COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Independent presidential candidate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;has failed to qualify for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-election-presidential-debates-biden-trump-6b1d1dbb2ed61c7637041b23662d7da8">next week's debate</a>&nbsp;in Atlanta, according to host network CNN, falling shy of benchmarks both for state ballot qualification and necessary polling.

The missed markers mean that the June 27 showdown will be solely between Democratic President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. That denies Kennedy a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-rfk-cnn-debate-ballot-access-biden-trump-d3c5466a9a307ea4480508160f660a55">singular opportunity</a>&nbsp;to stand alongside the leading candidates in an attempt to lend legitimacy to his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-robert-f-kennedy-jr-rfk-097ac973a32ddf2e8e4edecd6a8f3153">longshot bid</a>&nbsp;and convince potential supporters that he has a shot at winning.

Both the Biden and Trump campaigns fear that Kennedy could play spoiler in what's anticipated to be a close general election.

According to the criteria set out by CNN, candidates would be invited to participate in the debate if they had secured a place on the ballot in states totaling at least 270 votes in the Electoral College, the minimum needed to win the presidency.

Biden and Trump have easily cleared the polling threshold but won’t be certified for the ballot until their parties formally nominate them later this summer. Both have secured enough delegates to lock in their nominations.

Kennedy’s campaign says he has satisfied the requirements to appear on the ballot in 22 states, with a combined 310 electoral votes, though not all have affirmed his name will be listed. California, the largest prize on the electoral map with 54 votes, will not certify any candidates until Aug. 29.

Candidates were also required to reach a polling threshold of 15% in four reliable national polls by June 20, another metric CNN said Kennedy failed to meet. According to the network, Kennedy has received at least 15% in three qualifying polls so far and is currently on the ballot in six states, making him currently eligible for 89 Electoral College votes.

Last month, Kennedy filed an election complaint alleging CNN is colluding with Biden and Trump to exclude him from the June 27 debate, alleging that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-rfk-cnn-debate-ballot-access-biden-trump-d3c5466a9a307ea4480508160f660a55">participation requirements</a>&nbsp;were designed to ensure only Biden and Trump would qualify and claiming that he is being held to a higher standard.

CNN has said the complaint is without merit. Kennedy's campaign did not immediately respond to a message Thursday seeking comment on CNN's announcement and asking if he planned to take any further action about his exclusion.

Last month, Biden and Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-election-presidential-debates-biden-trump-6b1d1dbb2ed61c7637041b23662d7da8">agreed to the CNN debate</a>&nbsp;and a second on Sept. 10 hosted by ABC, bypassing the nonpartisan commission that has organized debates for nearly four decades.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715712591224.png" alt="Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Independent presidential candidate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;has failed to qualify for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-election-presidential-debates-biden-trump-6b1d1dbb2ed61c7637041b23662d7da8">next week's debate</a>&nbsp;in Atlanta, according to host network CNN, falling shy of benchmarks both for state ballot qualification and necessary polling.The missed markers mean that the June 27 showdown will be solely between Democratic President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. That denies Kennedy a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-rfk-cnn-debate-ballot-access-biden-trump-d3c5466a9a307ea4480508160f660a55">singular opportunity</a>&nbsp;to stand alongside the leading candidates in an attempt to lend legitimacy to his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-robert-f-kennedy-jr-rfk-097ac973a32ddf2e8e4edecd6a8f3153">longshot bid</a>&nbsp;and convince potential supporters that he has a shot at winning.Both the Biden and Trump campaigns fear that Kennedy could play spoiler in what's anticipated to be a close general election.According to the criteria set out by CNN, candidates would be invited to participate in the debate if they had secured a place on the ballot in states totaling at least 270 votes in the Electoral College, the minimum needed to win the presidency.Biden and Trump have easily cleared the polling threshold but won’t be certified for the ballot until their parties formally nominate them later this summer. Both have secured enough delegates to lock in their nominations.Kennedy’s campaign says he has satisfied the requirements to appear on the ballot in 22 states, with a combined 310 electoral votes, though not all have affirmed his name will be listed. California, the largest prize on the electoral map with 54 votes, will not certify any candidates until Aug. 29.Candidates were also required to reach a polling threshold of 15% in four reliable national polls by June 20, another metric CNN said Kennedy failed to meet. According to the network, Kennedy has received at least 15% in three qualifying polls so far and is currently on the ballot in six states, making him currently eligible for 89 Electoral College votes.Last month, Kennedy filed an election complaint alleging CNN is colluding with Biden and Trump to exclude him from the June 27 debate, alleging that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-rfk-cnn-debate-ballot-access-biden-trump-d3c5466a9a307ea4480508160f660a55">participation requirements</a>&nbsp;were designed to ensure only Biden and Trump would qualify and claiming that he is being held to a higher standard.CNN has said the complaint is without merit. Kennedy's campaign did not immediately respond to a message Thursday seeking comment on CNN's announcement and asking if he planned to take any further action about his exclusion.Last month, Biden and Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-election-presidential-debates-biden-trump-6b1d1dbb2ed61c7637041b23662d7da8">agreed to the CNN debate</a>&nbsp;and a second on Sept. 10 hosted by ABC, bypassing the nonpartisan commission that has organized debates for nearly four decades.

Kennedy fails to qualify for debate. It'll be a Biden, Trump showdown

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators have approved major tax cuts and ended a political stalemate with Gov. Laura Kelly. Yet some of them sounded frustrated as they were doing it.

The Republican-controlled Legislature approved a bill Tuesday to cut income and property taxes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tax-cuts-kansas-special-legislative-session-b79d213f1a904dfd7604648ea9d2c454">by a total of $1.23 billion</a>&nbsp;over the next three years. The measure contains the exact terms of a compromise reached by the Democratic governor and the GOP leaders of the House and Senate, and Kelly promised to sign it.

But many lawmakers, particularly Republicans, said they'd wanted more for taxpayers, and legislators in both parties view its property tax relief as meager. The bill decreases what homeowners will pay to the state to help finance public schools, but the 15.6% cut in that tax for the owner of a $250,000 amounts to $76 a year and is lower than previous plans lawmakers considered this year.

The bill cleared the Legislature with huge bipartisan majorities during a one-day special session called by Kelly after she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-budget-tax-cuts-veto-9ebddf96cd35b614d8e96f2d8b8939c2">vetoed three previous tax-cutting plans</a>&nbsp;and lawmakers ended their regular annual session May 1. The GOP leaders who negotiated with her office warned colleagues that they risked another veto if they made any changes — and they didn't. They've worried that failing to cut taxes will anger voters in this year's elections.

“We can absolutely afford more tax cuts," said Senate tax committee Chair Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican. "I do support this legislation, but it is not the best we can get.”

The state's coffers have bulged with surplus revenue, but disagreements between Kelly and Republican leaders prevented Kansas from enacting major reductions.

Republican leaders wanted tax cuts worth at least $230 million more over three years, but Kelly argued that those larger cuts would lead to budget shortfalls in five years.

“Although this package is not perfect and emphasizes income tax reductions instead of property tax relief, it does provide significant relief,” she said in a statement.

Personal income tax cuts account for nearly 87% of the bill's relief, even though legislators repeatedly said their constituents' biggest concern is rising property taxes fueled in part by rising home values. But most property taxes are levied by local officials, and the state's school tax is a small portion of what people pay.

The bill moves Kansas from three personal income tax rates to two and cuts the highest rate from 5.7% to 5.58%. Other changes will increase the amount of income automatically exempted from taxes so that a married couple filing jointly will not pay any tax until they earn more than $25,000, whether they have children or not.

Kansas also will stop taxing retirees' Social Security benefits instead of taxing the entire amount once someone earns more than $75,000. The state also will double an income tax credit for child care expenses.

The measure also provides a 14% cut in the tax paid by banks, savings and loans and other financial institutions instead of the corporate income tax. That mirrors past cuts for other businesses.

By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators have approved major tax cuts and ended a political stalemate with Gov. Laura Kelly. Yet some of them sounded frustrated as they were doing it.The Republican-controlled Legislature approved a bill Tuesday to cut income and property taxes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tax-cuts-kansas-special-legislative-session-b79d213f1a904dfd7604648ea9d2c454">by a total of $1.23 billion</a>&nbsp;over the next three years. The measure contains the exact terms of a compromise reached by the Democratic governor and the GOP leaders of the House and Senate, and Kelly promised to sign it.But many lawmakers, particularly Republicans, said they'd wanted more for taxpayers, and legislators in both parties view its property tax relief as meager. The bill decreases what homeowners will pay to the state to help finance public schools, but the 15.6% cut in that tax for the owner of a $250,000 amounts to $76 a year and is lower than previous plans lawmakers considered this year.The bill cleared the Legislature with huge bipartisan majorities during a one-day special session called by Kelly after she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-budget-tax-cuts-veto-9ebddf96cd35b614d8e96f2d8b8939c2">vetoed three previous tax-cutting plans</a>&nbsp;and lawmakers ended their regular annual session May 1. The GOP leaders who negotiated with her office warned colleagues that they risked another veto if they made any changes — and they didn't. They've worried that failing to cut taxes will anger voters in this year's elections.“We can absolutely afford more tax cuts," said Senate tax committee Chair Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican. "I do support this legislation, but it is not the best we can get.”The state's coffers have bulged with surplus revenue, but disagreements between Kelly and Republican leaders prevented Kansas from enacting major reductions.Republican leaders wanted tax cuts worth at least $230 million more over three years, but Kelly argued that those larger cuts would lead to budget shortfalls in five years.“Although this package is not perfect and emphasizes income tax reductions instead of property tax relief, it does provide significant relief,” she said in a statement.Personal income tax cuts account for nearly 87% of the bill's relief, even though legislators repeatedly said their constituents' biggest concern is rising property taxes fueled in part by rising home values. But most property taxes are levied by local officials, and the state's school tax is a small portion of what people pay.The bill moves Kansas from three personal income tax rates to two and cuts the highest rate from 5.7% to 5.58%. Other changes will increase the amount of income automatically exempted from taxes so that a married couple filing jointly will not pay any tax until they earn more than $25,000, whether they have children or not.Kansas also will stop taxing retirees' Social Security benefits instead of taxing the entire amount once someone earns more than $75,000. The state also will double an income tax credit for child care expenses.The measure also provides a 14% cut in the tax paid by banks, savings and loans and other financial institutions instead of the corporate income tax. That mirrors past cuts for other businesses.

Major tax cuts in Kansas but relief for home owners isn't seen as enough

KANSAS CITY- KC Scout, a bi-state initiative between Kansas and Missouri  Departments of Transportation to provide travel and traffic information and service for the Kansas City metro area, suffered a cyberattack on April 25.

After more than a week of successful testing, motorists in Kansas City are seeing real-time messages on the highway digital signs.&nbsp; Returning real-time information is considered the first step in restoring all KC Scout systems and services.

Additional restoration efforts continue and include having the website operational and camera views available online.

The Kansas and Missouri DOTs remind motorists that emergency services are still available in Kansas and Missouri. Kansas Highway Patrol Motorist Assist Vehicle (MAV) continue to proactively run routes and respond to incidents in their jurisdiction.

MoDOT Emergency Response Continue to proactively run routes and respond to incidents in their jurisdiction. Immediate and critical traffic information impacting the KC metro area is being shared through&nbsp;<a href="http://modot.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR09GLiozaM6T2M7ml6P9tPbFHXdqYtwrCawElwvj05vcTT7adsVux2-FbA_aem_AU_Pj1jPyIyhQQIuX9YBs7g64rJIJI0zcUP74BHHUcUWGNKr5V6JSNOc6OQKB_t2rPjMX4Npb6h1Ha9EekcQfDIV" target="_blank">modot.org</a>&nbsp;in Missouri and&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2FKanDrive.gov%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3xuYCQar7psg-4ovMKcjcjBnRurW9rZldPmJ8X4lSJruvNuClp4umCYgM_aem_AU93-LO_i4ikP37x8LdPD_NjgMMznedT8Z-TrwECmO1VSb-acK5dm1uNIeD2ZrGd4C2VNsQ6uRiZa20B6c9XiRkd&amp;h=AT3BvUtWPvA4w1Im4fah0k5j48u8IsudQy_HbogRx8mOPjt34IOQtB8a4tWUFjAomjHWnlcBtVDrWy32nrIZDgnu7IQNgHDpry6zW0IXU0TqtvsHctzxaRzE2Q3O5UFCX_RXBxY&amp;__tn__=-UK-y-R&amp;c[0]=AT2zLeQexISXF2s50qRhcxTGlrpA-O9NFCwI4JPBpA2BimQ9_NkpKAGYXZYOHl5rQcX7i6wZ2se4pk3WgCdfK-McTm9Tfa6tKz2_2fpuHkUcNOyxA6XiAboYbAqHxCSQ2yPJS0382FQbMQIKSYtdkztZ6lpjKF7QxRqlB4qZPACsKZTFZkcav_cmQDxFXacrAjyGuEAOF3svFc25dOxNIinoSsU5jmzmnTmtyzetW9AFIhzb2b0MOEdqiC48UAcn-56NL4WzhQGIf3CiVt7f" target="_blank">KanDrive.gov</a>&nbsp;in Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718886993366.png" alt="Image KC Scout" />
 <figcaption>Image KC Scout</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY- KC Scout, a bi-state initiative between Kansas and Missouri Departments of Transportation to provide travel and traffic information and service for the Kansas City metro area, suffered a cyberattack on April 25.After more than a week of successful testing, motorists in Kansas City are seeing real-time messages on the highway digital signs.&nbsp; Returning real-time information is considered the first step in restoring all KC Scout systems and services.Additional restoration efforts continue and include having the website operational and camera views available online.The Kansas and Missouri DOTs remind motorists that emergency services are still available in Kansas and Missouri. Kansas Highway Patrol Motorist Assist Vehicle (MAV) continue to proactively run routes and respond to incidents in their jurisdiction.MoDOT Emergency Response Continue to proactively run routes and respond to incidents in their jurisdiction. Immediate and critical traffic information impacting the KC metro area is being shared through&nbsp;<a href="http://modot.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR09GLiozaM6T2M7ml6P9tPbFHXdqYtwrCawElwvj05vcTT7adsVux2-FbA_aem_AU_Pj1jPyIyhQQIuX9YBs7g64rJIJI0zcUP74BHHUcUWGNKr5V6JSNOc6OQKB_t2rPjMX4Npb6h1Ha9EekcQfDIV" target="_blank">modot.org</a>&nbsp;in Missouri and&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2FKanDrive.gov%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3xuYCQar7psg-4ovMKcjcjBnRurW9rZldPmJ8X4lSJruvNuClp4umCYgM_aem_AU93-LO_i4ikP37x8LdPD_NjgMMznedT8Z-TrwECmO1VSb-acK5dm1uNIeD2ZrGd4C2VNsQ6uRiZa20B6c9XiRkd&amp;h=AT3BvUtWPvA4w1Im4fah0k5j48u8IsudQy_HbogRx8mOPjt34IOQtB8a4tWUFjAomjHWnlcBtVDrWy32nrIZDgnu7IQNgHDpry6zW0IXU0TqtvsHctzxaRzE2Q3O5UFCX_RXBxY&amp;__tn__=-UK-y-R&amp;c[0]=AT2zLeQexISXF2s50qRhcxTGlrpA-O9NFCwI4JPBpA2BimQ9_NkpKAGYXZYOHl5rQcX7i6wZ2se4pk3WgCdfK-McTm9Tfa6tKz2_2fpuHkUcNOyxA6XiAboYbAqHxCSQ2yPJS0382FQbMQIKSYtdkztZ6lpjKF7QxRqlB4qZPACsKZTFZkcav_cmQDxFXacrAjyGuEAOF3svFc25dOxNIinoSsU5jmzmnTmtyzetW9AFIhzb2b0MOEdqiC48UAcn-56NL4WzhQGIf3CiVt7f" target="_blank">KanDrive.gov</a>&nbsp;in Kansas.

Cyberattack: Real-time info returns to highway message boards in KC

HALL COUNTY, Neb. —Authorities investigating a a deadly attempted robbery at a highway rest area in Nebraska have identified the victims as Gary and Mary Weaver of Eureka, Missouri, according to the Hall County, Nebraska Sheriff's office.

James Thompson, Jr., 22,&nbsp;Elyria, Ohio, is being held in the Hall County jail on requested charges of first degree murder, attempted first degree murder, first degree assault, robbery, fleeing in a motor vehicle to avoid arrest and traffic violations.

The Hall County Sheriff's office said deputies were called to an Interstate 80 rest area shortly after 7 a.m. Wednesday and found both victims with knife wounds.

Gary Weaver, 72,&nbsp; died at a Grand Island hospital. Mary Weaver, 71, is in critical condition at the hospital with life-threatening injuries, authorities said.&nbsp;

Thompson fled the rest area in a vehicle before authorities arrived, but Grand Island Police Captain Dean Elliott told television station KSNB that officers were able to get a description.

The Nebraska State Patrol tried to stop a vehicle matching that description near Wood River before that vehicle exited the interstate and turned south. Elliott said the vehicle eventually drove into the Platte River before the Thompson was arrested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718822090654.png" alt="Photo Nebraska State Patrol courtesy NTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo Nebraska State Patrol courtesy NTV</figcaption>
 </figure>HALL COUNTY, Neb. —Authorities investigating a a deadly attempted robbery at a highway rest area in Nebraska have identified the victims as Gary and Mary Weaver of Eureka, Missouri, according to the Hall County, Nebraska Sheriff's office.James Thompson, Jr., 22,&nbsp;Elyria, Ohio, is being held in the Hall County jail on requested charges of first degree murder, attempted first degree murder, first degree assault, robbery, fleeing in a motor vehicle to avoid arrest and traffic violations.The Hall County Sheriff's office said deputies were called to an Interstate 80 rest area shortly after 7 a.m. Wednesday and found both victims with knife wounds.Gary Weaver, 72,&nbsp; died at a Grand Island hospital. Mary Weaver, 71, is in critical condition at the hospital with life-threatening injuries, authorities said.&nbsp;Thompson fled the rest area in a vehicle before authorities arrived, but Grand Island Police Captain Dean Elliott told television station KSNB that officers were able to get a description.The Nebraska State Patrol tried to stop a vehicle matching that description near Wood River before that vehicle exited the interstate and turned south. Elliott said the vehicle eventually drove into the Platte River before the Thompson was arrested.

Sheriff IDs couple in deadly knife attack at Nebraska highway rest area

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen accused in a&nbsp;violent attack on a Kansas teen is due in court Thursday.

Just after noon May 26, police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of N Dodge in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The victim in this case, an 18-year-old girl later arrived at an area hospital with second degree burns to the face and neck believed to be caused by a suspect throwing an acidic liquid on her during a physical fight.&nbsp;

Immediately following the incident, investigators with the WPD Felony Assault unit along with patrol officers began looking for three suspects. 

On June 5, officers with the Patrol North Community Response Team located and arrested two 18-year-old suspects. Ye'Kira Acoya Hollins and Tayronnia Jontashia West were jailed in connection with the crime.

On June 7, West was charged with Aggravated Battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; Hollins met the requirement of bond and is scheduled for court Thursday morning, according to the district attorney's office.

Investigators are still attempting to locate a third suspect, a 16-year-old black female of Topeka.

If you have information related to this case, please call investigators at 316-268-4407 or make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717690911383.png" alt="Hollins-photo Sedgwick County." />
 <figcaption>Hollins-photo Sedgwick County.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen accused in a&nbsp;violent attack on a Kansas teen is due in court Thursday.Just after noon May 26, police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of N Dodge in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The victim in this case, an 18-year-old girl later arrived at an area hospital with second degree burns to the face and neck believed to be caused by a suspect throwing an acidic liquid on her during a physical fight.&nbsp;Immediately following the incident, investigators with the WPD Felony Assault unit along with patrol officers began looking for three suspects. On June 5, officers with the Patrol North Community Response Team located and arrested two 18-year-old suspects. Ye'Kira Acoya Hollins and Tayronnia Jontashia West were jailed in connection with the crime.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717690818288.png" alt="West photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>West photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On June 7, West was charged with Aggravated Battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; Hollins met the requirement of bond and is scheduled for court Thursday morning, according to the district attorney's office.Investigators are still attempting to locate a third suspect, a 16-year-old black female of Topeka.If you have information related to this case, please call investigators at 316-268-4407 or make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Suspect accused of throwing acid in face of Kan. teen is due in court

DAMASCUS —A U.S. airstrike in Syria killed a Senior ISIS Official, according to a statement Wednesday from the U.S. Central Command.

On June 16, U.S. Central Command conducted an airstrike in Syria, killing Usamah Jamal Muhammad Ibrahim al-Janabi, a senior ISIS official and facilitator. His death will disrupt ISIS’s ability to resource and conduct terror attacks.

CENTCOM, alongside allies and partners in the region, will continue to execute operations to degrade ISIS operational capabilities and ensure its enduring defeat.

There is no indication any civilians were harmed in this strike.

In addition, U.S. forces destroyed a ground control station, command and control node in an area of Yemen controlled by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels and destroyed two Houthi drone boats in the Red Sea.according to a statement from U.S. Central Command.

DAMASCUS —A U.S. airstrike in Syria killed a Senior ISIS Official, according to a statement Wednesday from the U.S. Central Command.On June 16, U.S. Central Command conducted an airstrike in Syria, killing Usamah Jamal Muhammad Ibrahim al-Janabi, a senior ISIS official and facilitator. His death will disrupt ISIS’s ability to resource and conduct terror attacks.CENTCOM, alongside allies and partners in the region, will continue to execute operations to degrade ISIS operational capabilities and ensure its enduring defeat.There is no indication any civilians were harmed in this strike.In addition, U.S. forces destroyed a ground control station, command and control node in an area of Yemen controlled by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels and destroyed two Houthi drone boats in the Red Sea.according to a statement from U.S. Central Command.

U.S. Airstrike in Syria kills senior ISIS official

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

After three executive sessions, Hays USD 489 board members unanimously approved pay raises of varying amounts for teachers, classified personnel and licensed personnel for the 2024-25 school year during their meeting on Monday evening.&nbsp;

Board of Education negotiations with the teachers union - the master collective bargaining agreements - were approved with salary increases for certified employees.

Teachers will see $1,910 added to each cell of the teachers' salary schedule.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Stipends of $650 were added for special education staff.&nbsp;

"It's an occupation that's hard to fill and we wanted to keep people in those positions as well as encourage others to look at it,"&nbsp;Superintendent Ron Wilson said during a Tuesday interview on KAYS Morning Blend. 

A 6% wage increase was approved for classified employees - anyone who is not a certified teacher such as cooks, custodians, and bus drivers.

Licensed classified personnel including social workers, occupational and physical therapists, received a 4.16% salary increase.

Administrators received a 3.5% pay raise.&nbsp;

"We're very, very thankful for our board for doing that for all our employees," Wilson said.&nbsp;

Hiring teachers and other staff has been problematic, he told the board.

"We're starting to feel the impact of teacher vacancies and have to look at it differently and creatively."&nbsp;

He said there are four open teaching positions and no applications.

The board also agreed to remove the $50 activity fee for high school and middle school students. 

"We will no longer charge that $50 activity fee. We try to chip away at back-to-school fees for our families.&nbsp; We've done that for the last four years," Wilson said.

Remaining in place are the textbook/material fees of $70 for elementary, $90 for middle school and $95 for high school students.

Also approved was a 5-cent increase in lunch prices for the upcoming year.

"I think anybody who's gone to the grocery store understands food costs have gone up. We really tried to hold the line and our nutrition director Jessica Younker has done a great job of keeping things affordable for families and still providing very healthy and enjoyable meals for our students and staff."

Free breakfast will still be offered for any student who wants it. That program started last year.&nbsp;

In other business, the board heard&nbsp;an update on the school bond construction from Nabholz representatives. The projects are on budget and on schedule. A design change order was accepted for Hays High School.

Board members also approved the 2024-25 board of education calendar, personnel transactions, the contract with Fort Hays State University for use of Lewis Field, and a two-year lease with Hadley Center for Hays Virtual School.&nbsp;

The board also gave its approval of authority for year-end budget transfers by Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business/finance. The fiscal year for the school district ends June 30.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718812568138.jpeg" alt="Hays USD 489 Board of Education members at their final meeting of the 2023-24 school year. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays USD 489 Board of Education members at their final meeting of the 2023-24 school year. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAfter three executive sessions, Hays USD 489 board members unanimously approved pay raises of varying amounts for teachers, classified personnel and licensed personnel for the 2024-25 school year during their meeting on Monday evening.&nbsp;Board of Education negotiations with the teachers union - the master collective bargaining agreements - were approved with salary increases for certified employees.Teachers will see $1,910 added to each cell of the teachers' salary schedule.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stipends of $650 were added for special education staff.&nbsp;"It's an occupation that's hard to fill and we wanted to keep people in those positions as well as encourage others to look at it,"&nbsp;Superintendent Ron Wilson said during a Tuesday interview on KAYS Morning Blend. A 6% wage increase was approved for classified employees - anyone who is not a certified teacher such as cooks, custodians, and bus drivers.Licensed classified personnel including social workers, occupational and physical therapists, received a 4.16% salary increase.Administrators received a 3.5% pay raise.&nbsp;"We're very, very thankful for our board for doing that for all our employees," Wilson said.&nbsp;Hiring teachers and other staff has been problematic, he told the board."We're starting to feel the impact of teacher vacancies and have to look at it differently and creatively."&nbsp;He said there are four open teaching positions and no applications.<h2>Activity fees and lunch prices</h2>The board also agreed to remove the $50 activity fee for high school and middle school students. "We will no longer charge that $50 activity fee. We try to chip away at back-to-school fees for our families.&nbsp; We've done that for the last four years," Wilson said.Remaining in place are the textbook/material fees of $70 for elementary, $90 for middle school and $95 for high school students.Also approved was a 5-cent increase in lunch prices for the upcoming year."I think anybody who's gone to the grocery store understands food costs have gone up. We really tried to hold the line and our nutrition director Jessica Younker has done a great job of keeping things affordable for families and still providing very healthy and enjoyable meals for our students and staff."Free breakfast will still be offered for any student who wants it. That program started last year.&nbsp;<h2>Other business</h2>In other business, the board heard&nbsp;an update on the school bond construction from Nabholz representatives. The projects are on budget and on schedule. A design change order was accepted for Hays High School.Board members also approved the 2024-25 board of education calendar, personnel transactions, the contract with Fort Hays State University for use of Lewis Field, and a two-year lease with Hadley Center for Hays Virtual School.&nbsp;The board also gave its approval of authority for year-end budget transfers by Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business/finance. The fiscal year for the school district ends June 30.

Hays USD 489 approves employee raises, activity fee removal for 2024-25  

KANSAS CITY —A driver who died in an accident that occurred June 7, in Kansas City has been identified as 53-year-old Lashan Townsend-Gunnels, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Just before 8a.m. June 7, a Chevrolet Silverado was speeding northbound on Troost from 89th Street when a Honda passenger vehicle pulled out into the first lane of Troost from 85th Street. This caused the pickup to swerve into southbound lanes of oncoming traffic.

At 83rd Terrace, the Chevrolet’s driver locked the pickup’s brakes as a GMC Terrain pulled into the southbound lanes of Troost. The pickup struck the GMC on the driver’s side and forced it into a metal utility pole on the passenger side. The pickup then overturned onto its passenger side.

EMS transported the driver of the GMC, later identified as Townsend-Gunnels, to an area hospital. She had life-threatening injuries. EMS transported the driver of the&nbsp;pickup to a local hospital for treatment of&nbsp; serious injuries.&nbsp; The driver of the GMC was properly restrained, according to KCPD. Police did not have details on the seat belt usage by the driver of the pickup.

On June 15, the KCPD reported Townsend-Gunnels died shortly before midnight on Friday, according to staff at&nbsp;Research Hospital. This is fatality #48 compared to #35 at this time in 2023.

KANSAS CITY —A driver who died in an accident that occurred June 7, in Kansas City has been identified as 53-year-old Lashan Townsend-Gunnels, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Just before 8a.m. June 7, a Chevrolet Silverado was speeding northbound on Troost from 89th Street when a Honda passenger vehicle pulled out into the first lane of Troost from 85th Street. This caused the pickup to swerve into southbound lanes of oncoming traffic.At 83rd Terrace, the Chevrolet’s driver locked the pickup’s brakes as a GMC Terrain pulled into the southbound lanes of Troost. The pickup struck the GMC on the driver’s side and forced it into a metal utility pole on the passenger side. The pickup then overturned onto its passenger side.EMS transported the driver of the GMC, later identified as Townsend-Gunnels, to an area hospital. She had life-threatening injuries. EMS transported the driver of the&nbsp;pickup to a local hospital for treatment of&nbsp; serious injuries.&nbsp; The driver of the GMC was properly restrained, according to KCPD. Police did not have details on the seat belt usage by the driver of the pickup.On June 15, the KCPD reported Townsend-Gunnels died shortly before midnight on Friday, according to staff at&nbsp;Research Hospital. This is fatality #48 compared to #35 at this time in 2023.

Police ID driver who died a week after Kansas City crash

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a violent attack and have a Kansas felon in custody.

Just before 3p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;June 15, police were dispatched to the 1300 block of SW Western Avenue in Topeka in reference to a stabbing, according to Police Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

First responders&nbsp;located a man suffering multiple lacerations. He was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. Police did not have an update on the condition of the victim.

As a result of the investigation, Xavian Locke, 24, was jailed on requested charges of&nbsp; Aggravated Battery and a County Warrant.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for Criminal Discharge of a Firearm and&nbsp;Criminal possess firearm; Convicted felon or drug offender, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718726438938.png" alt="Locke-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Locke-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a violent attack and have a Kansas felon in custody.Just before 3p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;June 15, police were dispatched to the 1300 block of SW Western Avenue in Topeka in reference to a stabbing, according to Police Lt. Jerry Monasmith.First responders&nbsp;located a man suffering multiple lacerations. He was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. Police did not have an update on the condition of the victim.As a result of the investigation, Xavian Locke, 24, was jailed on requested charges of&nbsp; Aggravated Battery and a County Warrant.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for Criminal Discharge of a Firearm and&nbsp;Criminal possess firearm; Convicted felon or drug offender, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon jailed for violent knife attack

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City man who rammed into a federal agent’s vehicle while attempting to escape arrest pleaded guilty in federal court last week to illegally possessing ammunition and assaulting a federal law enforcement officer, according to the United State's Attorney.

Charles D. Jackson, also known as “Grove Street” and “C Jackem,” 30, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition and one count of assaulting a federal law enforcement officer.

On Aug. 24, 2023, agents and task officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant at Jackson’s residence. As officers approached on foot, an ATF agent pulled her vehicle into the driveway to pin in a black Kia sedan parked in the driveway and still running. All of the agents and officers were wearing clearly marked body armor identifying them as “ATF Police.”

The officers announced themselves and the ATF agent activated the emergency equipment on her vehicle. Jackson, who was fully reclined in the driver’s seat, popped up and put the car in drive. He rammed into the front of the ATF vehicle, then attempted to back up and drive forward several times in an apparent attempt to escape. However, the ATF agent pushed the Kia into the garage with her vehicle, immobilizing it.

The ATF vehicle was damaged as a result of Jackson ramming it. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Jackson must pay restitution for the damage.

On the floorboard of the front’s driver’s seat where Jackson had been sitting, agents located a loaded AR-style 5.56-caliber pistol with no serial number and with an extended magazine, which contained 39 rounds of ammunition.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Jackson has a prior felony conviction for first degree robbery.

Under federal statutes, Jackson is subject to a sentence of up to 16 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Constance. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City man who rammed into a federal agent’s vehicle while attempting to escape arrest pleaded guilty in federal court last week to illegally possessing ammunition and assaulting a federal law enforcement officer, according to the United State's Attorney.Charles D. Jackson, also known as “Grove Street” and “C Jackem,” 30, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition and one count of assaulting a federal law enforcement officer.On Aug. 24, 2023, agents and task officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant at Jackson’s residence. As officers approached on foot, an ATF agent pulled her vehicle into the driveway to pin in a black Kia sedan parked in the driveway and still running. All of the agents and officers were wearing clearly marked body armor identifying them as “ATF Police.”The officers announced themselves and the ATF agent activated the emergency equipment on her vehicle. Jackson, who was fully reclined in the driver’s seat, popped up and put the car in drive. He rammed into the front of the ATF vehicle, then attempted to back up and drive forward several times in an apparent attempt to escape. However, the ATF agent pushed the Kia into the garage with her vehicle, immobilizing it.The ATF vehicle was damaged as a result of Jackson ramming it. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Jackson must pay restitution for the damage.On the floorboard of the front’s driver’s seat where Jackson had been sitting, agents located a loaded AR-style 5.56-caliber pistol with no serial number and with an extended magazine, which contained 39 rounds of ammunition.Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Jackson has a prior felony conviction for first degree robbery.Under federal statutes, Jackson is subject to a sentence of up to 16 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Constance. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

KC man rammed ATF vehicle while attempting to avoid arrest

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana has become the first state to require that the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public school classroom under a bill signed into law by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry on Wednesday.

The GOP-drafted legislation mandates that a poster-sized display of the Ten Commandments in “large, easily readable font” be required in all public classrooms, from kindergarten to state-funded universities. Although the bill did not receive final approval from Landry, the time for gubernatorial action — to sign or veto the bill — has lapsed.

Opponents question the law’s constitutionality, warning that lawsuits are likely to follow. Proponents say the purpose of the measure is not solely religious, but that it has historical significance. In the law’s language, the Ten Commandments are described as “foundational documents of our state and national government.”

The displays, which will be paired with a four-paragraph “context statement” describing how the Ten Commandments “were a prominent part of American public education for almost three centuries,” must be in place in classrooms by the start of 2025.

The posters would be paid for through donations. State funds will not be used to implement the mandate, based on language in the legislation.

The law also “authorizes” — but does not require — the display of the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence and the Northwest Ordinance in K-12 public schools.

Not long after the governor signed the bill into law, civil rights groups and organizations that want to keep religion out of government promised to file a lawsuit challenging it.

The law prevents students from getting an equal education and will keep children who have different beliefs from feeling safe at school, the American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Freedom from Religion Foundation said in a joint statement Wednesday afternoon.

“Even among those who may believe in some version of the Ten Commandments, the particular text that they adhere to can differ by religious denomination or tradition. The government should not be taking sides in this theological debate,” the groups said.

Similar bills requiring the Ten Commandments be displayed in classrooms have been proposed in other states including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-01ad837a877143d6bc2f1681f9cd8a2a">Texas</a>, Oklahoma and Utah. However, with threats of legal battles over the constitutionality of such measures, no state besides Louisiana has had success in making the bills law.

Legal battles over the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms are not new.

In 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a similar Kentucky law was unconstitutional and violated the establishment clause of the U.S. Constitution, which says Congress can “make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” The high court found that the law had no secular purpose but rather served a plainly religious purpose.

Louisiana’s controversial law, in a state ensconced in the Bible Belt, comes during a new era of conservative leadership in the state under Landry, who replaced two-term Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards in January.

The GOP also has a two-thirds supermajority in the Legislature, and Republicans hold every statewide elected position, paving the way for lawmakers to push through a conservative agenda during the legislative session that concluded earlier this month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718826624556.png" alt="Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signed the bill into law on Wednesday-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signed the bill into law on Wednesday-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana has become the first state to require that the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public school classroom under a bill signed into law by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry on Wednesday.The GOP-drafted legislation mandates that a poster-sized display of the Ten Commandments in “large, easily readable font” be required in all public classrooms, from kindergarten to state-funded universities. Although the bill did not receive final approval from Landry, the time for gubernatorial action — to sign or veto the bill — has lapsed.Opponents question the law’s constitutionality, warning that lawsuits are likely to follow. Proponents say the purpose of the measure is not solely religious, but that it has historical significance. In the law’s language, the Ten Commandments are described as “foundational documents of our state and national government.”The displays, which will be paired with a four-paragraph “context statement” describing how the Ten Commandments “were a prominent part of American public education for almost three centuries,” must be in place in classrooms by the start of 2025.The posters would be paid for through donations. State funds will not be used to implement the mandate, based on language in the legislation.The law also “authorizes” — but does not require — the display of the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence and the Northwest Ordinance in K-12 public schools.Not long after the governor signed the bill into law, civil rights groups and organizations that want to keep religion out of government promised to file a lawsuit challenging it.The law prevents students from getting an equal education and will keep children who have different beliefs from feeling safe at school, the American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Freedom from Religion Foundation said in a joint statement Wednesday afternoon.“Even among those who may believe in some version of the Ten Commandments, the particular text that they adhere to can differ by religious denomination or tradition. The government should not be taking sides in this theological debate,” the groups said.Similar bills requiring the Ten Commandments be displayed in classrooms have been proposed in other states including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-01ad837a877143d6bc2f1681f9cd8a2a">Texas</a>, Oklahoma and Utah. However, with threats of legal battles over the constitutionality of such measures, no state besides Louisiana has had success in making the bills law.Legal battles over the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms are not new.In 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a similar Kentucky law was unconstitutional and violated the establishment clause of the U.S. Constitution, which says Congress can “make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” The high court found that the law had no secular purpose but rather served a plainly religious purpose.Louisiana’s controversial law, in a state ensconced in the Bible Belt, comes during a new era of conservative leadership in the state under Landry, who replaced two-term Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards in January.The GOP also has a two-thirds supermajority in the Legislature, and Republicans hold every statewide elected position, paving the way for lawmakers to push through a conservative agenda during the legislative session that concluded earlier this month.

First state will require Ten Commandments displayed in classrooms 

SALINA —The Salina Fire Department (SFD) is raising funds for a community Safe Haven Baby Box.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SFD said in a statement released Wednesday that the initiative aims to provide a secure, anonymous way for parents in crisis to surrender their newborns.

"I'm excited about it and we have great support from the Salina City Commission," said SFD Chief Tony Sneidar. "The City manager's office tasked the fire department with making this come to fruition."

This project, initiated by Mayor Bill Longbine and supported by city officials and the Salina Fire Department, will place a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/hb2024_00_0000.pdf">fully compliant&nbsp;</a>Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station 1,&nbsp;<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Vnsr61Dh4tVP7jp1A" target="_blank">222 W. Elm Street</a>.

Community support through donations is important and the lifeblood of this initiative. Donations will cover the costs of installation, maintenance, and awareness campaigns. The impact of Driven to Care's grant has given the initiative a great start, but SFD still needs help to make this initiative a reality.

The anticipated costs include the Baby Box, demolition, construction materials, installation, and electrical work, amounting to $21,000, and a $500 annual maintenance fee. The Salina Community Baby Box initiative is not just a project; it's a life-saving opportunity for parents in crisis, helping to secure the futures of our most vulnerable infants.

Go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.shbb.org/">www.shbb.org</a>&nbsp;for more info. Donation checks may be sent to PO Box 185, Woodburn, IN 46797, with Salina, KS Baby Box in the memo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718839279597.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA —The Salina Fire Department (SFD) is raising funds for a community Safe Haven Baby Box.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LTiPo17E9gU?si=SecRVlXuAItes8jd" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>SFD said in a statement released Wednesday that the initiative aims to provide a secure, anonymous way for parents in crisis to surrender their newborns."I'm excited about it and we have great support from the Salina City Commission," said SFD Chief Tony Sneidar. "The City manager's office tasked the fire department with making this come to fruition."This project, initiated by Mayor Bill Longbine and supported by city officials and the Salina Fire Department, will place a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/hb2024_00_0000.pdf">fully compliant&nbsp;</a>Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station 1,&nbsp;<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Vnsr61Dh4tVP7jp1A" target="_blank">222 W. Elm Street</a>.Community support through donations is important and the lifeblood of this initiative. Donations will cover the costs of installation, maintenance, and awareness campaigns. The impact of Driven to Care's grant has given the initiative a great start, but SFD still needs help to make this initiative a reality.The anticipated costs include the Baby Box, demolition, construction materials, installation, and electrical work, amounting to $21,000, and a $500 annual maintenance fee. The Salina Community Baby Box initiative is not just a project; it's a life-saving opportunity for parents in crisis, helping to secure the futures of our most vulnerable infants.Go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.shbb.org/">www.shbb.org</a>&nbsp;for more info. Donation checks may be sent to PO Box 185, Woodburn, IN 46797, with Salina, KS Baby Box in the memo.

Salina Fire Department to install Safe Haven Baby Box

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a drive-by shooting and asking for help to locate a suspect.

Just before 4:30p.m. Monday, police responded to the area of W. 149th and Hardy in Overland Park in reference an armed disturbance, according to a media release.

 Several young adult men were playing basketball in a cul-de-sac when a black vehicle drove up to them. 

 The driver of the vehicle asked if a specific person was in the area.  When the young men responded to the driver they did not know the person, the driver then shot several rounds into a nearby home. 

 There were no injuries.The suspect vehicle left in an unknown direction.  The driver is identified as a white male, in his mid to late twenties. 

 If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the lead Detective at 913-327-8750 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.&nbsp;

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a drive-by shooting and asking for help to locate a suspect.Just before 4:30p.m. Monday, police responded to the area of W. 149th and Hardy in Overland Park in reference an armed disturbance, according to a media release. Several young adult men were playing basketball in a cul-de-sac when a black vehicle drove up to them. The driver of the vehicle asked if a specific person was in the area. When the young men responded to the driver they did not know the person, the driver then shot several rounds into a nearby home. There were no injuries.The suspect vehicle left in an unknown direction. The driver is identified as a white male, in his mid to late twenties. If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the lead Detective at 913-327-8750 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.&nbsp;

Police investigating Kansas drive-by shooting

Dozens of Missouri doctors joined in asking the court to uphold a federal law that allows doctors to perform emergency abortions in states with bans

BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

When a woman experiencing a second trimester miscarriage came into the hospital bleeding through her clothes, Dr. Jennifer Smith couldn’t immediately help her.&nbsp;

Not while her fetus still had a heartbeat.

Too scared to wait for the miscarriage to progress far enough to be admitted to the hospital in Missouri, the woman and her husband drove to Illinois where she could obtain an abortion.&nbsp;

Until the situation is life-threatening to the mother, her hands are tied, said Smith, an OB-GYN in St. Louis. But at least in the worst emergency cases, Smith knows she can help thanks to a federal law called&nbsp;Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA).

“It’s just hard to imagine that we’re living in a time where that actually may not be true,” Smith said.&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://idahocapitalsun.com/2024/04/24/supreme-court-justices-appear-split-over-whether-to-protect-abortion-care-during-emergencies/">The U.S. Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;will soon decide whether a federal law mandating hospitals treat and stabilize every patient, regardless of their ability to pay, includes providing abortions where they are otherwise illegal.

In the case, the Biden administration sued Idaho to block enforcement of its abortion ban, arguing that it violated EMTALA by denying women abortions in emergency situations. Idaho bans abortions in almost all cases, with exceptions to save the life of the pregnant woman or when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.&nbsp;

In response,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/23/23-727/290151/20231120154722276_2023-11-20%20Motion%20with%20Appendix.pdf">Idaho argued</a>&nbsp;that the federal law only requires “stabilizing treatment for&nbsp;the unborn children of pregnant women.” Idaho is asking the court to lift a temporary injunction blocking enforcement of its abortion ban in hospital emergency rooms.

The government is arguing that EMTALA&nbsp;requires hospitals to provide abortions needed to stabilize or save the life of a pregnant patient It also protects doctors from prosecution.

Without the law, hospitals and health care workers would have to wait until a mother is actually dying to proceed with a life-saving abortion, Smith said. St. Louis area hospitals still perform abortions for ectopic pregnancies, a nonviable pregnancy that if left unaddressed can be life-threatening to the mother, Smith said. But without EMTALA, she’s not so sure.

“It leaves every person involved in the care open to be prosecuted,” Smith said.

In May,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://19thnews.org/2024/05/doctors-letter-supreme-court-abortion-medical-emergencies/">nearly 6,000 physicians</a>&nbsp;across the country signed a letter on behalf of the Committee to Protect Health Care asking the Supreme Court to uphold the federal law.&nbsp;

Smith was among 32 Missouri doctors to sign on.

In June 2022, Missouri became the first state to ban abortion following the Supreme Court case overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. The ban was triggered under a law passed in 2019 that made it effective with the Supreme Court action.

The 2019 law states abortions will only be permitted in cases of a medical emergency when “a delay will create a serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.”

Health care providers who perform abortions not necessary to save the woman’s life can be charged with a class B felony. If convicted, they would face up to 15 years in prison and their medical license could also be suspended or revoked.&nbsp;

Because of this ban, some doctors and hospitals in Idaho recently stopped admitting pregnant patients who came into the emergency room, potentially needing abortions to save their lives. Instead, women are being transferred to other states for treatment during emergency situations.&nbsp;

Since Roe was overturned, a Missouri hospital became one of the first in the nation to be cited for violating EMTALA by denying a pregnant woman emergency care.&nbsp;

In August 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/01/hospitals-in-joplin-kck-cited-for-denying-emergency-abortion-to-missouri-woman/">Mylissa Farmer entered a Joplin emergency room</a>&nbsp;after her water broke at about 18 weeks pregnant. Even though the pregnancy was no longer viable, because the fetus had a heartbeat, and because Farmer’s condition wasn’t immediately life-threatening, she was turned away. She returned the next day, was kept overnight and then released without additional treatment.

Freeman Health in Joplin was later cited for being in violation of federal law.&nbsp;

“Although her doctors advised her that her condition could rapidly deteriorate, they also advised that they could not provide her with the care that would prevent infection, hemorrhage, and potentially death because, they said, the hospital policies prohibited treatment that could be considered an abortion,” the report from the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services stated. “This was a violation of the EMTALA protections that were designed to protect patients like her.”

Smith said that while she and her colleagues often aren’t able to immediately help patients who experience situations like Farmer, she can at least direct them to care a short drive away in Illinois.&nbsp;

Prior to the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe, Smith said if a pregnant patient experienced premature rupture of the membranes, they could deliver the baby so the family could have some memories to hold on to.&nbsp;

Often parents would get copies of their child’s footprints and say their goodbyes.

Now, since they can’t act while the fetus has a heartbeat, Smith said she refers patients to abortion clinics in Illinois where they can receive a surgical abortion. But as a result, they don’t get to hold their baby, and often have to navigate anti-abortion protesters on the way.&nbsp;

To Smith, it’s not worth risking the mother’s life and well-being to wait for her condition to deteriorate.&nbsp;

“To delay the care of the mother based on the beating heart of the baby is so counterproductive,” she said. “ … It just takes one emergency that we don’t act on or that we delay to change the life of a whole community.”

A decision in favor of Idaho could impair care for pregnant patients with serious injuries from car accidents or gunshots, or who suffer a stroke, Smith said. In those cases,&nbsp; saving the mother sometimes isn’t possible without first delivering the pregnancy, whether viable or not.&nbsp;

Pregnant women can quickly lose blood in emergency situations, potentially putting the mother and child’s lives at risk, she said.&nbsp;

“Unless you’re a trauma physician, it’s an amount of blood that nobody else in the hospital deals with. It’s an unbelievable amount and it can happen so fast,” she said. “If you have to wait and question your legal standing, the likelihood of saving that patient intact, saving the baby, saving her uterus, all of it, it just goes down all the time.”

The Supreme Court could rule on the EMTALA case as early as next week. Until then, doctors continue holding their breath.&nbsp;

“They’re just singling out pregnancy at this point,” Smith said. “But once you start chipping away at rights, it’s really unclear where the end point is.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718794587714.png" alt=" Jennifer Smith, an OBGYN, speaks about medical challenges without legal abortions in Missouri during a rally held by Missourians for Constitutional Freedom Friday morning (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Jennifer Smith, an OBGYN, speaks about medical challenges without legal abortions in Missouri during a rally held by Missourians for Constitutional Freedom Friday morning (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Dozens of Missouri doctors joined in asking the court to uphold a federal law that allows doctors to perform emergency abortions in states with bans</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>When a woman experiencing a second trimester miscarriage came into the hospital bleeding through her clothes, Dr. Jennifer Smith couldn’t immediately help her.&nbsp;Not while her fetus still had a heartbeat.Too scared to wait for the miscarriage to progress far enough to be admitted to the hospital in Missouri, the woman and her husband drove to Illinois where she could obtain an abortion.&nbsp;Until the situation is life-threatening to the mother, her hands are tied, said Smith, an OB-GYN in St. Louis. But at least in the worst emergency cases, Smith knows she can help thanks to a federal law called&nbsp;Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA).“It’s just hard to imagine that we’re living in a time where that actually may not be true,” Smith said.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://idahocapitalsun.com/2024/04/24/supreme-court-justices-appear-split-over-whether-to-protect-abortion-care-during-emergencies/">The U.S. Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;will soon decide whether a federal law mandating hospitals treat and stabilize every patient, regardless of their ability to pay, includes providing abortions where they are otherwise illegal.In the case, the Biden administration sued Idaho to block enforcement of its abortion ban, arguing that it violated EMTALA by denying women abortions in emergency situations. Idaho bans abortions in almost all cases, with exceptions to save the life of the pregnant woman or when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.&nbsp;In response,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/23/23-727/290151/20231120154722276_2023-11-20%20Motion%20with%20Appendix.pdf">Idaho argued</a>&nbsp;that the federal law only requires “stabilizing treatment for&nbsp;the unborn children of pregnant women.” Idaho is asking the court to lift a temporary injunction blocking enforcement of its abortion ban in hospital emergency rooms.The government is arguing that EMTALA&nbsp;requires hospitals to provide abortions needed to stabilize or save the life of a pregnant patient It also protects doctors from prosecution.Without the law, hospitals and health care workers would have to wait until a mother is actually dying to proceed with a life-saving abortion, Smith said. St. Louis area hospitals still perform abortions for ectopic pregnancies, a nonviable pregnancy that if left unaddressed can be life-threatening to the mother, Smith said. But without EMTALA, she’s not so sure.“It leaves every person involved in the care open to be prosecuted,” Smith said.In May,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://19thnews.org/2024/05/doctors-letter-supreme-court-abortion-medical-emergencies/">nearly 6,000 physicians</a>&nbsp;across the country signed a letter on behalf of the Committee to Protect Health Care asking the Supreme Court to uphold the federal law.&nbsp;Smith was among 32 Missouri doctors to sign on.In June 2022, Missouri became the first state to ban abortion following the Supreme Court case overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. The ban was triggered under a law passed in 2019 that made it effective with the Supreme Court action.The 2019 law states abortions will only be permitted in cases of a medical emergency when “a delay will create a serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.”Health care providers who perform abortions not necessary to save the woman’s life can be charged with a class B felony. If convicted, they would face up to 15 years in prison and their medical license could also be suspended or revoked.&nbsp;Because of this ban, some doctors and hospitals in Idaho recently stopped admitting pregnant patients who came into the emergency room, potentially needing abortions to save their lives. Instead, women are being transferred to other states for treatment during emergency situations.&nbsp;Since Roe was overturned, a Missouri hospital became one of the first in the nation to be cited for violating EMTALA by denying a pregnant woman emergency care.&nbsp;In August 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/01/hospitals-in-joplin-kck-cited-for-denying-emergency-abortion-to-missouri-woman/">Mylissa Farmer entered a Joplin emergency room</a>&nbsp;after her water broke at about 18 weeks pregnant. Even though the pregnancy was no longer viable, because the fetus had a heartbeat, and because Farmer’s condition wasn’t immediately life-threatening, she was turned away. She returned the next day, was kept overnight and then released without additional treatment.Freeman Health in Joplin was later cited for being in violation of federal law.&nbsp;“Although her doctors advised her that her condition could rapidly deteriorate, they also advised that they could not provide her with the care that would prevent infection, hemorrhage, and potentially death because, they said, the hospital policies prohibited treatment that could be considered an abortion,” the report from the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services stated. “This was a violation of the EMTALA protections that were designed to protect patients like her.”Smith said that while she and her colleagues often aren’t able to immediately help patients who experience situations like Farmer, she can at least direct them to care a short drive away in Illinois.&nbsp;Prior to the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe, Smith said if a pregnant patient experienced premature rupture of the membranes, they could deliver the baby so the family could have some memories to hold on to.&nbsp;Often parents would get copies of their child’s footprints and say their goodbyes.Now, since they can’t act while the fetus has a heartbeat, Smith said she refers patients to abortion clinics in Illinois where they can receive a surgical abortion. But as a result, they don’t get to hold their baby, and often have to navigate anti-abortion protesters on the way.&nbsp;To Smith, it’s not worth risking the mother’s life and well-being to wait for her condition to deteriorate.&nbsp;“To delay the care of the mother based on the beating heart of the baby is so counterproductive,” she said. “ … It just takes one emergency that we don’t act on or that we delay to change the life of a whole community.”A decision in favor of Idaho could impair care for pregnant patients with serious injuries from car accidents or gunshots, or who suffer a stroke, Smith said. In those cases,&nbsp; saving the mother sometimes isn’t possible without first delivering the pregnancy, whether viable or not.&nbsp;Pregnant women can quickly lose blood in emergency situations, potentially putting the mother and child’s lives at risk, she said.&nbsp;“Unless you’re a trauma physician, it’s an amount of blood that nobody else in the hospital deals with. It’s an unbelievable amount and it can happen so fast,” she said. “If you have to wait and question your legal standing, the likelihood of saving that patient intact, saving the baby, saving her uterus, all of it, it just goes down all the time.”The Supreme Court could rule on the EMTALA case as early as next week. Until then, doctors continue holding their breath.&nbsp;“They’re just singling out pregnancy at this point,” Smith said. “But once you start chipping away at rights, it’s really unclear where the end point is.”

Doctor warns: Emergency care for pregnant women at stake in Supreme Court case

TOPEKA – Representative Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, was recognized for his 100% voting record during the 2024 legislative session. 

Official records of the Kansas House of Representatives show that Representative Waymaster did not miss a single vote of the 297 cast by the full House. In addition to his 100% voting record, Representative Waymaster had no absences during the 2024 legislative session.

“I am very honored to serve the people of the 109th Kansas House District and am proud of my 100% voting record in the House during the legislative session of 2024,” said Waymaster.

Waymaster has served in the House of Representatives since 2013. He has been serving as the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee since 2017. He represents the 109th District which includes Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell, and Smith Counties.

The House Clerk records had recently confirmed the official voting records of the Kansas House of Representatives.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="Representative Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Representative Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedTOPEKA – Representative Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, was recognized for his 100% voting record during the 2024 legislative session. Official records of the Kansas House of Representatives show that Representative Waymaster did not miss a single vote of the 297 cast by the full House. In addition to his 100% voting record, Representative Waymaster had no absences during the 2024 legislative session.“I am very honored to serve the people of the 109th Kansas House District and am proud of my 100% voting record in the House during the legislative session of 2024,” said Waymaster.Waymaster has served in the House of Representatives since 2013. He has been serving as the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee since 2017. He represents the 109th District which includes Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell, and Smith Counties.The House Clerk records had recently confirmed the official voting records of the Kansas House of Representatives.

Rep. Waymaster recognized for perfect voting record

The Kansas State Fair is excited to announce a special Buy One Get One (BOGO) Gate Ticket offer available for one day only! 

Mark your calendars for June 25th and take advantage of the best offer of the year on gate tickets as fairgoers will have the opportunity to enjoy two tickets for $10 with this exclusive promotion.​

To participate in this special offer, sign up to receive Kansas State Fair emails by June 24, and you will receive a promo code on June 25. ​

Email List Sign Up:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=e49c3279a0&amp;e=3291b91fe2">https://www.kansasstatefair.com/p/general-information1/email-updates &nbsp;​</a>

<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=e49c3279a0&amp;e=3291b91fe2"></a>On June 25 you’ll receive an email with the promo code. Between 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. visit the Kansas State Fair ticket site, click on the BOGO Gate Ticket option and enter the promo code. For every ticket you add an additional ticket will be automatically added to your cart.

For example: enter two tickets and four will appear in your cart. This special offer is limited to one order per person. Maximum number of tickets you can purchase is 6 (12 tickets total). &nbsp; ​

"We're excited to offer this 'Buy One for $10, Get One Free' gate admission deal. It's a wonderful way for fairgoers to save some money while sharing the joy and excitement of the Fair with friends or family,” says Bryan Schulz, General Manager.​

Purchase on June 25 online at <a href="http://KansasStateFair.com">KansasStateFair.com</a> from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., by phone at 620-669-3618 or at the Kansas State Fair Ticket Office from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ​

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632137511353.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Fair file photo-Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Fair file photo-Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State FairThe Kansas State Fair is excited to announce a special Buy One Get One (BOGO) Gate Ticket offer available for one day only! Mark your calendars for June 25th and take advantage of the best offer of the year on gate tickets as fairgoers will have the opportunity to enjoy two tickets for $10 with this exclusive promotion.​To participate in this special offer, sign up to receive Kansas State Fair emails by June 24, and you will receive a promo code on June 25. ​Email List Sign Up:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=e49c3279a0&amp;e=3291b91fe2">https://www.kansasstatefair.com/p/general-information1/email-updates &nbsp;​</a><a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=e49c3279a0&amp;e=3291b91fe2"></a>On June 25 you’ll receive an email with the promo code. Between 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. visit the Kansas State Fair ticket site, click on the BOGO Gate Ticket option and enter the promo code. For every ticket you add an additional ticket will be automatically added to your cart. For example: enter two tickets and four will appear in your cart. This special offer is limited to one order per person. Maximum number of tickets you can purchase is 6 (12 tickets total). &nbsp; ​"We're excited to offer this 'Buy One for $10, Get One Free' gate admission deal. It's a wonderful way for fairgoers to save some money while sharing the joy and excitement of the Fair with friends or family,” says Bryan Schulz, General Manager.​Purchase on June 25 online at <a href="http://KansasStateFair.com">KansasStateFair.com</a> from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., by phone at 620-669-3618 or at the Kansas State Fair Ticket Office from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ​

Kansas State Fair BOGO day coming up June 25

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man arrested after a two hour standoff at a Wichita apartment complex made his first court appearance in the case on Monday.

Jonathan Ross, 41, Wichita, is charged with aggravated criminal threat, two counts of aggravated assault, criminal threat, domestic battery, and two counts of unlawful discharge of a firearm in a city, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. The last three charges are misdemeanors.

Just before 1p.m. June 12, police responded to an apartment building in the 600 block of E Douglas in Wichita.&nbsp; A woman told officers she was assaulted and threatened with a weapon by a man she lived with. 

The man, later identified as 41-year-old Jonathan Ross refused to come out of the apartment.&nbsp;

At 3 p.m., the Wichita Police SWAT team arrived and began negotiations. All businesses and apartments in the area were evacuated and vehicle and pedestrian traffic was closed in the area.&nbsp; Two hours later, police arrested Ross.

Ross remains jailed on a $125,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718662085008.png" alt="Ross-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Ross-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man arrested after a two hour standoff at a Wichita apartment complex made his first court appearance in the case on Monday.Jonathan Ross, 41, Wichita, is charged with aggravated criminal threat, two counts of aggravated assault, criminal threat, domestic battery, and two counts of unlawful discharge of a firearm in a city, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. The last three charges are misdemeanors.Just before 1p.m. June 12, police responded to an apartment building in the 600 block of E Douglas in Wichita.&nbsp; A woman told officers she was assaulted and threatened with a weapon by a man she lived with. The man, later identified as 41-year-old Jonathan Ross refused to come out of the apartment.&nbsp;At 3 p.m., the Wichita Police SWAT team arrived and began negotiations. All businesses and apartments in the area were evacuated and vehicle and pedestrian traffic was closed in the area.&nbsp; Two hours later, police arrested Ross.Ross remains jailed on a $125,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

Kan. man jailed after standoff charged with attack on a woman

MOSCOW (AP) — A court in Russia’s far eastern city of Vladivostok on Wednesday convicted a visiting American soldier of stealing and making threats of murder, and it sentenced him to three years and nine months in prison.

Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, 34, flew to the Pacific port city to see his girlfriend and was arrested last month after she accused him of stealing from her, according to U.S. officials and Russian authorities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718804676374.png" alt="U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gordon Black sits in a glass cage in a courtroom in Vladivostok, Russia, Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Black is on trial on charges of theft and threatening murder in a dispute with a Russian woman. Russian state media reported that he denied the allegation of threatening murder but "partially" admitted to theft. (AP Photo)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gordon Black sits in a glass cage in a courtroom in Vladivostok, Russia, Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Black is on trial on charges of theft and threatening murder in a dispute with a Russian woman. Russian state media reported that he denied the allegation of threatening murder but "partially" admitted to theft. (AP Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>MOSCOW (AP) — A court in Russia’s far eastern city of Vladivostok on Wednesday convicted a visiting American soldier of stealing and making threats of murder, and it sentenced him to three years and nine months in prison.Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, 34, flew to the Pacific port city to see his girlfriend and was arrested last month after she accused him of stealing from her, according to U.S. officials and Russian authorities.Russia's state news agencies Tass and RIA Novosti reported that the judge in Pervomaisky District Court in Vladivostok also ordered Black to pay 10,000 rubles ($115) in damages. Prosecutors had asked for a sentence of four years and eight months in prison.Black’s case occurs amid tensions over Russia's arrests of American journalists and other U.S. nationals as the fighting in Ukraine continues.Russia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-prisoners-swap-gershkovich-whelan-putin-2a53c30a7ee686ee85de412ee833d154">has jailed a number of Americans</a>, including corporate security executive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-politics-paul-whelan-united-states-government-russia-12269e0de0292a5cd590f034b2700b36">Paul Whelan</a>&nbsp;and Wall Street Journal reporter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-gershkovich-journalist-prison-putin-swap-33b1751158e32fe18dfa576839999b6e">Evan Gershkovich</a>. The U.S. government has designated both men as wrongfully detained and has been trying to negotiate their release.Others detained include&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-musician-arrested-drug-trafficking-3d32c6e75660d17f993dd6afe396eea7">Travis Leake</a>, a musician who has been living in Russia for years and was arrested last year on drug-related charges; Marc Fogel, a teacher in Moscow who was sentenced to 14 years in prison, also on drug charges; and dual nationals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-american-journalist-radio-free-europe-alsu-kurmasheva-0bd25c4f04201eed5b3a9aa871e1f6ad">Alsu Kurmasheva</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-woman-arrest-russia-ukraine-3a121981719ed1904c0bbdbdb38f14ab">Ksenia Khavana</a>.The U.S. State Department strongly advises American citizens not to go to Russia.Black was on leave and in the process of returning to his home base at Fort Cavazos, Texas, from South Korea, where he had been stationed at Camp Humphreys with the Eighth Army.Cynthia Smith, an Army spokesperson, said Black signed out for his move back home and, “instead of returning to the continental United States, Black flew from Incheon, Republic of Korea, through China to Vladivostok, Russia, for personal reasons.”Under Pentagon policy, service members must get clearance for any international travel from a security manager or commander.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/soldier-arrested-russia-korea-596c4e4601e0cf6679b9ff1a880d8678">The U.S. Army said last month</a>&nbsp;that Black hadn’t sought such travel clearance and it wasn’t authorized by the Defense Department. Given the hostilities in Ukraine and threats to the U.S. and its military, it is extremely unlikely he would have been granted approval.Black’s girlfriend, Alexandra Vashchuk, told reporters earlier this month that “it was a simple domestic dispute,” during which Black “became aggressive and attacked” her.“He then stole money from my wallet and I didn’t give him permission to do it,” Vashchuk said.On Wednesday, she told Russian news outlet Gazeta.ru that she considers the sentence “quite humane” and described Black as “violent and unable to control himself.”U.S. officials have said that Black, who is married, met Vashchuk in South Korea.According to U.S. officials, she had lived in South Korea, and last fall she and Black got into some type of domestic dispute or altercation. After that, she left South Korea. It isn’t clear if she was forced to leave or what, if any, role South Korean authorities had in the matter.