-why-you-should-care/">to fire tenured faculty members</a>, and eliminate programs without explanation for which ones were targeted.An American Association of University Professors&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/aaup_EmporiaState_Final.pdf">investigation</a>&nbsp;later concluded the actions taken by ESU president Ken Hush with<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/14/emporia-state-receives-green-light-to-move-rapidly-with-faculty-program-realignment/">&nbsp;regents support</a>&nbsp;were little more than an attack on academic freedom. The investigation concluded university administrators and Kansas Board of Regents members&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/05/01/emporia-state-university-kansas-board-of-regents-members-unfit-to-lead-investigation-finds/">are “unfit to lead.</a>”

Kan. Regents evaluating action plans for underperforming university programs

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Wichita Police are trying to locate Anjaliyah S. Orange and Jeremiah Z. Walker as they may have information about a homicide that occurred on June 4, 2024, in the 4800 block of East Funston. 

Just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call reporting a shooting in the 4800 block of East Funston, according to Police Captain Aaron Moses.

Wichita Police, Wichita Fire, and Sedgwick County EMS responded to the scene and found 27- year-old Quentin Gordon suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Wichita Police Department Homicide Investigators, in collaboration with patrol officers, immediately began their investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that Gordon was involved in an argument with another individual when the shooting occurred, indicating that this was not a random act of violence, according to Moses.

If you have any information about Anjaliyah and Jeremiah's whereabouts or have seen them, please call 911, Crimestoppers at 316-267-2111, or WPD Investigators at 316-268-4407.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717697125559.png" alt="Anjaliyah S. Orange and Jeremiah Z. Walker-photo Wichita Police&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Anjaliyah S. Orange and Jeremiah Z. Walker-photo Wichita Police&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Wichita Police are trying to locate Anjaliyah S. Orange and Jeremiah Z. Walker as they may have information about a homicide that occurred on June 4, 2024, in the 4800 block of East Funston. Just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call reporting a shooting in the 4800 block of East Funston, according to Police Captain Aaron Moses.Wichita Police, Wichita Fire, and Sedgwick County EMS responded to the scene and found 27- year-old Quentin Gordon suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.Wichita Police Department Homicide Investigators, in collaboration with patrol officers, immediately began their investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that Gordon was involved in an argument with another individual when the shooting occurred, indicating that this was not a random act of violence, according to Moses.If you have any information about Anjaliyah and Jeremiah's whereabouts or have seen them, please call 911, Crimestoppers at 316-267-2111, or WPD Investigators at 316-268-4407.

Police: 2 wanted in connection with Kan. homicide investigation

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double-homicide at a home in Kansas City.

Just after 1a.m. Thursday, responded to a shooting at a home at 32nd and Bellefontaine, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.&nbsp;

First responders found a man and boy dead inside the home. EMS transported two others, a woman and boy, to the hospital for treatment.

Police released no additional details and have not reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717675441604.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double-homicide at a home in Kansas City.Just after 1a.m. Thursday, responded to a shooting at a home at 32nd and Bellefontaine, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.&nbsp;First responders found a man and boy dead inside the home. EMS transported two others, a woman and boy, to the hospital for treatment.Police released no additional details and have not reported an arrest.

Police: Man and teen dead, 2 injured in shooting at KC home

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp; seeking information or witnesses surrounding a burglary and robbery investigation. 

On Wednesday, the Overland Park Police Department received a report that a ride-share driver had his vehicle stolen near W 135th and Switzer, according to a media release.

 Officers discovered that the ride-share driver was approached by a suspect who displayed a weapon and took the victim's vehicle.&nbsp; There were no injuries to the victim. 

 The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, 6-foot-2 with a black beard and black hair.  The suspect left north on Switzer.  While conducting an area search, officers located the abandoned stolen vehicle at a nearby business. 

 The business doors were found unsecured and the officers searched the business for the suspect, however the suspect was not located. 

There were obvious signs the business was entered by the suspect. Anyone with information regarding this incident please contact the TIPs Hotline at 814-474-TIPS.

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp; seeking information or witnesses surrounding a burglary and robbery investigation. On Wednesday, the Overland Park Police Department received a report that a ride-share driver had his vehicle stolen near W 135th and Switzer, according to a media release. Officers discovered that the ride-share driver was approached by a suspect who displayed a weapon and took the victim's vehicle.&nbsp; There were no injuries to the victim. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, 6-foot-2 with a black beard and black hair. The suspect left north on Switzer. While conducting an area search, officers located the abandoned stolen vehicle at a nearby business. The business doors were found unsecured and the officers searched the business for the suspect, however the suspect was not located. There were obvious signs the business was entered by the suspect. Anyone with information regarding this incident please contact the TIPs Hotline at 814-474-TIPS.

Police: Kansas ride share vehicle stolen at gunpoint

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just before 9:30a.m. Wednesday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Ford Explorer driven by Rickey Don&nbsp;Newman, 75, Edwardsville, was eastbound in the number one lane of Kansas 32 just west of southbound Interstate 435.

The SUV struck a 2007 Chevy Silverado driven by Demond  Anthony&nbsp;McMillian, 41, Edwaardsville, who was stopped at the traffic signal&nbsp;on Kansas 32 at the Interstate 435 southbound exit ramp intersection in the left turn lane. 

After impact the Silverado struck a 2022 Ford Transit van driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Bradley Wayne&nbsp; Guthrie, 26, Basehor.&nbsp;

Newman was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics.&nbsp; EMS transported a passenger in the Explorer Franklin Dale Newman, 50, Edwardsville, to Overland Park Regional. A private vehicle transported&nbsp;McMillian to an area hospital. Guthrie was not injured. The KHP did not have seat belt usage details.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just before 9:30a.m. Wednesday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Ford Explorer driven by Rickey Don&nbsp;Newman, 75, Edwardsville, was eastbound in the number one lane of Kansas 32 just west of southbound Interstate 435.The SUV struck a 2007 Chevy Silverado driven by Demond Anthony&nbsp;McMillian, 41, Edwaardsville, who was stopped at the traffic signal&nbsp;on Kansas 32 at the Interstate 435 southbound exit ramp intersection in the left turn lane. After impact the Silverado struck a 2022 Ford Transit van driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Bradley Wayne&nbsp; Guthrie, 26, Basehor.&nbsp;Newman was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics.&nbsp; EMS transported a passenger in the Explorer Franklin Dale Newman, 50, Edwardsville, to Overland Park Regional. A private vehicle transported&nbsp;McMillian to an area hospital. Guthrie was not injured. The KHP did not have seat belt usage details.

Kansas man dead, 2 injured after 3-vehicle crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans have blocked legislation designed to protect women’s access to contraception, arguing that the bill was just a political stunt as Democrats mount an election-year effort to put GOP senators on the record on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-bans-exceptions-doctors-lawmakers-7cefca4a248076268c789ea05b367f1a">reproductive rights issues</a>,

The test vote won a 51-39 majority, but that was well short of the 60 votes to move ahead on the legislation. Kansas Junior Senator Roger Marshall voted against the measure. Kansas Senior Senator Jerry Moran was one of 10 Senators who did not vote.

It came as the Senate has abandoned hopes of doing serious bipartisan legislation before the election. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and his Democrats are trying to instead spotlight issues they believe can help them win the presidency and keep the Senate in November. A similar vote on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ivf-senate-reproductive-care-8325160d68579ff2bbf89cfee5acd481">ensuring nationwide access to in vitro fertilization</a>&nbsp;is expected next week.

That bill is expected to similarly stall in the Senate, where Democrats need 60 votes to move forward on legislation. Schumer said Tuesday that Democrats will “put reproductive freedoms front and center before this chamber, so that the American people can see for themselves who will stand up to defend their fundamental liberties.”

The effort comes as Democrats worry that reproductive rights will be further threatened after the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;two years ago and as they continue to see that access as one of their most potent election-year issues. President Joe Biden’s campaign has embraced reproductive rights as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-biden-abortion-israelhamas-4edafc567e1e8377950e52713f8f4966">a key to winning undecided voters</a>, especially women.

“Contraception is health care, essential health care, that millions of people rely on,” said Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono, a Democrat. She said the court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade “foretold more chaos to come.”

Minority Republicans scoffed, saying the political messaging votes were unserious distractions from legislation they would like to vote on. “I expect we will see a lot more show votes this summer,” said South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Senate Republican, on Tuesday.

Maine Sen. Susan Collins, one of two Republicans to vote with Democrats to move forward on the bill, said Monday that she would want the legislation to be amended to include more religious liberty protections. “It is clearly a messaging attempt and not a serious attempt in itself,” she said.

Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who along with Collins supports abortion rights, also voted to move forward on the legislation.

Many Republicans who voted against consideration of the bill said they support access to contraception but believe the legislation is unnecessary.

"The Democrats are using their power to push an alarmist and false narrative that there is a problem accessing contraception,” said Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, the top Republican on the Senate Health, Labor, Education and Pensions Committee.

The Senate push on reproductive access this year differs from bipartisan legislation passed in 2022 that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-wisconsin-rob-portman-marriage-tammy-baldwin-91b12650871afaa87a479d3018a4fded">protect same-sex marriage</a>&nbsp;amid concerns that the court could go after the Obergefell v. Hodges decision that legalized gay marriage nationwide. A vote on that bill was delayed until after that year’s midterm elections to try and avoid political complications, and 12 Republicans eventually supported it, sending it to Biden's desk.

Since Republicans took the House majority last year, though, Congress has moved on few legislative items that were not immediately urgent or that did not face deadlines for expiration. Schumer has said repeatedly that he would like to move on bills to improve rail safety, lower the cost of prescription drugs and improve online safety for children, among other bipartisan legislation. But most of those bills have stalled in the divided Congress as some Republicans and Democrats have been less willing to work together in an election year.

Instead, Schumer has focused the Senate on judicial nominations and political messaging bills, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-immigration-senate-vote-924f48912eecf1dc544dc648d757c3fe">repeat vote last month on a border security bill</a>&nbsp;that Republicans had already rejected in February after months of bipartisan negotiations. Democrats who have faced intense criticism over the border issue have hoped that they can blunt that issue somewhat by highlighting that legislation. But Republicans have said it did not go far enough.

Democrats seized on the contraception issue after former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, the presumptive GOP nominee, said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-contraception-birth-control-abortion-2024-8f73bb1b3a5864b24157f15eb272a3e6">in an interview</a>&nbsp;last month that he was open to supporting restrictions on birth control. He quickly reversed course and said that he “has never and never will” advocate to restrict that access.

Contraception has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-contraception-access-gop-protections-birth-control-d376b5c489298e3035f7f433fe579b1e">increasingly entangled</a>&nbsp;in the abortion debate in some conservative states, however. In Missouri, a women’s health care bill was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/08/missouri-womens-health-bill-birth-control/">stalled for months</a>&nbsp;over concerns about expanding insurance coverage for birth control after some lawmakers falsely conflated birth control with medication abortion. In Arizona, Republicans unanimously blocked a Democratic effort to protect the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-birth-control-contraception-right-46662839c7c0baec0cb8088106f261de">right to contraception</a>&nbsp;access. Tennessee Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://tennesseelookout.com/2024/03/05/bill-to-protect-ivf-treatment-access-to-contraceptives-dies-in-tennessee-house/">blocked a bill</a>&nbsp;that would have clarified that the state’s abortion ban would not affect contraceptive care or fertility treatments.

And in Virginia, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/youngkin-virginia-general-assembly-vetoes-skill-games-771aaae0d34b31bbd7008d8e396c71b6">vetoed</a>&nbsp;bills from the Democratic-controlled Legislature that would have protected the right to contraception earlier this year. He said he supports the right to birth control but that “we cannot trample on the religious freedoms of Virginians.”

The Senate bill would make it federal law that an individual has the right to obtain contraceptives and to “engage in contraception,” and that health providers can provide them.

In the GOP-led House, Democratic Rep. Kathy Manning of North Carolina is leading a longshot effort to get enough signatures to discharge a similar version of the Senate's contraception bill from committee and put it on the floor — a tactic used when leadership won't bring up legislation for a vote.

Schumer said that the legislation designed to protect IVF access will come up in the Senate next week.

That bill comes after Alabama’s Supreme Court ruled frozen embryos can be considered children under state law earlier this year, causing several clinics to suspend IVF treatments. The state later enacted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-ivf-clinic-lawsuit-immunity-things-know-0d16d3be139f42c96bc3ab35c4467f55">law providing legal protections</a>&nbsp;for IVF clinics, but Democrats have argued that Congress should act to guarantee nationwide access to reproductive care to try and prevent courts from making those decisions.

“Democrats will act to safeguard and strengthen IVF access for all Americans, so that everyone has a chance to start a family,” Schumer said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — In an election year effort to put Republicans on record on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-bans-exceptions-doctors-lawmakers-7cefca4a248076268c789ea05b367f1a">reproductive rights issues</a>, Senate Democrats are holding a vote Wednesday to move forward with legislation designed to protect women’s access to contraception.

The test vote comes as the Senate has abandoned hopes for doing serious bipartisan legislation before the election and as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats are trying to instead spotlight issues that they believe can help them win the presidency and keep the Senate in November. A similar vote on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ivf-senate-reproductive-care-8325160d68579ff2bbf89cfee5acd481">ensuring nationwide access to in vitro fertilization</a>&nbsp;could come as soon as next week.

Neither bill is likely to pass the Senate, where Democrats would need 60 votes, much less the Republican-led House. But Schumer said Tuesday that Democrats will “put reproductive freedoms front and center before this chamber, so that the American people can see for themselves who will stand up to defend their fundamental liberties.”

The effort comes as Democrats worry that reproductive rights will be further threatened after the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;two years ago and as they continue to see that access as one of their most potent election-year issues. President Joe Biden’s campaign sees reproductive rights as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-biden-abortion-israelhamas-4edafc567e1e8377950e52713f8f4966">a key path to winning undecided voters</a>, especially women.

Still, Wednesday’s vote on whether to move forward with the legislation could put some GOP senators in a tough spot. While most Republicans would oppose any restrictions on contraception, they are unlikely to back Democrats’ political push.

Maine Sen. Susan Collins, one of the few Republican senators who supports abortion rights, said Monday that she is likely to vote to move forward on the legislation but that she would want the bill to be amended to include more religious liberty protections. “It is clearly a messaging attempt and not a serious attempt in itself,” she said.

The legislation designed to protect in vitro fertilization comes after Alabama’s Supreme Court ruled frozen embryos can be considered children under state law earlier this year, causing several clinics to suspend IVF treatments. The state later enacted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-ivf-clinic-lawsuit-immunity-things-know-0d16d3be139f42c96bc3ab35c4467f55">law providing legal protections</a>&nbsp;for IVF clinics, but Democrats have argued that Congress should act to guarantee nationwide access to reproductive care to try and prevent courts from making those decisions.

Washington Sen. Patty Murray, the Democratic chairwoman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said that she believes Americans “will be watching closely” as Democrats force Republicans to vote on contraception Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717622656334.png" alt="Senate Democrat image" />
 <figcaption>Senate Democrat image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans have blocked legislation designed to protect women’s access to contraception, arguing that the bill was just a political stunt as Democrats mount an election-year effort to put GOP senators on the record on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-bans-exceptions-doctors-lawmakers-7cefca4a248076268c789ea05b367f1a">reproductive rights issues</a>,The test vote won a 51-39 majority, but that was well short of the 60 votes to move ahead on the legislation. Kansas Junior Senator Roger Marshall voted against the measure. Kansas Senior Senator Jerry Moran was one of 10 Senators who did not vote.It came as the Senate has abandoned hopes of doing serious bipartisan legislation before the election. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and his Democrats are trying to instead spotlight issues they believe can help them win the presidency and keep the Senate in November. A similar vote on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ivf-senate-reproductive-care-8325160d68579ff2bbf89cfee5acd481">ensuring nationwide access to in vitro fertilization</a>&nbsp;is expected next week.That bill is expected to similarly stall in the Senate, where Democrats need 60 votes to move forward on legislation. Schumer said Tuesday that Democrats will “put reproductive freedoms front and center before this chamber, so that the American people can see for themselves who will stand up to defend their fundamental liberties.”The effort comes as Democrats worry that reproductive rights will be further threatened after the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;two years ago and as they continue to see that access as one of their most potent election-year issues. President Joe Biden’s campaign has embraced reproductive rights as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-biden-abortion-israelhamas-4edafc567e1e8377950e52713f8f4966">a key to winning undecided voters</a>, especially women.“Contraception is health care, essential health care, that millions of people rely on,” said Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono, a Democrat. She said the court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade “foretold more chaos to come.”Minority Republicans scoffed, saying the political messaging votes were unserious distractions from legislation they would like to vote on. “I expect we will see a lot more show votes this summer,” said South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Senate Republican, on Tuesday.Maine Sen. Susan Collins, one of two Republicans to vote with Democrats to move forward on the bill, said Monday that she would want the legislation to be amended to include more religious liberty protections. “It is clearly a messaging attempt and not a serious attempt in itself,” she said.Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who along with Collins supports abortion rights, also voted to move forward on the legislation.Many Republicans who voted against consideration of the bill said they support access to contraception but believe the legislation is unnecessary."The Democrats are using their power to push an alarmist and false narrative that there is a problem accessing contraception,” said Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, the top Republican on the Senate Health, Labor, Education and Pensions Committee.The Senate push on reproductive access this year differs from bipartisan legislation passed in 2022 that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-wisconsin-rob-portman-marriage-tammy-baldwin-91b12650871afaa87a479d3018a4fded">protect same-sex marriage</a>&nbsp;amid concerns that the court could go after the Obergefell v. Hodges decision that legalized gay marriage nationwide. A vote on that bill was delayed until after that year’s midterm elections to try and avoid political complications, and 12 Republicans eventually supported it, sending it to Biden's desk.Since Republicans took the House majority last year, though, Congress has moved on few legislative items that were not immediately urgent or that did not face deadlines for expiration. Schumer has said repeatedly that he would like to move on bills to improve rail safety, lower the cost of prescription drugs and improve online safety for children, among other bipartisan legislation. But most of those bills have stalled in the divided Congress as some Republicans and Democrats have been less willing to work together in an election year.Instead, Schumer has focused the Senate on judicial nominations and political messaging bills, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-immigration-senate-vote-924f48912eecf1dc544dc648d757c3fe">repeat vote last month on a border security bill</a>&nbsp;that Republicans had already rejected in February after months of bipartisan negotiations. Democrats who have faced intense criticism over the border issue have hoped that they can blunt that issue somewhat by highlighting that legislation. But Republicans have said it did not go far enough.Democrats seized on the contraception issue after former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, the presumptive GOP nominee, said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-contraception-birth-control-abortion-2024-8f73bb1b3a5864b24157f15eb272a3e6">in an interview</a>&nbsp;last month that he was open to supporting restrictions on birth control. He quickly reversed course and said that he “has never and never will” advocate to restrict that access.Contraception has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-contraception-access-gop-protections-birth-control-d376b5c489298e3035f7f433fe579b1e">increasingly entangled</a>&nbsp;in the abortion debate in some conservative states, however. In Missouri, a women’s health care bill was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/08/missouri-womens-health-bill-birth-control/">stalled for months</a>&nbsp;over concerns about expanding insurance coverage for birth control after some lawmakers falsely conflated birth control with medication abortion. In Arizona, Republicans unanimously blocked a Democratic effort to protect the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-birth-control-contraception-right-46662839c7c0baec0cb8088106f261de">right to contraception</a>&nbsp;access. Tennessee Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://tennesseelookout.com/2024/03/05/bill-to-protect-ivf-treatment-access-to-contraceptives-dies-in-tennessee-house/">blocked a bill</a>&nbsp;that would have clarified that the state’s abortion ban would not affect contraceptive care or fertility treatments.And in Virginia, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/youngkin-virginia-general-assembly-vetoes-skill-games-771aaae0d34b31bbd7008d8e396c71b6">vetoed</a>&nbsp;bills from the Democratic-controlled Legislature that would have protected the right to contraception earlier this year. He said he supports the right to birth control but that “we cannot trample on the religious freedoms of Virginians.”The Senate bill would make it federal law that an individual has the right to obtain contraceptives and to “engage in contraception,” and that health providers can provide them.In the GOP-led House, Democratic Rep. Kathy Manning of North Carolina is leading a longshot effort to get enough signatures to discharge a similar version of the Senate's contraception bill from committee and put it on the floor — a tactic used when leadership won't bring up legislation for a vote.Schumer said that the legislation designed to protect IVF access will come up in the Senate next week.That bill comes after Alabama’s Supreme Court ruled frozen embryos can be considered children under state law earlier this year, causing several clinics to suspend IVF treatments. The state later enacted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-ivf-clinic-lawsuit-immunity-things-know-0d16d3be139f42c96bc3ab35c4467f55">law providing legal protections</a>&nbsp;for IVF clinics, but Democrats have argued that Congress should act to guarantee nationwide access to reproductive care to try and prevent courts from making those decisions.“Democrats will act to safeguard and strengthen IVF access for all Americans, so that everyone has a chance to start a family,” Schumer said.___WASHINGTON (AP) — In an election year effort to put Republicans on record on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-bans-exceptions-doctors-lawmakers-7cefca4a248076268c789ea05b367f1a">reproductive rights issues</a>, Senate Democrats are holding a vote Wednesday to move forward with legislation designed to protect women’s access to contraception.The test vote comes as the Senate has abandoned hopes for doing serious bipartisan legislation before the election and as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats are trying to instead spotlight issues that they believe can help them win the presidency and keep the Senate in November. A similar vote on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ivf-senate-reproductive-care-8325160d68579ff2bbf89cfee5acd481">ensuring nationwide access to in vitro fertilization</a>&nbsp;could come as soon as next week.Neither bill is likely to pass the Senate, where Democrats would need 60 votes, much less the Republican-led House. But Schumer said Tuesday that Democrats will “put reproductive freedoms front and center before this chamber, so that the American people can see for themselves who will stand up to defend their fundamental liberties.”The effort comes as Democrats worry that reproductive rights will be further threatened after the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;two years ago and as they continue to see that access as one of their most potent election-year issues. President Joe Biden’s campaign sees reproductive rights as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-biden-abortion-israelhamas-4edafc567e1e8377950e52713f8f4966">a key path to winning undecided voters</a>, especially women.Minority Republicans scoffed, saying the political messaging votes were unserious distractions from legislation they would like to vote on. “I expect we will see a lot more show votes this summer,” said South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Senate Republican, on Tuesday.Still, Wednesday’s vote on whether to move forward with the legislation could put some GOP senators in a tough spot. While most Republicans would oppose any restrictions on contraception, they are unlikely to back Democrats’ political push.Maine Sen. Susan Collins, one of the few Republican senators who supports abortion rights, said Monday that she is likely to vote to move forward on the legislation but that she would want the bill to be amended to include more religious liberty protections. “It is clearly a messaging attempt and not a serious attempt in itself,” she said.The Senate push on reproductive access this year differs from bipartisan legislation passed in 2022 that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-wisconsin-rob-portman-marriage-tammy-baldwin-91b12650871afaa87a479d3018a4fded">protect same-sex marriage</a>&nbsp;amid concerns that the court could go after the Obergefell v. Hodges decision that legalized gay marriage nationwide. A vote on that bill was delayed until after that year’s midterm elections to try and avoid political complications, and 12 Republicans eventually supported it, sending it to Biden's desk.Since Republicans took the House majority last year, though, Congress has moved on few legislative items that were not immediately urgent or that did not face deadlines for expiration. Schumer has said repeatedly that he would like to move on bills to improve rail safety, lower the cost of prescription drugs and improve online safety for children, among other bipartisan legislation. But most of those bills have stalled in the divided Congress as some Republicans and Democrats have been less willing to work together in an election year.Instead, Schumer has focused the Senate on judicial nominations and political messaging bills, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-immigration-senate-vote-924f48912eecf1dc544dc648d757c3fe">repeat vote last month on a border security bill</a>&nbsp;that Republicans had already rejected in February after months of bipartisan negotiations. Democrats who have faced intense criticism over the border issue have hoped that they can blunt that issue somewhat by highlighting that legislation. But Republicans have said it did not go far enough.Democrats seized on the contraception issue after former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, the presumptive GOP nominee, said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-contraception-birth-control-abortion-2024-8f73bb1b3a5864b24157f15eb272a3e6">in an interview</a>&nbsp;last month that he was open to supporting restrictions on birth control. He quickly reversed course and said that he “has never and never will” advocate to restrict that access.Contraception has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-contraception-access-gop-protections-birth-control-d376b5c489298e3035f7f433fe579b1e">increasingly entangled</a>&nbsp;in the abortion debate in some conservative states, however. In Missouri, a women’s health care bill was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/08/missouri-womens-health-bill-birth-control/">stalled for months</a>&nbsp;over concerns about expanding insurance coverage for birth control after some lawmakers falsely conflated birth control with medication abortion. In Arizona, Republicans unanimously blocked a Democratic effort to protect the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-birth-control-contraception-right-46662839c7c0baec0cb8088106f261de">right to contraception</a>&nbsp;access. Tennessee Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://tennesseelookout.com/2024/03/05/bill-to-protect-ivf-treatment-access-to-contraceptives-dies-in-tennessee-house/">blocked a bill</a>&nbsp;that would have clarified that the state’s abortion ban would not affect contraceptive care or fertility treatments.And in Virginia, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/youngkin-virginia-general-assembly-vetoes-skill-games-771aaae0d34b31bbd7008d8e396c71b6">vetoed</a>&nbsp;bills from the Democratic-controlled Legislature that would have protected the right to contraception earlier this year. He said he supports the right to birth control but that “we cannot trample on the religious freedoms of Virginians.”The Senate bill would make it federal law that an individual has the right to obtain contraceptives and to “engage in contraception,” and that health providers can provide them.The legislation designed to protect in vitro fertilization comes after Alabama’s Supreme Court ruled frozen embryos can be considered children under state law earlier this year, causing several clinics to suspend IVF treatments. The state later enacted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-ivf-clinic-lawsuit-immunity-things-know-0d16d3be139f42c96bc3ab35c4467f55">law providing legal protections</a>&nbsp;for IVF clinics, but Democrats have argued that Congress should act to guarantee nationwide access to reproductive care to try and prevent courts from making those decisions.Washington Sen. Patty Murray, the Democratic chairwoman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said that she believes Americans “will be watching closely” as Democrats force Republicans to vote on contraception Wednesday.

Moran misses vote as GOP blocks bill on the right to contraception 

COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France (AP) — U.S. President Joe Biden has reaffirmed America’s commitment to the defense of Ukraine, saying in his D-Day anniversary speech that “we will not walk away” and give into bullies.

Biden’s comment about bullies was a reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who sent his military across the border into Ukraine more than two years ago in an attempted takeover. The U.S. and other countries have been aiding Ukraine by sending weapons, money and other support.

Biden used his speech Thursday to connect what happened during World War II to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The president praised the power of alliances and said Russia’s advance will not stop with Ukraine if the world walks away. Biden said “Ukraine’s neighbors will be threatened” and “all of Europe will be threatened.”

He argued for holding strong against Putin, saying “to surrender to bullies, to bow down to dictators is simply unthinkable” and that to give in “means we’d forget what happened here” on the beaches of Normandy.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron awarded 11 U.S. WWII veterans with the Legion of Honor, France’s highest distinction, during commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

“You came here because the free world needed each and every one of you, and you answered the call,” Macron told them. “You came here to make France a free nation. You’re back here today at home, if I may say.”

Macron kissed each veteran on both cheeks and greeted them warmly as he pinned medals on their lapels.

Among the men was Hilbert Margol, who joined an artillery battalion that operated in eastern France. He is part of American forces that liberated the Dachau concentration camp. Another, Ray Tweedel, landed by sea in Normandy on the night of June 8, 1944, and took part in the war as an oil tanker and ambulance driver.

French President Emmanuel Macron also bestowed a Legion of Honor award on a 103-year-old female British veteran officer who created detailed maps that guided the crews of landing craft on D-Day.

Christian Lamb sat in a wheelchair as Macron bent down to pin the medal on her and kissed her on both cheeks.

He told her she was one of the “heroes in the shadows” as he described how she was studying in Normandy in 1939 when her father, a Royal Navy admiral, called her back to London on the eve of World War II.

In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Lamb recalled creating maps that “showed railways, roads, churches, castles, every possible feature that could be visible to an incoming invader and from every angle,” Lamb.

“It was intense and exciting work, and obviously detail was vital. It was crucial that the maps were 100% accurate," she said.

UTAH BEACH, France (AP) — As the sun sets on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/veterans-united-kingdom-france-canada-4816383ae94f45219ef106954d4be784">the D-Day generation</a>, it rose again over Normandy beaches where soldiers fought and died exactly 80 years ago Thursday, kicking off intense anniversary commemorations against the backdrop of renewed war in Europe,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">in Ukraine</a>.

Ever-dwindling numbers of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dday-normandy-wwii-veterans-france-110e5361cca01f9ff1d3db8b74a09c67">World War II veterans</a>&nbsp;who have pilgrimaged back to France, and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine that has dashed hopes that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vovchansk-drone-379f45ac9ced064f820254466a318fa1">lives and cities</a>&nbsp;wouldn't again be laid to waste in Europe, are making the poignant anniversary of the June 6, 1944, Allied landings even more so 80 years on.

As now-centenarian veterans revisit old memories and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/france-music-36bf556ac946418888873488bce92500">fallen comrades buried in Normandy graves</a>, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's presence at D-Day commemorations with world leaders who are supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-france-ukraine-896f00db3dcb40e2f165bd7ddecd1347">including United States President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;— will inevitably fuse together World War II's awful past with the fraught present on Thursday.

The break of dawn almost eight decades exactly after Allied troops waded ashore under hails of gunfire on five code-named beaches — Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword — kicked off a day of remembrance by Allied nations now standing together again behind Ukraine — and with World War II ally Russia not invited by host France. It cited Russia's “war of aggression against Ukraine that has intensified in recent weeks" for the snub.

With the dead and wounded on both sides in Ukraine estimated in the hundreds of thousands, commemorations for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dday-wwii-france-invasion-military-b02d03fa11f66767a521a3b01357a89a">more than 4,400 Allied dead</a>&nbsp;on D-Day and many tens of thousands more,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dday-wwii-civilians-france-germany-military-normandy-72c0afc51a8a76222e510771a2474563">including French civilians</a>, killed in the ensuing Battle of Normandy are tinged with concerns that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dday-children-legacy-normandy-anniversary-de932d14b4ed2ab1a8880520415d24c5">World War II lessons are being lost</a>.

French President Emmanuel Macron told D-Day veterans on Thursday that ″France will never forget″ their battle to liberate Europe from the Nazis.

“There are things worth fighting for," said World War II veteran Walter Stitt, who fought in tanks and turns 100 in July, as he visited Omaha Beach this week. "Although I wish there was another way to do it than to try to kill each other.”

“We’ll learn one of these days, but I won’t be around for that,” he said.

Conscious of the inevitability that major D-Day anniversaries will soon take place without World War II veterans, huge throngs of aficionados in uniforms and riding vehicles of the time, and tourists soaking up the spectacle, have flooded Normandy for the 80th anniversary.

“It’s so historic and we just have to remember the sacrifices of everybody who gave us our freedom,” said Becky Kraubetz, a Briton now living in Florida whose grandfather served with the British Army during World War II and was captured in Malta.

“It gives you goosebumps, everything that happened here. Imagine just jumping into the water, freezing cold,” the 54-year-old said as she gazed across the English Channel, tears in her eyes. “The bravery, the courage, for people to face that is just unbelievable — very, very humbled to be here.”

She was among a crowd of thousands of people that stretched for several kilometers (miles) along Utah Beach, the westernmost of the D-Day beaches.

In a quiet spot away from the official ceremonies, France's Christophe Receveur performed his own tribute, unfurling an American flag he had bought on a trip to Pennsylvania to honor those who died on D-Day.

“To forget them is to let them die all over again,” the 57-year-old said as he and his daughter, Julie, then carefully refolded the flag into a tight triangle, adding that those now dying in Ukraine fighting the invading Russian army were also on his mind.

“All these troops came to liberate a country that they didn't know for an ideology — democracy, freedom — that is under severe strain now,” he said.

The fair-like atmosphere fueled by World War II-era jeeps and trucks tearing down hedge-rowed lanes so deadly for Allied troops who fought dug-in German defenders, and of reenactors playing at war on sands where D-Day soldiers fell, leave open the question of what meaning anniversaries will have once the veterans are gone.

But at the 80th, they're the VIPs of commemorations across the Normandy coast where the largest-ever land, sea and air armada punctured Hitler’s defenses in Western Europe and helped precipitate his downfall 11 months later.

“They really were the golden generation, those 17-, 18-year-old guys doing something so brave,” said James Baker, a 56-year-old from the Netherlands, reflecting as dawn broke on Utah Beach.

Farther up the coast on Gold Beach, a military bagpiper played at precisely the time that British troops landed there 80 years ago.

The United Kingdom's King Charles III and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak were among those at a ceremony later in the day to honor the troops who landed there and on Sword Beach, while Prince William and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined others at ceremony for the Canadian troops who landed on Juno Beach.

In his address, the king told the crowd that the world was fortunate that a generation “did not flinch" when they were called upon.

“Our obligation to remember what they stood for and what they achieved for us all can never diminish,” he said.

Speaking in French, Charles also paid tribute to the “unimaginable number” of French civilians killed in the battle for Normandy, and the bravery and sacrifice of the French Resistance.

Biden was to take part in a ceremony later at the American cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach.

Those who traveled to Normandy include&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-war-ii-international-news-france-europe-bd08bfc199e34d7bb1cfb6addb0cd16d">women who were among the millions</a>&nbsp;who built bombers, tanks and other weaponry and played other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dday-normandy-80th-anniversary-women-368259471e91c906309abb21b915086f">vital World War II roles</a>&nbsp;that were long overshadowed by the combat exploits of men.

“We weren’t doing it for honors and awards. We were doing it to save our country. And we ended up helping save the world,” said 98-year-old Anna Mae Krier, who worked as a riveter building B-17 and B-29 bombers.

Feted wherever they go in wheelchairs and walking with canes, veterans are using their voices to repeat their message they hope will live eternal: Never forget.

“To know the amount of people who were killed here, just amazing,” 98-year-old Allan Chatwin, who served with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific, said as he visited Omaha, the deadliest of the Allied beaches on D-Day.

He quickly added: “I don't know that amazing is the word.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717674789344.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France (AP) — U.S. President Joe Biden has reaffirmed America’s commitment to the defense of Ukraine, saying in his D-Day anniversary speech that “we will not walk away” and give into bullies.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IoXxto2ZLS4?si=vKbORkvJUdpuM3XB&amp;start=2743" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Biden’s comment about bullies was a reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who sent his military across the border into Ukraine more than two years ago in an attempted takeover. The U.S. and other countries have been aiding Ukraine by sending weapons, money and other support.Biden used his speech Thursday to connect what happened during World War II to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.The president praised the power of alliances and said Russia’s advance will not stop with Ukraine if the world walks away. Biden said “Ukraine’s neighbors will be threatened” and “all of Europe will be threatened.”He argued for holding strong against Putin, saying “to surrender to bullies, to bow down to dictators is simply unthinkable” and that to give in “means we’d forget what happened here” on the beaches of Normandy.Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron awarded 11 U.S. WWII veterans with the Legion of Honor, France’s highest distinction, during commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.“You came here because the free world needed each and every one of you, and you answered the call,” Macron told them. “You came here to make France a free nation. You’re back here today at home, if I may say.”The men are now 98 to 104 years old.Macron kissed each veteran on both cheeks and greeted them warmly as he pinned medals on their lapels.Among the men was Hilbert Margol, who joined an artillery battalion that operated in eastern France. He is part of American forces that liberated the Dachau concentration camp. Another, Ray Tweedel, landed by sea in Normandy on the night of June 8, 1944, and took part in the war as an oil tanker and ambulance driver.French President Emmanuel Macron also bestowed a Legion of Honor award on a 103-year-old female British veteran officer who created detailed maps that guided the crews of landing craft on D-Day.Christian Lamb sat in a wheelchair as Macron bent down to pin the medal on her and kissed her on both cheeks.He told her she was one of the “heroes in the shadows” as he described how she was studying in Normandy in 1939 when her father, a Royal Navy admiral, called her back to London on the eve of World War II.In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Lamb recalled creating maps that “showed railways, roads, churches, castles, every possible feature that could be visible to an incoming invader and from every angle,” Lamb.“It was intense and exciting work, and obviously detail was vital. It was crucial that the maps were 100% accurate," she said.--------------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717670894905.png" alt="Images courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Images courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>UTAH BEACH, France (AP) — As the sun sets on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/veterans-united-kingdom-france-canada-4816383ae94f45219ef106954d4be784">the D-Day generation</a>, it rose again over Normandy beaches where soldiers fought and died exactly 80 years ago Thursday, kicking off intense anniversary commemorations against the backdrop of renewed war in Europe,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">in Ukraine</a>.Ever-dwindling numbers of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dday-normandy-wwii-veterans-france-110e5361cca01f9ff1d3db8b74a09c67">World War II veterans</a>&nbsp;who have pilgrimaged back to France, and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine that has dashed hopes that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vovchansk-drone-379f45ac9ced064f820254466a318fa1">lives and cities</a>&nbsp;wouldn't again be laid to waste in Europe, are making the poignant anniversary of the June 6, 1944, Allied landings even more so 80 years on.As now-centenarian veterans revisit old memories and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/france-music-36bf556ac946418888873488bce92500">fallen comrades buried in Normandy graves</a>, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's presence at D-Day commemorations with world leaders who are supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-france-ukraine-896f00db3dcb40e2f165bd7ddecd1347">including United States President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;— will inevitably fuse together World War II's awful past with the fraught present on Thursday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717671625472.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The break of dawn almost eight decades exactly after Allied troops waded ashore under hails of gunfire on five code-named beaches — Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword — kicked off a day of remembrance by Allied nations now standing together again behind Ukraine — and with World War II ally Russia not invited by host France. It cited Russia's “war of aggression against Ukraine that has intensified in recent weeks" for the snub.With the dead and wounded on both sides in Ukraine estimated in the hundreds of thousands, commemorations for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dday-wwii-france-invasion-military-b02d03fa11f66767a521a3b01357a89a">more than 4,400 Allied dead</a>&nbsp;on D-Day and many tens of thousands more,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dday-wwii-civilians-france-germany-military-normandy-72c0afc51a8a76222e510771a2474563">including French civilians</a>, killed in the ensuing Battle of Normandy are tinged with concerns that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dday-children-legacy-normandy-anniversary-de932d14b4ed2ab1a8880520415d24c5">World War II lessons are being lost</a>.French President Emmanuel Macron told D-Day veterans on Thursday that ″France will never forget″ their battle to liberate Europe from the Nazis.“There are things worth fighting for," said World War II veteran Walter Stitt, who fought in tanks and turns 100 in July, as he visited Omaha Beach this week. "Although I wish there was another way to do it than to try to kill each other.”“We’ll learn one of these days, but I won’t be around for that,” he said.Conscious of the inevitability that major D-Day anniversaries will soon take place without World War II veterans, huge throngs of aficionados in uniforms and riding vehicles of the time, and tourists soaking up the spectacle, have flooded Normandy for the 80th anniversary.“It’s so historic and we just have to remember the sacrifices of everybody who gave us our freedom,” said Becky Kraubetz, a Briton now living in Florida whose grandfather served with the British Army during World War II and was captured in Malta.“It gives you goosebumps, everything that happened here. Imagine just jumping into the water, freezing cold,” the 54-year-old said as she gazed across the English Channel, tears in her eyes. “The bravery, the courage, for people to face that is just unbelievable — very, very humbled to be here.”She was among a crowd of thousands of people that stretched for several kilometers (miles) along Utah Beach, the westernmost of the D-Day beaches.In a quiet spot away from the official ceremonies, France's Christophe Receveur performed his own tribute, unfurling an American flag he had bought on a trip to Pennsylvania to honor those who died on D-Day.“To forget them is to let them die all over again,” the 57-year-old said as he and his daughter, Julie, then carefully refolded the flag into a tight triangle, adding that those now dying in Ukraine fighting the invading Russian army were also on his mind.“All these troops came to liberate a country that they didn't know for an ideology — democracy, freedom — that is under severe strain now,” he said.The fair-like atmosphere fueled by World War II-era jeeps and trucks tearing down hedge-rowed lanes so deadly for Allied troops who fought dug-in German defenders, and of reenactors playing at war on sands where D-Day soldiers fell, leave open the question of what meaning anniversaries will have once the veterans are gone.But at the 80th, they're the VIPs of commemorations across the Normandy coast where the largest-ever land, sea and air armada punctured Hitler’s defenses in Western Europe and helped precipitate his downfall 11 months later.“They really were the golden generation, those 17-, 18-year-old guys doing something so brave,” said James Baker, a 56-year-old from the Netherlands, reflecting as dawn broke on Utah Beach.Farther up the coast on Gold Beach, a military bagpiper played at precisely the time that British troops landed there 80 years ago.The United Kingdom's King Charles III and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak were among those at a ceremony later in the day to honor the troops who landed there and on Sword Beach, while Prince William and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined others at ceremony for the Canadian troops who landed on Juno Beach.In his address, the king told the crowd that the world was fortunate that a generation “did not flinch" when they were called upon.“Our obligation to remember what they stood for and what they achieved for us all can never diminish,” he said.Speaking in French, Charles also paid tribute to the “unimaginable number” of French civilians killed in the battle for Normandy, and the bravery and sacrifice of the French Resistance.Biden was to take part in a ceremony later at the American cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach.Those who traveled to Normandy include&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-war-ii-international-news-france-europe-bd08bfc199e34d7bb1cfb6addb0cd16d">women who were among the millions</a>&nbsp;who built bombers, tanks and other weaponry and played other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dday-normandy-80th-anniversary-women-368259471e91c906309abb21b915086f">vital World War II roles</a>&nbsp;that were long overshadowed by the combat exploits of men.“We weren’t doing it for honors and awards. We were doing it to save our country. And we ended up helping save the world,” said 98-year-old Anna Mae Krier, who worked as a riveter building B-17 and B-29 bombers.Feted wherever they go in wheelchairs and walking with canes, veterans are using their voices to repeat their message they hope will live eternal: Never forget.“To know the amount of people who were killed here, just amazing,” 98-year-old Allan Chatwin, who served with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific, said as he visited Omaha, the deadliest of the Allied beaches on D-Day.He quickly added: “I don't know that amazing is the word.”

🎥 Ceremonies Commemorating 80th Anniversary of D-Day

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the attempted armed robberies of postal carriers in the Kansas City community of Westport and are offering a&nbsp;reward, according to a bulletin from the&nbsp;The United States Postal Inspection Service.

A $150,000 reward has been offered for information into the attempted armed robberies of two postal carriers in Westport.

On Wednesday, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uspis.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Postal Inspection Service</a>&nbsp;announced that a $150,000 reward has been offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for the attempted armed robbery of two separate postal carriers at different locations in Westport.

Just before 5:30p.m. May 29, law enforcement officials reported three black men were seen approaching postal carriers in the 200 block of Westport Road and in the 3900 block of Warwick Boulevard.

One suspects was armed with a handgun and pointed the weapon at both victims. The suspects were observed in a red 2011 Dodge Charger.&nbsp; The car was reported stolen. The vehicle’s rear passenger window is also broken.

The Postal Service warned residents not to take any steps to apprehend any of the suspects. If you have information on the crime you are to call the Postal Service at 1-877-876-2455 and say “law enforcement.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717620135282.png" alt="Photo USPIS" />
 <figcaption>Photo USPIS</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the attempted armed robberies of postal carriers in the Kansas City community of Westport and are offering a&nbsp;reward, according to a bulletin from the&nbsp;The United States Postal Inspection Service.A $150,000 reward has been offered for information into the attempted armed robberies of two postal carriers in Westport.On Wednesday, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uspis.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Postal Inspection Service</a>&nbsp;announced that a $150,000 reward has been offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for the attempted armed robbery of two separate postal carriers at different locations in Westport.Just before 5:30p.m. May 29, law enforcement officials reported three black men were seen approaching postal carriers in the 200 block of Westport Road and in the 3900 block of Warwick Boulevard.One suspects was armed with a handgun and pointed the weapon at both victims. The suspects were observed in a red 2011 Dodge Charger.&nbsp; The car was reported stolen. The vehicle’s rear passenger window is also broken.The Postal Service warned residents not to take any steps to apprehend any of the suspects. If you have information on the crime you are to call the Postal Service at 1-877-876-2455 and say “law enforcement.”

Reward for arrests in armed robbery of KC area postal carriers

JEFFERSON COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 4p.m. Wednesday in Jefferson County.

The Kansas Highway&nbsp; Patrol reported a 2022 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven byMichael J. Schecher, 59, Holton, northbound on U.S. 59 just north of Kansas 16.&nbsp; The driver attempted to pass a northbound 2022 GMC Savanna van driven by John G.&nbsp;Morris, 29, Topeka, who was slowing to make a left turn into a private driver.

The van struck the motorcycle. Schecher was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Barnett Family Funeral Home in Oskaloosa. Morris was not injured.&nbsp; Schecher was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

JEFFERSON COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 4p.m. Wednesday in Jefferson County.The Kansas Highway&nbsp; Patrol reported a 2022 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven byMichael J. Schecher, 59, Holton, northbound on U.S. 59 just north of Kansas 16.&nbsp; The driver attempted to pass a northbound 2022 GMC Savanna van driven by John G.&nbsp;Morris, 29, Topeka, who was slowing to make a left turn into a private driver.The van struck the motorcycle. Schecher was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Barnett Family Funeral Home in Oskaloosa. Morris was not injured.&nbsp; Schecher was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after van, motorcycle crash

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-president-inauguration-ukraine-355bd36a2e833800187af848dc24a7dc">Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;warned Germany on Wednesday that the use of its weapons by Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia would mark a “dangerous step,” and he said Moscow could in turn provide long-range weapons to others to strike Western targets.

Such action by the West will further undermine international security and could lead to “very serious problems.” he said.

“That would mark their direct involvement in the war against the Russian Federation, and we reserve the right to act the same way,” Putin added.

Because using such Western weapons for striking Russian territory involves military personnel of the respective countries controlling the missiles and selecting targets, Putin said, Moscow could take “asymmetrical” steps. That could include giving such weapons to others to target facilities of respective countries elsewhere in the world, he added.

“If they consider it possible to deliver such weapons to the combat zone to launch strikes on our territory and create problems for us, why don’t we have the right to supply weapons of the same type to some regions of the world where they can be used to launch strikes on sensitive facilities of the countries that do it to Russia?" he said.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kharkiv-biden-missiles-9da696ff36130fe8c7033f3960eff382">Germany joined the United States</a>&nbsp;recently in authorizing Ukraine to hit some targets on Russian soil with the long-range weapons they are supplying to Kyiv. The deliveries of German tanks to Ukraine came as a shock to many in Russia, he said.

“Now if they use missiles to strike facilities on the Russian territory, it will completely ruin Russian-German relations,” he said.

On Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-weapons-biden-kharkiv-c46c3ca0f0f4893c8c3b0ef53e974438">a Western official and a U.S. senator</a>&nbsp;said Ukraine has used U.S. weapons to strike inside Russia under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/czechia-ukraine-russia-nato-blinken-441c9624d95f8193e99cf08effced44f">newly approved guidance from President Joe Biden.</a>&nbsp;It allows American arms to be used for the limited purpose of defending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kharkiv-attacks-5023c3e67af30fc95b954a6f044112dc">Kharkiv</a>, Ukraine’s second-largest city. The official was not authorized to comment publicly on the sensitive matter and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Taking questions from international journalists for the first time since his inauguration last month to a fifth term, Putin also said nothing will change in terms of Russia-U.S. relations regardless of whether Biden or Donald Trump wins the American presidential election in November.

“We will work with any president the American people elect,” Putin said, speaking on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

“I say absolutely sincerely, I wouldn’t say that we believe that after the election something will change on the Russian track in the American politics,” he added. “We don’t think so. We think nothing that serious will happen.”

Putin also said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-deliberations-jury-testimony-verdict-85558c6d08efb434d05b694364470aa0">Trump’s felony conviction</a>&nbsp;at his hush money trial last week was the result of "the use of the court system as part of the internal political struggle.”

The Russian leader faced questions on various topics from senior news leaders of international news agencies, including The Associated Press, although the over two years of fighting in Ukraine dominated the session.

Asked about Russian military losses, Putin said that no country would reveal that information during hostilities but claimed without providing details that Ukraine's casualties are five times greater than Russia’s.

He also said Ukraine has more than 1,300 Russian troops in captivity, while more than 6,400 Ukrainian soldiers are being held in Russia.

The claims could not be independently verified.

Putin has used the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-st-petersburg-government-and-politics-8783bfc9851e9e48f6cd8553b3a7fdde">annual forum</a>&nbsp;as a showcase for touting Russia’s development and seeking investors. While meetings with journalists were part of previous sessions, he has not taken questions from Western journalists at the St. Petersburg event since sending troops to Ukraine.

Last year, journalists from countries that Russia regards as unfriendly — including the U.S., the U.K. and the European Union — were not invited, and Western officials and investors also steered clear of the session after wide-ranging sanctions were imposed on Moscow over Ukraine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663760963726.jpeg" alt="File photo -Russian Presidential Press Service via AP" />
 <figcaption>File photo -Russian Presidential Press Service via AP</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-president-inauguration-ukraine-355bd36a2e833800187af848dc24a7dc">Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;warned Germany on Wednesday that the use of its weapons by Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia would mark a “dangerous step,” and he said Moscow could in turn provide long-range weapons to others to strike Western targets.Such action by the West will further undermine international security and could lead to “very serious problems.” he said.“That would mark their direct involvement in the war against the Russian Federation, and we reserve the right to act the same way,” Putin added.Because using such Western weapons for striking Russian territory involves military personnel of the respective countries controlling the missiles and selecting targets, Putin said, Moscow could take “asymmetrical” steps. That could include giving such weapons to others to target facilities of respective countries elsewhere in the world, he added.“If they consider it possible to deliver such weapons to the combat zone to launch strikes on our territory and create problems for us, why don’t we have the right to supply weapons of the same type to some regions of the world where they can be used to launch strikes on sensitive facilities of the countries that do it to Russia?" he said."We will think about it,” he said<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kharkiv-biden-missiles-9da696ff36130fe8c7033f3960eff382">Germany joined the United States</a>&nbsp;recently in authorizing Ukraine to hit some targets on Russian soil with the long-range weapons they are supplying to Kyiv. The deliveries of German tanks to Ukraine came as a shock to many in Russia, he said.“Now if they use missiles to strike facilities on the Russian territory, it will completely ruin Russian-German relations,” he said.On Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-weapons-biden-kharkiv-c46c3ca0f0f4893c8c3b0ef53e974438">a Western official and a U.S. senator</a>&nbsp;said Ukraine has used U.S. weapons to strike inside Russia under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/czechia-ukraine-russia-nato-blinken-441c9624d95f8193e99cf08effced44f">newly approved guidance from President Joe Biden.</a>&nbsp;It allows American arms to be used for the limited purpose of defending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kharkiv-attacks-5023c3e67af30fc95b954a6f044112dc">Kharkiv</a>, Ukraine’s second-largest city. The official was not authorized to comment publicly on the sensitive matter and spoke on condition of anonymity.Taking questions from international journalists for the first time since his inauguration last month to a fifth term, Putin also said nothing will change in terms of Russia-U.S. relations regardless of whether Biden or Donald Trump wins the American presidential election in November.“We will work with any president the American people elect,” Putin said, speaking on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.“I say absolutely sincerely, I wouldn’t say that we believe that after the election something will change on the Russian track in the American politics,” he added. “We don’t think so. We think nothing that serious will happen.”Putin also said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-deliberations-jury-testimony-verdict-85558c6d08efb434d05b694364470aa0">Trump’s felony conviction</a>&nbsp;at his hush money trial last week was the result of "the use of the court system as part of the internal political struggle.”The Russian leader faced questions on various topics from senior news leaders of international news agencies, including The Associated Press, although the over two years of fighting in Ukraine dominated the session.Asked about Russian military losses, Putin said that no country would reveal that information during hostilities but claimed without providing details that Ukraine's casualties are five times greater than Russia’s.He also said Ukraine has more than 1,300 Russian troops in captivity, while more than 6,400 Ukrainian soldiers are being held in Russia.The claims could not be independently verified.Putin has used the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-st-petersburg-government-and-politics-8783bfc9851e9e48f6cd8553b3a7fdde">annual forum</a>&nbsp;as a showcase for touting Russia’s development and seeking investors. While meetings with journalists were part of previous sessions, he has not taken questions from Western journalists at the St. Petersburg event since sending troops to Ukraine.Last year, journalists from countries that Russia regards as unfriendly — including the U.S., the U.K. and the European Union — were not invited, and Western officials and investors also steered clear of the session after wide-ranging sanctions were imposed on Moscow over Ukraine.—-

Putin threatens U.S. and Germany: Very serious problems

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged theft at a retailer in Manhattan.

Just after 3p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of theft in the 400 block of 3rd Place, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Dick's Sporting Goods reported three woman entered the store and left without paying for approximately $3,454.58 worth of merchandise. 

The three were swiftly apprehended and officers arrested Jvon Adams-Morgan, 18, Inayjha Ware, 20, and Elvia Richards, 19, all from Wichita. Total bond for each was set at $4,000 and all were confined at the time of this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717596613957.png" alt="Inayjha Ware from an arrest May 6, 2024 in Wichita on a requested charge of theft" />
 <figcaption>Inayjha Ware from an arrest May 6, 2024 in Wichita on a requested charge of theft</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged theft at a retailer in Manhattan.Just after 3p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of theft in the 400 block of 3rd Place, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Dick's Sporting Goods reported three woman entered the store and left without paying for approximately $3,454.58 worth of merchandise. The three were swiftly apprehended and officers arrested Jvon Adams-Morgan, 18, Inayjha Ware, 20, and Elvia Richards, 19, all from Wichita. Total bond for each was set at $4,000 and all were confined at the time of this report.

Suspects jailed after $3,400 theft from Kan. sporting goods store

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement in northeast Kansas are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations.

Just before 10a.m. Tuesday, officers responded to the area of 15th and Kansas Avenue in Atchison to investigate a threat that had been made by a person riding a bicycle, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Officers located that person, 34-year-old Jesse Ferris, in the 1300 block Kansas Avenue. He was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia and taken into custody on requested drug charges. 

The case involving the threat remains under investigation.&nbsp; Ferris has previous convictions for theft, burglary and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717598656011.png" alt="Ferris-from an earlier arrest in Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Ferris-from an earlier arrest in Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement in northeast Kansas are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations.Just before 10a.m. Tuesday, officers responded to the area of 15th and Kansas Avenue in Atchison to investigate a threat that had been made by a person riding a bicycle, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Officers located that person, 34-year-old Jesse Ferris, in the 1300 block Kansas Avenue. He was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia and taken into custody on requested drug charges. The case involving the threat remains under investigation.&nbsp; Ferris has previous convictions for theft, burglary and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon riding a bike was caught transporting drugs

ATLANTA (AP) — An appeals court has halted the Georgia election interference case against former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and others while it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fani-willis-georgia-election-indictment-3c852370fe7888eaf331fb95dcf9f26f">reviews the lower court judge's ruling</a>&nbsp;allowing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to remain on the case.

The Georgia Court of Appeals' order on Wednesday prevents Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee from moving forward with pretrial motions as he had planned while the appeal is pending. While it was already unlikely that the case would go to trial before the November general election, when Trump is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-delegates-republican-nomination-haley-12e336deeb619602f8335f1c4ca1663e">expected to be the Republican nominee</a>&nbsp;for president, this makes that even more certain.

The appeals court on Monday docketed the appeals filed by Trump and eight others and said that “if oral argument is requested and granted” it is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 4. The court will then have until mid-March to rule, and the losing side will be able to appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court.

A spokesperson for Willis declined to comment on the appeals court ruling.

A Fulton County grand jury in August indicted Trump and 18 others, accusing them of participating in a sprawling scheme to illegally try to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. Four defendants have pleaded guilty after reaching deals with prosecutors, but Trump and the others have pleaded not guilty. It is one of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/trump-investigations-civil-criminal-tracker/">four criminal cases against Trump</a>.

Trump and eight other defendants had tried to get Willis and her office removed from the case, arguing that a romantic relationship she had with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-willis-wade-georgia-election-5d76abb5578308317306e7b2e610ac91">special prosecutor Nathan Wade</a>&nbsp;created a conflict of interest. McAfee in March&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-election-indictment-fani-willis-trump-60b7dd9642fc9ef7c03d75980692334c">found that no conflict of interest existed</a>&nbsp;that should force Willis off the case, but he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fani-willis-trump-nathan-wade-georgia-election-d6df1ed788efac8bc37c3ce392cdc050">granted a request from Trump</a>&nbsp;and the other defendants to seek an appeal of his ruling from the state Court of Appeals.

McAfee wrote that “an odor of mendacity remains.” He said “reasonable questions” over whether Willis and Wade had testified truthfully about the timing of their relationship “further underpin the finding of an appearance of impropriety and the need to make proportional efforts to cure it.” He said Willis could remain on the case only if Wade left, and the special prosecutor submitted his resignation hours later.

The allegations that Willis had improperly benefited from her romance with Wade resulted in a tumultuous couple of months in the case as intimate details of Willis and Wade’s personal lives were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fani-willis-hearing-trump-case-potential-conflict-c37fcf993ac33c150f3cb3e4a7a888db">aired in court in mid-February</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713453574310.png" alt="File photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — An appeals court has halted the Georgia election interference case against former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and others while it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fani-willis-georgia-election-indictment-3c852370fe7888eaf331fb95dcf9f26f">reviews the lower court judge's ruling</a>&nbsp;allowing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to remain on the case.The Georgia Court of Appeals' order on Wednesday prevents Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee from moving forward with pretrial motions as he had planned while the appeal is pending. While it was already unlikely that the case would go to trial before the November general election, when Trump is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-delegates-republican-nomination-haley-12e336deeb619602f8335f1c4ca1663e">expected to be the Republican nominee</a>&nbsp;for president, this makes that even more certain.The appeals court on Monday docketed the appeals filed by Trump and eight others and said that “if oral argument is requested and granted” it is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 4. The court will then have until mid-March to rule, and the losing side will be able to appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court.A spokesperson for Willis declined to comment on the appeals court ruling.A Fulton County grand jury in August indicted Trump and 18 others, accusing them of participating in a sprawling scheme to illegally try to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. Four defendants have pleaded guilty after reaching deals with prosecutors, but Trump and the others have pleaded not guilty. It is one of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/trump-investigations-civil-criminal-tracker/">four criminal cases against Trump</a>.Trump and eight other defendants had tried to get Willis and her office removed from the case, arguing that a romantic relationship she had with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-willis-wade-georgia-election-5d76abb5578308317306e7b2e610ac91">special prosecutor Nathan Wade</a>&nbsp;created a conflict of interest. McAfee in March&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-election-indictment-fani-willis-trump-60b7dd9642fc9ef7c03d75980692334c">found that no conflict of interest existed</a>&nbsp;that should force Willis off the case, but he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fani-willis-trump-nathan-wade-georgia-election-d6df1ed788efac8bc37c3ce392cdc050">granted a request from Trump</a>&nbsp;and the other defendants to seek an appeal of his ruling from the state Court of Appeals.McAfee wrote that “an odor of mendacity remains.” He said “reasonable questions” over whether Willis and Wade had testified truthfully about the timing of their relationship “further underpin the finding of an appearance of impropriety and the need to make proportional efforts to cure it.” He said Willis could remain on the case only if Wade left, and the special prosecutor submitted his resignation hours later.The allegations that Willis had improperly benefited from her romance with Wade resulted in a tumultuous couple of months in the case as intimate details of Willis and Wade’s personal lives were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fani-willis-hearing-trump-case-potential-conflict-c37fcf993ac33c150f3cb3e4a7a888db">aired in court in mid-February</a>.