WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Merrick Garland will not be prosecuted for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/garland-contempt-congress-vote-biden-classified-documents-20f5e8f48cfd8390eb695d13079ca306">contempt of Congress</a>&nbsp;because his refusal to turn over audio of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-classified-documents-age-trump-2024-4791639cc06cc0affee55aba80c7e6b3">President Joe Biden’s interview in his classified documents case</a>&nbsp;“did not constitute a crime," the Justice Department said Friday.

The department's decision was revealed in a letter to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, citing the agency's “longstanding position and uniform practice” to not prosecute officials who don’t comply with subpoenas because of a president’s claim of executive privilege.

The Democratic president last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-robert-hur-classified-documents-justice-department-edf67af3810ab877c7c195956b49b3a6">asserted executive privilege</a>&nbsp;to block the release of the audio, which the White House says Republicans want only for political purposes. Republicans moved forward with the contempt effort anyway, voting Wednesday to punish Garland for refusing to provide the recording.

Assistant Attorney General Carlos Felipe Uriarte noted that the Justice Department under presidents of both political parities has declined to prosecute in similar circumstances when the president has claimed executive privilege.

Accordingly, the department "will not bring the congressional contempt citation before a grand jury or take any other action to prosecute the Attorney General,” Uriarte said in the letter to Johnson. The letter did not specify who in Justice Department made the decision.

Republicans were incensed when special counsel Robert Hur&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-hur-biden-special-counsel-classified-documents-0f8e4a9d99f8b7d035f75f78e9b8d3d3">declined to prosecute</a>&nbsp;Biden over his handling of classified documents and quickly opened an investigation.

GOP lawmakers — led by Reps. Jim Jordan and James Comer — sent a subpoena for audio of Hur’s interviews with Biden, but the Justice Department only turned over some of the records, leaving out audio of the interview with the president.

Republicans have accused the White House of suppressing the tape because they say the president is afraid to have voters hear it during an election year.

A transcript of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-classified-documents-age-trump-2024-4791639cc06cc0affee55aba80c7e6b3">the Hur interview</a>&nbsp;showed Biden struggling to recall some dates and occasionally confusing some details — something longtime aides say he’s done for years in both public and private — but otherwise showing deep recall in other areas. Biden and his aides are particularly sensitive to questions about his age. At 81, he’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-birthday-81-age-trump-axelrod-polling-3325ad9d260c17be97d5608349378a91">the oldest-ever president</a>, and he’s seeking another four-year term.

The attorney general has said the Justice Department has gone to extraordinary lengths to provide information to the lawmakers about Hur’s investigation. However, Garland has said releasing the audio could jeopardize future sensitive investigations because witnesses might be less likely to cooperate if they know their interviews might become public.

In a letter last month detailing Biden’s decision to assert executive privilege, White House counsel Ed Siskel accused Republicans of seeking the recordings so they can “chop them up” and distort them to attack the president. Executive privilege gives presidents the right to keep information from the courts, Congress and the public to protect the confidentiality of decision-making, though it can be challenged in court.

The Justice Department noted that it also declined to prosecute&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-elections-judiciary-north-america-d64338bc6606456d978c33f11d2cf2b4">Attorney General Bill Barr,</a>&nbsp;who was held in contempt in 2019. The Democratically controlled House voted to issue a referral against Barr after he refused to turn over documents related to a special counsel investigation into former President Donald Trump.

The Justice Department similarly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-peter-navarro-government-and-politics-subpoenas-8defd8645d6cb5cab67767650f6cc303">declined to prosecute</a>&nbsp;former Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows after he was held in contempt of Congress for ceasing to cooperate with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-government-and-politics-capitol-siege-trump-impeachment-29f9dca497e443189dc0fde11bffbb9d">the Jan. 6 Committee</a>&nbsp;investigating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">the attack on the U.S. Capitol</a>.

Years before that, then-Attorney General Eric Holder was held in contempt related to the gun-running operation known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ab23eac5b2264f67a40b0c98ab17cdfd">Operation Fast and Furious</a>. The Justice Department also took no action against Holder.

Two former Trump White House officials, Peter Navarro and Steve Bannon, were prosecuted for contempt of Congress for defying subpoenas from the Jan. 6 committee. They were both found guilty at trial and sentenced to four months in prison. Navarro has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/peter-navarro-jan-6-prison-congress-contempt-ea6f0e60dda1a7bcaef31012cd2c7678">behind bars since March</a>, and Bannon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-bannon-contempt-jan-6-committee-prison-2da50bcf2f8ff8f3e01ef4bf2b1b845e">has been ordered to report to prison</a>&nbsp;by July 1.

The special counsel in Biden’s case, Hur, spent a year investigating the president’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-michael-pence-us-federal-bureau-of-investigation-9c2d7f472b8ff63f76f2c9fbb03dfde2">improper retention of classified documents</a>, from his time as a senator and as vice president. Hur said he found insufficient evidence to successfully prosecute a case in court.

Hur cited limitations with Biden’s memory and the president’s cooperation with investigators that “could convince some jurors that he made an innocent mistake." Hur's report also described the president as “someone for whom jurors will want to identify reasonable doubt.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Merrick Garland will not be prosecuted for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/garland-contempt-congress-vote-biden-classified-documents-20f5e8f48cfd8390eb695d13079ca306">contempt of Congress</a>&nbsp;because his refusal to turn over audio of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-classified-documents-age-trump-2024-4791639cc06cc0affee55aba80c7e6b3">President Joe Biden’s interview in his classified documents case</a>&nbsp;“did not constitute a crime," the Justice Department said Friday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">House GOP built a record of evidence proving that President Biden knew about and benefited from his family’s &amp; associate’s shady business deals. No one is above the law. I voted to hold AG Garland accountable for refusing to comply w/ subpoenas regarding our impeachment inquiry.&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1801242799293047232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The department's decision was revealed in a letter to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, citing the agency's “longstanding position and uniform practice” to not prosecute officials who don’t comply with subpoenas because of a president’s claim of executive privilege.The Democratic president last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-robert-hur-classified-documents-justice-department-edf67af3810ab877c7c195956b49b3a6">asserted executive privilege</a>&nbsp;to block the release of the audio, which the White House says Republicans want only for political purposes. Republicans moved forward with the contempt effort anyway, voting Wednesday to punish Garland for refusing to provide the recording.Assistant Attorney General Carlos Felipe Uriarte noted that the Justice Department under presidents of both political parities has declined to prosecute in similar circumstances when the president has claimed executive privilege.Accordingly, the department "will not bring the congressional contempt citation before a grand jury or take any other action to prosecute the Attorney General,” Uriarte said in the letter to Johnson. The letter did not specify who in Justice Department made the decision.Republicans were incensed when special counsel Robert Hur&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-hur-biden-special-counsel-classified-documents-0f8e4a9d99f8b7d035f75f78e9b8d3d3">declined to prosecute</a>&nbsp;Biden over his handling of classified documents and quickly opened an investigation.GOP lawmakers — led by Reps. Jim Jordan and James Comer — sent a subpoena for audio of Hur’s interviews with Biden, but the Justice Department only turned over some of the records, leaving out audio of the interview with the president.Republicans have accused the White House of suppressing the tape because they say the president is afraid to have voters hear it during an election year.A transcript of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-classified-documents-age-trump-2024-4791639cc06cc0affee55aba80c7e6b3">the Hur interview</a>&nbsp;showed Biden struggling to recall some dates and occasionally confusing some details — something longtime aides say he’s done for years in both public and private — but otherwise showing deep recall in other areas. Biden and his aides are particularly sensitive to questions about his age. At 81, he’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-birthday-81-age-trump-axelrod-polling-3325ad9d260c17be97d5608349378a91">the oldest-ever president</a>, and he’s seeking another four-year term.The attorney general has said the Justice Department has gone to extraordinary lengths to provide information to the lawmakers about Hur’s investigation. However, Garland has said releasing the audio could jeopardize future sensitive investigations because witnesses might be less likely to cooperate if they know their interviews might become public.In a letter last month detailing Biden’s decision to assert executive privilege, White House counsel Ed Siskel accused Republicans of seeking the recordings so they can “chop them up” and distort them to attack the president. Executive privilege gives presidents the right to keep information from the courts, Congress and the public to protect the confidentiality of decision-making, though it can be challenged in court.The Justice Department noted that it also declined to prosecute&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-elections-judiciary-north-america-d64338bc6606456d978c33f11d2cf2b4">Attorney General Bill Barr,</a>&nbsp;who was held in contempt in 2019. The Democratically controlled House voted to issue a referral against Barr after he refused to turn over documents related to a special counsel investigation into former President Donald Trump.The Justice Department similarly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-peter-navarro-government-and-politics-subpoenas-8defd8645d6cb5cab67767650f6cc303">declined to prosecute</a>&nbsp;former Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows after he was held in contempt of Congress for ceasing to cooperate with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-government-and-politics-capitol-siege-trump-impeachment-29f9dca497e443189dc0fde11bffbb9d">the Jan. 6 Committee</a>&nbsp;investigating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">the attack on the U.S. Capitol</a>.Years before that, then-Attorney General Eric Holder was held in contempt related to the gun-running operation known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ab23eac5b2264f67a40b0c98ab17cdfd">Operation Fast and Furious</a>. The Justice Department also took no action against Holder.Two former Trump White House officials, Peter Navarro and Steve Bannon, were prosecuted for contempt of Congress for defying subpoenas from the Jan. 6 committee. They were both found guilty at trial and sentenced to four months in prison. Navarro has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/peter-navarro-jan-6-prison-congress-contempt-ea6f0e60dda1a7bcaef31012cd2c7678">behind bars since March</a>, and Bannon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-bannon-contempt-jan-6-committee-prison-2da50bcf2f8ff8f3e01ef4bf2b1b845e">has been ordered to report to prison</a>&nbsp;by July 1.The special counsel in Biden’s case, Hur, spent a year investigating the president’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-michael-pence-us-federal-bureau-of-investigation-9c2d7f472b8ff63f76f2c9fbb03dfde2">improper retention of classified documents</a>, from his time as a senator and as vice president. Hur said he found insufficient evidence to successfully prosecute a case in court.Hur cited limitations with Biden’s memory and the president’s cooperation with investigators that “could convince some jurors that he made an innocent mistake." Hur's report also described the president as “someone for whom jurors will want to identify reasonable doubt.”

DOJ won't prosecute AG after House held him in contempt over Biden tapes

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Thanks to a tip, Police detectives in Lawrence arrested 18-year-old Cir Allen Keith Glover on a requested charge of second-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Isaiah Neal. 

The tip led investigators to Miami County, Kansas where the Sheriff assisted Lawrence Police and Glover ultimately surrendered without incident.

Just after 1a.m. Thursday, police were called to 2406 Alabama Street in Lawrence where they found&nbsp; 17-year-old Isaiah Neal with multiple gunshot wounds and began performing life-saving aid until paramedics with Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical arrived on scene.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

LDCFM paramedics transported Neal to the hospital where he later died.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718395261944.png" alt="Glover-photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Glover-photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Thanks to a tip, Police detectives in Lawrence arrested 18-year-old Cir Allen Keith Glover on a requested charge of second-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Isaiah Neal. The tip led investigators to Miami County, Kansas where the Sheriff assisted Lawrence Police and Glover ultimately surrendered without incident.Just after 1a.m. Thursday, police were called to 2406 Alabama Street in Lawrence where they found&nbsp; 17-year-old Isaiah Neal with multiple gunshot wounds and began performing life-saving aid until paramedics with Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical arrived on scene.&nbsp;&nbsp; LDCFM paramedics transported Neal to the hospital where he later died.

Accused shooter in death of Kan. teen surrenders to police

By NATE KING&nbsp;Salina Post

A Salina woman was scammed out of $7,400 in a Bitcoin phone scam on Thursday.

The victim, a 75-year-old Salina woman living in the 2000 block of Raymond Avenue, received a phone call from an individual claiming to be "James Williams" from the Saline County Sheriff's "Department." The caller informed her that she had failed to appear for jury duty and was in contempt of court on both state and federal levels.

"The caller told her that she had to make a full payment using Bitcoin to have the charges dropped," said SPD Lt. David Villanueva. "She went to her bank and got $7,400 in cash."

Villanueva said the victim then went to a Bitcoin machine where the caller gave her codes to put in the machine. The scammer provided her with specific codes to input into the machine, directing the payment to their account instead of to a legitimate one. The victim followed the caller's instructions, unaware she was being deceived.

The woman went to the Salina Police Department, where she realized the phone caller was scamming her.

"We reminded her, like we remind the public, that the sheriff's 'department' does not take payment over Bitcoin over the phone or anything," Villanueva said. "Nor would they ever call somebody and say you missed your jury duty and need to pay $7,400."

Villanueva said no, James Williams works at the Saline County Sheriff's Office.

"It is the Sheriff's Office, not the Sheriff's Department," Villanueva said. "If somebody calls you and says, 'Hey, you owe this or whatever.' Call the Sheriff's Office or Police Department themselves and say, 'Hey, is this true?' and you'll probably find out it's not."

The investigation is ongoing, but SPD acknowledges that recovering the funds will be difficult.

By NATE KING&nbsp;Salina PostA Salina woman was scammed out of $7,400 in a Bitcoin phone scam on Thursday.The victim, a 75-year-old Salina woman living in the 2000 block of Raymond Avenue, received a phone call from an individual claiming to be "James Williams" from the Saline County Sheriff's "Department." The caller informed her that she had failed to appear for jury duty and was in contempt of court on both state and federal levels."The caller told her that she had to make a full payment using Bitcoin to have the charges dropped," said SPD Lt. David Villanueva. "She went to her bank and got $7,400 in cash."Villanueva said the victim then went to a Bitcoin machine where the caller gave her codes to put in the machine. The scammer provided her with specific codes to input into the machine, directing the payment to their account instead of to a legitimate one. The victim followed the caller's instructions, unaware she was being deceived.The woman went to the Salina Police Department, where she realized the phone caller was scamming her."We reminded her, like we remind the public, that the sheriff's 'department' does not take payment over Bitcoin over the phone or anything," Villanueva said. "Nor would they ever call somebody and say you missed your jury duty and need to pay $7,400."Villanueva said no, James Williams works at the Saline County Sheriff's Office."It is the Sheriff's Office, not the Sheriff's Department," Villanueva said. "If somebody calls you and says, 'Hey, you owe this or whatever.' Call the Sheriff's Office or Police Department themselves and say, 'Hey, is this true?' and you'll probably find out it's not."The investigation is ongoing, but SPD acknowledges that recovering the funds will be difficult.

Kansas woman lost $7,400 in Bitcoin scam

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;made a triumphant return to Capitol Hill on Thursday, his first with lawmakers since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan.6, 2021</a>&nbsp;attacks, embraced by energized House and Senate Republicans who find themselves reinvigorated by his bid to retake the White House.

Despite pending federal charges against Trump for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">conspiring to overturn the 2020 election</a>, and his recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-deliberations-jury-testimony-verdict-85558c6d08efb434d05b694364470aa0">guilty verdict</a>&nbsp;in an unrelated hush money trial, the Republican former president arrived emboldened as the party's presumptive nominee. He has successfully purged the GOP of critics, silenced most skeptics and enticed once-critical lawmakers aboard his MAGA-fueled campaign.

A packed room of House Republicans sang “Happy Birthday” to Trump in a private breakfast meeting at GOP campaign headquarters across the street from the Capitol. The lawmakers gave him a baseball and bat from the annual congressional game, and senators later presented an American flag cake with “45” candles — and then “47" — referring to the next presidency. Trump bragged that even his telephone rallies for lawmakers could draw bigger crowds than mega-popstar Taylor Swift, who has yet to make any endorsement.

In one remarkable moment, Trump and his most prominent Republican critic, Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell, shook hands, and fist-bumped.

“There's tremendous unity in the Republican Party," Trump said in brief remarks at Senate GOP headquarters.

Trump spent about an hour each with House and Senate Republicans delivering free-wheeling remarks, fielding questions and discussing issues — including Russia and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-border-immigration-aclu-lawsuits-237674f030ca808aa7b423821b8caf26">immigration</a>, tax cuts and other priorities for a potential second term.

During the morning session, Trump said House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-speaker-johnson-maralago-congress-c6eaace204882df054795cf70a5fe60a">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;is doing a “terrific job,” according to a Republican in the private meeting and granted anonymity to discuss it. Trump asked Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the speaker’s chief Republican critic, if she was being “nice” to Johnson, another Republican said.

“President Trump brought an extraordinary amount of energy, excitement and enthusiasm this morning,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-speaker-johnson-maralago-congress-c6eaace204882df054795cf70a5fe60a">Johnson</a>&nbsp;said afterward, noting high fund-raising tallies since the guilty verdict. “We’re feeling good.”

The Republican speaker had demurred earlier over whether he’s asked Trump to respect the peaceful transfer of presidential power and commit to not doing another Jan. 6. “Of course he respects that, we all do, and we’ve all talked about it, ad nauseum.”

Many potential priorities for a new White House administration are being formulated by a constellation of outside groups, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-conservatives-trump-heritage-857eb794e505f1c6710eb03fd5b58981">Project 2025</a>, laying the groundwork for executive and legislative actions, though Trump has made clear he has his own agenda.

“Anybody who thought that this president was going to be down after the sham trial ... . It’s only giving him even more energy,” said Rep. Tom Emmer, the GOP whip. “Donald Trump is crushing this election.”

But Trump's private meetings with House and Senate Republicans so close to the Capitol were infused with the symbolism of his return as the U.S. president who threatened the American tradition of the peaceful transfer of power.

“It’s frustrating,” said former U.S. Capitol Police officer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-police-officer-jan-6-congress-harry-dunn-730a44a881057b2054242d415e57172d">Harry Dunn</a>, who made his own unsuccessful run for Congress as a Maryland Democrat in the aftermath of Jan. 6, the day when police engaged in hand-to-hand fighting to stop Trump supporters who stormed the building in an effort to overturn President Joe Biden's election.

Dunn spoke of the “irony” of Trump returning to the area and lawmakers now embracing him. “It just shows the lack of backbone they have when they’re truly putting party and person over country," he said. "And it’s sad.”

Biden was overseas Thursday attending a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/g7-summit-2024-italy-ukraine-live-fc5fe5c0f07e82c607cdae50a6fb6b36">summit of the Group of Seven</a>&nbsp;leading industrialized nations, but the president’s campaign unveiled a new ad blaming Trump for lighting the “fire” of Jan. 6 and threatening democracy.

Many of those who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-trump-biden-insurrection-congress-690af49cbf1f7a5696545b1ebbe45c47">once stood up</a>&nbsp;to Trump are long gone from office and the Republicans who remain seem increasingly enthusiastic about the possibility of him retaking the White House, and the down-ballot windfall that could mean for their own GOP majorities in Congress.

Thursday afternoon offered the first encounter in years between Trump and McConnell, who once blamed Trump for the “disgraceful” attack that he called an “insurrection” but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-endorsement-donald-trump-super-tuesday-422a2ec6f19917b46804b4cf6ee40371">now endorses</a>&nbsp;the party’s presumptive nominee.

Trump addressed the situation directly, saying he intends to work with everyone and that McConnell had “done his best” as leader, said Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., an ally of the former president.

According to Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., who organized the conference meeting, after Trump addressed the group McConnell gave a thumbs up and the two approached each other and exchanged the fist-bump.

“We had a really positive meeting,” McConnell said. “He and I got a chance to talk a little bit, shook hands a few times.”

As democracies around the world come under threat from a far-rightward shift, some analysts warn that the U.S. system, once seemingly immune from authoritarian impulses, is at risk of populist and extremist forces like those that Trump inspired to sack the Capitol.

“This is just another example of House Republicans bending the knee to Donald Trump,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar of California, the chairman of the House Democratic caucus.

Making Jan. 6 a cornerstone of his reelection campaign, Trump celebrates those who stormed the Capitol as “warriors” and “patriots,” and he has vowed to pardon any number of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-jan-6-criminal-cases-anniversary-bf436efe760751b1356f937e55bedaa5">more than 1,200 people</a>&nbsp;charged with crimes for the assault on the seat of U.S. democracy.

Moreover, Trump has vowed to seek retribution by ousting officials at the U.S. Justice Department, which is prosecuting him in a four-count indictment to overturn the election ahead of the Jan. 6 attack and another case over storing classified documents at his Mar-A-Largo home.

Republicans, particularly in the House but increasingly in the Senate, are vigorously following his lead, complaining of an unfair justice system. It's having noticeable results: the House and Senate GOP campaign arms scored some of their highest fundraising periods yet after a jury found him guilty in the New York hush money case.

When former GOP Speaker Paul Ryan on Fox News reiterated this week that he wouldn’t be voting for Trump and wished Republicans had another choice for president, he was immediately ostracized by Trump allies.

“Paul Ryan, you’re a piece of garbage," said Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas. "We should kick you out of the party.”

Of the Republicans who voted to impeach Trump over Jan. 6 and convict him on the charge of inciting the insurrection, only a few remain in office.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, had not been expected to attend Thursday's closed-door session with Trump. But Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, joined as did Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La.

Cassidy said he's attending the Trump meeting expecting "he’s going to be the next president, so you have to work” together.

Asked if he was concerned about the direction of the Trump Republican Party, Cassidy said: “Let the day’s own troubles be sufficient for the day. You can fill yourself up with anxiety about tomorrow, but will it change a thing? No.”

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;made a triumphant return to Capitol Hill on Thursday, his first with lawmakers since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan.6, 2021</a>&nbsp;attacks, embraced by energized House and Senate Republicans who find themselves reinvigorated by his bid to retake the White House.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump following meetings with Congressional Republicans: &quot;There&#39;s tremendous unity in the Republican Party.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/y17uU6WZl1">pic.twitter.com/y17uU6WZl1</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1801313517670150292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Despite pending federal charges against Trump for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">conspiring to overturn the 2020 election</a>, and his recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-deliberations-jury-testimony-verdict-85558c6d08efb434d05b694364470aa0">guilty verdict</a>&nbsp;in an unrelated hush money trial, the Republican former president arrived emboldened as the party's presumptive nominee. He has successfully purged the GOP of critics, silenced most skeptics and enticed once-critical lawmakers aboard his MAGA-fueled campaign.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> blows out candles on his birthday cake that was given to him by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., left, during a meeting with Senate GOP members at the National Republican Senatorial Committee. <a href="https://t.co/YkEfy6Vtyb">pic.twitter.com/YkEfy6Vtyb</a>&mdash; Doug Mills (@dougmillsnyt) <a href="https://twitter.com/dougmillsnyt/status/1801366654305083478?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A packed room of House Republicans sang “Happy Birthday” to Trump in a private breakfast meeting at GOP campaign headquarters across the street from the Capitol. The lawmakers gave him a baseball and bat from the annual congressional game, and senators later presented an American flag cake with “45” candles — and then “47" — referring to the next presidency. Trump bragged that even his telephone rallies for lawmakers could draw bigger crowds than mega-popstar Taylor Swift, who has yet to make any endorsement.In one remarkable moment, Trump and his most prominent Republican critic, Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell, shook hands, and fist-bumped.“There's tremendous unity in the Republican Party," Trump said in brief remarks at Senate GOP headquarters.Trump spent about an hour each with House and Senate Republicans delivering free-wheeling remarks, fielding questions and discussing issues — including Russia and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-border-immigration-aclu-lawsuits-237674f030ca808aa7b423821b8caf26">immigration</a>, tax cuts and other priorities for a potential second term.During the morning session, Trump said House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-speaker-johnson-maralago-congress-c6eaace204882df054795cf70a5fe60a">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;is doing a “terrific job,” according to a Republican in the private meeting and granted anonymity to discuss it. Trump asked Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the speaker’s chief Republican critic, if she was being “nice” to Johnson, another Republican said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WATCH: <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerJohnson</a> statement following meeting with former President Trump. <a href="https://t.co/t672UZ5QLG">pic.twitter.com/t672UZ5QLG</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1801271393599795601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“President Trump brought an extraordinary amount of energy, excitement and enthusiasm this morning,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-speaker-johnson-maralago-congress-c6eaace204882df054795cf70a5fe60a">Johnson</a>&nbsp;said afterward, noting high fund-raising tallies since the guilty verdict. “We’re feeling good.”The Republican speaker had demurred earlier over whether he’s asked Trump to respect the peaceful transfer of presidential power and commit to not doing another Jan. 6. “Of course he respects that, we all do, and we’ve all talked about it, ad nauseum.”Many potential priorities for a new White House administration are being formulated by a constellation of outside groups, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-conservatives-trump-heritage-857eb794e505f1c6710eb03fd5b58981">Project 2025</a>, laying the groundwork for executive and legislative actions, though Trump has made clear he has his own agenda.“Anybody who thought that this president was going to be down after the sham trial ... . It’s only giving him even more energy,” said Rep. Tom Emmer, the GOP whip. “Donald Trump is crushing this election.”But Trump's private meetings with House and Senate Republicans so close to the Capitol were infused with the symbolism of his return as the U.S. president who threatened the American tradition of the peaceful transfer of power.“It’s frustrating,” said former U.S. Capitol Police officer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-police-officer-jan-6-congress-harry-dunn-730a44a881057b2054242d415e57172d">Harry Dunn</a>, who made his own unsuccessful run for Congress as a Maryland Democrat in the aftermath of Jan. 6, the day when police engaged in hand-to-hand fighting to stop Trump supporters who stormed the building in an effort to overturn President Joe Biden's election.Dunn spoke of the “irony” of Trump returning to the area and lawmakers now embracing him. “It just shows the lack of backbone they have when they’re truly putting party and person over country," he said. "And it’s sad.”Biden was overseas Thursday attending a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/g7-summit-2024-italy-ukraine-live-fc5fe5c0f07e82c607cdae50a6fb6b36">summit of the Group of Seven</a>&nbsp;leading industrialized nations, but the president’s campaign unveiled a new ad blaming Trump for lighting the “fire” of Jan. 6 and threatening democracy.Many of those who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-trump-biden-insurrection-congress-690af49cbf1f7a5696545b1ebbe45c47">once stood up</a>&nbsp;to Trump are long gone from office and the Republicans who remain seem increasingly enthusiastic about the possibility of him retaking the White House, and the down-ballot windfall that could mean for their own GOP majorities in Congress.Thursday afternoon offered the first encounter in years between Trump and McConnell, who once blamed Trump for the “disgraceful” attack that he called an “insurrection” but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-endorsement-donald-trump-super-tuesday-422a2ec6f19917b46804b4cf6ee40371">now endorses</a>&nbsp;the party’s presumptive nominee.Trump addressed the situation directly, saying he intends to work with everyone and that McConnell had “done his best” as leader, said Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., an ally of the former president.According to Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., who organized the conference meeting, after Trump addressed the group McConnell gave a thumbs up and the two approached each other and exchanged the fist-bump.“We had a really positive meeting,” McConnell said. “He and I got a chance to talk a little bit, shook hands a few times.”As democracies around the world come under threat from a far-rightward shift, some analysts warn that the U.S. system, once seemingly immune from authoritarian impulses, is at risk of populist and extremist forces like those that Trump inspired to sack the Capitol.“This is just another example of House Republicans bending the knee to Donald Trump,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar of California, the chairman of the House Democratic caucus.Making Jan. 6 a cornerstone of his reelection campaign, Trump celebrates those who stormed the Capitol as “warriors” and “patriots,” and he has vowed to pardon any number of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-jan-6-criminal-cases-anniversary-bf436efe760751b1356f937e55bedaa5">more than 1,200 people</a>&nbsp;charged with crimes for the assault on the seat of U.S. democracy.Moreover, Trump has vowed to seek retribution by ousting officials at the U.S. Justice Department, which is prosecuting him in a four-count indictment to overturn the election ahead of the Jan. 6 attack and another case over storing classified documents at his Mar-A-Largo home.Republicans, particularly in the House but increasingly in the Senate, are vigorously following his lead, complaining of an unfair justice system. It's having noticeable results: the House and Senate GOP campaign arms scored some of their highest fundraising periods yet after a jury found him guilty in the New York hush money case.When former GOP Speaker Paul Ryan on Fox News reiterated this week that he wouldn’t be voting for Trump and wished Republicans had another choice for president, he was immediately ostracized by Trump allies.“Paul Ryan, you’re a piece of garbage," said Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas. "We should kick you out of the party.”Of the Republicans who voted to impeach Trump over Jan. 6 and convict him on the charge of inciting the insurrection, only a few remain in office.Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, had not been expected to attend Thursday's closed-door session with Trump. But Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, joined as did Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La.Cassidy said he's attending the Trump meeting expecting "he’s going to be the next president, so you have to work” together.Asked if he was concerned about the direction of the Trump Republican Party, Cassidy said: “Let the day’s own troubles be sufficient for the day. You can fill yourself up with anxiety about tomorrow, but will it change a thing? No.”

🎥 Cheers and a birthday cake as Trump returned to Capitol Hill 

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just before&nbsp;7:30 p.m. June 10, a Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a vehicle on U.S. 75 north of Holton for allegedly speeding over 100 mph, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver, Deandre Lamont Murphy, 38, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of a controlled substance, driving without a valid driver’s license, and cited for speeding. 

Additionally, computer items were seized from the vehicle that were suspected to be stolen. The matter remains under investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718190097375.png" alt="Murphy-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Murphy-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just before&nbsp;7:30 p.m. June 10, a Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a vehicle on U.S. 75 north of Holton for allegedly speeding over 100 mph, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The driver, Deandre Lamont Murphy, 38, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of a controlled substance, driving without a valid driver’s license, and cited for speeding. Additionally, computer items were seized from the vehicle that were suspected to be stolen. The matter remains under investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

Theft suspect caught traveling 100mph on Kansas highway

By EMMIE BOESE&nbsp; Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A recently finished mural appeared on Avenue A and Lorraine in Hutchinson last week. &nbsp;

"I think I did it like at the perfect place, perfect time type of thing," Scott said. "Like I was painting and there was literally like thunderstorms behind me painting a thunderstorm which was kind of cool."

According to his website, Brady Scott is a multi-faceted artist based out of the Midwest. Several of his murals are found across town on the side of businesses, the Hutchinson Zoo and in the basement of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.&nbsp;

His most recent mural at Avenue A and Lorraine is on the building of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk46cI-Vpxc&amp;t=96s">Hardcore Fab</a>&nbsp;shop,&nbsp;owned by Anthony and&nbsp; Julie Brawner. Scott knows the Brawners from working together with Anthony on airbrush jobs for hot rod restorations and different projects.&nbsp;

"We kind of shot back and forth different ideas and you know it had been and it still is kind of storm season in Kansas with the lightning and the tornadoes and all that stuff," Scott said. "Yeah, I was kind of looking for a chance to do that type of mural and that kind of imagery and it seemed like the perfect spot."

Scott said the Brawners’ bought the building for Hardcore Fab a few years ago and have been restoring what used to be an old mill.&nbsp;

"They have been doing that inside there, at Hardcore Fab for two years but nobody can tell," Scott said. "The outside looked exactly the same so they wanted to do something to make a difference."&nbsp;

Scott has been painting and drawing for many years. He worked at Luminous Neon Art and Sign Systems in Hutchinson for 14 years.&nbsp; His first mural in town came in 2014 on Avenue D and Main St.&nbsp;

He was raised on a ranch in Arizona and Kansas. Scott said he draws inspiration for his murals through close encounters with nature. &nbsp;

"That's one thing I love about Kansas is all of the wildlife and you can drive 10 minutes in any direction in Hutchinson and you are seeing the prairie and all the birds and the flora and the fauna and I like to bring that into an urban environment and again I think that reminds you that, whoa, we are alive and we are a part of this ecosystem," Scott said. "Any chance that I get to kind of infuse my murals with that, I really go for that."

He has also painted murals in Wichita, Salina, Oklahoma City and other locations as well.&nbsp;

“Sometimes seeing a painting can really wake you up and hey, whoa, I'm a part of this life,” Scott said. “I'm alive and it's not just about your bills and your Facebook messages. You know, all that junk that we have in modern life and hopefully, you know, you get a new tattoo, you feel that everyday. You see it.&nbsp; You drive by a cool mural on your way to work and hopefully that can do that."&nbsp; Scott is also a full time tattoo artist at Redemption Ink Tattoo located at 323 N. Main in downtown Hutchinson.&nbsp;

More photos of his work are available at <a href="http://www.bscottart.com/">bscottart.com</a>&nbsp;or on his <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bradycreative/">Instagram page</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718339890469.jpeg" alt="Brady Scott’s mural at the Hardcore Fab shop is located at Avenue A and Lorraine in Hutchinson. Scott worked on the mural from May 28-June 3. Photos by Emmie Boese.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Brady Scott’s mural at the Hardcore Fab shop is located at Avenue A and Lorraine in Hutchinson. Scott worked on the mural from May 28-June 3. Photos by Emmie Boese.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By EMMIE BOESE&nbsp; Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — A recently finished mural appeared on Avenue A and Lorraine in Hutchinson last week. &nbsp;"I think I did it like at the perfect place, perfect time type of thing," Scott said. "Like I was painting and there was literally like thunderstorms behind me painting a thunderstorm which was kind of cool."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718329424787.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>According to his website, Brady Scott is a multi-faceted artist based out of the Midwest. Several of his murals are found across town on the side of businesses, the Hutchinson Zoo and in the basement of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.&nbsp;His most recent mural at Avenue A and Lorraine is on the building of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk46cI-Vpxc&amp;t=96s">Hardcore Fab</a>&nbsp;shop,&nbsp;owned by Anthony and&nbsp; Julie Brawner. Scott knows the Brawners from working together with Anthony on airbrush jobs for hot rod restorations and different projects.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718330781215.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"We kind of shot back and forth different ideas and you know it had been and it still is kind of storm season in Kansas with the lightning and the tornadoes and all that stuff," Scott said. "Yeah, I was kind of looking for a chance to do that type of mural and that kind of imagery and it seemed like the perfect spot."Scott said the Brawners’ bought the building for Hardcore Fab a few years ago and have been restoring what used to be an old mill.&nbsp;"They have been doing that inside there, at Hardcore Fab for two years but nobody can tell," Scott said. "The outside looked exactly the same so they wanted to do something to make a difference."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718330742028.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Scott has been painting and drawing for many years. He worked at Luminous Neon Art and Sign Systems in Hutchinson for 14 years.&nbsp; His first mural in town came in 2014 on Avenue D and Main St.&nbsp;He was raised on a ranch in Arizona and Kansas. Scott said he draws inspiration for his murals through close encounters with nature. &nbsp;"That's one thing I love about Kansas is all of the wildlife and you can drive 10 minutes in any direction in Hutchinson and you are seeing the prairie and all the birds and the flora and the fauna and I like to bring that into an urban environment and again I think that reminds you that, whoa, we are alive and we are a part of this ecosystem," Scott said. "Any chance that I get to kind of infuse my murals with that, I really go for that."He has also painted murals in Wichita, Salina, Oklahoma City and other locations as well.&nbsp; “Sometimes seeing a painting can really wake you up and hey, whoa, I'm a part of this life,” Scott said. “I'm alive and it's not just about your bills and your Facebook messages. You know, all that junk that we have in modern life and hopefully, you know, you get a new tattoo, you feel that everyday. You see it.&nbsp; You drive by a cool mural on your way to work and hopefully that can do that."&nbsp; Scott is also a full time tattoo artist at Redemption Ink Tattoo located at 323 N. Main in downtown Hutchinson.&nbsp; More photos of his work are available at <a href="http://www.bscottart.com/">bscottart.com</a>&nbsp;or on his <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bradycreative/">Instagram page</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Artist brings thunder and lightning to mural in Hutchinson

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Friday struck down a Trump-era ban on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-bump-stocks-atf-weapons-9d881998cbf454f5707f46e52153398e">bump stocks</a>, a gun accessory that allows semiautomatic weapons to fire rapidly like machine guns and was used in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/las-vegas-mass-shooting">deadliest mass shooting</a>&nbsp;in modern U.S. history.

The high court's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24758408-garland-v-cargill">conservative majority found</a>&nbsp;that the Trump administration did not follow federal law when it reversed course and banned bump stocks after a gunman in Las Vegas attacked a country music festival with assault rifles in 2017. The gunman fired more than 1,000 rounds in the crowd in 11 minutes, leaving 60 people dead and injuring hundreds more.

The 6-3 majority opinion written by Justice Clarence Thomas said a semiautomatic rifle with a bump stock is not an illegal machine gun because it doesn’t make the weapon fire more than one shot with a single pull of the trigger.

“A bump stock merely reduces the amount of time that elapses between separate functions of the trigger,” Thomas wrote in an opinion that contained multiple drawings of guns’ firing mechanisms.

He was joined by fellow conservatives John Roberts, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. Alito wrote a short separate opinion to stress that Congress can change the law to equate bump stocks with machine guns.

In a dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor pointed to the Las Vegas gunman. “In murdering so many people so quickly, he did not rely on a quick trigger finger. Instead, he relied on bump stocks,” she said, reading a summary of her dissent aloud in the courtroom.

Sotomayor said that it’s “deeply regrettable” Congress has to act but that she hopes it does.

The ruling came after a Texas gun shop owner challenged the ban, arguing the Justice Department wrongly classified the accessories as illegal machine guns.

The Biden administration said that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the right choice for the gun accessories, which can allow weapons to fire at a rate of hundreds of rounds a minute.

It marked the latest gun case to come before the high court. A conservative supermajority handed down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-mississippi-state-government-delaware-california-massachusetts-3983cecfd1107c263d5309ec0d80a966">a landmark decision</a>&nbsp;expanding gun rights in 2022 and is weighing another gun case challenging a federal law intended to keep guns away from people under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-restrictions-domestic-violence-f75dc9b59d8cd02acf17d220ecf6ebb9">domestic violence restraining orders</a>.

The arguments in the bump stock case, though, were more about whether the ATF had overstepped its authority than the Second Amendment.

Justices from the court’s liberal wing suggested it was “common sense” that anything capable of unleashing a “torrent of bullets” was a machine gun under federal law. Conservative justices, though, raised questions about why Congress had not acted to ban bump stocks, as well as the effects of the ATF changing its mind a decade after declaring the accessories legal.

The high court took up the case after a split among lower courts over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-us-news-ap-top-news-las-vegas-shootings-ff26110203da4a28bfd1d99022fb401c">bump stocks</a>, which were invented in the early 2000s. Under Republican President George W. Bush and Democrat Barack Obama, the ATF decided that bump stocks didn’t transform semiautomatic weapons into machine guns. The agency reversed those decisions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/8e52e86face646999ed769c965840e63">at Trump’s urging</a>&nbsp;after the shooting in Las Vegas and another mass shooting at a Parkland, Florida, high school that left 17 dead.

Bump stocks are accessories that replace a rifle’s stock, the part that rests against the shoulder. They harness the gun’s recoil energy so that the trigger bumps against the shooter’s stationary finger, allowing the gun to fire at a rate comparable to a traditional machine gun. Fifteen states and the District of Columbia have their own bans on bump stocks.

The plaintiff, Texas gun shop owner and military veteran Michael Cargill, was represented by the New Civil Liberties Alliance, a group funded by conservative donors like the Koch network. His attorneys acknowledged that bump stocks allow for rapid fire but argued that they are different because the shooter has to put in more effort to keep the gun firing.

Government lawyers countered the effort required from the shooter is small and doesn’t make a legal difference. The Justice Department said the ATF changed its mind on bump stocks after doing a more in-depth examination spurred by the Las Vegas shooting and came to the right conclusion.

There were about 520,000 bump stocks in circulation when the ban went into effect in 2019, requiring people to either surrender or destroy them, at a combined estimated loss of $100 million, the plaintiffs said in court documents.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Friday struck down a Trump-era ban on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-bump-stocks-atf-weapons-9d881998cbf454f5707f46e52153398e">bump stocks</a>, a gun accessory that allows semiautomatic weapons to fire rapidly like machine guns and was used in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/las-vegas-mass-shooting">deadliest mass shooting</a>&nbsp;in modern U.S. history.The high court's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24758408-garland-v-cargill">conservative majority found</a>&nbsp;that the Trump administration did not follow federal law when it reversed course and banned bump stocks after a gunman in Las Vegas attacked a country music festival with assault rifles in 2017. The gunman fired more than 1,000 rounds in the crowd in 11 minutes, leaving 60 people dead and injuring hundreds more.The 6-3 majority opinion written by Justice Clarence Thomas said a semiautomatic rifle with a bump stock is not an illegal machine gun because it doesn’t make the weapon fire more than one shot with a single pull of the trigger.“A bump stock merely reduces the amount of time that elapses between separate functions of the trigger,” Thomas wrote in an opinion that contained multiple drawings of guns’ firing mechanisms.He was joined by fellow conservatives John Roberts, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. Alito wrote a short separate opinion to stress that Congress can change the law to equate bump stocks with machine guns.In a dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor pointed to the Las Vegas gunman. “In murdering so many people so quickly, he did not rely on a quick trigger finger. Instead, he relied on bump stocks,” she said, reading a summary of her dissent aloud in the courtroom.Sotomayor said that it’s “deeply regrettable” Congress has to act but that she hopes it does.The ruling came after a Texas gun shop owner challenged the ban, arguing the Justice Department wrongly classified the accessories as illegal machine guns.The Biden administration said that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the right choice for the gun accessories, which can allow weapons to fire at a rate of hundreds of rounds a minute.It marked the latest gun case to come before the high court. A conservative supermajority handed down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-mississippi-state-government-delaware-california-massachusetts-3983cecfd1107c263d5309ec0d80a966">a landmark decision</a>&nbsp;expanding gun rights in 2022 and is weighing another gun case challenging a federal law intended to keep guns away from people under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-restrictions-domestic-violence-f75dc9b59d8cd02acf17d220ecf6ebb9">domestic violence restraining orders</a>.The arguments in the bump stock case, though, were more about whether the ATF had overstepped its authority than the Second Amendment.Justices from the court’s liberal wing suggested it was “common sense” that anything capable of unleashing a “torrent of bullets” was a machine gun under federal law. Conservative justices, though, raised questions about why Congress had not acted to ban bump stocks, as well as the effects of the ATF changing its mind a decade after declaring the accessories legal.The high court took up the case after a split among lower courts over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-us-news-ap-top-news-las-vegas-shootings-ff26110203da4a28bfd1d99022fb401c">bump stocks</a>, which were invented in the early 2000s. Under Republican President George W. Bush and Democrat Barack Obama, the ATF decided that bump stocks didn’t transform semiautomatic weapons into machine guns. The agency reversed those decisions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/8e52e86face646999ed769c965840e63">at Trump’s urging</a>&nbsp;after the shooting in Las Vegas and another mass shooting at a Parkland, Florida, high school that left 17 dead.Bump stocks are accessories that replace a rifle’s stock, the part that rests against the shoulder. They harness the gun’s recoil energy so that the trigger bumps against the shooter’s stationary finger, allowing the gun to fire at a rate comparable to a traditional machine gun. Fifteen states and the District of Columbia have their own bans on bump stocks.The plaintiff, Texas gun shop owner and military veteran Michael Cargill, was represented by the New Civil Liberties Alliance, a group funded by conservative donors like the Koch network. His attorneys acknowledged that bump stocks allow for rapid fire but argued that they are different because the shooter has to put in more effort to keep the gun firing.Government lawyers countered the effort required from the shooter is small and doesn’t make a legal difference. The Justice Department said the ATF changed its mind on bump stocks after doing a more in-depth examination spurred by the Las Vegas shooting and came to the right conclusion.There were about 520,000 bump stocks in circulation when the ban went into effect in 2019, requiring people to either surrender or destroy them, at a combined estimated loss of $100 million, the plaintiffs said in court documents.___

Supreme Court strikes down ban on bump stock devices for guns

Agreement lowers risk upcoming special session might be derailed by tax issues

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and top House and Senate Republicans in the Legislature said Thursday negotiations produced a compromise tax reform bill that would be considered by lawmakers during the upcoming special session.

Senate President Ty Masterson of Andover and House Speaker Dan Hawkins of Wichita predicted the deal would be approved during the special session opening Tuesday, and Kelly said she would sign the agreement if a majority in the Legislature voted for it.

The deal would collapse the state’s personal income tax structure to a two-rate system, rather than adopt the single-rate idea floated by Masterson and Hawkins. Kelly had recommended the state retain a three-rate structure that currently ranges from 3.1% to 5.7%.

Statements by participants in closed-door negotiations indicated the overall reduction in state taxation contained in the deal was less than GOP lawmakers had sought. Kelly vetoed three broad tax bills during the regular 2024 session, and none of those vetoes were overridden by the Legislature. The governor had suggested lawmakers develop a plan that offered about $400 million annually in tax cuts.

“Legislative leadership and I have come to a consensus on a tax relief package that will be presented to the House and Senate during the upcoming special session,” Kelly said. “This agreement allows significant, long overdue tax relief to Kansans while preserving our ability to invest in the state’s future.”

The governor said the proposed package “met the affordability criteria I proposed,” but confirmed a transition to the two-tier model would limit opportunities to enact property tax reductions.

While the deal may bring closure to the two-year effort to pass comprehensive tax reform in Kansas, the special session of the Legislature is expected to include debate about economic incentives to convince the Kansas City Chiefs or the Kansas City Royals to relocate to Kansas at new stadiums. The state would allow issuance of STAR bonds, which would be backed by local sales tax revenue and possibly state gambling and lottery revenues.

Hawkins and Masterson said in a joint statement the tax agreement was “almost identical in structure” to a bill passed at the end of the regular session and vetoed by Kelly.

“It simplifies the tax code into two brackets, lowers rates, includes substantial exemptions to help lower-income Kansans, reduces statewide property taxes and repeals the state tax on Social Security,” they said. “It contains minor adjustments to ensure the bill is quickly signed into law.”

Neither the GOP statement nor the one from Kelly said whether the deal included a July 1 termination of the state’s 2% sales tax on groceries, which under current law would be eliminated Jan. 1. Previously, Masterson indicated the deal wouldn’t accellerate elimination of the food sales tax.

In May, Kelly vetoed the last of three extensive property, sales and income tax bills sent to her desk in 2024. That bill was adopted with bipartisan votes of 25-9 in the Senate and 108-11 in the House. The bill, and the new compromise, would end the state’s income tax on Social Security benefits for a savings to Kansans of $120 million to $152 million annually.

Detail of the statewide property tax changes weren’t released, but the last vetoed bill would have elevated to $100,000 the exemption from property taxes tied to the statewide school finance levy. That would be a big hike from the current $42,000 exemption. In addition, that vetoed bill would have reduced the 20-mill state property tax for K-12 public schools.

Finally, that vetoed bill would have raised the standard deduction and personal exemption on state income taxes and reduced the state’s top income tax rate from 5.7% to 5.57%. The state’s second income tax rate would be set at 5.2% rather than 5.25%. The statements didn’t reveal what the rates would change to if the new proposal became law.

“Compromise is ugly sometimes,” said Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa. “While this proposal is not what we fully wanted, in the spirit of compromise it moves us forward. Senate Democrats will continue to fight for more property tax relief and child care relief, things we know our constituents truly want and need.”

Sen. Tom Holland, a Baldwin City Democrat, offered a plan Wednesday that focused on lowering residential, commercial and agriculture property taxes by about $190 million annually. His proposal included the Social Security exemption, but also a child and dependant care tax credit matching the federal credit and elimination of the state sales tax on groceries on Oct. 1.

Hawkins and Masterson blamed the governor for using her veto pen in a manner that limited the ability of lawmakers this year to adopt income and property tax relief. They said a big chunk of the state’s cash surplus, estimated at $2.5 billion in the general treasury and $1.7 billion in a rainy day fund, should be returned to taxpayers.

“On Tuesday,” they said, “we will act swiftly to pass this compromise and look forward to resuming our efforts to pass additional tax relief when we return in January.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718361342208.png" alt=" Gov. Laura Kelly said she would sign into law a new tax reform package negotiated with House and Senate Republican leadership. The deal will be presented Tuesday to legislators during a special session of the Legislature. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Gov. Laura Kelly said she would sign into law a new tax reform package negotiated with House and Senate Republican leadership. The deal will be presented Tuesday to legislators during a special session of the Legislature. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Agreement lowers risk upcoming special session might be derailed by tax issues</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and top House and Senate Republicans in the Legislature said Thursday negotiations produced a compromise tax reform bill that would be considered by lawmakers during the upcoming special session.Senate President Ty Masterson of Andover and House Speaker Dan Hawkins of Wichita predicted the deal would be approved during the special session opening Tuesday, and Kelly said she would sign the agreement if a majority in the Legislature voted for it.The deal would collapse the state’s personal income tax structure to a two-rate system, rather than adopt the single-rate idea floated by Masterson and Hawkins. Kelly had recommended the state retain a three-rate structure that currently ranges from 3.1% to 5.7%.Statements by participants in closed-door negotiations indicated the overall reduction in state taxation contained in the deal was less than GOP lawmakers had sought. Kelly vetoed three broad tax bills during the regular 2024 session, and none of those vetoes were overridden by the Legislature. The governor had suggested lawmakers develop a plan that offered about $400 million annually in tax cuts.“Legislative leadership and I have come to a consensus on a tax relief package that will be presented to the House and Senate during the upcoming special session,” Kelly said. “This agreement allows significant, long overdue tax relief to Kansans while preserving our ability to invest in the state’s future.”The governor said the proposed package “met the affordability criteria I proposed,” but confirmed a transition to the two-tier model would limit opportunities to enact property tax reductions.While the deal may bring closure to the two-year effort to pass comprehensive tax reform in Kansas, the special session of the Legislature is expected to include debate about economic incentives to convince the Kansas City Chiefs or the Kansas City Royals to relocate to Kansas at new stadiums. The state would allow issuance of STAR bonds, which would be backed by local sales tax revenue and possibly state gambling and lottery revenues.Hawkins and Masterson said in a joint statement the tax agreement was “almost identical in structure” to a bill passed at the end of the regular session and vetoed by Kelly.“It simplifies the tax code into two brackets, lowers rates, includes substantial exemptions to help lower-income Kansans, reduces statewide property taxes and repeals the state tax on Social Security,” they said. “It contains minor adjustments to ensure the bill is quickly signed into law.”Neither the GOP statement nor the one from Kelly said whether the deal included a July 1 termination of the state’s 2% sales tax on groceries, which under current law would be eliminated Jan. 1. Previously, Masterson indicated the deal wouldn’t accellerate elimination of the food sales tax.In May, Kelly vetoed the last of three extensive property, sales and income tax bills sent to her desk in 2024. That bill was adopted with bipartisan votes of 25-9 in the Senate and 108-11 in the House. The bill, and the new compromise, would end the state’s income tax on Social Security benefits for a savings to Kansans of $120 million to $152 million annually.Detail of the statewide property tax changes weren’t released, but the last vetoed bill would have elevated to $100,000 the exemption from property taxes tied to the statewide school finance levy. That would be a big hike from the current $42,000 exemption. In addition, that vetoed bill would have reduced the 20-mill state property tax for K-12 public schools.Finally, that vetoed bill would have raised the standard deduction and personal exemption on state income taxes and reduced the state’s top income tax rate from 5.7% to 5.57%. The state’s second income tax rate would be set at 5.2% rather than 5.25%. The statements didn’t reveal what the rates would change to if the new proposal became law.“Compromise is ugly sometimes,” said Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa. “While this proposal is not what we fully wanted, in the spirit of compromise it moves us forward. Senate Democrats will continue to fight for more property tax relief and child care relief, things we know our constituents truly want and need.”Sen. Tom Holland, a Baldwin City Democrat, offered a plan Wednesday that focused on lowering residential, commercial and agriculture property taxes by about $190 million annually. His proposal included the Social Security exemption, but also a child and dependant care tax credit matching the federal credit and elimination of the state sales tax on groceries on Oct. 1.Hawkins and Masterson blamed the governor for using her veto pen in a manner that limited the ability of lawmakers this year to adopt income and property tax relief. They said a big chunk of the state’s cash surplus, estimated at $2.5 billion in the general treasury and $1.7 billion in a rainy day fund, should be returned to taxpayers.“On Tuesday,” they said, “we will act swiftly to pass this compromise and look forward to resuming our efforts to pass additional tax relief when we return in January.”

Governor, top GOP lawmakers reach deal to slash state taxes in Kansas

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide in Kansas City and looking for a suspect.

Just before midnight Wednesday, officers responded to a shooting at 55th and Prospect, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.

First responders found a man inside of a vehicle who had been shot, and despite efforts to save his life, paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

Investigators believe some kind of interaction between a group of people happened before the shooting. Police have not identified any potential suspects or released the name of the victim. This is the fourth homicide on Prospect since the end of May, according to Forte'.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide in Kansas City and looking for a suspect.Just before midnight Wednesday, officers responded to a shooting at 55th and Prospect, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.First responders found a man inside of a vehicle who had been shot, and despite efforts to save his life, paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.Investigators believe some kind of interaction between a group of people happened before the shooting. Police have not identified any potential suspects or released the name of the victim. This is the fourth homicide on Prospect since the end of May, according to Forte'.&nbsp;

4th homicide in one KC neighborhood since end of May

LAWRENCE (AP) —Former Illinois standout Terrence Shannon Jr., a potential first-round NBA draft pick, was found not guilty Thursday on a rape charge after a jury in Douglas County, Kansas, spent less than two hours deliberating the verdict.

The 23-year-old Shannon was accused of committing sexual assault last September while visiting Kansas for a football game between the Illini and the Jayhawks. He was charged with rape or an alternative count of sexual battery, which led to him being suspended for six games; a federal judge later reinstated him, ruling that his civil rights had been violated.

Shannon testified that he joined two roommates and a few Kansas players at a bar on Sept. 8, 2023, but he only had a few drinks and remembered everything that happened that night. Shannon said he didn't learn of the rape allegation until several weeks later, and that he had never seen the 18-year-old woman who had accused him until the case had begun.

The woman told police she was at the bar when a man, whom she later identified as Shannon, grabbed her buttocks and reached under her skirt to touch her. The woman claimed that the bar was crowded, so she was unable to move.

Shannon testified that a woman close to him had been raped and he would never treat another woman the same way.

Shannon's lawyers called the allegations a “blind accusation” and questioned the motives of the woman. They also criticized the prosecutors in Douglas County for a lack of evidence and a Lawrence detective for the thoroughness of his investigation.

Many scouts had been watching the case closely ahead of the NBA draft, which is scheduled for June 26-27.

The 6-foot-6 Shannon, who can play point guard and shooting guard, played five seasons for Illinois. He was at his best this past season, averaging 23 points for a team that reached the Elite Eight before losing to eventual national champion UConn.

Shannon was voted first-team All-Big Ten and a third-team All-American by The Associated Press.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703798657514.png" alt="Terrence Shannon-photo University of Illinois" />
 <figcaption>Terrence Shannon-photo University of Illinois</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE (AP) —Former Illinois standout Terrence Shannon Jr., a potential first-round NBA draft pick, was found not guilty Thursday on a rape charge after a jury in Douglas County, Kansas, spent less than two hours deliberating the verdict.The 23-year-old Shannon was accused of committing sexual assault last September while visiting Kansas for a football game between the Illini and the Jayhawks. He was charged with rape or an alternative count of sexual battery, which led to him being suspended for six games; a federal judge later reinstated him, ruling that his civil rights had been violated.Shannon testified that he joined two roommates and a few Kansas players at a bar on Sept. 8, 2023, but he only had a few drinks and remembered everything that happened that night. Shannon said he didn't learn of the rape allegation until several weeks later, and that he had never seen the 18-year-old woman who had accused him until the case had begun.The woman told police she was at the bar when a man, whom she later identified as Shannon, grabbed her buttocks and reached under her skirt to touch her. The woman claimed that the bar was crowded, so she was unable to move.Shannon testified that a woman close to him had been raped and he would never treat another woman the same way.Shannon's lawyers called the allegations a “blind accusation” and questioned the motives of the woman. They also criticized the prosecutors in Douglas County for a lack of evidence and a Lawrence detective for the thoroughness of his investigation.Many scouts had been watching the case closely ahead of the NBA draft, which is scheduled for June 26-27.The 6-foot-6 Shannon, who can play point guard and shooting guard, played five seasons for Illinois. He was at his best this past season, averaging 23 points for a team that reached the Elite Eight before losing to eventual national champion UConn.Shannon was voted first-team All-Big Ten and a third-team All-American by The Associated Press.___

Kansas Jury: Ex-Illinois star found not guilty of rape

By NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post

With heat reaching the triple digits this week, it's important to do what is necessary to keep your pet cool, according to Erica Miller, DVM, with Apple Lane Animal Hospital.

&nbsp;"A lot of times what we talk about is everyone's always like, oh, you know, I normally walk my dog when I get off work or over my lunch hour, the hottest part of the day, right?," Miller said. "Now exercising your pet, think about first thing in the morning, late, kind of later in the evening, you know, last night probably around 7:30 or so, it's starting to kind of cool down, the sun's going down, so not quite as bad."

The reason to wait is to avoid injuries to their feet.

"It's hot, so if you can't walk around without socks and shoes on, you know, think about your pet too," Miller said. "We see a lot of burns on the paw pads because the cement's hot and they don't have any way to tell us and all they can think about is they're so excited to go on a walk and exercise with you, and so that's something else to think about as well."

There's no interventional treatment that can speed recovery much once those burns have happened.

"It's time," Miller said. "A lot of times we'll kind of do some like salve, some ointment on the pads and sometimes if they're bad enough we have to wrap them, which how many dogs like to have their paws wrapped and how many owners like to keep the wraps on the paws and that normally means we have a cone of shame on."

Just keep those pads clean and dry if you do have burns, and contact your veterinarian.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718039388526.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostWith heat reaching the triple digits this week, it's important to do what is necessary to keep your pet cool, according to Erica Miller, DVM, with Apple Lane Animal Hospital.&nbsp;"A lot of times what we talk about is everyone's always like, oh, you know, I normally walk my dog when I get off work or over my lunch hour, the hottest part of the day, right?," Miller said. "Now exercising your pet, think about first thing in the morning, late, kind of later in the evening, you know, last night probably around 7:30 or so, it's starting to kind of cool down, the sun's going down, so not quite as bad."The reason to wait is to avoid injuries to their feet."It's hot, so if you can't walk around without socks and shoes on, you know, think about your pet too," Miller said. "We see a lot of burns on the paw pads because the cement's hot and they don't have any way to tell us and all they can think about is they're so excited to go on a walk and exercise with you, and so that's something else to think about as well."There's no interventional treatment that can speed recovery much once those burns have happened."It's time," Miller said. "A lot of times we'll kind of do some like salve, some ointment on the pads and sometimes if they're bad enough we have to wrap them, which how many dogs like to have their paws wrapped and how many owners like to keep the wraps on the paws and that normally means we have a cone of shame on."Just keep those pads clean and dry if you do have burns, and contact your veterinarian.

Vet: Walk dogs in cooler parts of day

FASANO, Italy (AP) — President Joe Biden said Thursday that he will not use his presidential powers to lessen the eventual sentence that his son Hunter will receive for his federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-gun-trial-federal-charges-delaware-5dd8a9380235c6360a1ddb691ef24a06">felony conviction on gun crimes</a>.

Biden, following the conclusion of a news conference held at the Group of Seven summit of the world's wealthiest democracies, responded he would not when asked whether he plans to commute the sentence for his son. Hunter Biden’s sentencing date has not been set, and the three counts carry up to 25 years in prison, though that’s unlikely as a first-time offender.

Ultimately, it will be up to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-trial-judge-noreika-1e1c44a3a3a3d0e8739bf6c7690cffde">U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika</a>, who was nominated to the bench by former Republican President Donald Trump, to decide how much time, if any, Hunter Biden serves behind bars.

Biden's remarks came one day after the White House declined to rule out a potential commutation for Hunter Biden. Both the president and the White House have said for months that Biden would not pardon his son.

“I’m extremely proud of my son Hunter. He has overcome an addiction. He is one of the brightest most decent men I know," Biden said earlier during the news conference Thursday. "I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718315914132.png" alt="President Biden during a Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment Event on Thursday in Italy-&nbsp; Image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>President Biden during a Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment Event on Thursday in Italy-&nbsp; Image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>FASANO, Italy (AP) — President Joe Biden said Thursday that he will not use his presidential powers to lessen the eventual sentence that his son Hunter will receive for his federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-gun-trial-federal-charges-delaware-5dd8a9380235c6360a1ddb691ef24a06">felony conviction on gun crimes</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden: &quot;I&#39;m extremely proud of my son Hunter. He has overcome an addiction. He&#39;s one of the brightest most decent men I know...I am satisfied...I said I&#39;d abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/ZGf0nHOs2o">pic.twitter.com/ZGf0nHOs2o</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1801331484365603234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden, following the conclusion of a news conference held at the Group of Seven summit of the world's wealthiest democracies, responded he would not when asked whether he plans to commute the sentence for his son. Hunter Biden’s sentencing date has not been set, and the three counts carry up to 25 years in prison, though that’s unlikely as a first-time offender.Ultimately, it will be up to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-trial-judge-noreika-1e1c44a3a3a3d0e8739bf6c7690cffde">U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika</a>, who was nominated to the bench by former Republican President Donald Trump, to decide how much time, if any, Hunter Biden serves behind bars.Biden's remarks came one day after the White House declined to rule out a potential commutation for Hunter Biden. Both the president and the White House have said for months that Biden would not pardon his son.“I’m extremely proud of my son Hunter. He has overcome an addiction. He is one of the brightest most decent men I know," Biden said earlier during the news conference Thursday. "I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him.”

🎥 President Biden talks about his son's felony conviction on gun crimes

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and searching for suspects.

Just after 10:30p.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police responded to the report of a shooting in the 1800 Block of South Glendale in Wichita, according to Officer&nbsp; Kristopher Gupilan.

Upon arrival in the area,&nbsp; a 17-year-old with a single gunshot wound contacted officers. EMS transported to the boy to an area hospital and he is expected to survive. 

Police investigators followed-up on preliminary information provided by the victim and located a shooting scene. Investigators are continuing to follow-up on information and are looking for additional evidence, including video to determine what occurred.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718296335693.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation- photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation- photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and searching for suspects.Just after 10:30p.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police responded to the report of a shooting in the 1800 Block of South Glendale in Wichita, according to Officer&nbsp; Kristopher Gupilan.Upon arrival in the area,&nbsp; a 17-year-old with a single gunshot wound contacted officers. EMS transported to the boy to an area hospital and he is expected to survive. Police investigators followed-up on preliminary information provided by the victim and located a shooting scene. Investigators are continuing to follow-up on information and are looking for additional evidence, including video to determine what occurred.

Police search for suspect who shot, wounded Kansas teen

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Yemen's Houthi rebels launched two anti-ship cruise missiles and struck a commercial ship Thursday in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen, setting it on fire and severely wounding one civilian mariner, authorities said.

The M/V Verbena was still ablaze and the mariner was flown by a U.S. helicopter based on the USS Philippine Sea to another nearby ship for medical treatment, the U.S. military's Central Command said.

In a statement, Central Command said the Verbena is a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned and Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier that had docked in Malaysia and was on its way to Italy carrying wood. “The M/V Verbena reported damage and subsequent fires on board. The crew continues to fight the fire,” the statement said.

The attack is the latest such assault in the Houthis' campaign over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war.</a>

Earlier Thursday, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said a vessel had been attacked and had caught fire. And the private security firm Ambrey said a merchant vessel made a radio distress call saying it had been struck by a missile.

The Houthis later claimed the attack on the Verbena, as well as attacks on two other ships in the Red Sea. Central Command said the Houthis had launched two ballistic missiles in the Red Sea that caused “no injuries or significant damage.”

The UKMTO said one vessel earlier missed by the Houthis was hit by a “third projectile” that caused “minor damage." The vessel was able to remain underway, it said.

The attack on the Verbena follows the Houthis launching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-ship-attack-israel-hamas-war-f72e5a614ba04254031de5b8aaa26f2f">a boat-borne bomb attack</a>&nbsp;against a commercial ship in the Red Sea on Wednesday.

Central Command also said it destroyed a Houthi drone boat and two patrol boats in the Red Sea, as well as one airborne drone.

The Houthis, who seized Yemen’s capital nearly a decade ago and have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition since shortly after, have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-iran-503de70230fba0cd7c992558e2d1b83a">targeting shipping throughout the Red Sea corridor</a>.

They say the attacks are aimed at stopping the war and supporting the Palestinians, though the attacks often&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-iran-503de70230fba0cd7c992558e2d1b83a">target vessels that have nothing to do with the conflict</a>.

The war in Gaza has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians there, according to Gaza health officials, while hundreds of others have been killed in Israeli operations in the West Bank. It&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">began after Hamas-led militants</a>&nbsp;attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks</a>&nbsp;on shipping, killed three sailors, seized one vessel and sunk another since November, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. A U.S.-led airstrike campaign has targeted the Houthis since January, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-war-us-british-airstrikes-israel-hamas-12f99b7afc389a703f8dd333f2376b20">a series of strikes May 30</a>&nbsp;killing at least 16 people and wounding 42 others, the rebels say.

Also Thursday, the Washington-based National Democratic Institute said three of its staff were detained by the Houthis earlier this month. Their detention comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-un-detentions-israel-hamas-war-966dce0c3d7cd96679b3c3562ee57068">staff of United Nations agencies and those working for aid groups also have been detained</a>&nbsp;in a widening crackdown by the rebels.

“This arbitrary and inhumane treatment of Yemeni citizens involved in humanitarian assistance, diplomacy, democracy and human rights, peacemaking and civil society development is entirely without foundation and must be ended immediately,” the institute said. It called for the “swift release by the Houthi regime of our staff, and of all individuals who have been unjustly detained.”

The institute is a democracy promotion organization that has worked in Yemen since 1993. It receives funding from the U.S. government and others.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705969629635.png" alt="File photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Yemen's Houthi rebels launched two anti-ship cruise missiles and struck a commercial ship Thursday in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen, setting it on fire and severely wounding one civilian mariner, authorities said.The M/V Verbena was still ablaze and the mariner was flown by a U.S. helicopter based on the USS Philippine Sea to another nearby ship for medical treatment, the U.S. military's Central Command said.In a statement, Central Command said the Verbena is a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned and Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier that had docked in Malaysia and was on its way to Italy carrying wood. “The M/V Verbena reported damage and subsequent fires on board. The crew continues to fight the fire,” the statement said.The attack is the latest such assault in the Houthis' campaign over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war.</a>Earlier Thursday, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said a vessel had been attacked and had caught fire. And the private security firm Ambrey said a merchant vessel made a radio distress call saying it had been struck by a missile.The Houthis later claimed the attack on the Verbena, as well as attacks on two other ships in the Red Sea. Central Command said the Houthis had launched two ballistic missiles in the Red Sea that caused “no injuries or significant damage.”The UKMTO said one vessel earlier missed by the Houthis was hit by a “third projectile” that caused “minor damage." The vessel was able to remain underway, it said.The attack on the Verbena follows the Houthis launching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-ship-attack-israel-hamas-war-f72e5a614ba04254031de5b8aaa26f2f">a boat-borne bomb attack</a>&nbsp;against a commercial ship in the Red Sea on Wednesday.Central Command also said it destroyed a Houthi drone boat and two patrol boats in the Red Sea, as well as one airborne drone.The Houthis, who seized Yemen’s capital nearly a decade ago and have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition since shortly after, have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-iran-503de70230fba0cd7c992558e2d1b83a">targeting shipping throughout the Red Sea corridor</a>.They say the attacks are aimed at stopping the war and supporting the Palestinians, though the attacks often&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-iran-503de70230fba0cd7c992558e2d1b83a">target vessels that have nothing to do with the conflict</a>.The war in Gaza has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians there, according to Gaza health officials, while hundreds of others have been killed in Israeli operations in the West Bank. It&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">began after Hamas-led militants</a>&nbsp;attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks</a>&nbsp;on shipping, killed three sailors, seized one vessel and sunk another since November, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. A U.S.-led airstrike campaign has targeted the Houthis since January, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-war-us-british-airstrikes-israel-hamas-12f99b7afc389a703f8dd333f2376b20">a series of strikes May 30</a>&nbsp;killing at least 16 people and wounding 42 others, the rebels say.Also Thursday, the Washington-based National Democratic Institute said three of its staff were detained by the Houthis earlier this month. Their detention comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-un-detentions-israel-hamas-war-966dce0c3d7cd96679b3c3562ee57068">staff of United Nations agencies and those working for aid groups also have been detained</a>&nbsp;in a widening crackdown by the rebels.“This arbitrary and inhumane treatment of Yemeni citizens involved in humanitarian assistance, diplomacy, democracy and human rights, peacemaking and civil society development is entirely without foundation and must be ended immediately,” the institute said. It called for the “swift release by the Houthi regime of our staff, and of all individuals who have been unjustly detained.”The institute is a democracy promotion organization that has worked in Yemen since 1993. It receives funding from the U.S. government and others.___The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks</a>&nbsp;on shipping, killed three sailors, seized one vessel and sunk another since November, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. A U.S.-led airstrike campaign has targeted the Houthis since January, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-war-us-british-airstrikes-israel-hamas-12f99b7afc389a703f8dd333f2376b20">a series of strikes May 30</a>&nbsp;killing at least 16 people and wounding 42 others, the rebels say.Also Thursday, the Washington-based National Democratic Institute said three of its staff were detained by the Houthis earlier this month. Their detention comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-un-detentions-israel-hamas-war-966dce0c3d7cd96679b3c3562ee57068">staff of United Nations agencies and those working for aid groups also have been detained</a>&nbsp;in a widening crackdown by the rebels.“This arbitrary and inhumane treatment of Yemeni citizens involved in humanitarian assistance, diplomacy, democracy and human rights, peacemaking and civil society development is entirely without foundation and must be ended immediately,” the institute said. It called for the “swift release by the Houthi regime of our staff, and of all individuals who have been unjustly detained.”The institute is a democracy promotion organization that has worked in Yemen since 1993. It receives funding from the U.S. government and others.___

U.S. Report: Rebel missile strike sets ship on fire in Gulf of Aden

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Thursday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Audi A6 driven by Camille Breonne&nbsp;Carter, 20, Kansas City, Kansas, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of 18th Street.

The car struck a pedestrian who was walking south across the highway. The pedestrian died. The KHP is working to positively identify the victim.&nbsp; Carter and three passengers in the car were not injured.&nbsp;

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Thursday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Audi A6 driven by Camille Breonne&nbsp;Carter, 20, Kansas City, Kansas, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of 18th Street.The car struck a pedestrian who was walking south across the highway. The pedestrian died. The KHP is working to positively identify the victim.&nbsp; Carter and three passengers in the car were not injured.&nbsp;

KHP working to ID pedestrian struck, killed on Kan. highway

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for a sex crime.

Last week,&nbsp;&nbsp;Romeo Martinez, 23, of Lawrence, was sentenced to 66 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for the sexually motivated aggravated battery of a then 21-year-old woman, according to&nbsp; Douglas County District Attorney&nbsp; Suzanne Valdez.

“The survivor did not let fear keep them from seeking justice,” District Attorney Valdez said.

Judge Stacey Donovan made the special finding that the offense was sexually motivated. Martinez, who pleaded no contest in May also was sentenced to 36 months post-release supervision. Martinez must register as a sex offender for 15 years.

Charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on December 5, 2022, when Martinez battered the Lawrence woman at her home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717792240704.png" alt="Martinez-photo Douglas Co." />
 <figcaption>Martinez-photo Douglas Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for a sex crime.Last week,&nbsp;&nbsp;Romeo Martinez, 23, of Lawrence, was sentenced to 66 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for the sexually motivated aggravated battery of a then 21-year-old woman, according to&nbsp; Douglas County District Attorney&nbsp; Suzanne Valdez.“The survivor did not let fear keep them from seeking justice,” District Attorney Valdez said.Judge Stacey Donovan made the special finding that the offense was sexually motivated. Martinez, who pleaded no contest in May also was sentenced to 36 months post-release supervision. Martinez must register as a sex offender for 15 years.Charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on December 5, 2022, when Martinez battered the Lawrence woman at her home.