OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Former Sen. Jim Inhofe, a conservative firebrand known for his strong support of defense spending and his denial that human activity is responsible for the bulk of climate change, has died. He was 89.

Inhofe, a powerful fixture in Oklahoma politics for over six decades, died Tuesday morning after he had a stroke over the July Fourth holiday, his family said in a statement.

Inhofe, who was elected to a fifth Senate term in 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-special-elections-oklahoma-jim-inhofe-congress-adc9a3344b4cc339f395859913a98e79">stepped down in early 2023</a>.

Inhofe frequently criticized the mainstream science that human activity contributed to changes in the Earth’s climate, once calling it “the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American people.”

In February 2015, with temperatures in the nation’s capital below freezing, Inhofe brought a snowball on to the Senate floor. He tossed it before claiming that environmentalists focus attention on global warming as it kept getting cold. “It’s very, very cold out. Very unseasonable,” Inhofe said.

As Oklahoma's senior U.S. senator, Inhofe was a staunch supporter of the state’s five military installations and a vocal fan of congressional earmarks. The Army veteran and licensed pilot, who would fly himself to and from Washington, secured the federal money to fund local road and bridge projects, and criticized House Republicans who wanted a one-year moratorium on such pet projects in 2010.

"Defeating an earmark doesn't save a nickel," Inhofe told the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce that August. “It merely means that within the budget process, it goes right back to the bureaucracy.”

He was a strong backer of President Donald Trump, who praised him for his “incredible support of our #MAGA agenda” while endorsing the senator’s 2020 reelection bid. During the Trump administration, Inhofe served as chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee following the death of Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

Inhofe caught national attention in March 2009 by introducing legislation that would have prevented detainees from the U.S. military prison in Guantanamo Bay from being relocated "anywhere on American soil."

Closer to home, Inhofe helped secure millions of dollars to clean up a former mining hub in northeast Oklahoma that spent decades on the Environmental Protection Agency's Superfund list. In a massive buyout program, the federal government purchased homes and businesses within the 40-square-mile (104-square-kilometer) region of Tar Creek, where children consistently tested for dangerous levels of lead in their blood.

"This is an example of a government program created for a specific purpose and then dissolves after the job is completed. This is how government should work,” Inhofe said in December 2010, when the project was nearly complete.

In 2021, Inhofe defied some in his party by voting to certify Democrat Joe Biden’s victory in the presidential election, saying that to do otherwise would be a violation of his oath of office to support and defend the Constitution. He voted against convicting Trump at both of his impeachment trials.

Born James Mountain Inhofe on Nov. 17, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa, Inhofe grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and received a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Tulsa in 1959. He served in the Army between 1956 and 1958, and was a businessman for three decades, serving as president of Quaker Life Insurance Co.

His political career began in 1966, when he was elected to the state House. Two years later he won an Oklahoma Senate seat that he held during unsuccessful runs for governor in 1974 and for the U.S. House in 1976. He then won three terms at Tulsa mayor starting in 1978.

Inhofe went on to win two terms in the U.S. House in the 1980s, before throwing his hat into a bitter U.S. Senate race when longtime Sen. David Boren resigned in 1994 to become president of the University of Oklahoma. Inhofe beat then-U.S. Rep. Dave McCurdy in a special election that year to serve the final two years of Boren’s term and was reelected five times.

Inhofe lived up to his reputation as a tough campaigner in his 2008 reelection bid against Democrat Andrew Rice, a 35-year-old state senator and former missionary. Inhofe claimed Rice was “too liberal” for Oklahoma and ran television ads that critics said contained anti-gay overtones, including one that showed a wedding cake topped by two plastic grooms and a photo of Rice as a young man wearing a leather jacket.

Rice, who has two children with his wife and earned his master’s degree from Harvard University Divinity School, accused Inhofe of distorting his record and attacking his character.

Inhofe’s bullish personality also was apparent outside politics. He was a commercial-rated pilot and flight instructor with more than 50 years of flying experience.

He made an emergency landing in Claremore in 1999, after his plane lost a propeller, an incident later blamed on an installation error. In 2006, his plane spun out of control upon landing in Tulsa; he and an aide escaped injury, though the plane was severely damaged.

In 2010, Inhofe landed his small plane on a closed runway at a rural South Texas airport while flying himself and others to a home he owned in South Padre Island. Runway workers scrambled, and Inhofe agreed to complete a remedial training program rather than face possible legal action.

"I'm 75 years old, but I still fly airplanes upside down," Inhofe said in August 2010. "I don't know why it is, but I don't hurt anywhere, and I don't feel any differently than I felt five years ago."

Inhofe is survived by his wife, Kay, three children and several grandchildren. A son, Dr. Perry Dyson Inhofe II, died in November 2013, at the age of 51, when the twin-engine aircraft he was flying crashed a few miles north of Tulsa International Airport.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720541196371.png" alt="Senator James Infofe photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Senator James Infofe photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Former Sen. Jim Inhofe, a conservative firebrand known for his strong support of defense spending and his denial that human activity is responsible for the bulk of climate change, has died. He was 89.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) died today at the age of 89. He represented Oklahoma in the House from 1987 to 1994 and the Senate from 1994 to 2023. Watch his farewell address.<a href="https://t.co/JwgCQ2VfYZ">https://t.co/JwgCQ2VfYZ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1810702777359937574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Inhofe, a powerful fixture in Oklahoma politics for over six decades, died Tuesday morning after he had a stroke over the July Fourth holiday, his family said in a statement.Inhofe, who was elected to a fifth Senate term in 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-special-elections-oklahoma-jim-inhofe-congress-adc9a3344b4cc339f395859913a98e79">stepped down in early 2023</a>.Inhofe frequently criticized the mainstream science that human activity contributed to changes in the Earth’s climate, once calling it “the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American people.”In February 2015, with temperatures in the nation’s capital below freezing, Inhofe brought a snowball on to the Senate floor. He tossed it before claiming that environmentalists focus attention on global warming as it kept getting cold. “It’s very, very cold out. Very unseasonable,” Inhofe said.As Oklahoma's senior U.S. senator, Inhofe was a staunch supporter of the state’s five military installations and a vocal fan of congressional earmarks. The Army veteran and licensed pilot, who would fly himself to and from Washington, secured the federal money to fund local road and bridge projects, and criticized House Republicans who wanted a one-year moratorium on such pet projects in 2010."Defeating an earmark doesn't save a nickel," Inhofe told the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce that August. “It merely means that within the budget process, it goes right back to the bureaucracy.”He was a strong backer of President Donald Trump, who praised him for his “incredible support of our #MAGA agenda” while endorsing the senator’s 2020 reelection bid. During the Trump administration, Inhofe served as chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee following the death of Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona.Inhofe caught national attention in March 2009 by introducing legislation that would have prevented detainees from the U.S. military prison in Guantanamo Bay from being relocated "anywhere on American soil."Closer to home, Inhofe helped secure millions of dollars to clean up a former mining hub in northeast Oklahoma that spent decades on the Environmental Protection Agency's Superfund list. In a massive buyout program, the federal government purchased homes and businesses within the 40-square-mile (104-square-kilometer) region of Tar Creek, where children consistently tested for dangerous levels of lead in their blood."This is an example of a government program created for a specific purpose and then dissolves after the job is completed. This is how government should work,” Inhofe said in December 2010, when the project was nearly complete.In 2021, Inhofe defied some in his party by voting to certify Democrat Joe Biden’s victory in the presidential election, saying that to do otherwise would be a violation of his oath of office to support and defend the Constitution. He voted against convicting Trump at both of his impeachment trials.Born James Mountain Inhofe on Nov. 17, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa, Inhofe grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and received a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Tulsa in 1959. He served in the Army between 1956 and 1958, and was a businessman for three decades, serving as president of Quaker Life Insurance Co.His political career began in 1966, when he was elected to the state House. Two years later he won an Oklahoma Senate seat that he held during unsuccessful runs for governor in 1974 and for the U.S. House in 1976. He then won three terms at Tulsa mayor starting in 1978.Inhofe went on to win two terms in the U.S. House in the 1980s, before throwing his hat into a bitter U.S. Senate race when longtime Sen. David Boren resigned in 1994 to become president of the University of Oklahoma. Inhofe beat then-U.S. Rep. Dave McCurdy in a special election that year to serve the final two years of Boren’s term and was reelected five times.Inhofe lived up to his reputation as a tough campaigner in his 2008 reelection bid against Democrat Andrew Rice, a 35-year-old state senator and former missionary. Inhofe claimed Rice was “too liberal” for Oklahoma and ran television ads that critics said contained anti-gay overtones, including one that showed a wedding cake topped by two plastic grooms and a photo of Rice as a young man wearing a leather jacket.Rice, who has two children with his wife and earned his master’s degree from Harvard University Divinity School, accused Inhofe of distorting his record and attacking his character.Inhofe’s bullish personality also was apparent outside politics. He was a commercial-rated pilot and flight instructor with more than 50 years of flying experience.He made an emergency landing in Claremore in 1999, after his plane lost a propeller, an incident later blamed on an installation error. In 2006, his plane spun out of control upon landing in Tulsa; he and an aide escaped injury, though the plane was severely damaged.In 2010, Inhofe landed his small plane on a closed runway at a rural South Texas airport while flying himself and others to a home he owned in South Padre Island. Runway workers scrambled, and Inhofe agreed to complete a remedial training program rather than face possible legal action."I'm 75 years old, but I still fly airplanes upside down," Inhofe said in August 2010. "I don't know why it is, but I don't hurt anywhere, and I don't feel any differently than I felt five years ago."Inhofe is survived by his wife, Kay, three children and several grandchildren. A son, Dr. Perry Dyson Inhofe II, died in November 2013, at the age of 51, when the twin-engine aircraft he was flying crashed a few miles north of Tulsa International Airport.

🎥Former GOP Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma dies at 89

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide in Oklahoma have captured a suspect in Kansas.

On Monday, police in Wichita arrested <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=749367">38-year-old Thomas Conway</a> on an active warrant on requested charges including possession of controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm after a felony conviction, maintaining a dwelling for keeping or selling a controlled dangerous substance and unlawful use of a police scanner.

Just before 1 a.m. Monday, the Bartlesville Police Department dispatch center received a call about a gunshot in the 1400 block of West Hensley in Bartlesville, according to a media release.

First responders found 38-year old Alexander Daugherty lying in the alley and began life-saving measures until medical personnel arrived. EMS transported Daugherty to the hospital, where he died.

Bartlesville Police are working with Wichita Police as they continue to investigate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720519929237.png" alt="Conway photo Bartlesville Police" />
 <figcaption>Conway photo Bartlesville Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide in Oklahoma have captured a suspect in Kansas.On Monday, police in Wichita arrested <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=749367">38-year-old Thomas Conway</a> on an active warrant on requested charges including possession of controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm after a felony conviction, maintaining a dwelling for keeping or selling a controlled dangerous substance and unlawful use of a police scanner.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720523026154.png" alt="Conway photo Sedgwick Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Conway photo Sedgwick Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 1 a.m. Monday, the Bartlesville Police Department dispatch center received a call about a gunshot in the 1400 block of West Hensley in Bartlesville, according to a media release.First responders found 38-year old Alexander Daugherty lying in the alley and began life-saving measures until medical personnel arrived. EMS transported Daugherty to the hospital, where he died.Bartlesville Police are working with Wichita Police as they continue to investigate.

Oklahoma murder suspect captured in Kansas 

WASHINGTON (AP)—President Joe Biden met Monday at the White House with Liat Beinin Atzili, an Israeli-American teacher who was held hostage in Gaza for more than 50 days by Hamas militants.

Atzili was among those taken captive on Oct. 7 when Hamas militants rampaged through Kibbutz Nir Oz. Her husband, Aviv, was killed in the attack.

The White House said in a statement that Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, joined Biden’s meeting with Atzili and her family.

The meeting comes as hostage negotiations are expected to resume this week amid signs of narrowing differences between Israel and Hamas over a U.S.-backed proposal to release all remaining hostages over the course through a three-phase deal.

Biden has dispatched CIA Director William Burns and White House senior adviser Brett McGurk to the region for the talks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701295331170.png" alt="Liat Beinin Hostages and Missing Families Forum" />
 <figcaption>Liat Beinin Hostages and Missing Families Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP)—President Joe Biden met Monday at the White House with Liat Beinin Atzili, an Israeli-American teacher who was held hostage in Gaza for more than 50 days by Hamas militants.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FPOTUS%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0mkmQz6gTeCeAwsRdSDdchA4zYwgvSHJd1NFyot3FTTychUwpaKQ54HzfbSXMfmryl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="508" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Atzili was among those taken captive on Oct. 7 when Hamas militants rampaged through Kibbutz Nir Oz. Her husband, Aviv, was killed in the attack.The White House said in a statement that Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, joined Biden’s meeting with Atzili and her family.The meeting comes as hostage negotiations are expected to resume this week amid signs of narrowing differences between Israel and Hamas over a U.S.-backed proposal to release all remaining hostages over the course through a three-phase deal.Biden has dispatched CIA Director William Burns and White House senior adviser Brett McGurk to the region for the talks.

American teacher who was held hostage in Gaza visits the White House

By EMMIE BOESE&nbsp; Hutch Post

Some different faces are behind the counter of Roy's Hickory Pit BBQ. Kirk Johnson and his family bought Roy's BBQ on July 1.&nbsp;The Johnson's have owned R-B Drive In on East Ave A in downtown Hutchinson since 2016.&nbsp;

"Over the past five to six years as I'd come in to eat, I'd ask Anne, hey if you are ever interested, you know."&nbsp;

Mike and Anne Armstrong bought Roy's BBQ in 1982. Mike patented Roy's Hickory BBQ sauce which is sold exclusively in stores and is served exclusively at the restaurant. After Mike passed away in 2007, Anne and their son Ryan Collum have been running Roy's BBQ for the past 20 years. 

"Anne and Ryan were ready to move on to the next chapter of their lives and that's been something that she has shared over the past five, six years," Johnson said. "So when it became open, my wife and I made the decision that we would offer and try to take that opportunity."

Johnson said he and his family want to make it clear that Roy's BBQ is an institutional brand and have put themselves in the role of being the caretakers of it.&nbsp;

"People take ownership of them like its theirs," Johnson said. "I happen to be the caretaker standing behind the counter and my son and I making and preparing everything for that day but when people come in, they have ownership, they believe it, and I love that. God willing, we will be around to do this. And then at some unforeseen time right, there is a mantle where someone will say I'll pick up the torch and go forward."&nbsp;

Johnson said he and his family will not be changing any of the menu items, recipes or restaurant hours. The only exception will be to add sales tax to the original menu prices by rounding to the nearest whole number or 50 cents.&nbsp;

"We think we are ready and again we want to be caretakers and provide that opportunity to people that recognize it because it's amazing how many people just say oh don't change anything ," Johnson said. "It's like well I'm not here to change anything. I'm here to preserve a legacy and then also provide a go forward."&nbsp;

&nbsp;Roy's BBQ is located on the west side of town at&nbsp;1018 Nickerson Blvd. As a reminder, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057547387150">Roy's BBQ is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. or until the food runs out.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720451168117.jpeg" alt="Photo by Emmie Boese." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Emmie Boese.</figcaption>
 </figure>By EMMIE BOESE&nbsp; Hutch PostSome different faces are behind the counter of Roy's Hickory Pit BBQ. Kirk Johnson and his family bought Roy's BBQ on July 1.&nbsp;The Johnson's have owned R-B Drive In on East Ave A in downtown Hutchinson since 2016.&nbsp;"Over the past five to six years as I'd come in to eat, I'd ask Anne, hey if you are ever interested, you know."&nbsp; Mike and Anne Armstrong bought Roy's BBQ in 1982. Mike patented Roy's Hickory BBQ sauce which is sold exclusively in stores and is served exclusively at the restaurant. After Mike passed away in 2007, Anne and their son Ryan Collum have been running Roy's BBQ for the past 20 years. "Anne and Ryan were ready to move on to the next chapter of their lives and that's been something that she has shared over the past five, six years," Johnson said. "So when it became open, my wife and I made the decision that we would offer and try to take that opportunity."Johnson said he and his family want to make it clear that Roy's BBQ is an institutional brand and have put themselves in the role of being the caretakers of it.&nbsp;"People take ownership of them like its theirs," Johnson said. "I happen to be the caretaker standing behind the counter and my son and I making and preparing everything for that day but when people come in, they have ownership, they believe it, and I love that. God willing, we will be around to do this. And then at some unforeseen time right, there is a mantle where someone will say I'll pick up the torch and go forward."&nbsp;Johnson said he and his family will not be changing any of the menu items, recipes or restaurant hours. The only exception will be to add sales tax to the original menu prices by rounding to the nearest whole number or 50 cents.&nbsp;"We think we are ready and again we want to be caretakers and provide that opportunity to people that recognize it because it's amazing how many people just say oh don't change anything ," Johnson said. "It's like well I'm not here to change anything. I'm here to preserve a legacy and then also provide a go forward."&nbsp;&nbsp;Roy's BBQ is located on the west side of town at&nbsp;1018 Nickerson Blvd. As a reminder, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057547387150">Roy's BBQ is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. or until the food runs out.</a>

'I love the product so much I bought the company:' New owners of Roy's BBQ

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Republican National Committee’s platform committee has adopted a policy document that reflects former President Donald Trump’s position opposing a federal abortion ban and ceding limits to states, omitting the explicit basis for a national ban for the first time in 40 years.

<a href="https://cdn.nucleusfiles.com/be/beb1a388-1d88-4389-a67d-c1e2d7f8bedf/2024-gop-platform-july-7-final.pdf?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=ncl_amplify&amp;utm_campaign=240708-2024_gop_platform_make_america_great_again&amp;utm_content=ncl-4NsN8UE5x2&amp;_nlid=4NsN8UE5x2&amp;_nhids=Nog6f1V6">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the full 16-page platform

The points of the platform are listed below

The committee adopted a draft platform Monday asserting, “We believe that the 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States guarantees that no person can be denied life or liberty without due process.” The document, obtained by The Associated Press, also noted "that the states are, therefore, free to pass laws protecting those rights.”

The document sticks to the party's longstanding principle that the Constitution extends rights to the unborn, but removes language maintaining support for an “amendment to the Constitution and legislation to make clear that the Fourteenth Amendment’s protections apply to children before birth,” a passage in the party platform first included in 1984.

The move comes as Trump imposes his priorities on the committee as he seeks to steer clear of strict abortion language, even while taking credit for setting up the 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court. Trump appointed three of the six justices who voted in the majority to overturn the 1973 abortion rights precedent.

The abortion language was first reported by The New York Times.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, SBA Pro-Life America president, praised the committee for reaffirming “its commitment to protect unborn life through the 14th Amendment.”

Dannenfelser stopped short of endorsing the document's reflection of Trump's view that the matter rests entirely with states. Under the 14th Amendment, “it is Congress that enacts and enforces its provisions.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-united-states-presidential-election-events-5f771e9c99d24893ad698614b65f6afc">platform is a statement of first principles</a>&nbsp;traditionally written by party activists. Trump's campaign wants the group drafting this year's platform to produce a shorter document that excludes statements favored by many conservatives but are potentially unpopular with the broader electorate.

The platform committee began its meeting Monday, a week before the start of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/republican-national-convention">Republican National Convention</a>&nbsp;in Wisconsin where Trump is scheduled to accept his third straight nomination for president.

Trump has faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-abortion-reproductive-rights-election-harris-trump-roe-1f7c48bc4a9c1c44bb802dce0eb5b159">months of Democratic criticism over abortion</a>&nbsp;as President Joe Biden's reelection campaign has highlighted that Trump nominated half of the Supreme Court majority that struck down the nationwide right to abortion in 2022.

In promoting the platform document, the campaign released a statement highlighting 20 issues it addresses, including immigration, the economy, energy, taxes and crime, but omitted any mention of abortion.

Among the vocal abortion opponents on the platform committee, some say the aspiration of a federal ban on abortion after a certain stage in pregnancy must remain a party principle, even if it's not an immediately attainable policy or one that necessarily helps the Trump campaign in November.

“I see that as problematic. We still need these principles clearly stated. Some of these battles are not over,” said Iowa state Rep. Brad Sherman, a platform committee member who supported Trump’s winning Iowa caucus campaign in January and also supports a federal limit on abortion.

While the abortion statement is likely to be the most contested provision in the platform, there may also be disputes over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/83f8d0349379443a876f9179fe1091bb">Trump’s preference for tariffs</a>&nbsp;and his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-united-states-government-and-politics-5c6ba68dbd9b2ee86bc77faad6936cf6">isolationist approach to foreign policy</a>&nbsp;and U.S. involvement in global conflicts, particularly in helping Ukraine as it battles Russia.

Conservative activists who are accustomed to having a seat at the table fumed over what they said was a secretive process for selecting committee members and the meeting taking place behind closed doors.

“For 40 years, the Republican Party and the GOP platform have massively benefitted from an open and transparent process,” said Tim Chapman, the incoming president of Advancing American Freedom, a foundation headed by Trump’s former Vice President Mike Pence.

Trump’s campaign has sought to reshape the Republican National Committee into a campaign vessel. It signaled in a memo last month from senior campaign advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles that “textbook-long platforms ... are scrutinized and intentionally misrepresented by our political opponents.”

Trump ally Russ Vought is serving as the policy director of the Republican Party’s platform writing committee while also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-conservatives-trump-heritage-857eb794e505f1c6710eb03fd5b58981">leading the effort to draft the 180-day agenda</a>&nbsp;for Project 2025, a sweeping proposal for remaking government that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-project-2025-biden-9d372469033d23e1e3aef5cf0470a2e6">Trump said Friday he knew “nothing about”</a>&nbsp;despite having several former aides involved.

Trump had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0a165e54c0a94600871539472ba82ba1">supported federal legislation in 2018</a>&nbsp;that would have banned abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, though the measure fell short of the necessary support in the Senate.

However, after the 2022 midterm elections, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-federal-ban-trump-gop-2024-20586bbb64a511030ef58290e98f99f0">blamed Republicans who held strict anti-abortion positions</a>&nbsp;for the party's failure to secure a larger House majority. He has since been critical of the most stringent abortion bans in individual states.

An AP-NORC poll conducted in June 2023 found that about two-thirds of Americans think abortion should be legal in all or most cases. The poll also found that 6 in 10 Americans think Congress should pass a law guaranteeing access to legal abortion nationwide.

Biden's campaign has criticized Republicans for making the platform committee meetings in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, closed to the news media and reminded voters of Trump's onetime support for a 20-week abortion ban.

Tamara Scott, who is one of Iowa's two Republican National Committee members and also a platform committee member, said Trump could campaign on the position he holds and also embrace the platform to reflect a longer-term goal of a federal limit.

“It’s our vision. It’s our foundational principles. It’s who we are as a party,” Scott said. “I agree a platform must be clear and concise but it must convey our core principles.”

To several on the committee, that means maintaining support for an “amendment to the Constitution and legislation to make clear that the Fourteenth Amendment’s protections apply to children before birth,” the passage first included in 1984.

Trump was urged to keep that language in the platform, according to a letter signed by leaders of groups opposed to abortion, including Dannenfelser, Ralph Reed, Faith and Freedom Coalition founder and chairman; Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council.

That passage, once removed, would be difficult to restore in future platforms, Dannenfelser said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718556066582.png" alt="File photo -Former President Trump during a campaign stop last month -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo -Former President Trump during a campaign stop last month -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Republican National Committee’s platform committee has adopted a policy document that reflects former President Donald Trump’s position opposing a federal abortion ban and ceding limits to states, omitting the explicit basis for a national ban for the first time in 40 years.<a href="https://cdn.nucleusfiles.com/be/beb1a388-1d88-4389-a67d-c1e2d7f8bedf/2024-gop-platform-july-7-final.pdf?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=ncl_amplify&amp;utm_campaign=240708-2024_gop_platform_make_america_great_again&amp;utm_content=ncl-4NsN8UE5x2&amp;_nlid=4NsN8UE5x2&amp;_nhids=Nog6f1V6">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the full 16-page platform<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720521521992.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The points of the platform are listed below<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720484913719.png" alt="Image courtesy RNC" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy RNC</figcaption>
 </figure>The committee adopted a draft platform Monday asserting, “We believe that the 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States guarantees that no person can be denied life or liberty without due process.” The document, obtained by The Associated Press, also noted "that the states are, therefore, free to pass laws protecting those rights.”The document sticks to the party's longstanding principle that the Constitution extends rights to the unborn, but removes language maintaining support for an “amendment to the Constitution and legislation to make clear that the Fourteenth Amendment’s protections apply to children before birth,” a passage in the party platform first included in 1984.The move comes as Trump imposes his priorities on the committee as he seeks to steer clear of strict abortion language, even while taking credit for setting up the 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court. Trump appointed three of the six justices who voted in the majority to overturn the 1973 abortion rights precedent.The abortion language was first reported by The New York Times.Marjorie Dannenfelser, SBA Pro-Life America president, praised the committee for reaffirming “its commitment to protect unborn life through the 14th Amendment.”Dannenfelser stopped short of endorsing the document's reflection of Trump's view that the matter rests entirely with states. Under the 14th Amendment, “it is Congress that enacts and enforces its provisions.”The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-united-states-presidential-election-events-5f771e9c99d24893ad698614b65f6afc">platform is a statement of first principles</a>&nbsp;traditionally written by party activists. Trump's campaign wants the group drafting this year's platform to produce a shorter document that excludes statements favored by many conservatives but are potentially unpopular with the broader electorate.The platform committee began its meeting Monday, a week before the start of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/republican-national-convention">Republican National Convention</a>&nbsp;in Wisconsin where Trump is scheduled to accept his third straight nomination for president.Trump has faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-abortion-reproductive-rights-election-harris-trump-roe-1f7c48bc4a9c1c44bb802dce0eb5b159">months of Democratic criticism over abortion</a>&nbsp;as President Joe Biden's reelection campaign has highlighted that Trump nominated half of the Supreme Court majority that struck down the nationwide right to abortion in 2022.In promoting the platform document, the campaign released a statement highlighting 20 issues it addresses, including immigration, the economy, energy, taxes and crime, but omitted any mention of abortion.Among the vocal abortion opponents on the platform committee, some say the aspiration of a federal ban on abortion after a certain stage in pregnancy must remain a party principle, even if it's not an immediately attainable policy or one that necessarily helps the Trump campaign in November.“I see that as problematic. We still need these principles clearly stated. Some of these battles are not over,” said Iowa state Rep. Brad Sherman, a platform committee member who supported Trump’s winning Iowa caucus campaign in January and also supports a federal limit on abortion.While the abortion statement is likely to be the most contested provision in the platform, there may also be disputes over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/83f8d0349379443a876f9179fe1091bb">Trump’s preference for tariffs</a>&nbsp;and his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-united-states-government-and-politics-5c6ba68dbd9b2ee86bc77faad6936cf6">isolationist approach to foreign policy</a>&nbsp;and U.S. involvement in global conflicts, particularly in helping Ukraine as it battles Russia.Conservative activists who are accustomed to having a seat at the table fumed over what they said was a secretive process for selecting committee members and the meeting taking place behind closed doors.“For 40 years, the Republican Party and the GOP platform have massively benefitted from an open and transparent process,” said Tim Chapman, the incoming president of Advancing American Freedom, a foundation headed by Trump’s former Vice President Mike Pence.Trump’s campaign has sought to reshape the Republican National Committee into a campaign vessel. It signaled in a memo last month from senior campaign advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles that “textbook-long platforms ... are scrutinized and intentionally misrepresented by our political opponents.”Trump ally Russ Vought is serving as the policy director of the Republican Party’s platform writing committee while also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-conservatives-trump-heritage-857eb794e505f1c6710eb03fd5b58981">leading the effort to draft the 180-day agenda</a>&nbsp;for Project 2025, a sweeping proposal for remaking government that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-project-2025-biden-9d372469033d23e1e3aef5cf0470a2e6">Trump said Friday he knew “nothing about”</a>&nbsp;despite having several former aides involved.Trump had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0a165e54c0a94600871539472ba82ba1">supported federal legislation in 2018</a>&nbsp;that would have banned abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, though the measure fell short of the necessary support in the Senate.However, after the 2022 midterm elections, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-federal-ban-trump-gop-2024-20586bbb64a511030ef58290e98f99f0">blamed Republicans who held strict anti-abortion positions</a>&nbsp;for the party's failure to secure a larger House majority. He has since been critical of the most stringent abortion bans in individual states.An AP-NORC poll conducted in June 2023 found that about two-thirds of Americans think abortion should be legal in all or most cases. The poll also found that 6 in 10 Americans think Congress should pass a law guaranteeing access to legal abortion nationwide.Biden's campaign has criticized Republicans for making the platform committee meetings in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, closed to the news media and reminded voters of Trump's onetime support for a 20-week abortion ban.Tamara Scott, who is one of Iowa's two Republican National Committee members and also a platform committee member, said Trump could campaign on the position he holds and also embrace the platform to reflect a longer-term goal of a federal limit.“It’s our vision. It’s our foundational principles. It’s who we are as a party,” Scott said. “I agree a platform must be clear and concise but it must convey our core principles.”To several on the committee, that means maintaining support for an “amendment to the Constitution and legislation to make clear that the Fourteenth Amendment’s protections apply to children before birth,” the passage first included in 1984.Trump was urged to keep that language in the platform, according to a letter signed by leaders of groups opposed to abortion, including Dannenfelser, Ralph Reed, Faith and Freedom Coalition founder and chairman; Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council.That passage, once removed, would be difficult to restore in future platforms, Dannenfelser said.___

Read the Trump inspired Republican Party 2024 platform document

KANSAS CITY—An Amtrak train struck a tree Monday afternoon near Washington, Missouri.

According to a statement from the rail service, "Just before 5p.m. Monday, Amtrak Train 319 made contact with a tree on the tracks east of Washington, Missouri. There were no injuries to the 124 passengers and five crew members aboard the train made up of one locomotive and seven railcars, but rear axle of the locomotive lost contact with the tracks."

Power has since been restored to the train and Amtrak is making arrangements to transport passengers on to their destinations."

As of 6:25 p.m. and due to ongoing delays, Amtrak canceled Train 319 and made other arrangements to transported passengers. Washington, Missouri is three hours east of Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY—An Amtrak train struck a tree Monday afternoon near Washington, Missouri.According to a statement from the rail service, "Just before 5p.m. Monday, Amtrak Train 319 made contact with a tree on the tracks east of Washington, Missouri. There were no injuries to the 124 passengers and five crew members aboard the train made up of one locomotive and seven railcars, but rear axle of the locomotive lost contact with the tracks."Power has since been restored to the train and Amtrak is making arrangements to transport passengers on to their destinations."As of 6:25 p.m. and due to ongoing delays, Amtrak canceled Train 319 and made other arrangements to transported passengers. Washington, Missouri is three hours east of Kansas City.

Amtrak train derails in Missouri after striking a tree

JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in the death of his mother at her home in Olathe has been charged for the crime.

Last week, 40-year-old Brian Christopher Thode was charged with first degree murder and cruelty to animals, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office. The charges are in connection with the June 29, death of 72-year-old Nancy Thode.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just before 6 p.m. June 29, police were dispatched to the 1000 block of East Oakview Street in Olathe for a death investigation, according to&nbsp;Police Sergeant John Moncayo.

Officers arrived and discovered Nancy Thode unresponsive with significant injuries. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Brian Thode also “unlawfully, knowingly, maliciously and feloniously” killed a cat and a bird, according to a charging document in the case. Thode remains jailed on a $3,000,000.00 bond. He is due back in court July 17, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720003596616.png" alt="Thode-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Thode-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in the death of his mother at her home in Olathe has been charged for the crime.Last week, 40-year-old Brian Christopher Thode was charged with first degree murder and cruelty to animals, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office. The charges are in connection with the June 29, death of 72-year-old Nancy Thode.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just before 6 p.m. June 29, police were dispatched to the 1000 block of East Oakview Street in Olathe for a death investigation, according to&nbsp;Police Sergeant John Moncayo.Officers arrived and discovered Nancy Thode unresponsive with significant injuries. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brian Thode also “unlawfully, knowingly, maliciously and feloniously” killed a cat and a bird, according to a charging document in the case. Thode remains jailed on a $3,000,000.00 bond. He is due back in court July 17, according to online jail records.

Kan. man charged with his mother's murder, animal cruelty

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 9:30p.m. July 3, a Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a vehicle on 150th near U.S. Highway 75 for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver Kathy Lynn Jauch, 56, of Golden, Colorado, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720316459572.png" alt="Jauch photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Jauch photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just after 9:30p.m. July 3, a Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a vehicle on 150th near U.S. Highway 75 for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The driver Kathy Lynn Jauch, 56, of Golden, Colorado, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Colo. woman was transporting meth in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden, in an open&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24794149-biden-letter-to-congressional-democrats">letter to congressional Democrats</a>, stood firm Monday against calls for him to drop his reelection candidacy and called for an end to the intraparty drama that has torn apart Democrats since his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-campaigning-pennsylvania-democratic-doubts-election-77b050b1c5c39aec2ef633281d082566">dismal public debate performance</a>.

Biden's efforts to shore up a deeply anxious Democratic Party came as lawmakers returned to Washington confronting a choice: Work to revive his campaign or try to edge out the party leader, a make-or-break time for his campaign and their own&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">political futures</a>.

Biden wrote in the two-page letter that “the question of how to move forward has been well-aired for over a week now. And it’s time for it to end.” He stressed that the party has “one job,” which is to defeat presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in November.

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24794331-bidenletterjuly8">Click here to read the full letter</a> from Biden.

“We have 42 days to the Democratic Convention and 119 days to the general election,” Biden said in the letter, distributed by his reelection campaign. “Any weakening of resolve or lack of clarity about the task ahead only helps Trump and hurts us. It’s time to come together, move forward as a unified party, and defeat Donald Trump.”

Anxiety is running high as top-ranking Democratic lawmakers are joining calls for Biden to step aside despite his defiance. At the same time, some of the president’s most staunch supporters are redoubling the fight for Biden’s presidency, insisting there’s no one better to beat Trump in what many see as among the most important elections of a lifetime.

Biden followed up the letter with a phone interview with MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” show, in which he insisted that “average Democrats” want him to stay in the race and said he was frustrated by the calls from party officials for him to step aside.

“They’re big names, but I don’t care what those big names think,” Biden said.

He threw the gauntlet at his critics, saying if they’re serious they ought to “announce for president, challenge me at the convention” or rally behind him against Trump. Later, Biden joined a call with members of his national finance committee, while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jill-biden-veterans-north-carolina-florida-georgia-7cfa60e967da9ce9514f89841fc2addc">first lady Jill Biden</a>&nbsp;campaigned for her husband in a three-state swing focused on engaging veterans and military families.

“For all the talk out there about this race, Joe has made it clear that he’s all in,” she told a military crowd in Wilmington, North Carolina. “That’s the decision that he’s made, and just as he has always supported my career, I am all in, too."

Democratic voters are split on whether Biden should remain the Democratic Party’s nominee for president, or whether there should be a different Democratic nominee,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/07/03/us/elections/times-siena-poll-registered-voter-crosstabs.html">according to a New York Times/Siena College poll</a>.

More voices spoke up Monday, including the chair of the House’s Congressional Progressive Caucus, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, who was not ready to cast aside Biden, saying that the threat of a second Trump presidency remains too high. Yet one of the most endangered Democrats this election cycle, Sen. Jon Tester of Montana, said in a statement, “President Biden has got to prove to the American people—including me—that he’s up to the job for another four years.”

However, Biden’s letter left some House Democrats, who want to hear directly from Biden himself, furious, according to one House aide granted anonymity to discuss the situation. Lawmakers particularly bristled at being cast as out of touch with voters since representatives in particular have been home in their districts listening to voters.

A person familiar with the matter said Biden would meet virtually Monday with the Congressional Black Caucus. The White House would not say whether Biden would meet with all Democratic lawmakers in person at the Capitol this week.

(click below to watch the complete Monday White House Press briefing)

Meanwhile, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden had undergone three neurological exams while in the White House as part of his annual physical exams — and no more — and said the president has not been diagnosed with or treated for Parkinson’s.

It’s a tenuous and highly volatile juncture for the president’s party. Democrats who have worked alongside Biden for years — if not decades — and cherished his life's work on policy priorities are now entertaining uncomfortable questions about his political future. And it's unfolding as Biden hosts world leaders for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-summit-trump-biden-europe-ukraine-e45273ef1bd408d72245f8f7fd1ec5c0">the NATO summit</a>&nbsp;this week in Washington.

The drama is playing out with just over a month until the Democratic National Convention and just a week before Republicans gather in Milwaukee to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-project-2025-biden-9d372469033d23e1e3aef5cf0470a2e6">renominate Trump</a>&nbsp;as their presidential pick. Many Democrats are arguing the attention needs to be focused not on Biden but on the former president's felony conviction in the hush money case and pending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">federal charges</a>&nbsp;in his effort to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/trump-election-2020-indictment">overturn the 2020 election</a>.

In an effort to “get on the same page,” House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is convening lawmakers for private meetings before he shows his own preference, according to a person familiar with the situation and granted anonymity to discuss it. He planned to gather on Monday some Democrats whose bids for reelection are most vulnerable.

A private call Sunday including some 15 top House committee members exposed the deepening divide as at least four more Democrats — Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York, Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state and Rep. Mark Takano of California — privately said Biden should step aside.

Nadler, as one of the more senior members on the call, was the first, according to a person familiar with the call who was granted anonymity to discuss it. He did so aware that seniority would allow others to join him.

Many others on the call raised concerns about Biden’s capability and chance of winning reelection, even if they stopped short of saying Biden should step out of the race.

Still other members, including Rep. Maxine Waters of California and Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia, both leaders in the Congressional Black Caucus, spoke forcefully in support of Biden, as did Rep. Richard Neal of Massachusetts, the top Democrat on the powerful Ways and Means Committee.

Neal said afterward that the bottom line is Biden beat Trump in 2020 and “he’ll do it again in November.”

Behind the scenes is Speaker Emerita&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Nancy Pelosi</a>, who continues to field calls from lawmakers seeking advice about the situation and is widely viewed as the one to watch for any ultimate decision on Biden's future because of her proximity to the president and vote-counting skills in party politics.

Pelosi spoke up last week, saying Biden's debate performance raised “legitimate” questions he needed to answer.

But when Biden's prime-time ABC interview on Friday appeared to do little to calm worried Democrats, and some said made the situation worse, Pelosi stepped forward to praise him on social media as a “great President who continues to deliver for America’s kitchen table.” She added, "and we're not done yet!”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer would not answer questions about Biden’s reelection as he entered the Capitol on Monday, but he told reporters: “As I’ve said before, I’m for Joe.”

The Senate’s No. 2 Democrat, Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, was more cautious.

“I watched the debate, it raised a lot of questions,” Durbin said. “He is trying to answer those questions. In some respects he’s done it very effectively, in other respects not as effectively.”

One Democrat, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, had intended to gather senators Monday to discuss Biden privately, but a person familiar with his thinking said those conversations will take place in Tuesday’s regular caucus luncheon with all Democratic senators.

Another Democrat, Sen. Alex Padilla of California, said it was “time to quit the hand-wringing and get back to door knocking.”

While some deep-pocketed donors may be showing discomfort, strategists working on House and Senate races said they have posted record fundraising as donors view congressional Democrats as a “firewall” and last line of defense against Trump.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720469721880.png" alt="Reporters during tense White House press briefing on Monday-image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>Reporters during tense White House press briefing on Monday-image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden, in an open&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24794149-biden-letter-to-congressional-democrats">letter to congressional Democrats</a>, stood firm Monday against calls for him to drop his reelection candidacy and called for an end to the intraparty drama that has torn apart Democrats since his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-campaigning-pennsylvania-democratic-doubts-election-77b050b1c5c39aec2ef633281d082566">dismal public debate performance</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PressSec</a> Karine Jean-Pierre to <a href="https://twitter.com/edokeefe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@edokeefe</a>: &quot;It doesn&#39;t matter how hard you push me. It doesn&#39;t matter how angry you get with me. I&#39;m not going to confirm a name...What I can say share with you is that the president has seen a neurologist for his physical three times.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/oZQjMiIOPv">pic.twitter.com/oZQjMiIOPv</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1810397009150619756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden's efforts to shore up a deeply anxious Democratic Party came as lawmakers returned to Washington confronting a choice: Work to revive his campaign or try to edge out the party leader, a make-or-break time for his campaign and their own&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">political futures</a>.Biden wrote in the two-page letter that “the question of how to move forward has been well-aired for over a week now. And it’s time for it to end.” He stressed that the party has “one job,” which is to defeat presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in November.<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24794331-bidenletterjuly8">Click here to read the full letter</a> from Biden.“We have 42 days to the Democratic Convention and 119 days to the general election,” Biden said in the letter, distributed by his reelection campaign. “Any weakening of resolve or lack of clarity about the task ahead only helps Trump and hurts us. It’s time to come together, move forward as a unified party, and defeat Donald Trump.”Anxiety is running high as top-ranking Democratic lawmakers are joining calls for Biden to step aside despite his defiance. At the same time, some of the president’s most staunch supporters are redoubling the fight for Biden’s presidency, insisting there’s no one better to beat Trump in what many see as among the most important elections of a lifetime.Biden followed up the letter with a phone interview with MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” show, in which he insisted that “average Democrats” want him to stay in the race and said he was frustrated by the calls from party officials for him to step aside.“They’re big names, but I don’t care what those big names think,” Biden said.He threw the gauntlet at his critics, saying if they’re serious they ought to “announce for president, challenge me at the convention” or rally behind him against Trump. Later, Biden joined a call with members of his national finance committee, while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jill-biden-veterans-north-carolina-florida-georgia-7cfa60e967da9ce9514f89841fc2addc">first lady Jill Biden</a>&nbsp;campaigned for her husband in a three-state swing focused on engaging veterans and military families.“For all the talk out there about this race, Joe has made it clear that he’s all in,” she told a military crowd in Wilmington, North Carolina. “That’s the decision that he’s made, and just as he has always supported my career, I am all in, too."Democratic voters are split on whether Biden should remain the Democratic Party’s nominee for president, or whether there should be a different Democratic nominee,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/07/03/us/elections/times-siena-poll-registered-voter-crosstabs.html">according to a New York Times/Siena College poll</a>.More voices spoke up Monday, including the chair of the House’s Congressional Progressive Caucus, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, who was not ready to cast aside Biden, saying that the threat of a second Trump presidency remains too high. Yet one of the most endangered Democrats this election cycle, Sen. Jon Tester of Montana, said in a statement, “President Biden has got to prove to the American people—including me—that he’s up to the job for another four years.”However, Biden’s letter left some House Democrats, who want to hear directly from Biden himself, furious, according to one House aide granted anonymity to discuss the situation. Lawmakers particularly bristled at being cast as out of touch with voters since representatives in particular have been home in their districts listening to voters.A person familiar with the matter said Biden would meet virtually Monday with the Congressional Black Caucus. The White House would not say whether Biden would meet with all Democratic lawmakers in person at the Capitol this week.(click below to watch the complete Monday White House Press briefing)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F495556559822359%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=2259" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe>
</div>Meanwhile, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden had undergone three neurological exams while in the White House as part of his annual physical exams — and no more — and said the president has not been diagnosed with or treated for Parkinson’s.It’s a tenuous and highly volatile juncture for the president’s party. Democrats who have worked alongside Biden for years — if not decades — and cherished his life's work on policy priorities are now entertaining uncomfortable questions about his political future. And it's unfolding as Biden hosts world leaders for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-summit-trump-biden-europe-ukraine-e45273ef1bd408d72245f8f7fd1ec5c0">the NATO summit</a>&nbsp;this week in Washington.The drama is playing out with just over a month until the Democratic National Convention and just a week before Republicans gather in Milwaukee to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-project-2025-biden-9d372469033d23e1e3aef5cf0470a2e6">renominate Trump</a>&nbsp;as their presidential pick. Many Democrats are arguing the attention needs to be focused not on Biden but on the former president's felony conviction in the hush money case and pending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">federal charges</a>&nbsp;in his effort to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/trump-election-2020-indictment">overturn the 2020 election</a>.In an effort to “get on the same page,” House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is convening lawmakers for private meetings before he shows his own preference, according to a person familiar with the situation and granted anonymity to discuss it. He planned to gather on Monday some Democrats whose bids for reelection are most vulnerable.A private call Sunday including some 15 top House committee members exposed the deepening divide as at least four more Democrats — Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York, Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state and Rep. Mark Takano of California — privately said Biden should step aside.Nadler, as one of the more senior members on the call, was the first, according to a person familiar with the call who was granted anonymity to discuss it. He did so aware that seniority would allow others to join him.Many others on the call raised concerns about Biden’s capability and chance of winning reelection, even if they stopped short of saying Biden should step out of the race.Still other members, including Rep. Maxine Waters of California and Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia, both leaders in the Congressional Black Caucus, spoke forcefully in support of Biden, as did Rep. Richard Neal of Massachusetts, the top Democrat on the powerful Ways and Means Committee.Neal said afterward that the bottom line is Biden beat Trump in 2020 and “he’ll do it again in November.”Behind the scenes is Speaker Emerita&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Nancy Pelosi</a>, who continues to field calls from lawmakers seeking advice about the situation and is widely viewed as the one to watch for any ultimate decision on Biden's future because of her proximity to the president and vote-counting skills in party politics.Pelosi spoke up last week, saying Biden's debate performance raised “legitimate” questions he needed to answer.But when Biden's prime-time ABC interview on Friday appeared to do little to calm worried Democrats, and some said made the situation worse, Pelosi stepped forward to praise him on social media as a “great President who continues to deliver for America’s kitchen table.” She added, "and we're not done yet!”Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer would not answer questions about Biden’s reelection as he entered the Capitol on Monday, but he told reporters: “As I’ve said before, I’m for Joe.”The Senate’s No. 2 Democrat, Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, was more cautious.“I watched the debate, it raised a lot of questions,” Durbin said. “He is trying to answer those questions. In some respects he’s done it very effectively, in other respects not as effectively.”One Democrat, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, had intended to gather senators Monday to discuss Biden privately, but a person familiar with his thinking said those conversations will take place in Tuesday’s regular caucus luncheon with all Democratic senators.Another Democrat, Sen. Alex Padilla of California, said it was “time to quit the hand-wringing and get back to door knocking.”While some deep-pocketed donors may be showing discomfort, strategists working on House and Senate races said they have posted record fundraising as donors view congressional Democrats as a “firewall” and last line of defense against Trump.__

🎥Tense White House press briefing on President Biden's health

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent attack on a woman and have made an arrest.

Just after 7p.m. July 6, police were called&nbsp;to a residence in the 1200 block of Cloud Circle in Salina where they met a 21-year-old woman with blood stains on her shirt and a bloody nose, according Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

She told officers that a man attacked her and threatened to kill her.

"She indicated that while at the residence, she got into a disturbance with 20-year-old Christian Lasso Olivas,"

According to Feldman, Olivas became upset with the victim and began yelling at her. He then got on top of her and began strangling her. He kept telling her that he was going to kill her and her family.

Feldman said the victim was able to push Olivas off of her, but he then dragged her into another room and pushed her onto the bed. There, he allegedly continued the verbal assault and began striking her in the face.

The victim attempted to get away from him — he then put a pillow on top of her head and pushed her into the bed, according to Feldman.

 "As she was bleeding, she was able to ask if she could clean up the blood, he said no. She tried to get away from him but was able to keep her in the room. She then was able to get away into the kitchen where she grabbed a knife to protect herself.

Lasso Olivas had possession of the victim's phone, so the victim demanded that he return the phone to her, which he refused. He allegedly threatened to kill her again if she called the police.

Feldman said Olivas then reached for the victim, and she slashed his hand with the knife. This caused Olivas to drop the victim's phone, allowing her to call 9-1-1 for assistance.

"Officers were able to take him into custody without incident," Feldman said.

EMS transported the victim to Salina Regional Health Center to care for her injuries. The cut on Olivas' hand did not require medical attention.

&nbsp;Olivas is being held in the Saline County jail on requested charges of attempted voluntary manslaughter,&nbsp; aggravated domestic battery, aggravated kidnapping, criminal threat, domestic battery and criminal deprivation of property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720357277324.jpeg" alt="Christian Ivan&nbsp;Lasso Olivas -photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Christian Ivan&nbsp;Lasso Olivas -photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent attack on a woman and have made an arrest.Just after 7p.m. July 6, police were called&nbsp;to a residence in the 1200 block of Cloud Circle in Salina where they met a 21-year-old woman with blood stains on her shirt and a bloody nose, according Salina Police Captain James Feldman.She told officers that a man attacked her and threatened to kill her."She indicated that while at the residence, she got into a disturbance with 20-year-old Christian Lasso Olivas,"According to Feldman, Olivas became upset with the victim and began yelling at her. He then got on top of her and began strangling her. He kept telling her that he was going to kill her and her family.Feldman said the victim was able to push Olivas off of her, but he then dragged her into another room and pushed her onto the bed. There, he allegedly continued the verbal assault and began striking her in the face.The victim attempted to get away from him — he then put a pillow on top of her head and pushed her into the bed, according to Feldman. "As she was bleeding, she was able to ask if she could clean up the blood, he said no. She tried to get away from him but was able to keep her in the room. She then was able to get away into the kitchen where she grabbed a knife to protect herself.Lasso Olivas had possession of the victim's phone, so the victim demanded that he return the phone to her, which he refused. He allegedly threatened to kill her again if she called the police.Feldman said Olivas then reached for the victim, and she slashed his hand with the knife. This caused Olivas to drop the victim's phone, allowing her to call 9-1-1 for assistance."Officers were able to take him into custody without incident," Feldman said.EMS transported the victim to Salina Regional Health Center to care for her injuries. The cut on Olivas' hand did not require medical attention.&nbsp;Olivas is being held in the Saline County jail on requested charges of attempted voluntary manslaughter,&nbsp; aggravated domestic battery, aggravated kidnapping, criminal threat, domestic battery and criminal deprivation of property.

Kan. suspect jailed after alleged violent attack on a woman

KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City Fire Department is investigating a construction site incident that critically injured a worker.

Just before 8a.m. Monday, crews with the Kansas City Fire Department&nbsp;responded to a reported man trapped in a sewer pipe in the 9200 block of Old Santa Fe Road, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

First responders found the man unconscious and face down in approximately 6 to 8 inches of water. 

The first company on the scene immediately put on a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and entered the drain. The man was quickly evaluated and found to have no pulse.&nbsp; A rope was secured around the victim and he was removed from the sewer and CPR was initiated. He was transported to a local hospital. At last report the approximately 30-year-old man was alive and breathing on his own but in critical condition. 

&nbsp;After the victim was removed and transported a Hazmat team member was sent into the sewer to monitor the air to determine a cause.&nbsp; No significant toxic substances were found. However, oxygen levels were very low at 11 %, according to Hopkins.&nbsp; Twenty-one percent is normal atmospheric oxygen levels, and anything under 19.5 % is dangerous, according to Hopkins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720469191181.png" alt="Site of the sewer pipe incident photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Site of the sewer pipe incident photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City Fire Department is investigating a construction site incident that critically injured a worker.Just before 8a.m. Monday, crews with the Kansas City Fire Department&nbsp;responded to a reported man trapped in a sewer pipe in the 9200 block of Old Santa Fe Road, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.First responders found the man unconscious and face down in approximately 6 to 8 inches of water. The first company on the scene immediately put on a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and entered the drain. The man was quickly evaluated and found to have no pulse.&nbsp; A rope was secured around the victim and he was removed from the sewer and CPR was initiated. He was transported to a local hospital. At last report the approximately 30-year-old man was alive and breathing on his own but in critical condition. &nbsp;After the victim was removed and transported a Hazmat team member was sent into the sewer to monitor the air to determine a cause.&nbsp; No significant toxic substances were found. However, oxygen levels were very low at 11 %, according to Hopkins.&nbsp; Twenty-one percent is normal atmospheric oxygen levels, and anything under 19.5 % is dangerous, according to Hopkins.

Worker rescued from sewer pipe at KC area construction site

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly 4th of July shooting in Kansas City have identified the victim as 32-year-old Cortez Caples.

Just before 3:00pm Thursday, police responded to a shooting in the 2200 block of E. 69th Terrace, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.

First responders located Caples unresponsive on the sidewalk in front of a home.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

An investigation determined Caples had an interaction with one or more unknown suspects that resulted in gunfire.

Police have not reported an arrest or released suspect information.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720133624393.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly 4th of July shooting in Kansas City have identified the victim as 32-year-old Cortez Caples. Just before 3:00pm Thursday, police responded to a shooting in the 2200 block of E. 69th Terrace, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720133597687.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located Caples unresponsive on the sidewalk in front of a home. He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;An investigation determined Caples had an interaction with one or more unknown suspects that resulted in gunfire.Police have not reported an arrest or released suspect information.&nbsp;

KCPD IDs victim in Fourth of July shooting

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — An assistant fire chief in central Missouri died early Monday when the boat he was in capsized during a water rescue in a flash flood.

The Boone County Fire Protection District said Matthew Tobben and another firefighter had just rescued two people from flooded Bear Creek in Columbia when the boat overturned. The other firefighter and the two rescued people were OK after being pulled from the water, but Tobben drowned, the district said in a Facebook posting.

Heavy rain led to several water rescues in the Columbia area. Rivers and creeks were already high after a rainy early summer. More rain is expected through Tuesday as the remnant of Tropical Storm Beryl makes it into Missouri.

Fire officials said the boat Tobben was in lost power, but it wasn't immediately clear why it capsized.

Tobben's death was the second blamed on flash flooding in Boone County in about a week. A woman died Wednesday when the car she was in became trapped in floodwater.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720463882385.png" alt="Photo courtesy KOMU TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KOMU TV</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — An assistant fire chief in central Missouri died early Monday when the boat he was in capsized during a water rescue in a flash flood.The Boone County Fire Protection District said Matthew Tobben and another firefighter had just rescued two people from flooded Bear Creek in Columbia when the boat overturned. The other firefighter and the two rescued people were OK after being pulled from the water, but Tobben drowned, the district said in a Facebook posting.Heavy rain led to several water rescues in the Columbia area. Rivers and creeks were already high after a rainy early summer. More rain is expected through Tuesday as the remnant of Tropical Storm Beryl makes it into Missouri.Fire officials said the boat Tobben was in lost power, but it wasn't immediately clear why it capsized.Tobben's death was the second blamed on flash flooding in Boone County in about a week. A woman died Wednesday when the car she was in became trapped in floodwater.

Fire official dies when boat he was in capsizes during water rescue

ROME (AP) — The Vatican on Friday excommunicated its former ambassador to Washington after finding him guilty of schism, an inevitable outcome for Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano. The conservative had became one of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-francis">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;' most ardent critics and a symbol of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-7078a805c9ea4585874cd22559f0046a">polarized Catholic Church in the United States and beyond.</a>

While once enjoying support in the Vatican and U.S. church hierarchies, the Italian archbishop alienated many as he developed a fringe following while delving deeper into conspiracy theories on everything — from the coronavirus pandemic to what he called the “Great Reset” and Russia's war in Ukraine.

The Vatican's doctrine office announced the penalty after a meeting of its members and informed Vigano of its decision on Friday.

It cited Vigano's public “refusal to recognize and submit to the Supreme Pontiff, his rejection of communion with the members of the church subject to him, and of the legitimacy and magisterial authority of the Second Vatican Council.”

The excommunication, which Vigano incurred automatically with his positions, means he is formally outside communion with the church, and cannot celebrate or receive its sacraments. The crime of schism occurs when someone withdraws submission to the pope or from the communion of Catholics who are subject to him.

Unlike defrocking, a punitive measure that makes a priest a layman again, excommunication is considered a “medicinal” penalty and is declared in hope those who incurred it would repent and come back into communion. If that happens, the Holy See can lift the penalty.

Schisms, which have been regular in the church's 2,000-year history, are considered particularly dangerous as they threaten the unity of the church.

Vigano’s dire pronunciations about the current state of the church, amplified on Catholic social media and by ideologically friendly bloggers on both sides of the Atlantic, were an exaggerated version of the chasm between U.S. ultra-conservatives and Francis. And while Vigano enjoyed mainstream support among bishops early in his career, many quietly distanced themselves as his ideas became more extreme.

The Italian prelate, who has not been seen publicly since before 2018, knew the schism declaration was coming after the Vatican informed him of the penal process launched against him last month. He defiantly called it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-vigano-schism-9dee2819028e8ab66bcbd079b5b42614">“an honor,” and refused to appear in person</a>&nbsp;or defend himself or submit a written defense.

On June 20, Vigano issued a lengthy public statement refusing to recognize the authority of the Vatican's doctrinal office “that claims to judge me, nor of its prefect, nor of the one who appointed him.”

He did not directly respond to the schism declaration on Friday on X, his usual forum. Shortly before the Vatican decree was made public, he announced he would be celebrating a Mass on Friday for those who have been supporting him and asked for donations.

Vigano burst onto the public scene in 2012, during the first so-called Vatileaks scandal, when Pope Benedict XVI’s butler leaked the pontiff’s private papers to an Italian journalist to try to draw attention to corruption in the Holy See.

In some of the leaked letters, Vigano, then the No. 2 in the Vatican City State administration, begged the pope not to be transferred after exposing corruption in the awarding of Vatican contracts that cost the Holy See millions of euros (dollars).

The entreaties did not work. By the time the letters were published, Vigano was appointed the Vatican’s ambassador to the U.S. — a prestigious post but one that took him far from Rome and out of the running to one day be a cardinal.

Vigano reappeared on the scene during Francis’ 2015 visit to the U.S., which as nuncio he helped organize. Everything was going fine until Vigano arranged for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kim-davis-marriage-licenses-rowan-county-b99cdf7b93a1e144fdff2c3b24d96c2c">Kim Davis, a Kentucky clerk at the center of the U.S. gay marriage debate</a>, to be present at the Vatican residence to greet Francis, along with many other people.

After the visit, Davis and her lawyers claimed the encounter with Francis amounted to an affirmation of her cause denying marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The Vatican later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-international-news-f27eb8dd7bf744aa9fb11572c15748f4">turned the tables on Davis' claim</a>, saying she had merely been among a group of well-wishers but that the “only” private audience Francis had in Washington was with a small group of people that included a gay couple.

But Vigano’s deception in inviting Davis to meet the pope put the prelate and the pontiff on a collision course that exploded in August 2018.

At the time, the U.S. church was reeling from a new chapter in its clergy sex abuse scandal: One of the most senior U.S. churchmen, Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, was accused of molesting a minor and a Pennsylvania grand jury issued a devastating investigation into decades of abuse and cover-up.

As Francis was wrapping up a tense visit to Ireland, Vigano&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ad7d52030c90472eafeacef7ba2d9d39">published an 11-page screed</a>&nbsp;accusing him and a long string of U.S. and Vatican officials of covering for McCarrick. Specifically, Vigano accused Francis of rehabilitating McCarrick from sanctions imposed by Pope Benedict, and called on him to resign — accusations that created the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c7786459105b41639033c183e1a6ddb5">greatest crisis of Francis’ then-young pontificate.</a>

Francis quickly authorized an in-house investigation into McCarrick. The report, released in 2020, confirmed that a generation of church officials, including Pope John Paul II, had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/theodore-mccarrick-vatican-investigation-0204b0d67e0685d658bae71cf558383a">turned a blind eye to McCarrick’s misconduct</a>. It largely spared Francis, who eventually defrocked the churchman.

But the report also faulted Vigano for not looking into new claims against McCarrick or enforcing Vatican restrictions on him when specifically ordered to do so by the Vatican.

At that point, Vigano’s claims against Francis became more unhinged, endorsing conspiracy theories about the coronavirus vaccines, appearing at far-right U.S. political rallies via video, backing Russia in its war on Ukraine, and eventually, refusing to recognize Francis as pope.

Massimo Faggioli, a theologian at Villanova University, said while a good number of U.S. bishops vouched for Vigano's integrity when he first made his claims about McCarrick in 2018, his declarations in the ensuing years “led some of them to more prudent positions.”

In an essay in the French daily La Croix, Faggioli also noted that Vigano had had a seeming unintended effect of mainstreaming another schismatic group, the Society of St. Pius X, which also rejects the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, the 1960s meetings that modernized the church.

However, the society known as SSPX founded by the late French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in 1969, distanced itself from Vigano and his rejection of the legitimacy of Francis' pontificate, saying they “have not ventured down that perilous road.”

Vigano's positions make Lefebvre and the SSPX "look like right-of-center Catholics, and not like the extreme traditionalists they actually are," Faggioli wrote. "This says something about the ground shifting under the feet of Vatican II Catholics.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718390145622.png" alt="File photo Pope Francis courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo Pope Francis courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>ROME (AP) — The Vatican on Friday excommunicated its former ambassador to Washington after finding him guilty of schism, an inevitable outcome for Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano. The conservative had became one of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-francis">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;' most ardent critics and a symbol of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-7078a805c9ea4585874cd22559f0046a">polarized Catholic Church in the United States and beyond.</a>While once enjoying support in the Vatican and U.S. church hierarchies, the Italian archbishop alienated many as he developed a fringe following while delving deeper into conspiracy theories on everything — from the coronavirus pandemic to what he called the “Great Reset” and Russia's war in Ukraine.The Vatican's doctrine office announced the penalty after a meeting of its members and informed Vigano of its decision on Friday.It cited Vigano's public “refusal to recognize and submit to the Supreme Pontiff, his rejection of communion with the members of the church subject to him, and of the legitimacy and magisterial authority of the Second Vatican Council.”The excommunication, which Vigano incurred automatically with his positions, means he is formally outside communion with the church, and cannot celebrate or receive its sacraments. The crime of schism occurs when someone withdraws submission to the pope or from the communion of Catholics who are subject to him.Unlike defrocking, a punitive measure that makes a priest a layman again, excommunication is considered a “medicinal” penalty and is declared in hope those who incurred it would repent and come back into communion. If that happens, the Holy See can lift the penalty.Schisms, which have been regular in the church's 2,000-year history, are considered particularly dangerous as they threaten the unity of the church.Vigano’s dire pronunciations about the current state of the church, amplified on Catholic social media and by ideologically friendly bloggers on both sides of the Atlantic, were an exaggerated version of the chasm between U.S. ultra-conservatives and Francis. And while Vigano enjoyed mainstream support among bishops early in his career, many quietly distanced themselves as his ideas became more extreme.The Italian prelate, who has not been seen publicly since before 2018, knew the schism declaration was coming after the Vatican informed him of the penal process launched against him last month. He defiantly called it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-vigano-schism-9dee2819028e8ab66bcbd079b5b42614">“an honor,” and refused to appear in person</a>&nbsp;or defend himself or submit a written defense.On June 20, Vigano issued a lengthy public statement refusing to recognize the authority of the Vatican's doctrinal office “that claims to judge me, nor of its prefect, nor of the one who appointed him.”He did not directly respond to the schism declaration on Friday on X, his usual forum. Shortly before the Vatican decree was made public, he announced he would be celebrating a Mass on Friday for those who have been supporting him and asked for donations.Vigano burst onto the public scene in 2012, during the first so-called Vatileaks scandal, when Pope Benedict XVI’s butler leaked the pontiff’s private papers to an Italian journalist to try to draw attention to corruption in the Holy See.In some of the leaked letters, Vigano, then the No. 2 in the Vatican City State administration, begged the pope not to be transferred after exposing corruption in the awarding of Vatican contracts that cost the Holy See millions of euros (dollars).The entreaties did not work. By the time the letters were published, Vigano was appointed the Vatican’s ambassador to the U.S. — a prestigious post but one that took him far from Rome and out of the running to one day be a cardinal.Vigano reappeared on the scene during Francis’ 2015 visit to the U.S., which as nuncio he helped organize. Everything was going fine until Vigano arranged for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kim-davis-marriage-licenses-rowan-county-b99cdf7b93a1e144fdff2c3b24d96c2c">Kim Davis, a Kentucky clerk at the center of the U.S. gay marriage debate</a>, to be present at the Vatican residence to greet Francis, along with many other people.After the visit, Davis and her lawyers claimed the encounter with Francis amounted to an affirmation of her cause denying marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The Vatican later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-international-news-f27eb8dd7bf744aa9fb11572c15748f4">turned the tables on Davis' claim</a>, saying she had merely been among a group of well-wishers but that the “only” private audience Francis had in Washington was with a small group of people that included a gay couple.But Vigano’s deception in inviting Davis to meet the pope put the prelate and the pontiff on a collision course that exploded in August 2018.At the time, the U.S. church was reeling from a new chapter in its clergy sex abuse scandal: One of the most senior U.S. churchmen, Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, was accused of molesting a minor and a Pennsylvania grand jury issued a devastating investigation into decades of abuse and cover-up.As Francis was wrapping up a tense visit to Ireland, Vigano&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ad7d52030c90472eafeacef7ba2d9d39">published an 11-page screed</a>&nbsp;accusing him and a long string of U.S. and Vatican officials of covering for McCarrick. Specifically, Vigano accused Francis of rehabilitating McCarrick from sanctions imposed by Pope Benedict, and called on him to resign — accusations that created the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c7786459105b41639033c183e1a6ddb5">greatest crisis of Francis’ then-young pontificate.</a>Francis quickly authorized an in-house investigation into McCarrick. The report, released in 2020, confirmed that a generation of church officials, including Pope John Paul II, had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/theodore-mccarrick-vatican-investigation-0204b0d67e0685d658bae71cf558383a">turned a blind eye to McCarrick’s misconduct</a>. It largely spared Francis, who eventually defrocked the churchman.But the report also faulted Vigano for not looking into new claims against McCarrick or enforcing Vatican restrictions on him when specifically ordered to do so by the Vatican.At that point, Vigano’s claims against Francis became more unhinged, endorsing conspiracy theories about the coronavirus vaccines, appearing at far-right U.S. political rallies via video, backing Russia in its war on Ukraine, and eventually, refusing to recognize Francis as pope.Massimo Faggioli, a theologian at Villanova University, said while a good number of U.S. bishops vouched for Vigano's integrity when he first made his claims about McCarrick in 2018, his declarations in the ensuing years “led some of them to more prudent positions.”In an essay in the French daily La Croix, Faggioli also noted that Vigano had had a seeming unintended effect of mainstreaming another schismatic group, the Society of St. Pius X, which also rejects the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, the 1960s meetings that modernized the church.However, the society known as SSPX founded by the late French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in 1969, distanced itself from Vigano and his rejection of the legitimacy of Francis' pontificate, saying they “have not ventured down that perilous road.”Vigano's positions make Lefebvre and the SSPX "look like right-of-center Catholics, and not like the extreme traditionalists they actually are," Faggioli wrote. "This says something about the ground shifting under the feet of Vatican II Catholics.”

Vatican excommunicates a former ambassador to the US 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—A police officer is recovering after a stabbing late Sunday in Kansas City, Kansas.

Just before 10p.m., a KCK Police officer was beginning his shift near 47th and State Avenue, according to a media release.&nbsp; An individual who was described as acting bizarre approached the officer in a parking lot.

Without warning, the individual produced a sharp object and attacked the officer. During the altercation, the suspect stabbed the officer twice and ran northbound from the location. Police have not reported they found the suspect.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—A police officer is recovering after a stabbing late Sunday in Kansas City, Kansas.Just before 10p.m., a KCK Police officer was beginning his shift near 47th and State Avenue, according to a media release.&nbsp; An individual who was described as acting bizarre approached the officer in a parking lot.Without warning, the individual produced a sharp object and attacked the officer. During the altercation, the suspect stabbed the officer twice and ran northbound from the location. Police have not reported they found the suspect.The officer's injuries were reported a non-life-threatening.&nbsp;&nbsp;