FRANKLIN COUNTY&nbsp; —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal truck fire in Franklin County.

Just before 4a.m. Sunday, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to report of a vehicle fire in the 2800 Block of Vermont Road in rural Franklin County, according to Sheriff Jeff Richards.

First responders found a Toyota T100 pickup in the ditch on the east side of the road fully engulfed in flames. Cutler Township Fire responded and quickly extinguished the blaze. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no others in the truck.

Sheriff's department investigators determined the vehicle was southbound and traveled off the east side of the road, rolled and caught fire. The sheriff's office has not released the victim's name.

FRANKLIN COUNTY&nbsp; —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal truck fire in Franklin County.Just before 4a.m. Sunday, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to report of a vehicle fire in the 2800 Block of Vermont Road in rural Franklin County, according to Sheriff Jeff Richards. First responders found a Toyota T100 pickup in the ditch on the east side of the road fully engulfed in flames. Cutler Township Fire responded and quickly extinguished the blaze. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no others in the truck.Sheriff's department investigators determined the vehicle was southbound and traveled off the east side of the road, rolled and caught fire. The sheriff's office has not released the victim's name.

Sheriff: One dead in rural Kansas truck fire

SALINA—Kansas Wesleyan’s Pioneer Hall, 100 E. Claflin Avenue in Salina, was named to the National Register of Historic Places earlier this month, according to a media release from the school.

It becomes the 19th&nbsp;location in Saline County to earn the recognition, joining such places as the former post office building (now the Smoky Hill Museum), the Fox-Watson Theatre (now the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts), and the Masonic Temple (now The Temple) in Salina.

“We are proud to have been a consistent presence in Salina for 136 years,” said Matt Thompson, president of KWU. “This designation speaks to the resilience and staying power of Kansas Wesleyan in this community. Those who have passed through the doors of Pioneer Hall have often enhanced both Kansas Wesleyan and Salina. This university is indebted to the pioneers who came before us and invested in KWU. The Hall of the Pioneers remains a monument of appreciation to them.”

Excavation began for Pioneer Hall, KWU’s second administration building, in 1922. The project was finished in 1929 and given its formal name, The Hall of the Pioneers, to honor those in the city, state and region who gave of themselves to establish KWU. That included local professionals, who successfully executed a campaign to raise $50,000 toward the project’s completion. A donation of $25,000 by E.C. Sams, the then-president of JCPenney, helped finish the centerpiece of the building, Sams Chapel, which was named in honor of his parents.

“KWU has invested significantly in Pioneer Hall in the past several years to make sure it continues to be an excellent place to learn, work and serve students,” said Thompson. “This mindset will be enhanced by the $4.5 million renovation and expansion of Sams Chapel and the music department in the coming year. KWU continues to grow and change. The heart and soul of our campus, Sams Chapel and Pioneer Hall, remain vibrant and active.”

The building is recognized as being an outstanding example of collegiate gothic architecture and as a representative of the work of renowned Wichita architect Lorentz Schmidt

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659993225623.png" alt="Kansas Wesleyan University's Pioneer Hall" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Wesleyan University's Pioneer Hall</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA—Kansas Wesleyan’s Pioneer Hall, 100 E. Claflin Avenue in Salina, was named to the National Register of Historic Places earlier this month, according to a media release from the school.It becomes the 19th&nbsp;location in Saline County to earn the recognition, joining such places as the former post office building (now the Smoky Hill Museum), the Fox-Watson Theatre (now the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts), and the Masonic Temple (now The Temple) in Salina.“We are proud to have been a consistent presence in Salina for 136 years,” said Matt Thompson, president of KWU. “This designation speaks to the resilience and staying power of Kansas Wesleyan in this community. Those who have passed through the doors of Pioneer Hall have often enhanced both Kansas Wesleyan and Salina. This university is indebted to the pioneers who came before us and invested in KWU. The Hall of the Pioneers remains a monument of appreciation to them.”Excavation began for Pioneer Hall, KWU’s second administration building, in 1922. The project was finished in 1929 and given its formal name, The Hall of the Pioneers, to honor those in the city, state and region who gave of themselves to establish KWU. That included local professionals, who successfully executed a campaign to raise $50,000 toward the project’s completion. A donation of $25,000 by E.C. Sams, the then-president of JCPenney, helped finish the centerpiece of the building, Sams Chapel, which was named in honor of his parents.“KWU has invested significantly in Pioneer Hall in the past several years to make sure it continues to be an excellent place to learn, work and serve students,” said Thompson. “This mindset will be enhanced by the $4.5 million renovation and expansion of Sams Chapel and the music department in the coming year. KWU continues to grow and change. The heart and soul of our campus, Sams Chapel and Pioneer Hall, remain vibrant and active.”The building is recognized as being an outstanding example of collegiate gothic architecture and as a representative of the work of renowned Wichita architect Lorentz Schmidt

KWU's Pioneer Hall named to National Register of Historic Places

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of drive by shootings and have three in custody.

On Friday, members of the Topeka Police Department Criminal investigations Bureau served multiple search warrants in reference to a drive by shooting, with property damage only, which occurred in the 600 block of SE Lawrence.

These search warrants were served in the 5600 block of SW 15th St; 1700 block of SW Amhurst Rd; 700 block of SW Fairmont Rd; 1600 block of SW Oakley Ave and the 2400 block of SW Burnett Rd, according to Lt. Edward Stanley.

As a result of the investigation Victor Fuentes, 18, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Criminal threat, Criminal use of a weapon, aggravated assault, Criminal discharge of a firearm, Interference with a law enforcement officer, Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon and Duty of driver to report accident with unattended vehicle

Police also transported two juveniles to the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested Charges Criminal discharge of a firearm, Criminal use of a weapon, Interference with a law enforcement officer, Criminal threat, aggravated assault, and Criminal Damage to property. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674915358703.png" alt="Fuentes-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Fuentes-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of drive by shootings and have three in custody.On Friday, members of the Topeka Police Department Criminal investigations Bureau served multiple search warrants in reference to a drive by shooting, with property damage only, which occurred in the 600 block of SE Lawrence.These search warrants were served in the 5600 block of SW 15th St; 1700 block of SW Amhurst Rd; 700 block of SW Fairmont Rd; 1600 block of SW Oakley Ave and the 2400 block of SW Burnett Rd, according to Lt. Edward Stanley.As a result of the investigation Victor Fuentes, 18, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Criminal threat, Criminal use of a weapon, aggravated assault, Criminal discharge of a firearm, Interference with a law enforcement officer, Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon and Duty of driver to report accident with unattended vehiclePolice also transported two juveniles to the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested Charges Criminal discharge of a firearm, Criminal use of a weapon, Interference with a law enforcement officer, Criminal threat, aggravated assault, and Criminal Damage to property.

Three in custody after Kan. drive-by shooting investigation

2023 Senate Scene Week 3 January 30, 2023<a> </a>

Last week the Senate standing committees continued to hold hearings and bring forward legislation. The Ways and Means Committee is starting to work the budget bill with subcommittee meetings to report to the full committee in a few weeks. Hearings on bills in committees are continuing with the Senate returning to General Orders where we will see the first committee bills to have a vote from the entire Senate.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Tuesday, January 24th, Governor Kelly gave her State of the State address, where she outlined her budget and priorities for Kansas which included tax cuts, increased funding to special education, water supply, Medicaid expansion, and the legalization of medical marijuana.&nbsp; The Governor’s agenda for this session had no surprises and several familiar themes. Governor Kelly reiterated her plans to “meet in the middle” with legislative leadership.&nbsp; She reiterated her desire to completely eliminate the food sales tax immediately, create a sales tax holiday for school supplies, and gradually cut taxes on Social Security income.&nbsp; The issue of cutting income tax on Social Security benefits is a positive first step as it has long been supported by legislatures over the years.&nbsp;&nbsp; The budget was released earlier in the month and Ways and Means has begun the process of sorting through the budget proposed by the governor’s office.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, hundreds of Kansans came out on a cold day for the annual March and Rally for Life at the Statehouse.&nbsp;&nbsp;On January 22, 1974, the first&nbsp;March For Life was held on the west steps of the U.S. Capitol. An estimated 20,000 committed pro-life Americans rallied this day with attendance numbers rising every year.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to the march and rally, events include workshops, pro-life educational booths, capitol tours, visiting legislators, and attending general legislative sessions and committees.

Two wind energy bills – SB46 and SB49 - received hearings in Senate Utilities last week.&nbsp; The bills are addressing&nbsp;light-mitigating technology systems and in particular&nbsp;ADLS&nbsp;(aircraft detection lighting system) which is a technology designed to reduce the impact of night-time&nbsp;lights.&nbsp; The latest radar-based&nbsp;system&nbsp;will only activate the&nbsp;lights&nbsp;when it detects low-flying aircraft nearby.&nbsp; SB49 will be for new construction moving forward and SB46 is retrospective for windfarms which are operating today.&nbsp; The goal of both bills will be to turn off the lights unless the radar system detects an aircraft. &nbsp;Each tower is also regulated by FAA for this technology and has the final approval at each location.&nbsp;

Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam announced that the report of the Wildfire Task Force is not complete but will be available soon.&nbsp; He noted that the primary focus areas are: 1. Increased funding for weather monitoring through the MESONET program of Kansas State University; 2. More accurate reporting of wildfires to access federal financial support; 3.&nbsp;<a>Investigate ways to support volunteer firefighters (tax exemptions etc.) and incentivize employers to support volunteer firefighters</a>; 4. Improve communications systems for volunteers; 5. Investigate and mitigate causes of fires; 6. Increase awareness of steps citizens may take to reduce risk of fire (discussion included elimination of plant materials around structures, allow burn mitigation practices on CRP acres etc.). Representative Troy Waymaster and I both serve on The Wildfire Task Force committee.&nbsp;

Kansas Chief Justice Marla Luckert recently created a new committee to study unmet legal need in rural Kansas. The ratio of attorneys to population in Kansas ranges from two for every 535 residents in urban areas to one for every 808 residents in rural areas. Eighty percent of Kansas attorneys live in six urban counties — Douglas, Johnson, Leavenworth, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte — which make up about half the state’s population. Citing American Bar Association data, 40% of all counties in the United States — 1,272 of 3,141 — have fewer than one lawyer per 1,000 residents. There are about four lawyers for every 1,000 residents nationally. Forty-three percent&nbsp;of Kansans live in rural areas, but only 20% of Kansas attorneys live in rural communities. This leaves an attorneys-to-population-ratio of one active attorney for every 808 residents. In contrast, Kansans in urban areas have two active attorneys for every 535 residents.&nbsp; This is a select committee I was assigned to and I am looking forward to working with the Judicial branch and others in our 18-month time frame to offer solutions for this problem which also exists in other states across the nation.&nbsp;&nbsp;The next meeting will be held February 10th, 2023.

Kansas Day and Senate District #36

January 29th&nbsp;of 2023 marked the 162th&nbsp;anniversary of President James Buchanan signing a bill to make Kansas the 34th&nbsp;state of the United States of America.&nbsp; Kansas is named for the Kansa, the Algonquian word for the Kaw.&nbsp;&nbsp; Kansas is full of rich history, beautiful scenes of nature, and notable landmarks.&nbsp; In Kansas Senate District 36, we have remarkable landmarks such as memorial to Pony Express Riders in Marshall County, the Nazareth Motherhouse in Concordia, Rock City outside of Minneapolis, and the “Home on the Range Cabin” in Smith County, birthplace of our state song.&nbsp; “Home on the Range” was adopted by the Kansas State Legislature as the official state song on June 30, 1947.&nbsp; Along with our state song, Kansas has not one, but two official state marches, “The Kansas March” and “Here’s Kansas.”&nbsp; But while the marches are grand, nothing brings as much pride into the hearts of the residents of the Sunflower State as that of seeing our great flag dancing in the breeze.&nbsp; The flag was designed by Hazel Avery of Lincoln County in 1925.&nbsp; Directly in the center on the field of blue is the Great Seal of the State of Kansas with our motto arching near the top: “Ad Astra Per Aspera” to the stars through difficulties. The flag was modified in 1961 by a bill introduced by Senator Ross Doyen of Concordia to add the word “KANSAS.”

VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF KANSAS -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansas.gov/" target="_blank">www.kansas.gov</a>

You can find a wealth of information at this well-designed website which focuses on Kansas with topics of business, education, government, residents, and services with links to agencies and staff to help answer any question you might have.&nbsp; Webfile will take you directly to the Department of Revenue to file your taxes; Form finder will take you to the Secretary of State’s office for all types of forms for businesses; Learning Quest will direct you to the State Treasurer’s Office; the three branches of Government; and Plan your Trip to Kansas will open to the Department of Wildlife and Parks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas residents can access information on legislation, legislative procedure, state government, public policy issues, and more by calling 1-800-432-3924.&nbsp; Calls are answered by experienced reference/research librarians at the State Library of Kansas and kept confidential.&nbsp; Lines are open weekdays 8 a.m. -5 p.m.&nbsp; Callers can also leave brief messages to be delivered to legislators as well as request copies of bills, journals, and other legislative documents.&nbsp; Questions can also be left at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:infodesk@ks.gov" target="_blank">infodesk@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;on weekends and evenings.&nbsp; Kansans can now chat with a librarian in real-time through the library’s Ask A Librarian service found at kslib.info/ask. You will have the option of installing a mobile app connecting users to all the State Library’s services, including chat, texting, and email.&nbsp; Text questions to 785-256-0733.&nbsp; The State Library is located on the 3rd floor, north wing of the Capitol.&nbsp;

Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a> 785-296-7389 <a href="https://elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">https://elainebowers.com/</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>

Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas which includes:

* Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington counties * Marshall County: Cities: Blue Rapids, Marysville, Oketo and Waterville; Townships: Blue Rapids, Blue Rapids City, Cottage Hill, Elm Creek, Herkimer and Logan * Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg; Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom, Glenwood, Greenwood, Plum, Rushville, Solomon (part), Sumner, Valley and Walnut

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644853578448.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>2023 Senate Scene Week 3 January 30, 2023<a> </a>SENATE HAPPENINGSLast week the Senate standing committees continued to hold hearings and bring forward legislation. The Ways and Means Committee is starting to work the budget bill with subcommittee meetings to report to the full committee in a few weeks. Hearings on bills in committees are continuing with the Senate returning to General Orders where we will see the first committee bills to have a vote from the entire Senate.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a>STATE OF THE STATE</a>On Tuesday, January 24th, Governor Kelly gave her State of the State address, where she outlined her budget and priorities for Kansas which included tax cuts, increased funding to special education, water supply, Medicaid expansion, and the legalization of medical marijuana.&nbsp; The Governor’s agenda for this session had no surprises and several familiar themes. Governor Kelly reiterated her plans to “meet in the middle” with legislative leadership.&nbsp; She reiterated her desire to completely eliminate the food sales tax immediately, create a sales tax holiday for school supplies, and gradually cut taxes on Social Security income.&nbsp; The issue of cutting income tax on Social Security benefits is a positive first step as it has long been supported by legislatures over the years.&nbsp;&nbsp; The budget was released earlier in the month and Ways and Means has begun the process of sorting through the budget proposed by the governor’s office.&nbsp;MARCH AND RALLY FOR LIFEEarlier this week, hundreds of Kansans came out on a cold day for the annual March and Rally for Life at the Statehouse.&nbsp;&nbsp;On January 22, 1974, the first&nbsp;March For Life was held on the west steps of the U.S. Capitol. An estimated 20,000 committed pro-life Americans rallied this day with attendance numbers rising every year.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to the march and rally, events include workshops, pro-life educational booths, capitol tours, visiting legislators, and attending general legislative sessions and committees.SENATE UTILITY COMMITTEETwo wind energy bills – SB46 and SB49 - received hearings in Senate Utilities last week.&nbsp; The bills are addressing&nbsp;light-mitigating technology systems and in particular&nbsp;ADLS&nbsp;(aircraft detection lighting system) which is a technology designed to reduce the impact of night-time&nbsp;lights.&nbsp; The latest radar-based&nbsp;system&nbsp;will only activate the&nbsp;lights&nbsp;when it detects low-flying aircraft nearby.&nbsp; SB49 will be for new construction moving forward and SB46 is retrospective for windfarms which are operating today.&nbsp; The goal of both bills will be to turn off the lights unless the radar system detects an aircraft. &nbsp;Each tower is also regulated by FAA for this technology and has the final approval at each location.&nbsp;<a>WILDFIRE TASK FORCE</a>Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam announced that the report of the Wildfire Task Force is not complete but will be available soon.&nbsp; He noted that the primary focus areas are: 1. Increased funding for weather monitoring through the MESONET program of Kansas State University; 2. More accurate reporting of wildfires to access federal financial support; 3.&nbsp;<a>Investigate ways to support volunteer firefighters (tax exemptions etc.) and incentivize employers to support volunteer firefighters</a>; 4. Improve communications systems for volunteers; 5. Investigate and mitigate causes of fires; 6. Increase awareness of steps citizens may take to reduce risk of fire (discussion included elimination of plant materials around structures, allow burn mitigation practices on CRP acres etc.). Representative Troy Waymaster and I both serve on The Wildfire Task Force committee.&nbsp;RURAL KANSAS LAWYER SHORTAGEKansas Chief Justice Marla Luckert recently created a new committee to study unmet legal need in rural Kansas. The ratio of attorneys to population in Kansas ranges from two for every 535 residents in urban areas to one for every 808 residents in rural areas. Eighty percent of Kansas attorneys live in six urban counties — Douglas, Johnson, Leavenworth, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte — which make up about half the state’s population. Citing American Bar Association data, 40% of all counties in the United States — 1,272 of 3,141 — have fewer than one lawyer per 1,000 residents. There are about four lawyers for every 1,000 residents nationally. Forty-three percent&nbsp;of Kansans live in rural areas, but only 20% of Kansas attorneys live in rural communities. This leaves an attorneys-to-population-ratio of one active attorney for every 808 residents. In contrast, Kansans in urban areas have two active attorneys for every 535 residents.&nbsp; This is a select committee I was assigned to and I am looking forward to working with the Judicial branch and others in our 18-month time frame to offer solutions for this problem which also exists in other states across the nation.&nbsp;&nbsp;The next meeting will be held February 10th, 2023.Kansas Day and Senate District #36January 29th&nbsp;of 2023 marked the 162th&nbsp;anniversary of President James Buchanan signing a bill to make Kansas the 34th&nbsp;state of the United States of America.&nbsp; Kansas is named for the Kansa, the Algonquian word for the Kaw.&nbsp;&nbsp; Kansas is full of rich history, beautiful scenes of nature, and notable landmarks.&nbsp; In Kansas Senate District 36, we have remarkable landmarks such as memorial to Pony Express Riders in Marshall County, the Nazareth Motherhouse in Concordia, Rock City outside of Minneapolis, and the “Home on the Range Cabin” in Smith County, birthplace of our state song.&nbsp; “Home on the Range” was adopted by the Kansas State Legislature as the official state song on June 30, 1947.&nbsp; Along with our state song, Kansas has not one, but two official state marches, “The Kansas March” and “Here’s Kansas.”&nbsp; But while the marches are grand, nothing brings as much pride into the hearts of the residents of the Sunflower State as that of seeing our great flag dancing in the breeze.&nbsp; The flag was designed by Hazel Avery of Lincoln County in 1925.&nbsp; Directly in the center on the field of blue is the Great Seal of the State of Kansas with our motto arching near the top: “Ad Astra Per Aspera” to the stars through difficulties. The flag was modified in 1961 by a bill introduced by Senator Ross Doyen of Concordia to add the word “KANSAS.”VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF KANSAS -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansas.gov/" target="_blank">www.kansas.gov</a>You can find a wealth of information at this well-designed website which focuses on Kansas with topics of business, education, government, residents, and services with links to agencies and staff to help answer any question you might have.&nbsp; Webfile will take you directly to the Department of Revenue to file your taxes; Form finder will take you to the Secretary of State’s office for all types of forms for businesses; Learning Quest will direct you to the State Treasurer’s Office; the three branches of Government; and Plan your Trip to Kansas will open to the Department of Wildlife and Parks.&nbsp;&nbsp;TOLL-FREE LEGISLATIVE HOTLINEKansas residents can access information on legislation, legislative procedure, state government, public policy issues, and more by calling 1-800-432-3924.&nbsp; Calls are answered by experienced reference/research librarians at the State Library of Kansas and kept confidential.&nbsp; Lines are open weekdays 8 a.m. -5 p.m.&nbsp; Callers can also leave brief messages to be delivered to legislators as well as request copies of bills, journals, and other legislative documents.&nbsp; Questions can also be left at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:infodesk@ks.gov" target="_blank">infodesk@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;on weekends and evenings.&nbsp; Kansans can now chat with a librarian in real-time through the library’s Ask A Librarian service found at kslib.info/ask. You will have the option of installing a mobile app connecting users to all the State Library’s services, including chat, texting, and email.&nbsp; Text questions to 785-256-0733.&nbsp; The State Library is located on the 3rd floor, north wing of the Capitol.&nbsp;Thank you for the honor of serving you!Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a> 785-296-7389 <a href="https://elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">https://elainebowers.com/</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a> Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas which includes: * Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington counties * Marshall County: Cities: Blue Rapids, Marysville, Oketo and Waterville; Townships: Blue Rapids, Blue Rapids City, Cottage Hill, Elm Creek, Herkimer and Logan * Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg; Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom, Glenwood, Greenwood, Plum, Rushville, Solomon (part), Sumner, Valley and Walnut

BOWERS: 2023 Senate Scene, Week 3

MIAMI COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hunting accident and asking the public for help with information.

Just after 2:30p.m. Saturday, emergency personnel were dispatched to the area of 239th Street and Lookout Road for a subject in the wooded area with a gun shot wound, according to the Miami County Sheriff's office.

 The victim was hunting on State Park property and was shot.  Due to the unknown circumstances, multiple Sheriff's Office personnel, including the Special Operations Response Team, K9 Team and Shawnee Police Department K9 team responded to search the State Park area. 

 It was not known where the shot came from but authorities are confident, due to the location where the victim was shot, it was on the State Park property. 

 Personnel were able to make contact with hunters in the area during the investigation.  At no time was it believed there was a danger to the public. 

Through the investigation it is believed this is a hunting accident and is being investigated by the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasWildlifeandParks?__cft__[0]=AZXqvbSaW0U23TKbTomT3iRLu0tBC65howuuXzvqVuhSnOCIeoVVlSurBmlb7KDuYGZLUG0U28hIBck2lnuqSho0KDps8DxukhMy2mDL3bJFkJkzH3pVDRGlRrjEHGuN9MIcrlH4egqUGdNRRl36xZ4HDJ10uAKIUzFeNMxOV2RqkABr79ufgJxwaS2d7Ytkfz0&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Department of Wildlife &amp; Parks</a> with the assistance of the Sheriff's Office Investigations Division.

An air ambulance transported the victim to a local area hospital for treatment. The Miami County Sheriff's office asked that anyone with trail camera in the area of Hillsdale Point Access at the Hillsdale Lake or anywhere to the west of Hillsdale Point Access, to review your video looking for anyone with a firearm walking through.

The park is located between Spring Hill and Paola, about 3 miles east of US-169/K-7and 255th Street interchange.

MIAMI COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hunting accident and asking the public for help with information.Just after 2:30p.m. Saturday, emergency personnel were dispatched to the area of 239th Street and Lookout Road for a subject in the wooded area with a gun shot wound, according to the Miami County Sheriff's office. The victim was hunting on State Park property and was shot. Due to the unknown circumstances, multiple Sheriff's Office personnel, including the Special Operations Response Team, K9 Team and Shawnee Police Department K9 team responded to search the State Park area. It was not known where the shot came from but authorities are confident, due to the location where the victim was shot, it was on the State Park property. Personnel were able to make contact with hunters in the area during the investigation. At no time was it believed there was a danger to the public. Through the investigation it is believed this is a hunting accident and is being investigated by the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasWildlifeandParks?__cft__[0]=AZXqvbSaW0U23TKbTomT3iRLu0tBC65howuuXzvqVuhSnOCIeoVVlSurBmlb7KDuYGZLUG0U28hIBck2lnuqSho0KDps8DxukhMy2mDL3bJFkJkzH3pVDRGlRrjEHGuN9MIcrlH4egqUGdNRRl36xZ4HDJ10uAKIUzFeNMxOV2RqkABr79ufgJxwaS2d7Ytkfz0&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Department of Wildlife &amp; Parks</a> with the assistance of the Sheriff's Office Investigations Division. An air ambulance transported the victim to a local area hospital for treatment. The Miami County Sheriff's office asked that anyone with trail camera in the area of Hillsdale Point Access at the Hillsdale Lake or anywhere to the west of Hillsdale Point Access, to review your video looking for anyone with a firearm walking through.The park is located between Spring Hill and Paola, about 3 miles east of US-169/K-7and 255th Street interchange.

Hunter airlifted to hospital after incident at Kan. state park

WASHINGTON (AP) — For the second time this month, House Republicans have advanced a measure to restrict presidential use of the nation’s emergency oil stockpile — a proposal that has already drawn a White House veto threat.

A GOP bill approved Friday would require the government to offset any non-emergency withdrawals from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve with new drilling on public lands and oceans. Republicans accuse President Joe Biden of abusing the reserve for political reasons to keep gas prices low, while Biden says tapping the reserve was needed last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-europe-3e1808077371b88ae043c86584763afd">in response to a ban on Russian oil imports following President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.</a>

Biden withdrew 180 million barrels from the strategic reserve over several months, bringing the stockpile to its lowest level since the 1980s. The administration said last month it will start to replenish the reserve now that oil prices have gone down.

The bill was approved, 221-205, on a near party-line vote. Rep. Jared Golden of Maine was the sole Democrat to join unanimous Republicans in supporting the bill. The measure heads to the Democratic-controlled Senate, where it is expected to languish.

Even before the vote, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre attacked the latest GOP proposal, which follows a bill approved two weeks ago that would prohibit the Energy Department from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-us-republican-party-china-92863d8d03fe2cd9b1994e0f1f5579a6">selling oil from the strategic reserve to companies owned or influenced by the Chinese Communist Party.</a>

“House Republicans will vote to raise gas prices on American families ... and help Putin's war aims by interfering with our ability to release oil,'' Jean-Pierre said Monday, referring to the current GOP bill.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, appearing with Jean-Pierre at the White House, said the bill would make it ”harder to offer Americans relief in the future" from oil disruptions that could raise prices.

Republican Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee and sponsored the GOP bill, accused Granholm and the White House of multiple misleading claims, including an erroneous assertion that the bill could affect use of the reserve during a presidentially declared emergency.

“At a time when gas prices are on the rise, Secretary Granholm and the Biden administration need to be transparent with the American people about their efforts to cover up how they’ve abused the Strategic Petroleum Reserve as an election-year gimmick,'' McMorris Rodgers said.

"Republicans want durable, long-lasting relief at the pump. The best way to do this is by unleashing American energy,'' which her legislation helps accomplish, added McMorris Rodgers, of Washington state.

The heated rhetoric is part of a larger fight over oil drilling and climate change. Republicans say restrictions on oil leasing imposed by the Biden administration hamper U.S. energy production and harm the economy, while Democrats tout&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-science-congress-climate-and-environment-f084d23d61ebb068068d4aa92c82fdbb">a sweeping climate law approved last year</a>&nbsp;as a crucial step to wean the nation off fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas. The measure authorizes billions in spending to boost renewable energy such as wind and solar power and includes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-business-climate-and-environment-f145b24414ff245f491fd68257b3db60">incentives for Americans to buy millions of electric cars, heat pumps, solar panels and more efficient appliances.</a>

Biden, citing the dangers of climate change, canceled the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline in his first days in office and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-is-biden-halting-federal-oil-and-gas-sales-b8f03552c2c2fa7ec0dfc5debeb3f882">suspended new oil and gas leases on federal lands.</a>&nbsp;The moratorium has since been lifted, under court order, but Republicans complain that lease sales for new drilling rights are still limited.

Biden campaigned on pledges to end new drilling on public lands, and climate activists have pushed him to move faster to shut down oil leasing. Fossil fuels extracted from public lands account for about 20% of energy-related U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making them a prime target for emissions reductions intended to slow global warming.

“Whether on land or at sea, oil drilling poses an unacceptable risk for our wildlife, wild places and waterways,'' said Lisa Frank of Environment America, an advocacy group. “When we drill, we spill. At a time when we should be moving away from this destructive, dangerous practice this bill doubles down on the outmoded energy of the past.''

Conservative and industry groups support the bill.

“We can continue making the Strategic Petroleum Reserve the nation’s sole response to future disruptions, or we can also utilize more of the vast oil supplies sitting beneath the lands and offshore areas currently kept off limits by the president,'' the Competitive Enterprise Institute and other conservative groups said in a letter to Congress.

The Treasury Department estimates that release of oil from the emergency stockpile lowered prices at the pump by up to 40 cents per gallon. Gasoline prices averaged about $3.50 per gallon on Thursday, down from just over $5 per gallon at their peak in June, according to the AAA auto club.

Still, gas prices are up more than 30 cents from a month ago and are higher than when Biden took office in January 2021. "Millions of Americans are paying more at the pump as a result of the Biden administration’s radical ‘rush-to-green’ agenda that has shut down American energy,'' McMorris Rodgers said.

Granholm, citing thousands of unused leases by oil companies, said GOP claims of obstructionism on drilling were off-base. “There's nothing standing in the way of domestic oil and gas production,'' she said. McMorris Rodgers disputed that, citing “burdensome regulations” and discouragement of investment in domestic oil and gas industries.

The oil bill was one of the first to be considered under a more open rules process Republicans instituted since retaking the House majority. More than 60 amendments were considered on Thursday and Friday, with most from both parties rejected.

Among those approved were two amendments by New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a moderate Democrat. Both clarified that oil from the reserve should not be sold to China, Iran, North Korea or Russia; that addresses a complaint Democrats made earlier this month about a previous GOP bill that singled out China for a ban on buying U.S. reserves.

The China measure won significant Democratic support in the House and could advance in the Senate; lawmakers from both parties have signaled growing concerns about China's influence on the global economy.

WASHINGTON (AP) — For the second time this month, House Republicans have advanced a measure to restrict presidential use of the nation’s emergency oil stockpile — a proposal that has already drawn a White House veto threat.A GOP bill approved Friday would require the government to offset any non-emergency withdrawals from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve with new drilling on public lands and oceans. Republicans accuse President Joe Biden of abusing the reserve for political reasons to keep gas prices low, while Biden says tapping the reserve was needed last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-europe-3e1808077371b88ae043c86584763afd">in response to a ban on Russian oil imports following President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.</a>Biden withdrew 180 million barrels from the strategic reserve over several months, bringing the stockpile to its lowest level since the 1980s. The administration said last month it will start to replenish the reserve now that oil prices have gone down.The bill was approved, 221-205, on a near party-line vote. Rep. Jared Golden of Maine was the sole Democrat to join unanimous Republicans in supporting the bill. The measure heads to the Democratic-controlled Senate, where it is expected to languish.Even before the vote, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre attacked the latest GOP proposal, which follows a bill approved two weeks ago that would prohibit the Energy Department from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-us-republican-party-china-92863d8d03fe2cd9b1994e0f1f5579a6">selling oil from the strategic reserve to companies owned or influenced by the Chinese Communist Party.</a>“House Republicans will vote to raise gas prices on American families ... and help Putin's war aims by interfering with our ability to release oil,'' Jean-Pierre said Monday, referring to the current GOP bill.Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, appearing with Jean-Pierre at the White House, said the bill would make it ”harder to offer Americans relief in the future" from oil disruptions that could raise prices.Republican Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee and sponsored the GOP bill, accused Granholm and the White House of multiple misleading claims, including an erroneous assertion that the bill could affect use of the reserve during a presidentially declared emergency.“At a time when gas prices are on the rise, Secretary Granholm and the Biden administration need to be transparent with the American people about their efforts to cover up how they’ve abused the Strategic Petroleum Reserve as an election-year gimmick,'' McMorris Rodgers said."Republicans want durable, long-lasting relief at the pump. The best way to do this is by unleashing American energy,'' which her legislation helps accomplish, added McMorris Rodgers, of Washington state.The heated rhetoric is part of a larger fight over oil drilling and climate change. Republicans say restrictions on oil leasing imposed by the Biden administration hamper U.S. energy production and harm the economy, while Democrats tout&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-science-congress-climate-and-environment-f084d23d61ebb068068d4aa92c82fdbb">a sweeping climate law approved last year</a>&nbsp;as a crucial step to wean the nation off fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas. The measure authorizes billions in spending to boost renewable energy such as wind and solar power and includes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-business-climate-and-environment-f145b24414ff245f491fd68257b3db60">incentives for Americans to buy millions of electric cars, heat pumps, solar panels and more efficient appliances.</a>Biden, citing the dangers of climate change, canceled the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline in his first days in office and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-is-biden-halting-federal-oil-and-gas-sales-b8f03552c2c2fa7ec0dfc5debeb3f882">suspended new oil and gas leases on federal lands.</a>&nbsp;The moratorium has since been lifted, under court order, but Republicans complain that lease sales for new drilling rights are still limited.Biden campaigned on pledges to end new drilling on public lands, and climate activists have pushed him to move faster to shut down oil leasing. Fossil fuels extracted from public lands account for about 20% of energy-related U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making them a prime target for emissions reductions intended to slow global warming.“Whether on land or at sea, oil drilling poses an unacceptable risk for our wildlife, wild places and waterways,'' said Lisa Frank of Environment America, an advocacy group. “When we drill, we spill. At a time when we should be moving away from this destructive, dangerous practice this bill doubles down on the outmoded energy of the past.''Conservative and industry groups support the bill.“We can continue making the Strategic Petroleum Reserve the nation’s sole response to future disruptions, or we can also utilize more of the vast oil supplies sitting beneath the lands and offshore areas currently kept off limits by the president,'' the Competitive Enterprise Institute and other conservative groups said in a letter to Congress.The Treasury Department estimates that release of oil from the emergency stockpile lowered prices at the pump by up to 40 cents per gallon. Gasoline prices averaged about $3.50 per gallon on Thursday, down from just over $5 per gallon at their peak in June, according to the AAA auto club.Still, gas prices are up more than 30 cents from a month ago and are higher than when Biden took office in January 2021. "Millions of Americans are paying more at the pump as a result of the Biden administration’s radical ‘rush-to-green’ agenda that has shut down American energy,'' McMorris Rodgers said.Granholm, citing thousands of unused leases by oil companies, said GOP claims of obstructionism on drilling were off-base. “There's nothing standing in the way of domestic oil and gas production,'' she said. McMorris Rodgers disputed that, citing “burdensome regulations” and discouragement of investment in domestic oil and gas industries.The oil bill was one of the first to be considered under a more open rules process Republicans instituted since retaking the House majority. More than 60 amendments were considered on Thursday and Friday, with most from both parties rejected.Among those approved were two amendments by New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a moderate Democrat. Both clarified that oil from the reserve should not be sold to China, Iran, North Korea or Russia; that addresses a complaint Democrats made earlier this month about a previous GOP bill that singled out China for a ban on buying U.S. reserves.The China measure won significant Democratic support in the House and could advance in the Senate; lawmakers from both parties have signaled growing concerns about China's influence on the global economy.

GOP, Biden battle over use of the nation’s emergency oil stockpile

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; several shootings including two at Wichita night spots that occurred over the weekend.

Just after 11:30p.m. Saturday, police patrolling the parking lot of Onyx Night Club, at 10001 E Kellogg Drive when several gunshots were fired inside the Night Club. 

Officers ran towards the entrance and were met by a large number of people exiting the business. Officers entered the Night Club and located the 36-year-old victim with several gunshot wounds to his body. Officers began performing life-saving measures and he was transported to a local hospital for treatment. While officers were at the Night Club processing the scene a 35-year-old victim arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg.

The investigation revealed nearly 900 people were inside the Night Club when a physical disturbance occurred between two different groups of people. During this disturbance, someone brandished a gun and fired several rounds striking the two victims. 

Just before 1a.m. Saturday, police&nbsp;were on patrol in the Old Town area of Wichita when they heard multiple gunshots coming from inside Rock Island Live at 101 N. Rock Island Ave, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

As officers arrived, they were met by a large crowd exiting the business.

 A 22-year-old woman ran out with a gunshot wound to her upper arm. Officers took her to safety, and she was transported to a local hospital for treatment. 

Other officers made entry to the business and located a 22-year-old man conscious and breathing with a gunshot wound to his upper torso. Officers began providing life-saving measures and the victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.&nbsp; Late Saturday morning, he was reported in stable condition, according to Ditch.&nbsp; 

While on scene at the hospital a 22- year-old woman arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to her foot.

The investigation revealed that 22-year-old Tyra Adair was involved in a physical disturbance with several other women inside the business. Adair then brandished a gun and fire several rounds. 

At this point, police believed that the victims who were struck by gunfire were not the individuals involved in the physical altercation, but innocent bystanders, according to Ditch.

Police located Adair nearby and took her into custody without incident and she was in possession of a gun.&nbsp; <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20055026">She is being held on</a> requested charges of aggravated battery.

Just after 3:30a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1400 block of South George Washington Blvd in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

First responders arrived on the scene and located the 57-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to her upper body. EMS transported her to an area hospital for treatment. She was reported in stable condition.

The investigation revealed several shots were fired at the residence from outside and one round struck the victim. There were three other people in the residence including a 4-year-old girl, a 10-year-old girl and a 36-year-old man. Police have not reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675022145263.png" alt="Adair-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Adair-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; several shootings including two at Wichita night spots that occurred over the weekend.Just after 11:30p.m. Saturday, police patrolling the parking lot of Onyx Night Club, at 10001 E Kellogg Drive when several gunshots were fired inside the Night Club. Officers ran towards the entrance and were met by a large number of people exiting the business. Officers entered the Night Club and located the 36-year-old victim with several gunshot wounds to his body. Officers began performing life-saving measures and he was transported to a local hospital for treatment. While officers were at the Night Club processing the scene a 35-year-old victim arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg.The investigation revealed nearly 900 people were inside the Night Club when a physical disturbance occurred between two different groups of people. During this disturbance, someone brandished a gun and fired several rounds striking the two victims. Just before 1a.m. Saturday, police&nbsp;were on patrol in the Old Town area of Wichita when they heard multiple gunshots coming from inside Rock Island Live at 101 N. Rock Island Ave, according to Officer Chad Ditch.As officers arrived, they were met by a large crowd exiting the business. A 22-year-old woman ran out with a gunshot wound to her upper arm. Officers took her to safety, and she was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Other officers made entry to the business and located a 22-year-old man conscious and breathing with a gunshot wound to his upper torso. Officers began providing life-saving measures and the victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.&nbsp; Late Saturday morning, he was reported in stable condition, according to Ditch.&nbsp; While on scene at the hospital a 22- year-old woman arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to her foot.The investigation revealed that 22-year-old Tyra Adair was involved in a physical disturbance with several other women inside the business. Adair then brandished a gun and fire several rounds. At this point, police believed that the victims who were struck by gunfire were not the individuals involved in the physical altercation, but innocent bystanders, according to Ditch.Police located Adair nearby and took her into custody without incident and she was in possession of a gun.&nbsp; <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20055026">She is being held on</a> requested charges of aggravated battery.Just after 3:30a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1400 block of South George Washington Blvd in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.First responders arrived on the scene and located the 57-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to her upper body. EMS transported her to an area hospital for treatment. She was reported in stable condition.The investigation revealed several shots were fired at the residence from outside and one round struck the victim. There were three other people in the residence including a 4-year-old girl, a 10-year-old girl and a 36-year-old man. Police have not reported an arrest.

Six hospitalized after violent weekend of gunfire in Wichita

TEXAS COUNTY, Okla. — A Kansas man died in a small plane crash just after 9:30p.m. Saturday in Texas County, Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported&nbsp; a fixed wing, single engine Cessna 172 piloted <a href="https://flightaware.com/resources/registration/N6482B">by Victor Mendoza,</a> 46, Liberal, Kansas, crashed approximately ten miles northwest of Hooker, Oklahoma.

Mendoza was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no others on board the plane. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration.&nbsp;

TEXAS COUNTY, Okla. — A Kansas man died in a small plane crash just after 9:30p.m. Saturday in Texas County, Oklahoma.The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported&nbsp; a fixed wing, single engine Cessna 172 piloted <a href="https://flightaware.com/resources/registration/N6482B">by Victor Mendoza,</a> 46, Liberal, Kansas, crashed approximately ten miles northwest of Hooker, Oklahoma.Mendoza was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no others on board the plane. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration.&nbsp;

Kansas man dies after small plane crash

KANSAS CITY— Protesters and police unions around the country continue to condemn Memphis police after the public release <a href="https://vimeo.com/cityofmemphis">of video</a> showing five officers savagely beating Tyre Nichols, who later died.

Kansas City Kansas Police Chief Karl Oakman released a statement late Saturday with "a sobering reminder to law enforcement that with great authority comes great responsibility."

Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan and the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department also released statements condemning the violence.

Sullivan wrote, "By now I’m sure many of you have <a href="https://vimeo.com/cityofmemphis">seen the video </a>out of Memphis that shows the horrific beating of Mr. Tyre Nichols. I have seen it as well. Like many of you, I am shocked and sickened by the actions of those officers and I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the entire Nichols family."

"I want to applaud Chief CJ Davis on her handling of this incident. I also want to ensure the citizens of Wichita that the Wichita Police Department stands by you in your anger, sadness, and frustration with this despicable act of violence committed by 5 human beings who disgraced the badge."&nbsp;

"I wish I could say in 40 years of Policing that this is the first time I have seen this type of case, but sadly it’s not. What I can say, is that the Wichita Police Department is not just here for you, we are here with you. We do not support nor defend officers who act like they are above the law and use excessive and unnecessary force against those they swore to protect and serve." The Sedgwick Sheriff’s office said in a statement they were "appalled by the atrocity that occurred to Tyre Nichols at the hands of the former Memphis Officers."

"This is an incredible violation of public trust and this office condemns their actions. The former Memphis Officers have tarnished the badge and betrayed their oath."

"It is the mission of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office to partner with the citizens of Sedgwick County providing effective public service to all in an impartial, ethical and professional manner. We continue to uphold these standards in trying times and fully support the prosecution of the former Memphis Officers."

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — An unarmed Black man dies after a videotaped beating by police. The officers involved are fired. After a thorough review of the evidence, criminal charges are swiftly filed against the offending officers.

Investigation, accountability and charges.

This is often the most Black citizens can hope for as the deaths continue. Nationwide, police have killed roughly three people per day consistently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-columbus-shootings-police-trials-65a16498f72823a887476486e1f05633">since 2020</a>, according to academics and advocates for police reform who track such deaths.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tyre-nichols-profile-memphis-3104f3cdbaf568daf6647eca080d4001">Tyre Nichols'</a>&nbsp;fatal encounter with police officers in Memphis, Tennessee, recorded in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tyre-nichols-video-memphis-police-e3ee8e6698faae16df3f41d09234b09f?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_01">video made public Friday night</a>, is a glaring reminder that efforts to reform policing have failed to prevent more flashpoints in an intractable epidemic of brutality.

Nearly 32 years ago, Rodney King’s savage beating by police in Los Angeles prompted heartfelt calls for change. They’ve been repeated in a ceaseless rhythm ever since, punctuated by the deaths of Amadou Diallo in New York, Oscar Grant in Oakland, California, Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and so many others.

George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis in 2020 was so agonizing to watch, it summoned a national reckoning that featured federal legislation proposed in his name and shows of solidarity by corporations and sports leagues. All fell short of the shift in law enforcement culture Black people in America have called for — a culture that promotes freedom from fear, trust in police and mutual respect.

“We need public safety, right? We need law enforcement to combat pervasive crime,” said Jason Turner, senior pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis. “Also, we don’t want the people who are sworn to protect and serve us brutalizing us for a simple traffic stop, or any offense.”

The five Black officers are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tyre-nichols-police-officers-charged-48d48f2137a2f34482274edb1bd1bab2">now fired and charged</a>&nbsp;with murder and other crimes in the Jan. 10 death of Nichols, a 29-year-old skateboarder, FedEx worker and father to a 4-year-old boy.

From police brass and the district attorney’s office to the White House, officials said Nichols’ killing points to a need for bolder reforms that go beyond simply diversifying the ranks, changing use-of-force rules and encouraging citizens to file complaints.

“The world is watching us,” Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said. “If there is any silver lining to be drawn from this very dark cloud, it’s that perhaps this incident can open a broader conversation about the need for police reform.”

President Joe Biden joined national civil rights leaders in similar calls to action.

“To deliver real change, we must have accountability when law enforcement officers violate their oaths, and we need to build lasting trust between law enforcement, the vast majority of whom wear the badge honorably, and the communities they are sworn to serve and protect,” the president said.

But Memphis, whose 628,000 residents celebrate barbecue and blues music and lament being the place where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, has seen this before. The city took steps advocates called for in a “Reimagine Policing” initiative in 2021, and mirrored a set of policy changes reformers want all departments to implement immediately, known as “8 Can’t Wait.”

De-escalation training is now required. Officers are told to limit uses of force, exhaust all alternatives before resorting to deadly force and report all uses of force. Tennessee also took action: State law now requires officers to intervene to stop abuse and report excessive force by their colleagues.

Showing unusual transparency for a police department, the MPD now publishes accountability reports that include the race of people subjected to use of force each year. They show Black men and women were overwhelmingly targeted for rougher treatment in 2019, 2020 and 2021. They were subject to nearly 86% of the recorded uses of guns, batons, pepper spray, physical beatings and other force in 2021, the total nearly doubling that year to 1,700 cases.

Seven uses of force by Memphis police ended in death during these three years.

“I don’t know how much more cumulative Black death our community should have to pay to convince elected officials that the policing system isn’t broken — it’s working exactly as it was designed to, at the expense of Black life,” said Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson, co-executive director of the Highlander Research and Education Center, a Tennessee-based civil rights leadership training school.

The Nichols case — just one of the brutality cases to make national news this month — exposes an uncomfortable truth: More than two years since the deaths of Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Rayshard Brooks touched off protests, policing reforms have not significantly reduced such killings.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-george-floyd-amir-locke-richmond-minneapolis-86370ae1c735d44525e37eed80b293b2">States approved nearly 300 police reform bills after Floyd’s murder,</a>&nbsp;creating civilian oversight of police, more anti-bias training, stricter use-of-force limits and alternatives to arrests in cases involving people with mental illnesses, according to a recent analysis by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland.

Despite calls to “defund the police,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-police-law-enforcement-agencies-local-governments-iowa-420d0714086f72bc255c676bfe214532">an Associated Press review of police funding nationwide</a>&nbsp;found only modest cuts, driven largely by shrinking revenue related to the coronavirus pandemic. Budgets increased and more officers were hired for some large departments, including New York City’s.

Still stuck in Congress is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nyc-state-wire-george-floyd-death-of-george-floyd-police-police-reform-988260d4657103cd968bad7f039b0e19">the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act,</a>&nbsp;which would prohibit racial profiling, ban chokeholds and no-knock warrants, limit the transfer of military equipment to police departments, and make it easier to bring charges against offending officers. Biden said he told Nichols’ mother that he would be “making a case” to Congress to pass the Floyd Act “to get this under control.”

The Rev. Al Sharpton said his eulogy at Nichols’ funeral on Wednesday will include a call for new laws. NAACP President Derrick Johnson also took Congress to task.

“By failing to write a piece of legislation, you’re writing another obituary,” Johnson said. “Tell us what you’re going to do to honor Tyre Nichols. … We can name all the victims of police violence, but we can’t name a single law you have passed to address it.”

Advocates want state and federal legislation because local changes vary widely in scope and effect and can be undone by a single election after years of grassroots activism. But some say strict regulations are just the start — and the video of Nichols’ agony proves it.

“Changing a rule doesn’t change a behavior,” said Katie Ryan, chief of staff for Campaign Zero, a group of academics, policing experts and activists working to end police violence. “The culture of a police department has to shift into actually implementing the policies, not just saying there’s a rule in place.”

The five officers charged — Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr., Emmitt Martin III and Justin Smith — were part of the so-called Scorpion unit. Scorpion stands for Street Crimes Operations to Restore Peace in our Neighborhoods.

The Memphis police chief, Cerelyn “CJ” Davis,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-memphis-crime-law-enforcement-1b7e8fa4ed7120a897086250d5d6da35">disbanded the unit</a>&nbsp;on Saturday.

“It is in the best interest of all to permanently deactivate the Scorpion unit,” she said in a statement.

Prior to the move by Davis, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said it was clear that the officers involved in the attack on Nichols violated the department’s policies and training.

“I want to assure you we are doing everything we can to prevent this from happening again,” Strickland said in a statement. “We are initiating an outside, independent review of the training, policies and operations of our specialized units.”

The Memphis police union extended condolences to Nichols’ family, saying it “is committed to the administration of justice and NEVER condones the mistreatment of ANY citizen nor ANY abuse of power.” The statement also expressed faith that the justice system would reveal “the totality of circumstances” in the case.

Patrick Yoes, national president of the Fraternal Order of Police, pushed back against the conclusion that policing must change. This was not “legitimate police work or a traffic stop gone wrong,” Yoes said. “This is a criminal assault under the pretext of law.”

Protesters turned out again Friday night after the city released the video footage. Turner, the Memphis pastor, called the images “further proof that our city’s and our nation’s criminal justice systems are in dire need of change.”

“It’s not like we’re short on concrete, reasonable recommendations,” said the Rev. Earle Fisher, senior pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church. “What we’re short on is the political will and the commitment to making the structural changes.”

Protesters gathered in a park near the White House, in Memphis and other cities as <a href="https://vimeo.com/cityofmemphis">the video </a>was released.

In Memphis, protesters chanted: “Say his name! Tyre Nichols!” and several dozen protesters blocked a heavily traveled bridge on Interstate 55 that is one of two main spans connecting Arkansas and Tennessee over the Mississippi River.

Unions in California and Hawaii issued a joint statement calling the actions of the officers “repugnant and the complete antithesis of how honorable law enforcement professionals conduct themselves.”

The Prosecutors Alliance of California calls the killing senseless and in California’s capitol of Sacramento, Mayor Darrell Steinberg said: “I am filled with anger, with sorrow and revulsion.”

— Memphis authorities have released more than an hour of footage of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tyre-nichols-video-memphis-police-e3ee8e6698faae16df3f41d09234b09f">the police beating</a>&nbsp;of Tyre Nichols, whose death resulted in murder charges and provoked outrage

— Family and friends remember&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tyre-nichols-profile-memphis-3104f3cdbaf568daf6647eca080d4001">Tyre Nichols</a>&nbsp;as a generous, lovable man who worked hard to be a good father to his 4-year-old son

—&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/law-enforcement-police-brutality-memphis-bde48465a79bb20bbb68473c0cc63b1e">Timeline of events</a>&nbsp;in the arrest, death of Tyre Nichols

MEMPHIS —<a href="https://vimeo.com/cityofmemphis"> Video showing</a> five Memphis police officers beating a Black man was made public Friday, one day after they were charged with murder in the death of Tyre Nichols.

The footage shows the Black officers savagely beating the 29-year-old FedEx worker for three minutes in an assault that the Nichols family’s legal team likened to the infamous 1991 police beating of Los Angeles motorist Rodney King.

Cities across the country braced for large demonstrations. Nichols’ relatives urged supporters to protest peacefully. ___

WASHINGTON — The national president of the Fraternal Order of Police has issued a scathing statement over the actions of five former Memphis police officers involved in the arrest of Tyre Nichols.

Patrick Yoes says the officers’ encounter with Nichols “does not constitute legitimate police work or a traffic stop gone wrong.” Instead, Yoes called it a “criminal assault under the pretext of law.”

Nichols died three days after a Jan. 7 confrontation with the officers during a traffic stop.

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden said he was “very concerned” about the prospect of violence, but called for protests over the death of Tyre Nichols to remain peaceful.

Speaking Friday at the White House before departing for Camp David, the president reflected on his call earlier with Nichols’ mother, RowVaughn Wells.

“I’m obviously very concerned about it,” Biden said when asked if he was worried about violence, “but I think she has made a very strong plea. She’s obviously in enormous pain.”

Biden said that “innocent lives” were at stake Friday as the country awaited the release of police footage of depicting five Memphis officers beating Nichols during a traffic stop.

NEW YORK — In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams, a former police officer, said he and other mayors across the country had been briefed by the White House in advance of the video’s release, which he said would “trigger pain and sadness in many of us. It will make us angry.”

He urged demonstrators to “respect the wishes of Mr. Nichols’ mother. If you need to express your anger and outrage, do so peacefully. My message to the NYPD has been, and will continue to be, to exercise restraint.”

Adams, who during his years as a New York Police Department officer co-founded an organization that advocated for diversity in policing and against abuses of power, said he “felt betrayed” by the officers charged in the Memphis death of Nichols.

“Any officer who engages in violence and brutality tarnishes all the work we have done to keep communities safe,” he said. He added: “They make it harder for the brothers and sisters in uniform to accomplish the incredible work they do, day in and day out.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674870163108.png" alt="Image from a pole camera video released Friday night by the city of Memphis" />
 <figcaption>Image from a pole camera video released Friday night by the city of Memphis</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— Protesters and police unions around the country continue to condemn Memphis police after the public release <a href="https://vimeo.com/cityofmemphis">of video</a> showing five officers savagely beating Tyre Nichols, who later died.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Media Advisory: Thursday, January 27, 2023 Video footage of the incident between Tyre Nichols and the Memphis Police Department Video can be viewed at <a href="https://t.co/rsnlgakz63">https://t.co/rsnlgakz63</a>&mdash; CityofMem_Media (@CityofMem_Media) <a href="https://twitter.com/CityofMem_Media/status/1619123186502889472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">From Chief Karl A. Oakman. <a href="https://t.co/odUwLdGG2J">pic.twitter.com/odUwLdGG2J</a>&mdash; Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (@KCKPDChief) <a href="https://twitter.com/KCKPDChief/status/1619495948937486336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas City Kansas Police Chief Karl Oakman released a statement late Saturday with "a sobering reminder to law enforcement that with great authority comes great responsibility."Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan and the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department also released statements condemning the violence.Sullivan wrote, "By now I’m sure many of you have <a href="https://vimeo.com/cityofmemphis">seen the video </a>out of Memphis that shows the horrific beating of Mr. Tyre Nichols. I have seen it as well. Like many of you, I am shocked and sickened by the actions of those officers and I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the entire Nichols family.""I want to applaud Chief CJ Davis on her handling of this incident. I also want to ensure the citizens of Wichita that the Wichita Police Department stands by you in your anger, sadness, and frustration with this despicable act of violence committed by 5 human beings who disgraced the badge."&nbsp;"I wish I could say in 40 years of Policing that this is the first time I have seen this type of case, but sadly it’s not. What I can say, is that the Wichita Police Department is not just here for you, we are here with you. We do not support nor defend officers who act like they are above the law and use excessive and unnecessary force against those they swore to protect and serve." The Sedgwick Sheriff’s office said in a statement they were "appalled by the atrocity that occurred to Tyre Nichols at the hands of the former Memphis Officers.""This is an incredible violation of public trust and this office condemns their actions. The former Memphis Officers have tarnished the badge and betrayed their oath.""It is the mission of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office to partner with the citizens of Sedgwick County providing effective public service to all in an impartial, ethical and professional manner. We continue to uphold these standards in trying times and fully support the prosecution of the former Memphis Officers."----------MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — An unarmed Black man dies after a videotaped beating by police. The officers involved are fired. After a thorough review of the evidence, criminal charges are swiftly filed against the offending officers.Investigation, accountability and charges.This is often the most Black citizens can hope for as the deaths continue. Nationwide, police have killed roughly three people per day consistently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-columbus-shootings-police-trials-65a16498f72823a887476486e1f05633">since 2020</a>, according to academics and advocates for police reform who track such deaths.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tyre-nichols-profile-memphis-3104f3cdbaf568daf6647eca080d4001">Tyre Nichols'</a>&nbsp;fatal encounter with police officers in Memphis, Tennessee, recorded in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tyre-nichols-video-memphis-police-e3ee8e6698faae16df3f41d09234b09f?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_01">video made public Friday night</a>, is a glaring reminder that efforts to reform policing have failed to prevent more flashpoints in an intractable epidemic of brutality.Nearly 32 years ago, Rodney King’s savage beating by police in Los Angeles prompted heartfelt calls for change. They’ve been repeated in a ceaseless rhythm ever since, punctuated by the deaths of Amadou Diallo in New York, Oscar Grant in Oakland, California, Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and so many others.George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis in 2020 was so agonizing to watch, it summoned a national reckoning that featured federal legislation proposed in his name and shows of solidarity by corporations and sports leagues. All fell short of the shift in law enforcement culture Black people in America have called for — a culture that promotes freedom from fear, trust in police and mutual respect.“We need public safety, right? We need law enforcement to combat pervasive crime,” said Jason Turner, senior pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis. “Also, we don’t want the people who are sworn to protect and serve us brutalizing us for a simple traffic stop, or any offense.”The five Black officers are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tyre-nichols-police-officers-charged-48d48f2137a2f34482274edb1bd1bab2">now fired and charged</a>&nbsp;with murder and other crimes in the Jan. 10 death of Nichols, a 29-year-old skateboarder, FedEx worker and father to a 4-year-old boy.From police brass and the district attorney’s office to the White House, officials said Nichols’ killing points to a need for bolder reforms that go beyond simply diversifying the ranks, changing use-of-force rules and encouraging citizens to file complaints.“The world is watching us,” Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said. “If there is any silver lining to be drawn from this very dark cloud, it’s that perhaps this incident can open a broader conversation about the need for police reform.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My heart goes out to Tyre Nichols’ family and to Americans in Memphis and across the country who are grieving this tremendously painful loss. There are no words to describe the heartbreak and grief of losing a beloved child and young father.⁰⁰Here&#39;s my full statement. <a href="https://t.co/ghROhSGtao">pic.twitter.com/ghROhSGtao</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1619143234034491397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>President Joe Biden joined national civil rights leaders in similar calls to action.“To deliver real change, we must have accountability when law enforcement officers violate their oaths, and we need to build lasting trust between law enforcement, the vast majority of whom wear the badge honorably, and the communities they are sworn to serve and protect,” the president said.But Memphis, whose 628,000 residents celebrate barbecue and blues music and lament being the place where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, has seen this before. The city took steps advocates called for in a “Reimagine Policing” initiative in 2021, and mirrored a set of policy changes reformers want all departments to implement immediately, known as “8 Can’t Wait.”De-escalation training is now required. Officers are told to limit uses of force, exhaust all alternatives before resorting to deadly force and report all uses of force. Tennessee also took action: State law now requires officers to intervene to stop abuse and report excessive force by their colleagues.Showing unusual transparency for a police department, the MPD now publishes accountability reports that include the race of people subjected to use of force each year. They show Black men and women were overwhelmingly targeted for rougher treatment in 2019, 2020 and 2021. They were subject to nearly 86% of the recorded uses of guns, batons, pepper spray, physical beatings and other force in 2021, the total nearly doubling that year to 1,700 cases.Seven uses of force by Memphis police ended in death during these three years.“I don’t know how much more cumulative Black death our community should have to pay to convince elected officials that the policing system isn’t broken — it’s working exactly as it was designed to, at the expense of Black life,” said Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson, co-executive director of the Highlander Research and Education Center, a Tennessee-based civil rights leadership training school.The Nichols case — just one of the brutality cases to make national news this month — exposes an uncomfortable truth: More than two years since the deaths of Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Rayshard Brooks touched off protests, policing reforms have not significantly reduced such killings.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-george-floyd-amir-locke-richmond-minneapolis-86370ae1c735d44525e37eed80b293b2">States approved nearly 300 police reform bills after Floyd’s murder,</a>&nbsp;creating civilian oversight of police, more anti-bias training, stricter use-of-force limits and alternatives to arrests in cases involving people with mental illnesses, according to a recent analysis by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland.Despite calls to “defund the police,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-police-law-enforcement-agencies-local-governments-iowa-420d0714086f72bc255c676bfe214532">an Associated Press review of police funding nationwide</a>&nbsp;found only modest cuts, driven largely by shrinking revenue related to the coronavirus pandemic. Budgets increased and more officers were hired for some large departments, including New York City’s.Still stuck in Congress is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nyc-state-wire-george-floyd-death-of-george-floyd-police-police-reform-988260d4657103cd968bad7f039b0e19">the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act,</a>&nbsp;which would prohibit racial profiling, ban chokeholds and no-knock warrants, limit the transfer of military equipment to police departments, and make it easier to bring charges against offending officers. Biden said he told Nichols’ mother that he would be “making a case” to Congress to pass the Floyd Act “to get this under control.”The Rev. Al Sharpton said his eulogy at Nichols’ funeral on Wednesday will include a call for new laws. NAACP President Derrick Johnson also took Congress to task.“By failing to write a piece of legislation, you’re writing another obituary,” Johnson said. “Tell us what you’re going to do to honor Tyre Nichols. … We can name all the victims of police violence, but we can’t name a single law you have passed to address it.”Advocates want state and federal legislation because local changes vary widely in scope and effect and can be undone by a single election after years of grassroots activism. But some say strict regulations are just the start — and the video of Nichols’ agony proves it.“Changing a rule doesn’t change a behavior,” said Katie Ryan, chief of staff for Campaign Zero, a group of academics, policing experts and activists working to end police violence. “The culture of a police department has to shift into actually implementing the policies, not just saying there’s a rule in place.”The five officers charged — Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr., Emmitt Martin III and Justin Smith — were part of the so-called Scorpion unit. Scorpion stands for Street Crimes Operations to Restore Peace in our Neighborhoods.The Memphis police chief, Cerelyn “CJ” Davis,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-memphis-crime-law-enforcement-1b7e8fa4ed7120a897086250d5d6da35">disbanded the unit</a>&nbsp;on Saturday.“It is in the best interest of all to permanently deactivate the Scorpion unit,” she said in a statement.Prior to the move by Davis, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said it was clear that the officers involved in the attack on Nichols violated the department’s policies and training.“I want to assure you we are doing everything we can to prevent this from happening again,” Strickland said in a statement. “We are initiating an outside, independent review of the training, policies and operations of our specialized units.”The Memphis police union extended condolences to Nichols’ family, saying it “is committed to the administration of justice and NEVER condones the mistreatment of ANY citizen nor ANY abuse of power.” The statement also expressed faith that the justice system would reveal “the totality of circumstances” in the case.Patrick Yoes, national president of the Fraternal Order of Police, pushed back against the conclusion that policing must change. This was not “legitimate police work or a traffic stop gone wrong,” Yoes said. “This is a criminal assault under the pretext of law.”Protesters turned out again Friday night after the city released the video footage. Turner, the Memphis pastor, called the images “further proof that our city’s and our nation’s criminal justice systems are in dire need of change.”“It’s not like we’re short on concrete, reasonable recommendations,” said the Rev. Earle Fisher, senior pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church. “What we’re short on is the political will and the commitment to making the structural changes.”--------Protesters gathered in a park near the White House, in Memphis and other cities as <a href="https://vimeo.com/cityofmemphis">the video </a>was released.In Memphis, protesters chanted: “Say his name! Tyre Nichols!” and several dozen protesters blocked a heavily traveled bridge on Interstate 55 that is one of two main spans connecting Arkansas and Tennessee over the Mississippi River.Unions in California and Hawaii issued a joint statement calling the actions of the officers “repugnant and the complete antithesis of how honorable law enforcement professionals conduct themselves.”The Prosecutors Alliance of California calls the killing senseless and in California’s capitol of Sacramento, Mayor Darrell Steinberg said: “I am filled with anger, with sorrow and revulsion.”KEY DEVELOPMENTS:— Memphis authorities have released more than an hour of footage of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tyre-nichols-video-memphis-police-e3ee8e6698faae16df3f41d09234b09f">the police beating</a>&nbsp;of Tyre Nichols, whose death resulted in murder charges and provoked outrage— Family and friends remember&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tyre-nichols-profile-memphis-3104f3cdbaf568daf6647eca080d4001">Tyre Nichols</a>&nbsp;as a generous, lovable man who worked hard to be a good father to his 4-year-old son—&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/law-enforcement-police-brutality-memphis-bde48465a79bb20bbb68473c0cc63b1e">Timeline of events</a>&nbsp;in the arrest, death of Tyre Nichols___MEMPHIS —<a href="https://vimeo.com/cityofmemphis"> Video showing</a> five Memphis police officers beating a Black man was made public Friday, one day after they were charged with murder in the death of Tyre Nichols.The footage shows the Black officers savagely beating the 29-year-old FedEx worker for three minutes in an assault that the Nichols family’s legal team likened to the infamous 1991 police beating of Los Angeles motorist Rodney King.Cities across the country braced for large demonstrations. Nichols’ relatives urged supporters to protest peacefully. ___WASHINGTON — The national president of the Fraternal Order of Police has issued a scathing statement over the actions of five former Memphis police officers involved in the arrest of Tyre Nichols.Patrick Yoes says the officers’ encounter with Nichols “does not constitute legitimate police work or a traffic stop gone wrong.” Instead, Yoes called it a “criminal assault under the pretext of law.”Nichols died three days after a Jan. 7 confrontation with the officers during a traffic stop.___WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden said he was “very concerned” about the prospect of violence, but called for protests over the death of Tyre Nichols to remain peaceful.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My heart goes out to Tyre Nichols’ family and to Americans in Memphis and across the country who are grieving this tremendously painful loss. There are no words to describe the heartbreak and grief of losing a beloved child and young father.⁰⁰Here&#39;s my full statement. <a href="https://t.co/ghROhSGtao">pic.twitter.com/ghROhSGtao</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1619143234034491397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Speaking Friday at the White House before departing for Camp David, the president reflected on his call earlier with Nichols’ mother, RowVaughn Wells.“I’m obviously very concerned about it,” Biden said when asked if he was worried about violence, “but I think she has made a very strong plea. She’s obviously in enormous pain.”Biden said that “innocent lives” were at stake Friday as the country awaited the release of police footage of depicting five Memphis officers beating Nichols during a traffic stop.___NEW YORK — In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams, a former police officer, said he and other mayors across the country had been briefed by the White House in advance of the video’s release, which he said would “trigger pain and sadness in many of us. It will make us angry.”He urged demonstrators to “respect the wishes of Mr. Nichols’ mother. If you need to express your anger and outrage, do so peacefully. My message to the NYPD has been, and will continue to be, to exercise restraint.”Adams, who during his years as a New York Police Department officer co-founded an organization that advocated for diversity in policing and against abuses of power, said he “felt betrayed” by the officers charged in the Memphis death of Nichols.“Any officer who engages in violence and brutality tarnishes all the work we have done to keep communities safe,” he said. He added: “They make it harder for the brothers and sisters in uniform to accomplish the incredible work they do, day in and day out.”

🎥 More Kan. law enforcement respond to video that stuns the nation

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A Missouri mother who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2d09257f53edd1660f447137a0848d58">reported</a>&nbsp;that her infant twins were stillborn has been convicted of manslaughter.

Maya Caston, 28, was convicted Friday of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and two counts of child endangerment. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/st-louis-county-mother-guilty-in-death-of-newborn-twins-testifies-she-hid-pregnancy/article_fcf18038-9a86-513a-8868-f270a5f141e3.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">reports</a>&nbsp;that jury found her guilty of lesser charges instead of convicting her of second-degree murder.

Prosecutors argued that Caston's lack of action to get care for the babies showed that she caused the deaths. And her extensive internet searches for miscarriages and abortion methods before she gave birth demonstrated that she didn't want the babies.

The evidence showed that Caston searched Google for “cheap abortion pills,” “free abortion clinic” and “can you cause a miscarriage if you hit yourself in the stomach hard enough?” After she gave birth, Cason researched if you can bury a baby in a back garden.

Caston told the jury that she had planned to give the babies up for adoption at a doctor's appointment three days after they were born, but by that time, the babies had died after not eating.

“We have two dead babies. She didn’t want them. She didn’t care for them,” Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Thomas Dittmeier said in closing arguments. “She didn’t even give them a name.”

Caston’s public defenders argued that she has an intellectual disability and didn’t understand the risk to the infants.

“I was in shock. I didn’t know what to do,” she told the jury.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675044289969.png" alt="Caston-photo St. Louis PD" />
 <figcaption>Caston-photo St. Louis PD</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) — A Missouri mother who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2d09257f53edd1660f447137a0848d58">reported</a>&nbsp;that her infant twins were stillborn has been convicted of manslaughter.Maya Caston, 28, was convicted Friday of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and two counts of child endangerment. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/st-louis-county-mother-guilty-in-death-of-newborn-twins-testifies-she-hid-pregnancy/article_fcf18038-9a86-513a-8868-f270a5f141e3.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">reports</a>&nbsp;that jury found her guilty of lesser charges instead of convicting her of second-degree murder.Prosecutors argued that Caston's lack of action to get care for the babies showed that she caused the deaths. And her extensive internet searches for miscarriages and abortion methods before she gave birth demonstrated that she didn't want the babies.The evidence showed that Caston searched Google for “cheap abortion pills,” “free abortion clinic” and “can you cause a miscarriage if you hit yourself in the stomach hard enough?” After she gave birth, Cason researched if you can bury a baby in a back garden.Caston told the jury that she had planned to give the babies up for adoption at a doctor's appointment three days after they were born, but by that time, the babies had died after not eating.“We have two dead babies. She didn’t want them. She didn’t care for them,” Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Thomas Dittmeier said in closing arguments. “She didn’t even give them a name.”Caston’s public defenders argued that she has an intellectual disability and didn’t understand the risk to the infants.“I was in shock. I didn’t know what to do,” she told the jury.

Missouri mom convicted of killing her infant twins

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide at a home in Topeka.

Just before 9:30a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a medical emergency in the 400 Block of SW Tyler Street, according to Lt. Edward Stanley.

First responders found one victim, later identified as 48-year-old Jeremy Neal of Topeka, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675030639545.png" alt="Police tape at the scene of the homicide investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police tape at the scene of the homicide investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide at a home in Topeka.Just before 9:30a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a medical emergency in the 400 Block of SW Tyler Street, according to Lt. Edward Stanley.First responders found one victim, later identified as 48-year-old Jeremy Neal of Topeka, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;Police released no additional details Sunday and have not reported an arrest.

Homicide investigation: 48-year-old dead at Kan. home

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Sunday in Sedgwick County.

A 2012 Honda Accord driven by a 22-year-old woman from Wichita was westbound on Kellogg near Washington Street, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

The car struck the concrete wall, traveled over the wall and landed on Washington Street.

First responders found the driver unconscious and not breathing inside the car. She pronounced her deceased at the sene, according to Ditch.

The accident remains under investigation. There were no other vehicles or people involved.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Sunday in Sedgwick County.A 2012 Honda Accord driven by a 22-year-old woman from Wichita was westbound on Kellogg near Washington Street, according to Officer Chad Ditch.The car struck the concrete wall, traveled over the wall and landed on Washington Street.First responders found the driver unconscious and not breathing inside the car. She pronounced her deceased at the sene, according to Ditch.The accident remains under investigation. There were no other vehicles or people involved.

Kan. woman dead after car strikes, vaults concrete wall

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug and theft allegations.

Just before 10a.m. Friday, a sheriff’s Deputy stopped a Ford Fusion for a traffic infraction near 142nd&nbsp;and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The driver was found to have a suspended license and was subsequently arrested. The passenger, Saleena Rae Masquat, 37, of Mayetta, also had a warrant through Topeka Police Department. 

A third occupant was identified and later released. During the traffic stop, a Jackson County Sheriff’s K-9 was deployed and indicated to the presence of narcotics.

 A search of the vehicle revealed both methamphetamine and marijuana as well as paraphernalia indicating the distribution of methamphetamine. 

Also located in the vehicle was electronic equipment that belonged to a Topeka Walmart store that was confirmed to be stolen. 

Masquat was arrested on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of stolen property. She is being held on a&nbsp;$50,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674934923409.png" alt="Masquat-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Masquat-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug and theft allegations.Just before 10a.m. Friday, a sheriff’s Deputy stopped a Ford Fusion for a traffic infraction near 142nd&nbsp;and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. The driver was found to have a suspended license and was subsequently arrested. The passenger, Saleena Rae Masquat, 37, of Mayetta, also had a warrant through Topeka Police Department. A third occupant was identified and later released. During the traffic stop, a Jackson County Sheriff’s K-9 was deployed and indicated to the presence of narcotics. A search of the vehicle revealed both methamphetamine and marijuana as well as paraphernalia indicating the distribution of methamphetamine. Also located in the vehicle was electronic equipment that belonged to a Topeka Walmart store that was confirmed to be stolen. Masquat was arrested on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of stolen property. She is being held on a&nbsp;$50,000 bond.

Sheriff: Kan. woman was selling meth, had stolen property in car

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas couple accused in connection with a shooting involving a toddler made their first court appearance on Friday.

Kianna Nweji, 22, and Marlon M. Jones, 25,&nbsp; were charged with aggravated endangering a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

Just after 11:30a.m. Jan. 12, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting in the 1200 block of North Lorraine in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

 While Officers were en route to the scene, a suspect identified as Jones fled on foot to a residence in the 3000 block of East 11th Street. As officers arrived, they saw Jones walking back from the area of that residence.

Officers then located Nweji inside her residence on North Lorraine with a gunshot wound to her foot. EMS transported her&nbsp; to a local hospital for treatment.

The investigation revealed that Nweji and Jones were both lying in bed when their 2-year-old child found a gun and accidentally shot Nweji. Jones took the gun to the 11th Street address where an acquaintance of his lives, according to Ditch. Investigators located the gun and found an AR-15 that belonged to nobody in the residence and the individuals in the house did not know how it got there.

&nbsp;Nweji and Jones posted the requirement to meet a $25,000 bond and are no longer in custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673627717579.png" alt="Jones-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Jones-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas couple accused in connection with a shooting involving a toddler made their first court appearance on Friday.Kianna Nweji, 22, and Marlon M. Jones, 25,&nbsp; were charged with aggravated endangering a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;Just after 11:30a.m. Jan. 12, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting in the 1200 block of North Lorraine in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch. While Officers were en route to the scene, a suspect identified as Jones fled on foot to a residence in the 3000 block of East 11th Street. As officers arrived, they saw Jones walking back from the area of that residence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673627653047.png" alt="Nweji photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Nweji photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers then located Nweji inside her residence on North Lorraine with a gunshot wound to her foot. EMS transported her&nbsp; to a local hospital for treatment.The investigation revealed that Nweji and Jones were both lying in bed when their 2-year-old child found a gun and accidentally shot Nweji. Jones took the gun to the 11th Street address where an acquaintance of his lives, according to Ditch. Investigators located the gun and found an AR-15 that belonged to nobody in the residence and the individuals in the house did not know how it got there.&nbsp;Nweji and Jones posted the requirement to meet a $25,000 bond and are no longer in custody.

Couple charged after 2-year-old shot mother in the foot

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Family members and a forensic expert are questioning why Kansas City police didn't find a man's body in the cargo area of his own SUV until after they towed it to a Missouri police station earlier this month.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Family members and a forensic expert are questioning why Kansas City police didn't find a man's body in the cargo area of his own SUV until after they towed it to a Missouri police station earlier this month.Adam “A.J.” Blackstock Jr.'s death is being investigated as a homicide, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article271764607.html#subtopper">The Kansas City Star.</a>The newspaper reported that police defended how they initially handled the situation because they didn't have a search warrant when they had the vehicle towed on Jan. 17 and Blackstock had yet to be officially reported missing.One forensic expert told the newspaper that police should have looked inside the vehicle before they moved it.“The idea of taking a vehicle into custody without searching inside a vehicle or opening the trunk is just negligent,” said Brent Turvey, a forensic scientist and criminologist with the Forensic Criminology Institute in Sitka, Alaska.Family members said they want answers about what happened to Blackstock, 24, who left behind an 18-month-old son.“We really are asking for justice," Danielle Blackstock, his older sister, told the newspaper. "We can’t have him back. But we need justice.”The paper quoted Kansas City Police Department spokesman Sgt. Jake Becchina as saying last week that detectives were making headway toward identifying persons of interest in the case, but charges had yet to be filed.Adam Blackstock Sr. said he called police after being unable to reach his son when the family returned from a trip to Disneyland. He used GPS to locate what he believed was his son's vehicle in a driveway in the Kansas City, Missouri, neighborhood of Oak Park Southwest. The SUV was covered by a gray tarp.When officers arrived, the homeowner said the vehicle belonged to her uncle and provided the phone number of a man who said it was his.Blackstock Sr. convinced police otherwise, in part by using a remote starter to turn on the vehicle. Officers persuaded the woman at the home to let them remove it. They noticed what appeared to be a bullet hole in the driver's seat and blood on the floorboards, but didn't immediately investigate further.They saw the lifeless body in the back only after towing the SUV.Becchina said that the officers showed “very creative thinking to talk the homeowner into allowing the vehicle to be towed based on consent at that time, when there was no other legal standing to enter onto the property, much less process the car on the property.”