By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate will gather behind closed doors Tuesday to hear from federal law enforcement officials about protection for lawmakers and the safety of their families, just days after a gunman said to be posing as a police officer targeted state lawmakers in Minnesota.

The briefing from U.S. Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms follows years of increased funding for both entities as threats and attempted assassinations against members of Congress have become part of the job.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, of New York, said Monday on the floor that the suspected shooter had a list of more than 70 public officials he wanted to target, including several members of the Senate.

“My highest priority right now is working with the Senate leadership on both sides, the Senate Sergeant at Arms and Capitol Police, to ensure everyone’s safety,” Schumer said. “This weekend I asked Capitol Police and the Sergeant at Arms to increase security for members, including Sen. (Alex) Padilla and the Minnesota senators.”

California Sen. Padilla moved to the forefront of the public debate about immigration and deportations last week when he was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democratic-us-sen-alex-padilla-california-cuffed-shoved-out-noem-press-event" target="_blank">forcibly removed from a press conference</a>&nbsp;after trying to ask Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem a question while she was still speaking.

Schumer said the briefing would be an opportunity for USCP and the SAA to “convey what they’re doing for members to keep them safe.”

He urged senators to “come together” to oppose political violence in all forms, before criticizing Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee for social media posts. Lee made&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BasedMikeLee/status/1934262175582822629" target="_blank">two</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BasedMikeLee/status/1934268603676647646" target="_blank">posts</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/us/politics/mike-lee-minnesota-assassination-democrats.html" target="_blank">drew condemnation.</a>

“I was deeply disappointed and sickened to see a member of this chamber use the tragedy in Minnesota to take cheap political shots at the other side on social media and risk escalating a perilous moment,” Schumer said. “What the senior senator from Utah posted after the shooting was reckless and beneath the dignity of his office.

“For a senator to fan the flames of division with falsities while the killer was still on the loose is deeply irresponsible. He should take down his post immediately and apologize to the families of the victims.”

On&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenMikeLee/status/1934348952197116157" target="_blank">another social media account</a>, Lee wrote, “These hateful attacks have no place in Utah, Minnesota, or anywhere in America.”

Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar said Sunday during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/sen-rand-paul-says-it-s-not-the-u-s-s-job-to-be-involved-in-israel-iran-conflict-full-interview-241621061772" target="_blank">an interview</a>&nbsp;on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that the attack on the two state lawmakers and their spouses was clearly motivated by politics.

Klobuchar said she has received additional security and that she was concerned about the possibility of more attacks against lawmakers.

“I have had threats before, as several of our colleagues have had,” Klobuchar said. “And I think one of the things is, we don’t talk about this stuff much because you don’t want to see copycats that copy exactly what they’ve done.”

The suspected gunman, who&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/15/vance-boelter-accused-of-assassination-of-dfl-house-leader-melissa-hortman-apprehended/" target="_blank">was arrested Sunday</a>&nbsp;following a manhunt, has been&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/16/boelter-faces-state-and-federal-murder-charges-death-penalty-possible/" target="_blank">charged by both state and federal prosecutors</a>&nbsp;with murdering state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and attempting to kill state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.

The suspect&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/16/feds-boelter-stopped-at-two-other-lawmakers-homes/" target="_blank">went to the homes of at least two other state lawmakers and had a list</a>&nbsp;of Democratic lawmakers’ home addresses as well as abortion providers, according to police.

Lawmakers disclose they were on list of targets

The U.S. House won’t receive a security briefing this week since its members are out of session on a district work period, typically a time when lawmakers are back in their communities for town halls and other public events, though the shooting has led some members to change their schedules.

Michigan Democratic Rep. Hillary Scholten announced Monday she would postpone her town hall in Muskegon, writing in a statement she didn’t want to “divert additional law enforcement resources away from protecting the broader public at this time.”

“Nothing matters more to me than the safety and well-being of the people I serve,” Scholten wrote. “After being made aware that my name was on a list connected to the recent tragic shooting in Minnesota, my office has made the difficult decision to postpone our planned town hall in Muskegon.”

Scholten added she hoped to “reschedule this event as soon as possible.”

Ohio Democratic Rep. Greg Landsman released a statement on Monday, announcing that USCP bolstered his security after his name was found among the suspected Minnesota shooter’s possessions.

“On Sunday morning, Capitol Police contacted my office to inform me that the FBI had found my name among the evidence collected during the search for a suspect in Minnesota — who is accused of murdering and seriously injuring lawmakers,” Landsman wrote. “Since the suspect was still at large at that time, we worked very closely with the Cincinnati Police Department to arrange for increased security for my family and me.”

Texas Democratic Rep. Veronica Escobar wrote in a statement posted to social media that she was among the people the suspected Minnesota shooter had on his list.

“This was only a day after protestors were shot in Utah, an extremist drove a car into protests in Virginia, credible threats were made against state lawmakers in Austin and a man pointed a gun at protestors here in El Paso,” Escobar wrote.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and New York Democratic Rep. Joseph D. Morelle, ranking member on the Committee on House Administration, wrote to Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., on Monday, urging him to take action to ensure members’ safety.&nbsp;

“While we differ in many areas related to policy and our vision for America’s future, Member safety must be an area of common ground. Representatives from both sides of the aisle have endured assassination attempts that changed their lives and careers forever,” the two wrote. “Too many other patriotic public servants have left Congress because they no longer felt safe carrying out their duty as elected officials. We must act to protect each other and preserve this great American institution.”

Members of Congress and their families are no strangers to threats, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-capitol-police-chief-details-700-threats-against-members-congress-one-month" target="_blank">have steadily risen for years,</a>&nbsp;attacks and shootings.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/man-who-attacked-speaker-pelosis-husband-wanted-break-her-kneecaps-doj-says" target="_blank">attacked in their family home</a>&nbsp;in San Francisco in October 2022 by a man wielding a hammer, who was searching for Pelosi, a California Democrat.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La, was shot and severely wounded in 2017 when a gunman opened fire at GOP lawmakers practicing for the annual Congressional Baseball Game. Several others were injured during the shooting.

Arizona Democratic Rep. Gabby Giffords survived being shot in the head during a constituent meeting in a grocery store parking lot in 2011 when a gunman opened fire, killing six people and injuring a dozen others.

Even President Donald Trump, who has extensive Secret Service protection,&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/campaigns-elections/trump-campaigns-in-western-pennsylvania-with-rally-in-butler-county/" target="_blank">was shot in the ear</a>&nbsp;last July while campaigning in Pennsylvania. The gunman in that incident killed local fireman Corey Comperatore and injured two others.

The union representing U.S. Capitol Police&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-capitol-police-union-says-not-enough-done-improve-security-after-jan-6-attack" target="_blank">warned more than a year ago&nbsp;</a>that the federal law enforcement agency was struggling to keep up amid an increasingly hostile political environment and staffing shortages.

“We’ve never seen a threat environment like this,” union Chairman Gus Papathanasiou wrote in a statement. “Given the profound divisions in this country and this year’s elections, people ask me if I’m concerned and I tell them I am worried — very worried.”

Former USCP Chief Thomas Manger, who retired earlier this year, told lawmakers well before the union’s public statement that he was concerned by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/more-7500-threats-against-members-congress-2022-just-22-prosecuted" target="_blank">how few threats against members of Congress were actually prosecuted&nbsp;</a>successfully.

Klobuchar, who was chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee at the time of the hearing, said USCP referred 458 threat cases for prosecution during 2021, with 40 of those leading to a court case. That was out of 9,625 total threats.

Just 22 of the 7,501 threats lobbed at members during 2022 led to prosecution, a USCP spokesperson confirmed to States Newsroom at the time.

Threats against lawmakers have continued to increase ever since.

USCP investigated 8,008 “concerning statements and direct threats against the Members of Congress, including their families and staff” in 2023 and 9,474 in 2024, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uscp.gov/media-center/press-releases/uscp-threat-assessment-cases-2024" target="_blank">data</a>&nbsp;from USCP.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750124727119.png" alt="Photo U.S. Capitol Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Capitol Police</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate will gather behind closed doors Tuesday to hear from federal law enforcement officials about protection for lawmakers and the safety of their families, just days after a gunman said to be posing as a police officer targeted state lawmakers in Minnesota.The briefing from U.S. Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms follows years of increased funding for both entities as threats and attempted assassinations against members of Congress have become part of the job.Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, of New York, said Monday on the floor that the suspected shooter had a list of more than 70 public officials he wanted to target, including several members of the Senate.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750124701988.png" alt="Photo U.S. Capitol Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Capitol Police</figcaption>
 </figure>“My highest priority right now is working with the Senate leadership on both sides, the Senate Sergeant at Arms and Capitol Police, to ensure everyone’s safety,” Schumer said. “This weekend I asked Capitol Police and the Sergeant at Arms to increase security for members, including Sen. (Alex) Padilla and the Minnesota senators.”California Sen. Padilla moved to the forefront of the public debate about immigration and deportations last week when he was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democratic-us-sen-alex-padilla-california-cuffed-shoved-out-noem-press-event" target="_blank">forcibly removed from a press conference</a>&nbsp;after trying to ask Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem a question while she was still speaking.Schumer said the briefing would be an opportunity for USCP and the SAA to “convey what they’re doing for members to keep them safe.”He urged senators to “come together” to oppose political violence in all forms, before criticizing Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee for social media posts. Lee made&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BasedMikeLee/status/1934262175582822629" target="_blank">two</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BasedMikeLee/status/1934268603676647646" target="_blank">posts</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/us/politics/mike-lee-minnesota-assassination-democrats.html" target="_blank">drew condemnation.</a>“I was deeply disappointed and sickened to see a member of this chamber use the tragedy in Minnesota to take cheap political shots at the other side on social media and risk escalating a perilous moment,” Schumer said. “What the senior senator from Utah posted after the shooting was reckless and beneath the dignity of his office.“For a senator to fan the flames of division with falsities while the killer was still on the loose is deeply irresponsible. He should take down his post immediately and apologize to the families of the victims.”On&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenMikeLee/status/1934348952197116157" target="_blank">another social media account</a>, Lee wrote, “These hateful attacks have no place in Utah, Minnesota, or anywhere in America.”<h2>Suspect faces state and federal charges</h2>Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar said Sunday during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/sen-rand-paul-says-it-s-not-the-u-s-s-job-to-be-involved-in-israel-iran-conflict-full-interview-241621061772" target="_blank">an interview</a>&nbsp;on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that the attack on the two state lawmakers and their spouses was clearly motivated by politics.Klobuchar said she has received additional security and that she was concerned about the possibility of more attacks against lawmakers.“I have had threats before, as several of our colleagues have had,” Klobuchar said. “And I think one of the things is, we don’t talk about this stuff much because you don’t want to see copycats that copy exactly what they’ve done.”The suspected gunman, who&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/15/vance-boelter-accused-of-assassination-of-dfl-house-leader-melissa-hortman-apprehended/" target="_blank">was arrested Sunday</a>&nbsp;following a manhunt, has been&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/16/boelter-faces-state-and-federal-murder-charges-death-penalty-possible/" target="_blank">charged by both state and federal prosecutors</a>&nbsp;with murdering state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and attempting to kill state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.The suspect&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/06/16/feds-boelter-stopped-at-two-other-lawmakers-homes/" target="_blank">went to the homes of at least two other state lawmakers and had a list</a>&nbsp;of Democratic lawmakers’ home addresses as well as abortion providers, according to police.<h2>Lawmakers disclose they were on list of targets</h2>The U.S. House won’t receive a security briefing this week since its members are out of session on a district work period, typically a time when lawmakers are back in their communities for town halls and other public events, though the shooting has led some members to change their schedules.Michigan Democratic Rep. Hillary Scholten announced Monday she would postpone her town hall in Muskegon, writing in a statement she didn’t want to “divert additional law enforcement resources away from protecting the broader public at this time.”“Nothing matters more to me than the safety and well-being of the people I serve,” Scholten wrote. “After being made aware that my name was on a list connected to the recent tragic shooting in Minnesota, my office has made the difficult decision to postpone our planned town hall in Muskegon.”Scholten added she hoped to “reschedule this event as soon as possible.”Ohio Democratic Rep. Greg Landsman released a statement on Monday, announcing that USCP bolstered his security after his name was found among the suspected Minnesota shooter’s possessions.“On Sunday morning, Capitol Police contacted my office to inform me that the FBI had found my name among the evidence collected during the search for a suspect in Minnesota — who is accused of murdering and seriously injuring lawmakers,” Landsman wrote. “Since the suspect was still at large at that time, we worked very closely with the Cincinnati Police Department to arrange for increased security for my family and me.”Texas Democratic Rep. Veronica Escobar wrote in a statement posted to social media that she was among the people the suspected Minnesota shooter had on his list.“This was only a day after protestors were shot in Utah, an extremist drove a car into protests in Virginia, credible threats were made against state lawmakers in Austin and a man pointed a gun at protestors here in El Paso,” Escobar wrote.House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and New York Democratic Rep. Joseph D. Morelle, ranking member on the Committee on House Administration, wrote to Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., on Monday, urging him to take action to ensure members’ safety.&nbsp;“While we differ in many areas related to policy and our vision for America’s future, Member safety must be an area of common ground. Representatives from both sides of the aisle have endured assassination attempts that changed their lives and careers forever,” the two wrote. “Too many other patriotic public servants have left Congress because they no longer felt safe carrying out their duty as elected officials. We must act to protect each other and preserve this great American institution.”<h2>Threats on the rise over the years</h2>Members of Congress and their families are no strangers to threats, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-capitol-police-chief-details-700-threats-against-members-congress-one-month" target="_blank">have steadily risen for years,</a>&nbsp;attacks and shootings.Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/man-who-attacked-speaker-pelosis-husband-wanted-break-her-kneecaps-doj-says" target="_blank">attacked in their family home</a>&nbsp;in San Francisco in October 2022 by a man wielding a hammer, who was searching for Pelosi, a California Democrat.House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La, was shot and severely wounded in 2017 when a gunman opened fire at GOP lawmakers practicing for the annual Congressional Baseball Game. Several others were injured during the shooting.Arizona Democratic Rep. Gabby Giffords survived being shot in the head during a constituent meeting in a grocery store parking lot in 2011 when a gunman opened fire, killing six people and injuring a dozen others.Even President Donald Trump, who has extensive Secret Service protection,&nbsp;<a href="https://penncapital-star.com/campaigns-elections/trump-campaigns-in-western-pennsylvania-with-rally-in-butler-county/" target="_blank">was shot in the ear</a>&nbsp;last July while campaigning in Pennsylvania. The gunman in that incident killed local fireman Corey Comperatore and injured two others.The union representing U.S. Capitol Police&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-capitol-police-union-says-not-enough-done-improve-security-after-jan-6-attack" target="_blank">warned more than a year ago&nbsp;</a>that the federal law enforcement agency was struggling to keep up amid an increasingly hostile political environment and staffing shortages.“We’ve never seen a threat environment like this,” union Chairman Gus Papathanasiou wrote in a statement. “Given the profound divisions in this country and this year’s elections, people ask me if I’m concerned and I tell them I am worried — very worried.”Former USCP Chief Thomas Manger, who retired earlier this year, told lawmakers well before the union’s public statement that he was concerned by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/more-7500-threats-against-members-congress-2022-just-22-prosecuted" target="_blank">how few threats against members of Congress were actually prosecuted&nbsp;</a>successfully.<h2>Few threats led to prosecution</h2>Klobuchar, who was chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee at the time of the hearing, said USCP referred 458 threat cases for prosecution during 2021, with 40 of those leading to a court case. That was out of 9,625 total threats.Just 22 of the 7,501 threats lobbed at members during 2022 led to prosecution, a USCP spokesperson confirmed to States Newsroom at the time.Threats against lawmakers have continued to increase ever since.USCP investigated 8,008 “concerning statements and direct threats against the Members of Congress, including their families and staff” in 2023 and 9,474 in 2024, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uscp.gov/media-center/press-releases/uscp-threat-assessment-cases-2024" target="_blank">data</a>&nbsp;from USCP.&nbsp;

Members of Congress on edge after assassination of Minnesota state legislator

US helps Israel shoot down barrage of Iranian missiles

Karen Marie Bell, 84, Stockton,
Kansas, passed away June 10, 2025, at the Rooks County Hospital in Plainville,
Kansas. She was born October 1, 1940, in Palco, Kansas to Forrest J. and Olive
Zeta (Desbien) Stull.

Karen
married James Bartos. To this union two daughters, Kim and Mona, were born. She
later married Elwyn Bell and to this union four sons were added to their
family: Michael, Rodney, Eric, and Shawn. Karen was an extremely dedicated
mother and grandma. In her spare time, she enjoyed doing all kinds of arts and
craft.

Karen
is preceded in death by her parents Olive and Forrest; her husbands, James
Bartos and Elwyn Bell; her two sisters, Margie Roberts and Delora Teasley; and
her son Eric.

Survivors
of Karen include: two daughters Kim and Darren Schneider of Gorham, Kansas and
Mona Chase of Wakeeney; three sons: Michael and Jeanette Bell of Kirkland,
Washington, Rodney and Carolina Bell of Peoria, Arizona, and Shawn Bell and
Michelle Marguardt of Show Low, Arizona; eight grandchildren; twelve great
grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces. Karen will be truly missed by
all who loved her. She touched so many lives and memories of her will be
cherished forever.

A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, June 7, 2025, 1:00 p.m. at Stinemetz
Funeral Home, Hill City, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to Donor’s Choice and
may be sent to Karen Bell Memorial, in care of Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N.
Pomeroy, Hill City, KS 67642

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749846352814.jpeg" alt="Karen Marie Bell" />
 <figcaption>Karen Marie Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>Karen Marie Bell, 84, Stockton,
Kansas, passed away June 10, 2025, at the Rooks County Hospital in Plainville,
Kansas. She was born October 1, 1940, in Palco, Kansas to Forrest J. and Olive
Zeta (Desbien) Stull.Karen
married James Bartos. To this union two daughters, Kim and Mona, were born. She
later married Elwyn Bell and to this union four sons were added to their
family: Michael, Rodney, Eric, and Shawn. Karen was an extremely dedicated
mother and grandma. In her spare time, she enjoyed doing all kinds of arts and
craft.Karen
is preceded in death by her parents Olive and Forrest; her husbands, James
Bartos and Elwyn Bell; her two sisters, Margie Roberts and Delora Teasley; and
her son Eric.Survivors
of Karen include: two daughters Kim and Darren Schneider of Gorham, Kansas and
Mona Chase of Wakeeney; three sons: Michael and Jeanette Bell of Kirkland,
Washington, Rodney and Carolina Bell of Peoria, Arizona, and Shawn Bell and
Michelle Marguardt of Show Low, Arizona; eight grandchildren; twelve great
grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces. Karen will be truly missed by
all who loved her. She touched so many lives and memories of her will be
cherished forever.A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, June 7, 2025, 1:00 p.m. at Stinemetz
Funeral Home, Hill City, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to Donor’s Choice and
may be sent to Karen Bell Memorial, in care of Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N.
Pomeroy, Hill City, KS 67642

Karen Marie Bell

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A woman who called 911 to report shooting her son in October of 2024 is due back in court Friday afternoon.

&nbsp;Tesha Florence, 46, is charged with second degree murder and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in the case, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In October 9, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call from Florence reporting that she shot her son, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.

First responders located a 16-year-old identified as Robert Florence inside an apartment in the 9100 Block of East Harry. He had a single gunshot wound. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he was in extremely critical condition. He died two days later, according to Moses.

At the scene, officers detained&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=168822">&nbsp;Florence,</a>&nbsp;the boy's mother.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the investigation into this case, detectives learned of a previously unreported incident from March 2024 where Florence threatened an ex-husband and his current girlfriend with a gun.

Florence remains in the Sedgwick County Jail on a $1.2 million bond, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728555306481.png" alt="Florence photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Florence photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A woman who called 911 to report shooting her son in October of 2024 is due back in court Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Tesha Florence, 46, is charged with second degree murder and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in the case, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In October 9, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call from Florence reporting that she shot her son, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728510375843.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located a 16-year-old identified as Robert Florence inside an apartment in the 9100 Block of East Harry. He had a single gunshot wound. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he was in extremely critical condition. He died two days later, according to Moses.At the scene, officers detained&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=168822">&nbsp;Florence,</a>&nbsp;the boy's mother.&nbsp;&nbsp;During the investigation into this case, detectives learned of a previously unreported incident from March 2024 where Florence threatened an ex-husband and his current girlfriend with a gun.Florence remains in the Sedgwick County Jail on a $1.2 million bond, according to the district attorney's office.

Preliminary Hearing: Kan. mother charged in death of 16-year-old son

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel attacked Iran's capital early Friday in strikes that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-iaea-sanctions-728b811da537abe942682e13a82ff8bd">targeted the country's nuclear program</a>&nbsp;and killed at least two top military officers, raising the potential for an all-out war between the two bitter Middle East adversaries. It appeared to be the most significant attack Iran has faced since its 1980s war with Iraq.

On social media, President Trump and two members of the Kansas Congressional delegation among many others made statements.

Simmering tensions over Iran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program boiled over and Iran quickly retaliated, sending a swarm of drones at Israel as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ali-khamenei">Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>&nbsp;warned of “severe punishment.”

Countries in the region condemned Israel's attack, while leaders around the globe called for immediate deescalation from both sides.

Israel's military said about 200 aircraft were involved in the initial attack on about 100 targets. Two security officials said the country's Mossad spy agency was also able to position explosive drones inside Iran ahead of time and then activate them to target missile launchers at an Iranian base near Tehran.

They said Israel had also smuggled precision weapons into central Iran as well as strike systems on vehicles, which were activated as the attack began to hit Iranian air defenses.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the highly secretive missions and it was not possible to independently confirm their claims. There was no official comment.

The Israeli attack hit several sites, including Iran's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-sites-explained-us-negotiations-cb602a7b53f9314dfba7e35a889fc086">main nuclear enrichment facility</a>&nbsp;at Natanz, where black smoke could be seen rising into the air. Later in the morning, Israel said it had also destroyed dozens of radar installations and surface-to-air missile launchers in western Iran.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-funeral-revolutionary-guard-e07df55596d48413fb87bf43711c9441">The leader of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard</a>, Gen. Hossein Salami, was confirmed dead, Iranian state television reported, a significant blow to Tehran's governing theocracy and an immediate escalation of its long-simmering conflict with Israel.

The chief of staff of Iranian armed forces, Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, was also confirmed dead by Iranian state television. Khamenei said other top military officials and scientists were also killed.

In response, Iran fired more than 100 drones at Israel, with both Iraq and Jordan confirming they had flown over their airspace. Israel said the drones were being intercepted outside its airspace, and it was not immediately clear whether any got through.

The Trump administration, which had cautioned Israel against an attack during continued negotiations over Iran's nuclear enrichment program, said it had not been involved and warned against any retaliation targeting U.S. interests or personnel.

Still, it seemed likely the U.S. suspected an attack could be in the offing, with Washington on Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-department-embassy-baghdad-f892ebd6a50850ef5650f31819541bff">pulling some American diplomats</a>&nbsp;from Iraq’s capital and offering voluntary evacuations for the families of U.S. troops in the wider Middle East.

Israel calls attacks preemptive strikes on Iran’s nuclear program

Israeli leaders cast attack as necessary to head off an imminent threat that Iran would build nuclear bombs, though it remains unclear how close the country is to achieving that or whether Iran had actually been planning a strike. Iran maintains its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only.

“It could be a year. It could be within a few months,"&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;claimed as he vowed to pursue the attack for as long as necessary to “remove this threat.”

"This is a clear and present danger to Israel’s very survival,” he said.

Over the past year, Israel has been targeting Iran’s air defenses,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-s300-radar-hit-isfahan-attack-ce6719d3df8ebf5af08b035427ee215c">hitting a radar system</a>&nbsp;for a Russian-made air defense battery in April 2024 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-lebanon-hezbollah-iran-news-10-26-2024-9c9f366c71c508e6dd0ee74cff8400d2">surface-to-air missile sites</a>&nbsp;and missile manufacturing facilities in October.

Nervous Israelis rushed to supermarkets in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and elsewhere to buy bottled water and other supplies, and circulated messages on WhatsApp groups advising each other to prepare their shelters for potential long-term use.

Iran claims Israel targeted residential areas

Israel “opened its wicked and blood-stained hand to a crime in our beloved country, revealing its malicious nature more than ever by striking residential centers,” Khamenei said in a statement.

For Netanyahu, the operation distracts attention from Israel’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/today-in-history/october-7">ongoing and increasingly devastating war in Gaza</a>, which is now over 20 months old.

There is a broad consensus in the Israeli public that Iran is a major threat, and Israel’s opposition leader, Yair Lapid, a staunch critic of Netanyahu, offered his “full support” for the mission against Iran. But if Iranian reprisals cause heavy Israeli casualties or major disruptions to daily life, public opinion could shift quickly.

Netanyahu expressed hope the attacks would trigger the downfall of Iran’s theocracy, saying his message to the Iranian people was that the fight was not with them, but with the “brutal dictatorship that has oppressed you for 46 years.”

“I believe that the day of your liberation is near,” the Israeli leader said.

Multiple sites in the Iranian capital were hit in the attack, which Netanyahu said targeted both nuclear and military sites. Also targeted were officials leading Iran’s nuclear program and its ballistic missile arsenal. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that an Israeli strike hit Iran’s uranium enrichment facility at Natanz and said it was closely monitoring radiation levels.

The strike on Iran pushed the Israeli military to its limits, requiring the use of aging air-to-air refuelers to get its fighter jets close enough to attack. It wasn’t immediately clear if Israeli jets entered Iranian airspace or just fired so-called “standoff missiles” over another country. People in Iraq heard fighter jets overhead at the time of the attack. Israel previously attacked Iran from over the border in Iraq.

Tension had been growing for weeks ahead of attacks

The potential for an attack had been apparent for weeks as angst built over Iran's nuclear program.

<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-says-an-israeli-attack-on-iran-is-not-imminent-but-is-concerned-it-could-very-well-happen-f383bcf23d0942b0b4474bfc71935e94">President Donald Trump on Thursday</a>&nbsp;said that he did not believe an attack was imminent but also acknowledged that it “could very well happen.”

Once the attacks were underway, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem&nbsp;<a href="https://il.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-embassy-jerusalem-june-13-2025/">issued an alert</a>&nbsp;telling American government workers and their families to shelter in place until further notice.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Israel took “unilateral action against Iran” and that Israel advised the U.S. that it believed the strikes were necessary for its self-defense.

“We are not involved in strikes against Iran, and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” Rubio said in a statement released by the White House.

Trump is scheduled to attend a meeting of his National Security Council on Friday in the White House Situation Room, where he is expected to discuss the conflict with top advisers.

Israel has long been determined to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, a concern laid bare on Thursday when the Board of Governors at the International Atomic Energy Agency for the first time in 20 years&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-iaea-sanctions-728b811da537abe942682e13a82ff8bd">censured Iran</a>&nbsp;over its refusal to work with its inspectors. Iran immediately announced it would establish a third enrichment site and install more advanced centrifuges.

Even so, there are multiple assessments on how many nuclear weapons Iran could conceivably build, should it choose to do so. Iran would need months to assemble, test and field any weapon, which it so far has said it has no desire to do. U.S. intelligence agencies also assess Iran does not have a weapons program at this time.

In a sign of the far-reaching implications of the emerging conflict, Israel's main airport was closed and benchmark Brent crude spiked on news of the attack, rising nearly 8%.

Federman and Frankel reported from Jerusalem. Associated Press writers Nasser Karimi, Amir Vahdat and Mehdi Fattahi in Tehran, Iran; Melanie Lidman and Sam Mednick in Tel Aviv, Israel; Eric Tucker in Washington; Bassem Mroue and Abby Sewell in Beirut, Lebanon; and David Rising in Bangkok contributed to this report.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel attacked Iran's capital early Friday in strikes that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-iaea-sanctions-728b811da537abe942682e13a82ff8bd">targeted the country's nuclear program</a>&nbsp;and killed at least two top military officers, raising the potential for an all-out war between the two bitter Middle East adversaries. It appeared to be the most significant attack Iran has faced since its 1980s war with Iraq.On social media, President Trump and two members of the Kansas Congressional delegation among many others made statements.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749810960125.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">As our ally, Israel, takes the steps necessary for their own safety and security, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to the safety of our brave American troops deployed across the Middle East — ensuring their protection is paramount as they safeguard our values. May God…&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1933354078840422758?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pray for Israel&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1933340059538805088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Congressman Schmidt and the United States stand strongly with our ally Israel. Iran is the world’s number one state sponsor of terror and must NEVER be allowed to gain a nuclear weapon. Though we are not involved, <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> has made it clear our forces stand ready to defend against…&mdash; Rep. Derek Schmidt Press (@RepDerekSchmidt) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDerekSchmidt/status/1933538615675527265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Simmering tensions over Iran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program boiled over and Iran quickly retaliated, sending a swarm of drones at Israel as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ali-khamenei">Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>&nbsp;warned of “severe punishment.”Countries in the region condemned Israel's attack, while leaders around the globe called for immediate deescalation from both sides.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">⭕️ IAF fighter jets, guided by precise intelligence, struck the Iranian regime&#39;s uranium enrichment site in the Natanz area overnight. This is the largest uranium enrichment site in Iran, which has operated for years to achieve nuclear weapons capability and houses the… <a href="https://t.co/JVLIZFHwLm">pic.twitter.com/JVLIZFHwLm</a>&mdash; Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1933459738936656100?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Israel's military said about 200 aircraft were involved in the initial attack on about 100 targets. Two security officials said the country's Mossad spy agency was also able to position explosive drones inside Iran ahead of time and then activate them to target missile launchers at an Iranian base near Tehran.They said Israel had also smuggled precision weapons into central Iran as well as strike systems on vehicles, which were activated as the attack began to hit Iranian air defenses.The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the highly secretive missions and it was not possible to independently confirm their claims. There was no official comment.The Israeli attack hit several sites, including Iran's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-sites-explained-us-negotiations-cb602a7b53f9314dfba7e35a889fc086">main nuclear enrichment facility</a>&nbsp;at Natanz, where black smoke could be seen rising into the air. Later in the morning, Israel said it had also destroyed dozens of radar installations and surface-to-air missile launchers in western Iran.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-funeral-revolutionary-guard-e07df55596d48413fb87bf43711c9441">The leader of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard</a>, Gen. Hossein Salami, was confirmed dead, Iranian state television reported, a significant blow to Tehran's governing theocracy and an immediate escalation of its long-simmering conflict with Israel.The chief of staff of Iranian armed forces, Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, was also confirmed dead by Iranian state television. Khamenei said other top military officials and scientists were also killed.In response, Iran fired more than 100 drones at Israel, with both Iraq and Jordan confirming they had flown over their airspace. Israel said the drones were being intercepted outside its airspace, and it was not immediately clear whether any got through.The Trump administration, which had cautioned Israel against an attack during continued negotiations over Iran's nuclear enrichment program, said it had not been involved and warned against any retaliation targeting U.S. interests or personnel.Still, it seemed likely the U.S. suspected an attack could be in the offing, with Washington on Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-department-embassy-baghdad-f892ebd6a50850ef5650f31819541bff">pulling some American diplomats</a>&nbsp;from Iraq’s capital and offering voluntary evacuations for the families of U.S. troops in the wider Middle East.<h2>Israel calls attacks preemptive strikes on Iran’s nuclear program</h2>Israeli leaders cast attack as necessary to head off an imminent threat that Iran would build nuclear bombs, though it remains unclear how close the country is to achieving that or whether Iran had actually been planning a strike. Iran maintains its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only.“It could be a year. It could be within a few months,"&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;claimed as he vowed to pursue the attack for as long as necessary to “remove this threat.”"This is a clear and present danger to Israel’s very survival,” he said.Over the past year, Israel has been targeting Iran’s air defenses,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-s300-radar-hit-isfahan-attack-ce6719d3df8ebf5af08b035427ee215c">hitting a radar system</a>&nbsp;for a Russian-made air defense battery in April 2024 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-lebanon-hezbollah-iran-news-10-26-2024-9c9f366c71c508e6dd0ee74cff8400d2">surface-to-air missile sites</a>&nbsp;and missile manufacturing facilities in October.Nervous Israelis rushed to supermarkets in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and elsewhere to buy bottled water and other supplies, and circulated messages on WhatsApp groups advising each other to prepare their shelters for potential long-term use.<h2>Iran claims Israel targeted residential areas</h2>Israel “opened its wicked and blood-stained hand to a crime in our beloved country, revealing its malicious nature more than ever by striking residential centers,” Khamenei said in a statement.For Netanyahu, the operation distracts attention from Israel’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/today-in-history/october-7">ongoing and increasingly devastating war in Gaza</a>, which is now over 20 months old.There is a broad consensus in the Israeli public that Iran is a major threat, and Israel’s opposition leader, Yair Lapid, a staunch critic of Netanyahu, offered his “full support” for the mission against Iran. But if Iranian reprisals cause heavy Israeli casualties or major disruptions to daily life, public opinion could shift quickly.Netanyahu expressed hope the attacks would trigger the downfall of Iran’s theocracy, saying his message to the Iranian people was that the fight was not with them, but with the “brutal dictatorship that has oppressed you for 46 years.”“I believe that the day of your liberation is near,” the Israeli leader said.Multiple sites in the Iranian capital were hit in the attack, which Netanyahu said targeted both nuclear and military sites. Also targeted were officials leading Iran’s nuclear program and its ballistic missile arsenal. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that an Israeli strike hit Iran’s uranium enrichment facility at Natanz and said it was closely monitoring radiation levels.The strike on Iran pushed the Israeli military to its limits, requiring the use of aging air-to-air refuelers to get its fighter jets close enough to attack. It wasn’t immediately clear if Israeli jets entered Iranian airspace or just fired so-called “standoff missiles” over another country. People in Iraq heard fighter jets overhead at the time of the attack. Israel previously attacked Iran from over the border in Iraq.<h2>Tension had been growing for weeks ahead of attacks</h2>The potential for an attack had been apparent for weeks as angst built over Iran's nuclear program.<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-says-an-israeli-attack-on-iran-is-not-imminent-but-is-concerned-it-could-very-well-happen-f383bcf23d0942b0b4474bfc71935e94">President Donald Trump on Thursday</a>&nbsp;said that he did not believe an attack was imminent but also acknowledged that it “could very well happen.”Once the attacks were underway, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem&nbsp;<a href="https://il.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-embassy-jerusalem-june-13-2025/">issued an alert</a>&nbsp;telling American government workers and their families to shelter in place until further notice.U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Israel took “unilateral action against Iran” and that Israel advised the U.S. that it believed the strikes were necessary for its self-defense.“We are not involved in strikes against Iran, and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” Rubio said in a statement released by the White House.Trump is scheduled to attend a meeting of his National Security Council on Friday in the White House Situation Room, where he is expected to discuss the conflict with top advisers.Israel has long been determined to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, a concern laid bare on Thursday when the Board of Governors at the International Atomic Energy Agency for the first time in 20 years&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-iaea-sanctions-728b811da537abe942682e13a82ff8bd">censured Iran</a>&nbsp;over its refusal to work with its inspectors. Iran immediately announced it would establish a third enrichment site and install more advanced centrifuges.Even so, there are multiple assessments on how many nuclear weapons Iran could conceivably build, should it choose to do so. Iran would need months to assemble, test and field any weapon, which it so far has said it has no desire to do. U.S. intelligence agencies also assess Iran does not have a weapons program at this time.In a sign of the far-reaching implications of the emerging conflict, Israel's main airport was closed and benchmark Brent crude spiked on news of the attack, rising nearly 8%.___Federman and Frankel reported from Jerusalem. Associated Press writers Nasser Karimi, Amir Vahdat and Mehdi Fattahi in Tehran, Iran; Melanie Lidman and Sam Mednick in Tel Aviv, Israel; Eric Tucker in Washington; Bassem Mroue and Abby Sewell in Beirut, Lebanon; and David Rising in Bangkok contributed to this report.

President Trump, Kan. lawmakers respond to Israel attack on Iran

LACROSSE—Flame Engineering, Inc. succeeded in achieving 24 Years With No Loss Time Accidents on June 6, 2025. There will be an all-company celebration on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Management and staff take safety seriously and this accomplishment is a tribute to their commitment. In addition to the outstanding safety record, Flame Engineering is currently recognized by Kansas Department of Labor/Industrial Safety &amp; Health Division and OSHA as a SHARP (Safety &amp; Health Achievement Recognition Program) company. The SHARP recognition was first accomplished in October of 2000 and is maintained to date.

Being Green is nothing new to Flame Engineering, Inc., LaCrosse, KS as they have been manufacturing “Earth Friendly” products for over 66 years.

Flame Engineering is the leader in flaming technology and is continuing to provide solutions for farmers, growers (with tractor mounted equipment) and homeowners throughout the world. Red Dragon® products include a variety of powerful handheld propane torches. The “Weed Dragon™” a medium size torch kit that comes fully assembled and quickly hooks up to any refillable propane tank (barbeque cylinders work great) was developed for the growing number of homeowners concerned with the environment for gardening and other uses on their property.

Flaming is a simple process of exposing the weeds to intense heat and vaporizing the water in the leaf cells. Just a split-second exposure to the heat is adequate to kill weeds. Flaming is environmentally friendly since the process kills weeds without the use of herbicides. A concern for the environment has popularized this simple and effective treatment of weed elimination.

All Flame Engineering’s products are assembled in LaCrosse, KS from parts sourced from North American vendors.

For more information, call 1-785-222-2873, Flame Engineering, Inc., PO Box 577, LaCrosse, KS 67548 or visit our website at <a href="https://flameengineering.com/">www.FlameEngineering.com</a>.

For product photos, or additional information, contact Mel Limon by email at Flame@FlameEngineering.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749590381460.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedLACROSSE—Flame Engineering, Inc. succeeded in achieving 24 Years With No Loss Time Accidents on June 6, 2025. There will be an all-company celebration on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Management and staff take safety seriously and this accomplishment is a tribute to their commitment. In addition to the outstanding safety record, Flame Engineering is currently recognized by Kansas Department of Labor/Industrial Safety &amp; Health Division and OSHA as a SHARP (Safety &amp; Health Achievement Recognition Program) company. The SHARP recognition was first accomplished in October of 2000 and is maintained to date.Being Green is nothing new to Flame Engineering, Inc., LaCrosse, KS as they have been manufacturing “Earth Friendly” products for over 66 years.Flame Engineering is the leader in flaming technology and is continuing to provide solutions for farmers, growers (with tractor mounted equipment) and homeowners throughout the world. Red Dragon® products include a variety of powerful handheld propane torches. The “Weed Dragon™” a medium size torch kit that comes fully assembled and quickly hooks up to any refillable propane tank (barbeque cylinders work great) was developed for the growing number of homeowners concerned with the environment for gardening and other uses on their property.Flaming is a simple process of exposing the weeds to intense heat and vaporizing the water in the leaf cells. Just a split-second exposure to the heat is adequate to kill weeds. Flaming is environmentally friendly since the process kills weeds without the use of herbicides. A concern for the environment has popularized this simple and effective treatment of weed elimination.All Flame Engineering’s products are assembled in LaCrosse, KS from parts sourced from North American vendors.For more information, call 1-785-222-2873, Flame Engineering, Inc., PO Box 577, LaCrosse, KS 67548 or visit our website at <a href="https://flameengineering.com/">www.FlameEngineering.com</a>.For product photos, or additional information, contact Mel Limon by email at Flame@FlameEngineering.com.

Flame Engineering, Inc. celebrates outstanding safety achievement

TOPEKA —The Kansas Department of Health this week reported five new case of measles over the past week in the state for a total of 76 cases in 11 counties.

Health officials in Arizona say there are four linked measles cases in Navajo County, marking the state's first outbreak this year.

The U.S. logged 122 more&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-vaccine-mmr-covid-exemptions-87cbfe44d8599b68408861f9b62421ed">cases of measles</a>&nbsp;last week — but only four of them in Texas — while the outbreaks in Pennsylvania and Michigan officially ended.

There were 1,168 confirmed measles cases in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. Health officials in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">Texas, where the nation's biggest outbreak</a>&nbsp;raged during the late winter and spring, said they'll now post case counts only once a week — yet another sign the outbreak is slowing.

There are three other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-mexico-canada-ontario-0956a30c043b030ae79bc9f67c6ce89c">major outbreaks</a>&nbsp;in North America. The longest, in Ontario, Canada, has resulted in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/Documents/M/24/measles-ontario-epi-summary.pdf?rev=3d8451977cd34084a8b494a6a11b4f1a&amp;sc_lang=en&amp;hash=48D1A6D0D037B39BD421AAF060204EE0">2,009 cases</a>&nbsp;from mid-October through June 3. The province logged its first death Thursday in a baby that got congenital measles but also had other preexisting conditions.

Another outbreak in Alberta, Canada, has sickened&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alberta.ca/measles">761 as of Thursday</a>. And the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-measles-vaccines-misinformation-mmr-mennonites-misinformation-ea6158b9a4d513b20f33cbc09034e5c2">Mexican state of Chihuahua</a>&nbsp;had 1,940 measles cases and four deaths as of Friday, according to data from the state health ministry.

Other U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-kansas-ohio-mmr-vaccination-new-mexico-texas-569474272df9baaad1f6d73462ebe92a">states with active outbreaks</a>&nbsp;— which the CDC defines as three or more related cases — include Colorado, Illinois,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/aP4Au/?v=3">Kansas</a>, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio and Oklahoma.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">In the U.S., two elementary school-aged children</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">epicenter in West Texas</a>&nbsp;and an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">adult in New Mexico</a>&nbsp;have died of measles this year. All were unvaccinated.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-mmr-outbreak-vaccines-408371700e3ab548777bf0354e586549">Measles</a>&nbsp;is caused by a highly contagious virus that’s airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-vaccines-autism-measles-obesity-food-dye-f26089856550e978d28fd25b653d8103">preventable through vaccines</a>, and has been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000.

How many measles cases are there in Texas?

There were a total of 744 cases across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/sxSwi/?v=7">35 counties, most of them in West Texas</a>, state health officials said Tuesday.

Throughout the outbreak, 96 people have been hospitalized.

<a href="https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/measles-outbreak-2025">State health officials estimated</a>&nbsp;less than 1% of cases — fewer than 10 — are actively infectious. Fifty-five percent of Texas’ cases are in Gaines County, where the virus started spreading in a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community. The county has had 411 cases since late January — just under 2% of the county’s residents.

The April 3 death in Texas was an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">8-year-old child,</a>&nbsp;according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-measles-outbreak-rfk-jr-ben-edwards-2dd7c79d47c64ad2e6d4a4ac3c87ec1f">Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;Local health officials said the child did not have underlying health conditions and died of “what the child’s doctor described as measles pulmonary failure.” A unvaccinated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">child with no underlying conditions died of measles in Texas</a>&nbsp;in late February; Kennedy said the child was 6.

How many measles cases are there in New Mexico?

New Mexico held steady Tuesday with a total of 81 cases.

Seven people have been hospitalized since the outbreak started. Most of the state’s cases are in Lea County. Sandoval County near Albuquerque has six cases, Eddy County has three, Doña Ana County has two. Chaves, Curry and San Juan counties have one each.

An unvaccinated adult died of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">measles-related illness March 6</a>. The person did not seek medical care.

Oklahoma added one case Tuesday for a total of 16 confirmed and three probable cases.

The state health department is not releasing which counties have cases.

Arizona has four cases in Navajo County. The cases are linked to a single source, the county health department said Monday. All four are unvaccinated and have a history of recent international travel.

Colorado has seen a total of 14 measles cases in 2025, which includes one outbreak of eight related cases.

The outbreak is linked to a Turkish Airlines flight that landed at Denver International Airport in mid-May, and includes four cases in Arapahoe County, three in El Paso County and one in Denver, plus a person who doesn't live in Colorado.

Other counties that have seen measles this year include Archuleta and Pueblo.

Illinois health officials confirmed a four-case outbreak on May 5 in the far southern part of the state, and it's grown to eight cases as of June 6, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The state's other two cases so far this year were in Cook County, and are unrelated to the southern Illinois outbreak.

Montana had 17 measles cases as of Thursday. Ten were in Gallatin County, which is where the first cases showed up — Montana’s first in 35 years.

Flathead and Yellowstone counties had two cases each, and Hill County had three case.

There are outbreaks in neighboring North Dakota and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

How many cases are there in North Dakota?

North Dakota, which hadn't seen measles since 2011, was up to 34 cases as of Friday. Two of the people have been hospitalized, and all of the people with confirmed cases were not vaccinated.

There were 16 cases in Williams County in western North Dakota on the Montana border. On the eastern side of the state on the Minnesota border, there were 10 cases in Grand Forks County and seven cases in Cass County. Burke County, in northwest North Dakota on the border of Saskatchewan, Canada, had one case.

Ohio remained steady for a third week at 34 measles cases and one hospitalization, according to the Ohio Department of Health. That count includes only Ohio residents.

The state has two outbreaks: Ashtabula County near Cleveland has 16 cases, and Knox County in east-central Ohio has 20 — 14 among Ohio residents and the rest among visitors. Allen, Cuyahoga, Holmes and Defiance counties have one case each.

Tennessee has had six measles cases since early May, but no change since. Tennessee’s outbreak appears to be over, as health officials say there have not been any new cases in six weeks.

Where else is measles showing up in the U.S.?

Measles cases also have been reported in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

Earlier outbreaks in Indiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania were declared over by health officials after six weeks of no new cases.

Cases and outbreaks in the U.S. are frequently traced to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-asia-measles-rates-unicef-who-report-2f888732cc297090238956986fd89cc4">someone who caught the disease abroad</a>. The CDC said in May that more than twice as many measles have come from outside of the U.S. compared to May of last year, and most of those are in unvaccinated Americans returning home. In 2019, the U.S. saw 1,274 cases and almost lost its status of having eliminated measles.

What do you need to know about the MMR vaccine?

The best way to avoid measles is to get the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/mmr.html">measles, mumps and rubella</a>&nbsp;vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.

Getting another MMR shot as an adult is harmless if there are concerns about waning immunity, the CDC says. People who have documentation of receiving a live measles vaccine in the 1960s don’t need to be revaccinated, but people who were immunized before 1968 with an ineffective vaccine made from “killed” virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said.

People who have documentation that they had measles are immune, and those born before 1957 generally don’t need the shots because so many children got measles back then that they have “presumptive immunity."

Measles has a harder time spreading through communities with high vaccination rates — above 95% — due to “herd immunity.” But childhood vaccination rates have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-vaccines-funding-cuts-5785985d6b74024b0502f6a2fc1576e2">declined nationwide</a>&nbsp;since the pandemic and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots.

Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes and a rash.

The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. When the rash appears, the fever may spike over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the CDC.

Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/index.html">dangerous complications</a>&nbsp;such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.

There’s no specific treatment for measles, so doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and keep patients comfortable.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741908251964.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —The Kansas Department of Health this week reported five new case of measles over the past week in the state for a total of 76 cases in 11 counties.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749773152463.png" alt="KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Health officials in Arizona say there are four linked measles cases in Navajo County, marking the state's first outbreak this year.The U.S. logged 122 more&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-vaccine-mmr-covid-exemptions-87cbfe44d8599b68408861f9b62421ed">cases of measles</a>&nbsp;last week — but only four of them in Texas — while the outbreaks in Pennsylvania and Michigan officially ended.There were 1,168 confirmed measles cases in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. Health officials in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">Texas, where the nation's biggest outbreak</a>&nbsp;raged during the late winter and spring, said they'll now post case counts only once a week — yet another sign the outbreak is slowing.There are three other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-mexico-canada-ontario-0956a30c043b030ae79bc9f67c6ce89c">major outbreaks</a>&nbsp;in North America. The longest, in Ontario, Canada, has resulted in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/Documents/M/24/measles-ontario-epi-summary.pdf?rev=3d8451977cd34084a8b494a6a11b4f1a&amp;sc_lang=en&amp;hash=48D1A6D0D037B39BD421AAF060204EE0">2,009 cases</a>&nbsp;from mid-October through June 3. The province logged its first death Thursday in a baby that got congenital measles but also had other preexisting conditions.Another outbreak in Alberta, Canada, has sickened&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alberta.ca/measles">761 as of Thursday</a>. And the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-measles-vaccines-misinformation-mmr-mennonites-misinformation-ea6158b9a4d513b20f33cbc09034e5c2">Mexican state of Chihuahua</a>&nbsp;had 1,940 measles cases and four deaths as of Friday, according to data from the state health ministry.Other U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-kansas-ohio-mmr-vaccination-new-mexico-texas-569474272df9baaad1f6d73462ebe92a">states with active outbreaks</a>&nbsp;— which the CDC defines as three or more related cases — include Colorado, Illinois,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/aP4Au/?v=3">Kansas</a>, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio and Oklahoma.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">In the U.S., two elementary school-aged children</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">epicenter in West Texas</a>&nbsp;and an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">adult in New Mexico</a>&nbsp;have died of measles this year. All were unvaccinated.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-mmr-outbreak-vaccines-408371700e3ab548777bf0354e586549">Measles</a>&nbsp;is caused by a highly contagious virus that’s airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-vaccines-autism-measles-obesity-food-dye-f26089856550e978d28fd25b653d8103">preventable through vaccines</a>, and has been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000.<h2>How many measles cases are there in Texas?</h2>There were a total of 744 cases across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/sxSwi/?v=7">35 counties, most of them in West Texas</a>, state health officials said Tuesday.Throughout the outbreak, 96 people have been hospitalized.<a href="https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/measles-outbreak-2025">State health officials estimated</a>&nbsp;less than 1% of cases — fewer than 10 — are actively infectious. Fifty-five percent of Texas’ cases are in Gaines County, where the virus started spreading in a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community. The county has had 411 cases since late January — just under 2% of the county’s residents.The April 3 death in Texas was an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">8-year-old child,</a>&nbsp;according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-measles-outbreak-rfk-jr-ben-edwards-2dd7c79d47c64ad2e6d4a4ac3c87ec1f">Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;Local health officials said the child did not have underlying health conditions and died of “what the child’s doctor described as measles pulmonary failure.” A unvaccinated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">child with no underlying conditions died of measles in Texas</a>&nbsp;in late February; Kennedy said the child was 6.<h2>How many measles cases are there in New Mexico?</h2>New Mexico held steady Tuesday with a total of 81 cases.Seven people have been hospitalized since the outbreak started. Most of the state’s cases are in Lea County. Sandoval County near Albuquerque has six cases, Eddy County has three, Doña Ana County has two. Chaves, Curry and San Juan counties have one each.An unvaccinated adult died of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">measles-related illness March 6</a>. The person did not seek medical care.<h2>How many cases are there in Oklahoma?</h2>Oklahoma added one case Tuesday for a total of 16 confirmed and three probable cases.The state health department is not releasing which counties have cases.<h2>How many cases are there in Arizona?</h2>Arizona has four cases in Navajo County. The cases are linked to a single source, the county health department said Monday. All four are unvaccinated and have a history of recent international travel.<h2>How many cases are there in Colorado?</h2>Colorado has seen a total of 14 measles cases in 2025, which includes one outbreak of eight related cases.The outbreak is linked to a Turkish Airlines flight that landed at Denver International Airport in mid-May, and includes four cases in Arapahoe County, three in El Paso County and one in Denver, plus a person who doesn't live in Colorado.Other counties that have seen measles this year include Archuleta and Pueblo.<h2>How many cases are there in Illinois?</h2>Illinois health officials confirmed a four-case outbreak on May 5 in the far southern part of the state, and it's grown to eight cases as of June 6, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.The state's other two cases so far this year were in Cook County, and are unrelated to the southern Illinois outbreak.<h2>How many cases are there in Montana?</h2>Montana had 17 measles cases as of Thursday. Ten were in Gallatin County, which is where the first cases showed up — Montana’s first in 35 years.Flathead and Yellowstone counties had two cases each, and Hill County had three case.There are outbreaks in neighboring North Dakota and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.<h2>How many cases are there in North Dakota?</h2>North Dakota, which hadn't seen measles since 2011, was up to 34 cases as of Friday. Two of the people have been hospitalized, and all of the people with confirmed cases were not vaccinated.There were 16 cases in Williams County in western North Dakota on the Montana border. On the eastern side of the state on the Minnesota border, there were 10 cases in Grand Forks County and seven cases in Cass County. Burke County, in northwest North Dakota on the border of Saskatchewan, Canada, had one case.<h2>How many cases are there in Ohio?</h2>Ohio remained steady for a third week at 34 measles cases and one hospitalization, according to the Ohio Department of Health. That count includes only Ohio residents.The state has two outbreaks: Ashtabula County near Cleveland has 16 cases, and Knox County in east-central Ohio has 20 — 14 among Ohio residents and the rest among visitors. Allen, Cuyahoga, Holmes and Defiance counties have one case each.<h2>How many cases are there in Tennessee?</h2>Tennessee has had six measles cases since early May, but no change since. Tennessee’s outbreak appears to be over, as health officials say there have not been any new cases in six weeks.<h2>Where else is measles showing up in the U.S.?</h2>Measles cases also have been reported in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.Earlier outbreaks in Indiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania were declared over by health officials after six weeks of no new cases.Cases and outbreaks in the U.S. are frequently traced to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-asia-measles-rates-unicef-who-report-2f888732cc297090238956986fd89cc4">someone who caught the disease abroad</a>. The CDC said in May that more than twice as many measles have come from outside of the U.S. compared to May of last year, and most of those are in unvaccinated Americans returning home. In 2019, the U.S. saw 1,274 cases and almost lost its status of having eliminated measles.<h2>What do you need to know about the MMR vaccine?</h2>The best way to avoid measles is to get the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/mmr.html">measles, mumps and rubella</a>&nbsp;vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.Getting another MMR shot as an adult is harmless if there are concerns about waning immunity, the CDC says. People who have documentation of receiving a live measles vaccine in the 1960s don’t need to be revaccinated, but people who were immunized before 1968 with an ineffective vaccine made from “killed” virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said.People who have documentation that they had measles are immune, and those born before 1957 generally don’t need the shots because so many children got measles back then that they have “presumptive immunity."Measles has a harder time spreading through communities with high vaccination rates — above 95% — due to “herd immunity.” But childhood vaccination rates have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-vaccines-funding-cuts-5785985d6b74024b0502f6a2fc1576e2">declined nationwide</a>&nbsp;since the pandemic and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots.<h2>What are the symptoms of measles?</h2>Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes and a rash.The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. When the rash appears, the fever may spike over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the CDC.Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/index.html">dangerous complications</a>&nbsp;such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.<h2>How can you treat measles?</h2>There’s no specific treatment for measles, so doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and keep patients comfortable.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Number of measles cases in Kansas continues to climb

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pablo Reyes stumbled, stopped and still&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/lucas-erceg-in-play-no-out-to-paul-goldschmidt?q=Yankees&amp;cp=CMS_FIRST&amp;qt=FREETEXT&amp;p=0">scrambled home safely on a wild play</a>&nbsp;in the eighth inning Thursday night, taking advantage of a throwing error by reliever Lucas Erceg to give the New York Yankees a 1-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

New York completed a three-game sweep to finish 6-0 against the Royals this season after eliminating them 3-1 in their best-of-five playoff series last October.

Backed by some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/salvador-perez-grounds-out-shortstop-anthony-volpe-to-first-baseman-paul?q=Yankees&amp;cp=CMS_FIRST&amp;qt=FREETEXT&amp;p=0">brilliant defense,</a>&nbsp;Will Warren and four relievers combined on a five-hitter as the AL East-leading Yankees (42-25) moved a season-high 17 games over .500. They have the best road record in the majors at 21-13.

Mark Leiter Jr. (4-3) got one out for the win, and Devin Williams earned his ninth save with a perfect ninth. He threw a called third strike past Jac Caglianone to end it, freezing the touted rookie with a full-count fastball.

The game was interrupted by rain for 28 minutes in the top of the sixth.

With two on and two outs in the eighth, Paul Goldschmidt lined a single off the glove of leaping first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. He tracked down the ball behind him and threw to Erceg (1-2) covering first, but Goldschmidt beat the play.

Reyes lost his balance coming around third, changed direction twice and then slid home safely when Erceg bounced his throw to the plate.

Both starters pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings. Seth Lugo allowed just two hits, while Warren permitted four.

Pasquantino extended his hitting streak to a career-high 12 games and his on-base streak to a career-best 27 games.

New York rested Aaron Judge, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Austin Wells, who were a combined 7 for 23 with three homers and 10 RBIs in the first two games of the series.

The Royals squandered two excellent chances to take their first lead of the series. In the second inning, they had runners on first and second with nobody out. In the fifth, they had a runner at third with one out.

New York swept a season series from the Royals for the third time in their 57-year history. ... The Yankees have won 19 of the past 20 series between the teams.

Yankees LHP Ryan Yarbrough (3-1, 4.17 ERA) faces Boston LHP Garrett Crochet (6-4, 2.35) in the opener of a three-game series Friday night at Fenway Park.

Royals RHP Michael Wacha (3-5, 3.01 ERA) starts Friday at home against Athletics RHP Luis Severino (1-6, 4.77).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749785927566.jpeg" alt="New York Yankees' Pablo Reyes, right, scores against Kansas City Royals catcher Freddy Fermin, left, in the eighth inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>New York Yankees' Pablo Reyes, right, scores against Kansas City Royals catcher Freddy Fermin, left, in the eighth inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pablo Reyes stumbled, stopped and still&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/lucas-erceg-in-play-no-out-to-paul-goldschmidt?q=Yankees&amp;cp=CMS_FIRST&amp;qt=FREETEXT&amp;p=0">scrambled home safely on a wild play</a>&nbsp;in the eighth inning Thursday night, taking advantage of a throwing error by reliever Lucas Erceg to give the New York Yankees a 1-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals.New York completed a three-game sweep to finish 6-0 against the Royals this season after eliminating them 3-1 in their best-of-five playoff series last October.Backed by some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/salvador-perez-grounds-out-shortstop-anthony-volpe-to-first-baseman-paul?q=Yankees&amp;cp=CMS_FIRST&amp;qt=FREETEXT&amp;p=0">brilliant defense,</a>&nbsp;Will Warren and four relievers combined on a five-hitter as the AL East-leading Yankees (42-25) moved a season-high 17 games over .500. They have the best road record in the majors at 21-13.Mark Leiter Jr. (4-3) got one out for the win, and Devin Williams earned his ninth save with a perfect ninth. He threw a called third strike past Jac Caglianone to end it, freezing the touted rookie with a full-count fastball.The game was interrupted by rain for 28 minutes in the top of the sixth.With two on and two outs in the eighth, Paul Goldschmidt lined a single off the glove of leaping first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. He tracked down the ball behind him and threw to Erceg (1-2) covering first, but Goldschmidt beat the play.Reyes lost his balance coming around third, changed direction twice and then slid home safely when Erceg bounced his throw to the plate.Both starters pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings. Seth Lugo allowed just two hits, while Warren permitted four.Pasquantino extended his hitting streak to a career-high 12 games and his on-base streak to a career-best 27 games.New York rested Aaron Judge, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Austin Wells, who were a combined 7 for 23 with three homers and 10 RBIs in the first two games of the series.<h2>Key moments</h2>The Royals squandered two excellent chances to take their first lead of the series. In the second inning, they had runners on first and second with nobody out. In the fifth, they had a runner at third with one out.<h2>Key stat</h2>New York swept a season series from the Royals for the third time in their 57-year history. ... The Yankees have won 19 of the past 20 series between the teams.<h2>Up next</h2>Yankees LHP Ryan Yarbrough (3-1, 4.17 ERA) faces Boston LHP Garrett Crochet (6-4, 2.35) in the opener of a three-game series Friday night at Fenway Park.Royals RHP Michael Wacha (3-5, 3.01 ERA) starts Friday at home against Athletics RHP Luis Severino (1-6, 4.77).

⚾ Yankees score late run to edge Royals and complete season sweep

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man charged in a fatal hit-and-run that killed a bicyclist was back in court Wednesday for an arraignment hearing.

Christopher Johnson, 23, plead not guilty to a charge of felony hit-and-run before&nbsp;Judge Eric Williams, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; He will face a jury trial in October.

In August of 2024, police responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and an electric bicycle at 2400 N. Hoover in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

First responders found 43-year-old Thomas Doyle of Wichita who was riding the bike unresponsive. Thomas was later pronounced deceased at the scene by Sedgwick County EMS.

Investigators determined Doyle was northbound on Hoover when he was struck by a vehicle driven by Johnsaon that then continued driving north.

On August 22, police arrested Johnson on felony allegations, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=751504">Sedgwick County booking records.</a>&nbsp; He bonded out of jail the following day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724409391079.png" alt="Johnson photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man charged in a fatal hit-and-run that killed a bicyclist was back in court Wednesday for an arraignment hearing.Christopher Johnson, 23, plead not guilty to a charge of felony hit-and-run before&nbsp;Judge Eric Williams, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; He will face a jury trial in October.In August of 2024, police responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and an electric bicycle at 2400 N. Hoover in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.First responders found 43-year-old Thomas Doyle of Wichita who was riding the bike unresponsive. Thomas was later pronounced deceased at the scene by Sedgwick County EMS.Investigators determined Doyle was northbound on Hoover when he was struck by a vehicle driven by Johnsaon that then continued driving north.On August 22, police arrested Johnson on felony allegations, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=751504">Sedgwick County booking records.</a>&nbsp; He bonded out of jail the following day.

Driver enters plea in fatal Kansas hit-and-run that killed bicyclist

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday named eight new vaccine policy advisers to replace the panel that he abruptly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-cdc-acip-vaccines-3790c89f45b6314c5c7b686db0e3a8f9">dismissed earlier this week</a>.

They include a scientist who researched mRNA vaccine technology and transformed into a conservative darling for his criticisms of COVID-19 vaccines, and a leading critic of pandemic-era lockdowns.

Kennedy's decision to “retire” the previous 17-member panel was widely decried by doctors' groups and public health organizations, who feared the advisers would be replaced by a group aligned with Kennedy's desire to reassess — and possibly end — longstanding vaccination recommendations.

The new appointees to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices include Dr. Robert Malone, the former mRNA researcher who emerged as a close adviser to Kennedy during the measles outbreak.

Malone, who runs a wellness institute and a popular blog, rose to popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as he relayed conspiracy theories around the outbreak and the vaccines that followed. He has appeared on podcasts and other conservative news outlets where he’s promoted unproven and alternative treatments for measles and COVID-19.

He has claimed that millions of Americans were hypnotized into taking the COVID-19 shots. He’s even suggested that those vaccines cause a form of AIDS. He’s downplayed deaths related to one of the largest measles outbreaks in the U.S. in years.

Other appointees include Dr. Martin Kulldorff, a biostatistician and epidemiologist who was a co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, an October 2020 letter maintaining that pandemic shutdowns were causing irreparable harm. Dr. Cody Meissner, a former ACIP member, also was named.

Kennedy made the announcement in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SecKennedy/status/1932899858920120692">a social media post</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday.

The committee, created in 1964, makes recommendations to the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC directors almost always approve those recommendations on how Food and Drug Administration-cleared vaccines should be used. The CDC’s final recommendations are widely heeded by doctors and determine the scope of vaccination programs.

Associated Press reporter Amanda Seitz contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749678718441.png" alt="Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivering meals on wheels Wednesday-image courtesy HHS video" />
 <figcaption>Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivering meals on wheels Wednesday-image courtesy HHS video</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday named eight new vaccine policy advisers to replace the panel that he abruptly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-cdc-acip-vaccines-3790c89f45b6314c5c7b686db0e3a8f9">dismissed earlier this week</a>.They include a scientist who researched mRNA vaccine technology and transformed into a conservative darling for his criticisms of COVID-19 vaccines, and a leading critic of pandemic-era lockdowns.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On Monday, I took a major step towards restoring public trust in vaccines by reconstituting the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP). I retired the 17 current members of the committee. I’m now repopulating ACIP with the eight new members who will attend ACIP’s…&mdash; Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy/status/1932899858920120692?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kennedy's decision to “retire” the previous 17-member panel was widely decried by doctors' groups and public health organizations, who feared the advisers would be replaced by a group aligned with Kennedy's desire to reassess — and possibly end — longstanding vaccination recommendations.The new appointees to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices include Dr. Robert Malone, the former mRNA researcher who emerged as a close adviser to Kennedy during the measles outbreak.Malone, who runs a wellness institute and a popular blog, rose to popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as he relayed conspiracy theories around the outbreak and the vaccines that followed. He has appeared on podcasts and other conservative news outlets where he’s promoted unproven and alternative treatments for measles and COVID-19.He has claimed that millions of Americans were hypnotized into taking the COVID-19 shots. He’s even suggested that those vaccines cause a form of AIDS. He’s downplayed deaths related to one of the largest measles outbreaks in the U.S. in years.Other appointees include Dr. Martin Kulldorff, a biostatistician and epidemiologist who was a co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, an October 2020 letter maintaining that pandemic shutdowns were causing irreparable harm. Dr. Cody Meissner, a former ACIP member, also was named.Kennedy made the announcement in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SecKennedy/status/1932899858920120692">a social media post</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday.The committee, created in 1964, makes recommendations to the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC directors almost always approve those recommendations on how Food and Drug Administration-cleared vaccines should be used. The CDC’s final recommendations are widely heeded by doctors and determine the scope of vaccination programs.___Associated Press reporter Amanda Seitz contributed to this report.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

COVID shot critic among Kennedy vaccine committee replacements

5 other women identified as possible victims

On Monday, in an Ellis County courtroom in Hays, Wakefield resident Alec Donald Vann was sentenced to 114 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to one count of aggravated sexual battery.

Vann was initially charged with two counts of rape, both being level 1 person felonies, and one count of aggravated sexual battery, a severity level 5-person felony.

The charges alleged Vann knowingly engaged in sexual acts and intercourse with a woman, who did not consent and was overcome by force or fear, in Hays in October 2023.

Vann accepted a plea agreement from the state and pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated sexual battery. After serving his 114-month prison sentence, Vann will be required to register as a sex offender for 25 years and be subject to lifetime post-release supervision.

In addition to the victim in Hays, five additional people were identified as possible victims of Vann. Four victims were willing to speak with the prosecutor, and ultimately, three testified concerning the defendant’s prior acts of sexual misconduct.

The defendant was represented by Andy Vinduska, attorney from Manhattan. The state was represented by former Ellis County Attorney and now Special Prosecutor Appointed, Robert A. Anderson Jr. The Honorable Thomas Drees, 23rd Judicial District Court Judge, served as the sentencing judge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749666168670.png" alt="Vann-photo&nbsp; KBI offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Vann-photo&nbsp; KBI offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>5 other women identified as possible victims</h2>Ellis County Attorney's OfficeOn Monday, in an Ellis County courtroom in Hays, Wakefield resident Alec Donald Vann was sentenced to 114 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to one count of aggravated sexual battery.Vann was initially charged with two counts of rape, both being level 1 person felonies, and one count of aggravated sexual battery, a severity level 5-person felony.The charges alleged Vann knowingly engaged in sexual acts and intercourse with a woman, who did not consent and was overcome by force or fear, in Hays in October 2023.Vann accepted a plea agreement from the state and pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated sexual battery. After serving his 114-month prison sentence, Vann will be required to register as a sex offender for 25 years and be subject to lifetime post-release supervision.In addition to the victim in Hays, five additional people were identified as possible victims of Vann. Four victims were willing to speak with the prosecutor, and ultimately, three testified concerning the defendant’s prior acts of sexual misconduct.The defendant was represented by Andy Vinduska, attorney from Manhattan. The state was represented by former Ellis County Attorney and now Special Prosecutor Appointed, Robert A. Anderson Jr. The Honorable Thomas Drees, 23rd Judicial District Court Judge, served as the sentencing judge."This defendant was finally held responsible for his actions, and the Ellis County Attorney's Office will continue to seek justice for victims and hold perpetrators accountable," Anderson said. "We are thankful to the courageous women who came forward in this matter and hope they can now move forward in peace and heal from the trauma caused by the defendant."