WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors, a stunning setback to transgender rights.

The justices’ 6-3 decision in a case from Tennessee effectively protects from legal challenges many efforts by President Donald Trump’s Republican administration and state governments to roll back protections for transgender people. Another 26 states have laws similar to the one in Tennessee.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for a conservative majority that the law does not violate the Constitution’s equal protection clause, which requires the government to treat similarly situated people the same.

“This case carries with it the weight of fierce scientific and policy debates about the safety, efficacy, and propriety of medical treatments in an evolving field. The voices in these debates raise sincere concerns; the implications for all are profound,” Roberts wrote. “The Equal Protection Clause does not resolve these disagreements. Nor does it afford us license to decide them as we see best.”

In a dissent joined by her liberal colleagues, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote that the majority “abandons transgender children and their families to political whims.”

The decision comes amid a range of other federal and state efforts to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/san-jose-state-volleyball-d00b36355c69f48de712339821682b52">regulate the lives of transgender people</a>, including which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/gender-in-sports-track-and-field-roller-derby-new-york-gender-2fe769675c174632925e446f15c6294b">sports competitions</a>&nbsp;they can join and which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sarah-mcbride-speaker-johnson-transgender-bathroom-f3943e1b3b2dc9c8d62d2ba6660aaf91">bathrooms they can use</a>. In April, President Donald Trump’s administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-education-department-transgender-athletes-pam-bondi-5b5c8d0022233fae5ec60efc9fa5394f">sued Maine</a>&nbsp;for not complying with the government’s push to ban&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-transgender-what-does-it-mean-2425f41a2910d989ccfd6d3aec1af33e">transgender athletes</a>&nbsp;in girls sports.

The Republican president also has sought to block federal spending on gender-affirming medical care for those under age 19 — instead&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hhs-rfk-transgender-therapy-53c20e8ba65b2d9e4750d5c3314492cc">promoting talk therapy</a>&nbsp;only to treat young transgender people. In addition, the Supreme Court has allowed him to kick&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trangender-troops-ban-military-trump-pentagon-1d152b538a37e230fd48f33432dea273">transgender service members</a>&nbsp;out of the military, even as court battles continue. The president also signed another order to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-transgender-order-passports-prisons-military-3c14ecbdd10f61618384e81624d090fb">define the sexes</a>&nbsp;as only male and female.

Trump’s administration has also called for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hhs-rfk-transgender-therapy-53c20e8ba65b2d9e4750d5c3314492cc">using only therapy</a>, not broader health measures, to treat transgender youths.

The justices acted a month after the United Kingdom’s top court delivered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-supreme-court-decision-definition-woman-scotland-1a61bea0c26c13cf34864f696a1a5f0c">a setback to transgender rights</a>, ruling unanimously that the U.K. Equality Act means trans women can be excluded from some groups and single-sex spaces, such as changing rooms, homeless shelters, swimming areas and medical or counseling services provided only to women.

Five years ago,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/courts-supreme-courts-mi-state-wire-neil-gorsuch-ap-top-news-5a7b0e41a47a3c571dda69194758e7b1">the Supreme Court ruled</a>&nbsp;that transgender people, as well as gay and lesbian people, are protected by a landmark federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace. That decision is not affected by Wednesday’s ruling.

But the justices on Wednesday declined to apply the same sort of analysis the court used in 2020 when it found that “sex plays an unmistakable role” in employers’ decisions to punish transgender people for traits and behavior they otherwise tolerate. Roberts joined that opinion written by Justice Neil Gorsuch, who also was part of Wednesday’s majority.

Tennessee Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-cabinet-tennessee-supreme-court-government-and-politics-155b1419a746b7125649593b76ee4724">Jonathan Skrmetti</a>&nbsp;on social media called the ruling a “Landmark VICTORY for Tennessee at SCOTUS in defense of America’s children!”

There are about 300,000 people between the ages of 13 and 17 and 1.3 million adults who identify as transgender in the United States, according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law. The Williams Institute is a think tank that researches sexual orientation and gender identity demographics to inform laws and public policy decisions.

When the case was argued in December, then-President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration and families of transgender adolescents had called on the high court to strike down the Tennessee ban as unlawful sex discrimination and protect the constitutional rights of vulnerable Americans.

They argued that the law violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.

Tennessee’s law bans puberty blockers and hormone treatments for transgender minors, but it allows the same drugs to be used for other purposes.

Soon after Trump took office, the Justice Department told the court that its position had changed.

A major issue in the case was the appropriate level of scrutiny courts should apply to such laws.

The lowest level is known as rational basis review, and almost every law looked at that way is ultimately upheld. Indeed, the federal appeals court in Cincinnati that allowed the Tennessee law to be enforced held that lawmakers acted rationally to regulate medical procedures, well within their authority.

The appeals court reversed a trial court that employed a higher level of review, heightened scrutiny, which applies in cases of sex discrimination. Under this more searching examination, the state must identify an important objective and show that the law helps accomplish it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672235865420.png" alt="Supreme Court Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States" />
 <figcaption>Supreme Court Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors, a stunning setback to transgender rights.The justices’ 6-3 decision in a case from Tennessee effectively protects from legal challenges many efforts by President Donald Trump’s Republican administration and state governments to roll back protections for transgender people. Another 26 states have laws similar to the one in Tennessee.Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for a conservative majority that the law does not violate the Constitution’s equal protection clause, which requires the government to treat similarly situated people the same.“This case carries with it the weight of fierce scientific and policy debates about the safety, efficacy, and propriety of medical treatments in an evolving field. The voices in these debates raise sincere concerns; the implications for all are profound,” Roberts wrote. “The Equal Protection Clause does not resolve these disagreements. Nor does it afford us license to decide them as we see best.”In a dissent joined by her liberal colleagues, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote that the majority “abandons transgender children and their families to political whims.”The decision comes amid a range of other federal and state efforts to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/san-jose-state-volleyball-d00b36355c69f48de712339821682b52">regulate the lives of transgender people</a>, including which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/gender-in-sports-track-and-field-roller-derby-new-york-gender-2fe769675c174632925e446f15c6294b">sports competitions</a>&nbsp;they can join and which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sarah-mcbride-speaker-johnson-transgender-bathroom-f3943e1b3b2dc9c8d62d2ba6660aaf91">bathrooms they can use</a>. In April, President Donald Trump’s administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-education-department-transgender-athletes-pam-bondi-5b5c8d0022233fae5ec60efc9fa5394f">sued Maine</a>&nbsp;for not complying with the government’s push to ban&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-transgender-what-does-it-mean-2425f41a2910d989ccfd6d3aec1af33e">transgender athletes</a>&nbsp;in girls sports.The Republican president also has sought to block federal spending on gender-affirming medical care for those under age 19 — instead&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hhs-rfk-transgender-therapy-53c20e8ba65b2d9e4750d5c3314492cc">promoting talk therapy</a>&nbsp;only to treat young transgender people. In addition, the Supreme Court has allowed him to kick&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trangender-troops-ban-military-trump-pentagon-1d152b538a37e230fd48f33432dea273">transgender service members</a>&nbsp;out of the military, even as court battles continue. The president also signed another order to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-transgender-order-passports-prisons-military-3c14ecbdd10f61618384e81624d090fb">define the sexes</a>&nbsp;as only male and female.Trump’s administration has also called for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hhs-rfk-transgender-therapy-53c20e8ba65b2d9e4750d5c3314492cc">using only therapy</a>, not broader health measures, to treat transgender youths.The justices acted a month after the United Kingdom’s top court delivered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-supreme-court-decision-definition-woman-scotland-1a61bea0c26c13cf34864f696a1a5f0c">a setback to transgender rights</a>, ruling unanimously that the U.K. Equality Act means trans women can be excluded from some groups and single-sex spaces, such as changing rooms, homeless shelters, swimming areas and medical or counseling services provided only to women.Five years ago,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/courts-supreme-courts-mi-state-wire-neil-gorsuch-ap-top-news-5a7b0e41a47a3c571dda69194758e7b1">the Supreme Court ruled</a>&nbsp;that transgender people, as well as gay and lesbian people, are protected by a landmark federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace. That decision is not affected by Wednesday’s ruling.But the justices on Wednesday declined to apply the same sort of analysis the court used in 2020 when it found that “sex plays an unmistakable role” in employers’ decisions to punish transgender people for traits and behavior they otherwise tolerate. Roberts joined that opinion written by Justice Neil Gorsuch, who also was part of Wednesday’s majority.Tennessee Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-cabinet-tennessee-supreme-court-government-and-politics-155b1419a746b7125649593b76ee4724">Jonathan Skrmetti</a>&nbsp;on social media called the ruling a “Landmark VICTORY for Tennessee at SCOTUS in defense of America’s children!”There are about 300,000 people between the ages of 13 and 17 and 1.3 million adults who identify as transgender in the United States, according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law. The Williams Institute is a think tank that researches sexual orientation and gender identity demographics to inform laws and public policy decisions.When the case was argued in December, then-President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration and families of transgender adolescents had called on the high court to strike down the Tennessee ban as unlawful sex discrimination and protect the constitutional rights of vulnerable Americans.They argued that the law violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.Tennessee’s law bans puberty blockers and hormone treatments for transgender minors, but it allows the same drugs to be used for other purposes.Soon after Trump took office, the Justice Department told the court that its position had changed.A major issue in the case was the appropriate level of scrutiny courts should apply to such laws.The lowest level is known as rational basis review, and almost every law looked at that way is ultimately upheld. Indeed, the federal appeals court in Cincinnati that allowed the Tennessee law to be enforced held that lawmakers acted rationally to regulate medical procedures, well within their authority.The appeals court reversed a trial court that employed a higher level of review, heightened scrutiny, which applies in cases of sex discrimination. Under this more searching examination, the state must identify an important objective and show that the law helps accomplish it.___

Supreme Court deals stunning setback to transgender rights

NEW YORK (AP) — TV chef Anne Burrell, who coached culinary fumblers through hundreds of episodes of “Worst Cooks in America,” died Tuesday at her New York home. She was 55.

The Food Network, where Burrell began her two-decade television career on “Iron Chef America” and went on to other shows, confirmed her death. The cause was not immediately clear, and medical examiners were set to conduct an autopsy.

Police were called to her address before 8 a.m. Tuesday and found an unresponsive woman who was soon pronounced dead. The police department did not release the woman’s name, but records show it was Burell’s address.

Burrell was on TV screens as recently as April, making chicken Milanese cutlets topped with escarole salad in one of her many appearances on NBC’s “Today” show. She faced off against other top chefs on the Food Network’s “House of Knives” earlier in the spring.

“Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent — teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring,” the network said in a statement.

Known for her bold and flavorful but not overly fancy dishes, and for her spiky platinum-blonde hairdo, Burrell and various co-hosts on “Worst Cooks in America” led teams of kitchen-challenged people through a crash course in savory self-improvement.

On the first show in 2010, contestants presented such unlikely personal specialties as cayenne pepper and peanut butter on cod, and penne pasta with sauce, cheese, olives and pineapple. The accomplished chefs had to taste the dishes to evaluate them, and it was torturous, Burrell confessed in an interview with The Tampa Tribune at the time.

Still, Burrell persisted through 27 seasons, making her last appearance in 2024.

“If people want to learn, I absolutely love to teach them,” she said on ABC’s “Good Morning America” in 2020. “It’s just them breaking bad habits and getting out of their own way.”

Burrell was born Sept. 21, 1969, in the central New York town of Cazenovia, where her parents ran a flower store. She earned an English and communications degree from Canisius University and went on to a job as a headhunter but hated it, she said in a 2008 interview with The Post-Standard of Syracuse.

Having always loved cooking, she soon enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America, for which she later taught. She graduated in 1996, spent a year at an Italian culinary school and then worked in upscale New York City restaurants for a time.

“Anytime Anne Burrell gets near hot oil, I want to be around,” Frank Bruni, then-food critic at the New York Times, enthused in a 2007 review.

By the next year, Burrell was hosting her own Food Network show, “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef,” and her TV work became a focus. Over the years she also wrote two cookbooks, “Cook Like a Rock Star” and “Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower,” and was involved with food pantries, juvenile diabetes awareness campaigns and other charities.

Burrell’s own tastes, she said, ran simple. She told The Post-Standard her favorite food was bacon and her favorite meal was her mother’s tuna fish sandwich.

“Cooking is fun,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be scary. It’s creating something nurturing.”

Survivors include her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in 2021, and his son, her mother and her two siblings.

“Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world,” the family said in a statement released by the Food Network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750263405273.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — TV chef Anne Burrell, who coached culinary fumblers through hundreds of episodes of “Worst Cooks in America,” died Tuesday at her New York home. She was 55.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FFoodNetwork%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0xqt16cvvXK3hFMqWr7S17hfWXesgjBv1DEkfS7cHYdcqgxRxMrv3TwD7NLXPqqprl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="666" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The Food Network, where Burrell began her two-decade television career on “Iron Chef America” and went on to other shows, confirmed her death. The cause was not immediately clear, and medical examiners were set to conduct an autopsy.Police were called to her address before 8 a.m. Tuesday and found an unresponsive woman who was soon pronounced dead. The police department did not release the woman’s name, but records show it was Burell’s address.Burrell was on TV screens as recently as April, making chicken Milanese cutlets topped with escarole salad in one of her many appearances on NBC’s “Today” show. She faced off against other top chefs on the Food Network’s “House of Knives” earlier in the spring.“Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent — teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring,” the network said in a statement.Known for her bold and flavorful but not overly fancy dishes, and for her spiky platinum-blonde hairdo, Burrell and various co-hosts on “Worst Cooks in America” led teams of kitchen-challenged people through a crash course in savory self-improvement.On the first show in 2010, contestants presented such unlikely personal specialties as cayenne pepper and peanut butter on cod, and penne pasta with sauce, cheese, olives and pineapple. The accomplished chefs had to taste the dishes to evaluate them, and it was torturous, Burrell confessed in an interview with The Tampa Tribune at the time.Still, Burrell persisted through 27 seasons, making her last appearance in 2024.“If people want to learn, I absolutely love to teach them,” she said on ABC’s “Good Morning America” in 2020. “It’s just them breaking bad habits and getting out of their own way.”Burrell was born Sept. 21, 1969, in the central New York town of Cazenovia, where her parents ran a flower store. She earned an English and communications degree from Canisius University and went on to a job as a headhunter but hated it, she said in a 2008 interview with The Post-Standard of Syracuse.Having always loved cooking, she soon enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America, for which she later taught. She graduated in 1996, spent a year at an Italian culinary school and then worked in upscale New York City restaurants for a time.“Anytime Anne Burrell gets near hot oil, I want to be around,” Frank Bruni, then-food critic at the New York Times, enthused in a 2007 review.By the next year, Burrell was hosting her own Food Network show, “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef,” and her TV work became a focus. Over the years she also wrote two cookbooks, “Cook Like a Rock Star” and “Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire and Empower,” and was involved with food pantries, juvenile diabetes awareness campaigns and other charities.Burrell’s own tastes, she said, ran simple. She told The Post-Standard her favorite food was bacon and her favorite meal was her mother’s tuna fish sandwich.“Cooking is fun,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be scary. It’s creating something nurturing.”Survivors include her husband, Stuart Claxton, whom she married in 2021, and his son, her mother and her two siblings.“Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world,” the family said in a statement released by the Food Network.

Anne Burrell, TV chef who coached the 'Worst Cooks in America,' dies at 55

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas home daycare provider accused of child abuse is scheduled to return to court Wednesday.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Ija Hall, 29, of Wichita, will face a jury trial in Judge Quentin Pittman's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Hall, the owner of His Loving Hands Home Childcare,&nbsp;357 N. Erie in Wichita, was charged with two counts of abuse of a child, according to the&nbsp; District Attorney's office.

In September of 2024, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment suspended Hall's&nbsp; license after an incident involving a child she was fostering. A protective order was issued during her first court appearance, according to the district attorney's office. She is not to have contact with the victim in the case or any child under the age of 12.

Hall is not in custody after meeting the requirement of a $25,000 bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726247213560.png" alt="Hall photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Hall photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas home daycare provider accused of child abuse is scheduled to return to court Wednesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ija Hall, 29, of Wichita, will face a jury trial in Judge Quentin Pittman's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Hall, the owner of His Loving Hands Home Childcare,&nbsp;357 N. Erie in Wichita, was charged with two counts of abuse of a child, according to the&nbsp; District Attorney's office.In September of 2024, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment suspended Hall's&nbsp; license after an incident involving a child she was fostering. A protective order was issued during her first court appearance, according to the district attorney's office. She is not to have contact with the victim in the case or any child under the age of 12.Hall is not in custody after meeting the requirement of a $25,000 bond.&nbsp;

Kan. daycare provider will go to trial for alleged child abuse

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has given 36 countries, most of them in Africa, a Wednesday deadline to commit to improve vetting of travelers or face a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-travel-ban-exceptions-immigrants-visa-4d5a4d07a4430dd1e1cf24511370bc0e">ban on their citizens visiting the United States</a>.

A weekend diplomatic cable sent by the State Department instructs embassies and consulates in the 36 countries to gauge their host countries’ willingness by Wednesday to improve their citizens’ travel documentation and take steps to address the status of their nationals who are in the United States illegally.

The cable, which was described to The Associated Press, asks the countries to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-travel-ban-immigration-enforcement-visas-b1eb79c7b5717c96daf51e978db83d1b">take action to address the U.S. concerns</a>&nbsp;within 60 days or risk being added to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-travel-ban-immigration-enforcement-visas-b1eb79c7b5717c96daf51e978db83d1b">the current travel ban</a>, which now includes 12 nations. Of the 36 new countries targeted, 25 are in Africa.

It is the latest step by the Trump administration to crack down on those who overstay their visas and tying U.S. entries from certain countries to potential national security risks. Trump has said some countries have “deficient” screening and vetting or have historically refused to take back their own citizens.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-travel-ban-d4d74e856e06f1a2626cc1ddbdfaa9f7">Some countries condemned the travel restrictions</a>&nbsp;and vowed reciprocal actions, while some resettlement groups say the ban sows division.

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce declined to comment on the specifics in the cable, which was first reported by The Washington Post. She confirmed that the administration wanted nations to improve their own vetting processes for passport holders,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/migration-rubio-panama-colombia-venezuela-237f06b7d4bdd9ff1396baf9c45a2c0b">accept their nationals deported from the U.S.</a>&nbsp;and take other steps to ensure their citizens are not a threat to the U.S.

“We’re looking at providing a period of time, (where if countries) don’t get to that point where we can trust them and they’ve got to change the system, update it, do whatever they need to do to convince us that we can trust the process and the information they have,” she said.

It was not immediately clear if the ban would be imposed on countries that commit to making improvements and are making progress in addressing them but fail to meet the benchmarks within 60 days.

The list includes some countries that have been traditional U.S. partners, including Egypt and Djibouti, both of which have military relationships with United States, and others that long been friendly with the U.S., including Liberia, Nigeria and Ethiopia. Syria, which was left off the initial travel ban, as was Congo, are both on the new list.

South Sudan is already subject to a separate travel ban imposed by the State Department, which has revoked the visas of most South Sudanese already in the U.S.

President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-nuclear-israel-g7-132d92f3b5f4014cced1c5029d839ae9">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;this month enacted a travel ban on 12 countries and imposed restrictions on seven others, although no previously issued visas have been revoked. His proclamation instead banned issuing new visas to citizens of the 12 countries.

That ban included Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Heightened visa restrictions will apply to citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.

The 36 countries identified in the new cable are: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, South Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749083187696.png" alt="President Trump announced his travel ban on June 4- White House image" />
 <figcaption>President Trump announced his travel ban on June 4- White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has given 36 countries, most of them in Africa, a Wednesday deadline to commit to improve vetting of travelers or face a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-travel-ban-exceptions-immigrants-visa-4d5a4d07a4430dd1e1cf24511370bc0e">ban on their citizens visiting the United States</a>.A weekend diplomatic cable sent by the State Department instructs embassies and consulates in the 36 countries to gauge their host countries’ willingness by Wednesday to improve their citizens’ travel documentation and take steps to address the status of their nationals who are in the United States illegally.The cable, which was described to The Associated Press, asks the countries to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-travel-ban-immigration-enforcement-visas-b1eb79c7b5717c96daf51e978db83d1b">take action to address the U.S. concerns</a>&nbsp;within 60 days or risk being added to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-travel-ban-immigration-enforcement-visas-b1eb79c7b5717c96daf51e978db83d1b">the current travel ban</a>, which now includes 12 nations. Of the 36 new countries targeted, 25 are in Africa.It is the latest step by the Trump administration to crack down on those who overstay their visas and tying U.S. entries from certain countries to potential national security risks. Trump has said some countries have “deficient” screening and vetting or have historically refused to take back their own citizens.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-travel-ban-d4d74e856e06f1a2626cc1ddbdfaa9f7">Some countries condemned the travel restrictions</a>&nbsp;and vowed reciprocal actions, while some resettlement groups say the ban sows division.State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce declined to comment on the specifics in the cable, which was first reported by The Washington Post. She confirmed that the administration wanted nations to improve their own vetting processes for passport holders,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/migration-rubio-panama-colombia-venezuela-237f06b7d4bdd9ff1396baf9c45a2c0b">accept their nationals deported from the U.S.</a>&nbsp;and take other steps to ensure their citizens are not a threat to the U.S.“We’re looking at providing a period of time, (where if countries) don’t get to that point where we can trust them and they’ve got to change the system, update it, do whatever they need to do to convince us that we can trust the process and the information they have,” she said.It was not immediately clear if the ban would be imposed on countries that commit to making improvements and are making progress in addressing them but fail to meet the benchmarks within 60 days.The list includes some countries that have been traditional U.S. partners, including Egypt and Djibouti, both of which have military relationships with United States, and others that long been friendly with the U.S., including Liberia, Nigeria and Ethiopia. Syria, which was left off the initial travel ban, as was Congo, are both on the new list.South Sudan is already subject to a separate travel ban imposed by the State Department, which has revoked the visas of most South Sudanese already in the U.S.President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-nuclear-israel-g7-132d92f3b5f4014cced1c5029d839ae9">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;this month enacted a travel ban on 12 countries and imposed restrictions on seven others, although no previously issued visas have been revoked. His proclamation instead banned issuing new visas to citizens of the 12 countries.That ban included Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Heightened visa restrictions will apply to citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.The 36 countries identified in the new cable are: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, South Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Deadline day: Trump demands action from countries to avoid travel ban

SALINE COUNTY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday night near 115th Road and Belmont Avenue in Sweet Springs.

Just before 6:30p.m. Tuesday, MSHP Troopers were notified that the Concordia Police Department was in pursuit of motorcycle driven by a suspect wanted for an out-of-state homicide, according to a media release from the Patrol.

Police lost sight of the motorcycle near 120th Road south of Interstate 70 in rural Saline County. Additional officers moved into the area to search for the suspect. Just before 8p.m. Troopers in the area saw a motorcycle and rider matching the description of the suspect traveling westbound on 115th Road toward Belmont Avenue.

 The motorcycle crashed into a Trooper's patrol vehicle and the suspect ran from the crash. The Trooper ran after him. The suspect, armed with a handgun, fired at the Trooper striking him bullet resistant vest. The Trooper returned fire striking the suspect. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. The Trooper was transported to a local hospital&nbsp; for treatment of minor injuries.

SALINE COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday night near 115th Road and Belmont Avenue in Sweet Springs, Missouri.

The suspect is dead, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol

The trooper was shot in his bullet-resistant vest and was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Authorities have released no additional details. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available. Sweet Springs is located approximately 60 miles east of Kansas City, Missouri.

SALINE COUNTY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday night near 115th Road and Belmont Avenue in Sweet Springs.Just before 6:30p.m. Tuesday, MSHP Troopers were notified that the Concordia Police Department was in pursuit of motorcycle driven by a suspect wanted for an out-of-state homicide, according to a media release from the Patrol.Police lost sight of the motorcycle near 120th Road south of Interstate 70 in rural Saline County. Additional officers moved into the area to search for the suspect. Just before 8p.m. Troopers in the area saw a motorcycle and rider matching the description of the suspect traveling westbound on 115th Road toward Belmont Avenue. The motorcycle crashed into a Trooper's patrol vehicle and the suspect ran from the crash. The Trooper ran after him. The suspect, armed with a handgun, fired at the Trooper striking him bullet resistant vest. The Trooper returned fire striking the suspect. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. The Trooper was transported to a local hospital&nbsp; for treatment of minor injuries.------------------SALINE COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday night near 115th Road and Belmont Avenue in Sweet Springs, Missouri.The suspect is dead, according to the Missouri State Highway PatrolThe trooper was shot in his bullet-resistant vest and was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.Authorities have released no additional details. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available. Sweet Springs is located approximately 60 miles east of Kansas City, Missouri.

Patrol: Suspect in fatal officer shooting was wanted for homicide

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran's supreme leader on Wednesday rejected U.S. calls for surrender in the face of blistering Israeli strikes and warned that any military involvement by the Americans would cause “irreparable damage” to them, in recorded video aired by state TV.

It was the second public appearance by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei since the strikes began, and came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump demanded “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” in a social media post and warned Khamenei that the U.S. knows where he is but has no plans to kill him, “at least not for now.”

Trump initially distanced himself from Israel’s surprise attack on Friday that triggered the conflict, but in recent days&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-nuclear-israel-g7-132d92f3b5f4014cced1c5029d839ae9">has hinted at greater American involvement</a>, saying he wants something “much bigger” than a ceasefire. The U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-middle-east-iran-israel-a4287f29c84b6eee954011ecd8a670d3">has also sent more military aircraft</a>&nbsp;and warships to the region.

Iran’s supreme leader warns US that joining Israeli strikes will ‘result in irreparable damage for them’

Iran’s supreme leader has warned the United States that joining the Israeli strikes targeting the Islamic Republic will “result in irreparable damage for them.”

The comments by 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei came in a statement read out by a state television anchor against a still image of the leader. It wasn’t clear why Khamenei did not appear himself on screen, as he has done earlier since the Israeli attacks began on Friday.

“Any military involvement by the U.S. in this field will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage for them,” the statement said.

Iran’s supreme leader says God will make his nation ‘victorious’

In the message, Khamenei also urged officials to “continue their work with strength and trust in God.”

“God will certainly and surely make the Iranian nation ... victorious,” he said.

State television said that a video of Khamenei giving the same address would be aired later.

Khamenei’s last message to the nation, which was released late Friday after the start of the Israeli campaign, was also first read out on television before he appeared himself reading it a while later. It may be a security measure to protect Khamenei, whose exact location isn’t public knowledge.

‘The Iranian nation is not one to surrender’

Khamenei dismissed the “threatening and absurd statements” by Trump.

“Wise individuals who know Iran, its people, and its history never speak to this nation with the language of threats, because the Iranian nation is not one to surrender,” he said. “Americans should know that any military involvement by the U.S. will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage to them.”

A state TV anchor had read Khamenei's statement earlier, before the video was aired. Iran followed a similar sequence in releasing an earlier statement from the supreme leader, perhaps as a security measure. His location is not known.

His voice echoed as he sat in a room with beige curtains. An Iranian flag and a portrait of Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who Khamenei succeeded in 1989, hung behind him.

An Iranian official had earlier Wednesday warned that U.S. intervention would risk “all-out war.”

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei did not elaborate, but thousands of American troops are based in nearby countries within range of Iran's weapons. The U.S. has threatened a massive response to any attack.

Another Iranian official said the country would keep enriching uranium for peaceful purposes, apparently ruling out Trump's demands that Iran give up its disputed nuclear program.

The latest Israeli strikes hit a facility used to make uranium centrifuges and another that made missile components, the Israeli military said. It said it had intercepted 10 missiles overnight as Iran’s retaliatory barrages diminish. The U.N. nuclear watchdog said Israel had struck two centrifuge production facilities in and near Tehran.

The Israeli military said it also carried out strikes in western Iran, hitting missile storage sites and a loaded missile launcher.

Israeli strikes have hit several nuclear and military sites,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-explosions-israel-tehran-00234a06e5128a8aceb406b140297299">killing top generals</a>&nbsp;and nuclear scientists. A Washington-based Iranian human rights group said at least 585 people, including 239 civilians, have been killed and more than 1,300 wounded.

Iran has fired some 400 missiles and hundreds of drones in retaliatory strikes that have killed at least 24 people in Israel and wounded hundreds. Some have hit apartment buildings in central Israel, causing heavy damage, and air raid sirens have repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-missiles-attack-tel-aviv-0d75e7309887a0ef0fd55554e3ba9415">forced Israelis to run for shelter</a>.

Iran has fired fewer missiles as the conflict has worn on. It has not explained the decline, but Israel has targeted launchers and other infrastructure related to the missiles.

The Washington-based group Human Rights Activists said it had identified 239 of those killed in Israeli strikes as civilians and 126 as security personnel.

The group, which also provided detailed casualty figures during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-hijab-protests-mahsa-amini-anniversary-59641e9254eea45c069b54d590c7e818">2022 protests over the death of Mahsa Amini</a>, crosschecks local reports against a network of sources it has developed in Iran.

Iran has not been publishing regular death tolls during the conflict and has minimized casualties in the past. Its last update, issued Monday, put the toll at 224 people killed and 1,277 others wounded.

Shops have been closed across Tehran, including in its famed Grand Bazaar, as people wait in gas lines and pack roads leading out of the city to escape the onslaught.

A major explosion could be heard around 5 a.m. in Tehran Wednesday morning, following other explosions earlier in the predawn darkness. Authorities in Iran offered no acknowledgement of the attacks, which has become increasingly common as the Israeli airstrikes have intensified.

At least one strike appeared to target Tehran’s eastern neighborhood of Hakimiyeh, where the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has an academy.

Israel says it launched the strikes to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon, after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-program-us-negotiations-explained-085748abe53152378e017e25b956359f">talks between the United States and Iran</a>&nbsp;over a diplomatic resolution had made little visible progress over two months but were still ongoing. Trump has said Israel’s campaign came after a 60-day window he set for the talks.

Iran long has insisted its nuclear program was peaceful, though it is the only non-nuclear-armed state to enrich uranium up to 60%, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. U.S. intelligence agencies have said they did not believe Iran was actively pursuing the bomb.

Israel is the only country in the Middle East with nuclear weapons but has never publicly acknowledged them.

Iran's ambassador to Geneva, Ali Bahreini, told reporters that Iran "will continue to produce the enriched uranium as far as we need for peaceful purposes.”

He rejected any talk of a setback to Iran’s nuclear research and development from the Israeli strikes, saying, “Our scientists will continue their work.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730601000960.png" alt="File photo released by an official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves to the crowd during a meeting with school and university students, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)" />
 <figcaption>File photo released by an official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves to the crowd during a meeting with school and university students, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran's supreme leader on Wednesday rejected U.S. calls for surrender in the face of blistering Israeli strikes and warned that any military involvement by the Americans would cause “irreparable damage” to them, in recorded video aired by state TV.It was the second public appearance by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei since the strikes began, and came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump demanded “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” in a social media post and warned Khamenei that the U.S. knows where he is but has no plans to kill him, “at least not for now.”Trump initially distanced himself from Israel’s surprise attack on Friday that triggered the conflict, but in recent days&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-nuclear-israel-g7-132d92f3b5f4014cced1c5029d839ae9">has hinted at greater American involvement</a>, saying he wants something “much bigger” than a ceasefire. The U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-middle-east-iran-israel-a4287f29c84b6eee954011ecd8a670d3">has also sent more military aircraft</a>&nbsp;and warships to the region.<h2>Iran’s supreme leader warns US that joining Israeli strikes will ‘result in irreparable damage for them’</h2>Iran’s supreme leader has warned the United States that joining the Israeli strikes targeting the Islamic Republic will “result in irreparable damage for them.”The comments by 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei came in a statement read out by a state television anchor against a still image of the leader. It wasn’t clear why Khamenei did not appear himself on screen, as he has done earlier since the Israeli attacks began on Friday.“Any military involvement by the U.S. in this field will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage for them,” the statement said.<h2>Iran’s supreme leader says God will make his nation ‘victorious’</h2>In the message, Khamenei also urged officials to “continue their work with strength and trust in God.”“God will certainly and surely make the Iranian nation ... victorious,” he said.State television said that a video of Khamenei giving the same address would be aired later.Khamenei’s last message to the nation, which was released late Friday after the start of the Israeli campaign, was also first read out on television before he appeared himself reading it a while later. It may be a security measure to protect Khamenei, whose exact location isn’t public knowledge.<h2>‘The Iranian nation is not one to surrender’</h2>Khamenei dismissed the “threatening and absurd statements” by Trump.“Wise individuals who know Iran, its people, and its history never speak to this nation with the language of threats, because the Iranian nation is not one to surrender,” he said. “Americans should know that any military involvement by the U.S. will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage to them.”A state TV anchor had read Khamenei's statement earlier, before the video was aired. Iran followed a similar sequence in releasing an earlier statement from the supreme leader, perhaps as a security measure. His location is not known.His voice echoed as he sat in a room with beige curtains. An Iranian flag and a portrait of Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who Khamenei succeeded in 1989, hung behind him.An Iranian official had earlier Wednesday warned that U.S. intervention would risk “all-out war.”Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei did not elaborate, but thousands of American troops are based in nearby countries within range of Iran's weapons. The U.S. has threatened a massive response to any attack.Another Iranian official said the country would keep enriching uranium for peaceful purposes, apparently ruling out Trump's demands that Iran give up its disputed nuclear program.<h2>Strikes in and around Tehran</h2>The latest Israeli strikes hit a facility used to make uranium centrifuges and another that made missile components, the Israeli military said. It said it had intercepted 10 missiles overnight as Iran’s retaliatory barrages diminish. The U.N. nuclear watchdog said Israel had struck two centrifuge production facilities in and near Tehran.The Israeli military said it also carried out strikes in western Iran, hitting missile storage sites and a loaded missile launcher.Israeli strikes have hit several nuclear and military sites,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-explosions-israel-tehran-00234a06e5128a8aceb406b140297299">killing top generals</a>&nbsp;and nuclear scientists. A Washington-based Iranian human rights group said at least 585 people, including 239 civilians, have been killed and more than 1,300 wounded.Iran has fired some 400 missiles and hundreds of drones in retaliatory strikes that have killed at least 24 people in Israel and wounded hundreds. Some have hit apartment buildings in central Israel, causing heavy damage, and air raid sirens have repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-missiles-attack-tel-aviv-0d75e7309887a0ef0fd55554e3ba9415">forced Israelis to run for shelter</a>.Iran has fired fewer missiles as the conflict has worn on. It has not explained the decline, but Israel has targeted launchers and other infrastructure related to the missiles.<h2>Casualties mount in Iran</h2>The Washington-based group Human Rights Activists said it had identified 239 of those killed in Israeli strikes as civilians and 126 as security personnel.The group, which also provided detailed casualty figures during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-hijab-protests-mahsa-amini-anniversary-59641e9254eea45c069b54d590c7e818">2022 protests over the death of Mahsa Amini</a>, crosschecks local reports against a network of sources it has developed in Iran.Iran has not been publishing regular death tolls during the conflict and has minimized casualties in the past. Its last update, issued Monday, put the toll at 224 people killed and 1,277 others wounded.Shops have been closed across Tehran, including in its famed Grand Bazaar, as people wait in gas lines and pack roads leading out of the city to escape the onslaught.A major explosion could be heard around 5 a.m. in Tehran Wednesday morning, following other explosions earlier in the predawn darkness. Authorities in Iran offered no acknowledgement of the attacks, which has become increasingly common as the Israeli airstrikes have intensified.At least one strike appeared to target Tehran’s eastern neighborhood of Hakimiyeh, where the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has an academy.<h2>Iran says it will keep enriching uranium</h2>Israel says it launched the strikes to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon, after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-program-us-negotiations-explained-085748abe53152378e017e25b956359f">talks between the United States and Iran</a>&nbsp;over a diplomatic resolution had made little visible progress over two months but were still ongoing. Trump has said Israel’s campaign came after a 60-day window he set for the talks.Iran long has insisted its nuclear program was peaceful, though it is the only non-nuclear-armed state to enrich uranium up to 60%, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. U.S. intelligence agencies have said they did not believe Iran was actively pursuing the bomb.Israel is the only country in the Middle East with nuclear weapons but has never publicly acknowledged them.Iran's ambassador to Geneva, Ali Bahreini, told reporters that Iran "will continue to produce the enriched uranium as far as we need for peaceful purposes.”He rejected any talk of a setback to Iran’s nuclear research and development from the Israeli strikes, saying, “Our scientists will continue their work.”

Iran issues new, stark warning to the United States 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The search for a teen wanted in connection with a homicide in Wichita ended Tuesday.

Wichita police and U.S. Marshals took wanted homicide fugitive 19-year-old Jaden Watts into custody in the area of 700 S Hunter in Wichita, according to a statement from Wichita Police.

In March, police issued a felony pick-up for Watts in connection with the shooting of 24-year-old Demarc Burgess&nbsp;at a residence in the 14000 block of E. Twinlake Drive in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Reboledo.&nbsp; EMS transported Burgess to a local hospital where he died.

Earlier this month, the Sedgwick County District Attorney filed second-degree murder charges against Watts.

First responders located a victim later identified as 24-year-old Demarc Burgess, according to police. Burgess had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident occurred during a gathering at the residence, where a disturbance broke out between Watts and Burgess, which ultimately led to the shooting.&nbsp; &nbsp;Watts is being held on bonds totaling over $500,000 in bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750260517323.png" alt="Watts photo Sedgwick Co" />
 <figcaption>Watts photo Sedgwick Co</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —The search for a teen wanted in connection with a homicide in Wichita ended Tuesday.Wichita police and U.S. Marshals took wanted homicide fugitive 19-year-old Jaden Watts into custody in the area of 700 S Hunter in Wichita, according to a statement from Wichita Police.In March, police issued a felony pick-up for Watts in connection with the shooting of 24-year-old Demarc Burgess&nbsp;at a residence in the 14000 block of E. Twinlake Drive in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Reboledo.&nbsp; EMS transported Burgess to a local hospital where he died.Earlier this month, the Sedgwick County District Attorney filed second-degree murder charges against Watts.First responders located a victim later identified as 24-year-old Demarc Burgess, according to police. Burgess had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident occurred during a gathering at the residence, where a disturbance broke out between Watts and Burgess, which ultimately led to the shooting.&nbsp; &nbsp;Watts is being held on bonds totaling over $500,000 in bonds.

Kan. murder suspect who hid from police for weeks is in jail

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/lolita-c-baldor">LOLITA C. BALDOR</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is shifting military aircraft and warships into and around the Middle East to protect Israel from Iranian attacks as President Donald Trump warns Tehran to step back from the conflict.

Trump’s social media posts saying his patience with Iran was “wearing thin” have raised the possibility of deepening U.S. involvement, perhaps by using its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bunker-buster-bomb-israel-iran-fordo-fordow-b2-nuclear-8a612cbf16aa0f99bd9992334ffc93d7">bunker-busting bomb</a>&nbsp;to strike a key Iranian nuclear site built deep underground in the mountains.

Israel doesn’t have the massive munition it would take to destroy the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/8758704e349e4a899554d732799c1b31">Fordo nuclear fuel enrichment plant</a>, or the aircraft needed to deliver it. Only the U.S. does.

As America’s national security leaders discuss the next steps, the Pentagon has moved to ensure that its troops and bases in the region are protected.

Here’s a look at the U.S. military presence in the Middle East:

In a social media post, Trump warned that “we now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran.”

U.S. officials insisted as of Tuesday that the American military has not taken any offensive actions against Iran, only defensive strikes to take out incoming Iranian missiles to protect Israel.

Additional U.S. fighter jets and refueling tankers have been deployed to the region, but officials have declined to provide specific numbers. Fighter jets have joined in launching strikes to defend Israel, but officials said Tuesday that no American aircraft were over Iran.

Aurora Intel, a group that reviews open source information in real time in the Middle East, said the U.S. Air Force had put additional refueling aircraft and fighter jets in strategic locations across Europe, including England, Spain, Germany and Greece. The information was obtained from public aviation tracking websites.

U.S. fighter jets have been patrolling the skies around the Middle East to protect personnel and installations, and bases in the region are on heightened alert and are taking additional security precautions, the officials said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has not provided any details, but said on Fox News Channel late Monday that the military movements were to “ensure that our people are safe.”

Warships taking out Iranian missiles and ready to protect US bases

American warships also are shooting down Iranian ballistic missiles targeting Israel, with the USS The Sullivans and the USS Arleigh Burke launching strikes over the weekend.

The Sullivans has been joined in the Eastern Mediterranean by the USS Thomas Hudner this week to continue those defense strikes, while the Arleigh Burke has moved away from the area, according to a U.S. official.

The USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier is in the Arabian Sea with the four warships in its strike group. They are not participating in the defense of Israel. But they are positioned to provide security for U.S. troops and bases along the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf.

The USS Nimitz has been long scheduled to take over for the Carl Vinson and is heading west from the Indo-Pacific region toward the Middle East. The official said it is slated to arrive in the region by the end of the month, and the two carriers would likely overlap at least for a short time before the Vinson heads home to San Diego.

There also are destroyers in the Red Sea, and others are based in the Western Mediterranean and participating in exercises in the Baltic Sea.

US troops are on heightened alert and families are allowed to leave

The forces in the region have been taking precautionary measures for days, including having&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-department-embassy-baghdad-f892ebd6a50850ef5650f31819541bff">military dependents voluntarily leave</a>&nbsp;bases, in anticipation of potential strikes and to protect personnel in case of a large-scale response from Tehran.

Officials said they were not aware of many families actually leaving.

Typically around 30,000 troops are based in the Middle East, and about 40,000 troops are in the region now, according to a U.S. official.

That number surged as high as 43,000 last October in response to heightened tensions between Israel and Iran as well as continuous attacks on commercial and military ships in the Red Sea by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen.

The Air Force’s B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is the only aircraft that can carry the 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, known as the bunker buster.

The powerful bomb uses its weight and sheer kinetic force to reach deeply buried targets — and then explode.

There are currently no B-2 bombers in the Middle East region, although there are B-52 bombers based at Diego Garcia, and they can deliver smaller munitions.

If tapped for use, the B-2 bombers would have to make the 30-hour round trip from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, refueling multiple times.

AP writer Sam Mednick in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696803172229.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/lolita-c-baldor">LOLITA C. BALDOR</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is shifting military aircraft and warships into and around the Middle East to protect Israel from Iranian attacks as President Donald Trump warns Tehran to step back from the conflict.Trump’s social media posts saying his patience with Iran was “wearing thin” have raised the possibility of deepening U.S. involvement, perhaps by using its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bunker-buster-bomb-israel-iran-fordo-fordow-b2-nuclear-8a612cbf16aa0f99bd9992334ffc93d7">bunker-busting bomb</a>&nbsp;to strike a key Iranian nuclear site built deep underground in the mountains.Israel doesn’t have the massive munition it would take to destroy the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/8758704e349e4a899554d732799c1b31">Fordo nuclear fuel enrichment plant</a>, or the aircraft needed to deliver it. Only the U.S. does.As America’s national security leaders discuss the next steps, the Pentagon has moved to ensure that its troops and bases in the region are protected.Here’s a look at the U.S. military presence in the Middle East:<h2>US aircraft moving to the Middle East</h2>In a social media post, Trump warned that “we now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran.”U.S. officials insisted as of Tuesday that the American military has not taken any offensive actions against Iran, only defensive strikes to take out incoming Iranian missiles to protect Israel.Additional U.S. fighter jets and refueling tankers have been deployed to the region, but officials have declined to provide specific numbers. Fighter jets have joined in launching strikes to defend Israel, but officials said Tuesday that no American aircraft were over Iran.Aurora Intel, a group that reviews open source information in real time in the Middle East, said the U.S. Air Force had put additional refueling aircraft and fighter jets in strategic locations across Europe, including England, Spain, Germany and Greece. The information was obtained from public aviation tracking websites.U.S. fighter jets have been patrolling the skies around the Middle East to protect personnel and installations, and bases in the region are on heightened alert and are taking additional security precautions, the officials said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has not provided any details, but said on Fox News Channel late Monday that the military movements were to “ensure that our people are safe.”<h2>Warships taking out Iranian missiles and ready to protect US bases</h2>American warships also are shooting down Iranian ballistic missiles targeting Israel, with the USS The Sullivans and the USS Arleigh Burke launching strikes over the weekend.The Sullivans has been joined in the Eastern Mediterranean by the USS Thomas Hudner this week to continue those defense strikes, while the Arleigh Burke has moved away from the area, according to a U.S. official.The USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier is in the Arabian Sea with the four warships in its strike group. They are not participating in the defense of Israel. But they are positioned to provide security for U.S. troops and bases along the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf.The USS Nimitz has been long scheduled to take over for the Carl Vinson and is heading west from the Indo-Pacific region toward the Middle East. The official said it is slated to arrive in the region by the end of the month, and the two carriers would likely overlap at least for a short time before the Vinson heads home to San Diego.There also are destroyers in the Red Sea, and others are based in the Western Mediterranean and participating in exercises in the Baltic Sea.<h2>US troops are on heightened alert and families are allowed to leave</h2>The forces in the region have been taking precautionary measures for days, including having&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-department-embassy-baghdad-f892ebd6a50850ef5650f31819541bff">military dependents voluntarily leave</a>&nbsp;bases, in anticipation of potential strikes and to protect personnel in case of a large-scale response from Tehran.Officials said they were not aware of many families actually leaving.Typically around 30,000 troops are based in the Middle East, and about 40,000 troops are in the region now, according to a U.S. official.That number surged as high as 43,000 last October in response to heightened tensions between Israel and Iran as well as continuous attacks on commercial and military ships in the Red Sea by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen.<h2>The B-2 and the bunker buster</h2>The Air Force’s B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is the only aircraft that can carry the 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, known as the bunker buster.The powerful bomb uses its weight and sheer kinetic force to reach deeply buried targets — and then explode.There are currently no B-2 bombers in the Middle East region, although there are B-52 bombers based at Diego Garcia, and they can deliver smaller munitions.If tapped for use, the B-2 bombers would have to make the 30-hour round trip from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, refueling multiple times.___AP writer Sam Mednick in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report.

How the US has shifted military jets and ships in the Middle East

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Tuesday in Leavenworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp;was 2006 Toyota passenger car driven by Cody L. Lamping, 16, Basehor, was southbound on 155th Street at U.S. 24. The driver ran a red light and the car entered the intersection. A westbound 2017 Chevrolet pickup driven by Steven H.&nbsp;Schuman, 68, Basehor,&nbsp;&nbsp;struck the the drivers side of the Toyota at highway speed.

EMS transported Lamping to&nbsp;Providence Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. EMS transported Schuman to St. Luke's. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Tuesday in Leavenworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp;was 2006 Toyota passenger car driven by Cody L. Lamping, 16, Basehor, was southbound on 155th Street at U.S. 24. The driver ran a red light and the car entered the intersection. A westbound 2017 Chevrolet pickup driven by Steven H.&nbsp;Schuman, 68, Basehor,&nbsp;&nbsp;struck the the drivers side of the Toyota at highway speed.EMS transported Lamping to&nbsp;Providence Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. EMS transported Schuman to St. Luke's. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

16-year-old Kansas driver dies in pickup, car crash

TOPEKA – A Kansas man has been charged through criminal complaint&nbsp;on allegations related to child sexual abuse materials, according to the United State's Attorney.

&nbsp;Kenneth Norman Baker, 41, of Baxter Springs is charged with one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography, according to court documents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749841694476.png" alt="Baker photo Butler Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Baker photo Butler Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – A Kansas man has been charged through criminal complaint&nbsp;on allegations related to child sexual abuse materials, according to the United State's Attorney.&nbsp;Kenneth Norman Baker, 41, of Baxter Springs is charged with one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography, according to court documents.

Kan. man accused of sending and receiving child porn

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750210174941.png" alt="Image White House" />
 <figcaption>Image White House</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/kqUAgta0En">pic.twitter.com/kqUAgta0En</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1935131324190203983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Presiden Trump on the North Lawn of the <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WhiteHouse</a> looking for the perfect spot to put a 100ft tall American Flag pole—he will determine a second spot on the South Lawn as well, at his personal expense… <a href="https://t.co/2ckAR0tndf">pic.twitter.com/2ckAR0tndf</a>&mdash; Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scavino47/status/1915075327778320503?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

President Trump's new 'magnificent' flag poles going up at the White House

KANSAS CITY (AP)—From a legislator in downtown Minneapolis to a veteran Ohio congresswoman, many lawmakers included in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-shot-vance-boelter-e9fc59e4307eb3461881f027ae626073">suspected Minnesota gunman's</a>&nbsp;writings and list of targets have vowed not to bow down.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-shootings-lawmakers-suspect-21b2165404bc66f77dd5e0e36efeb065">Vance Boelter</a>, 57, was charged with federal murder and stalking, along with state charges, following a nearly two-day search that culminated in his capture in the woods near his home.

He is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-shot-vance-boelter-cf8f26332fe0e33eb892080c4f8afad7">suspected of shooting</a>&nbsp;and killing former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their home early Saturday. He is also accused of wounding Democratic Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.

The dozens of politicians included in Boelter's writings were Democrats, according to acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson. Authorities said the writings contained the names of about 45 Minnesota state and federal elected officials but have not identified them publicly.

Members of Congress from at least five other Midwest states said law enforcement told them that their names were in Boelter's writings. They included U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and U.S. Reps. Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri and Nikki Budzinski of Illinois.

Authorities have not provided a motive for the shootings. Manny Atwal, Boelter's lead attorney, declined to comment, saying the office just got the case.

Here's how some lawmakers are reacting to the violence:

“Yesterday, my office was made aware that my name appeared in the evidence collected in the case regarding the suspect in Minnesota, who is accused of murdering a state lawmaker and her husband, as well as attempting to murder another lawmaker and his wife," Cleaver’s office said in a statement. “While I am relieved that the suspect has been apprehended, my office is coordinating with local law enforcement to ensure my family, my staff, and I remain safe and secure. However, I will not allow this kind of political violence to prevent me from continuing my work on behalf of the Missourians in the Fifth Congressional District.”

Agbaje spent the weekend with friends and family after learning that her name was on Boelter’s list and said she is still trying to make sense of the violence.

Since his arrest, the lawmaker, whose district includes portions of northern and downtown Minneapolis, has returned home. She said she now feels “more committed than ever” to her work as a legislator.

“We cannot allow people to divide us and then use violence to keep up those divisions,” she said.

A day after Dingell learned her name was included in Boelter's writing, she held a town hall Monday in a high school auditorium in Dexter.

“We cannot let terror terrorize us," she told the audience, who cheered.

Dingell, who represents the Ann Arbor area, said some people wanted her to cancel the event.

After the town hall, she reflected on her habit of going out in public without her staff because she always wants people to be able to talk with her. After the shooting, law enforcement officers have told her to be more careful.

“We can’t let elected officials be cut off," she said. "We can’t let elected officials become afraid.”

“Look, I’m going to keep fighting for the people that I represent. I’m going to keep being a voice for those that want me to make sure their voice is heard at the table," she added.

Rest, who represents New Hope in Hennepin County, said she was made aware that the suspect had been parked near her home early Saturday. She said in a statement Monday that the “quick action” of law enforcement officers saved her life.

While she was grateful for the suspect’s apprehension, she noted in the statement that she was grieving the loss of the Hortmans and praying for the Hoffmans’ recovery.

Scholten, who represents Grand Rapids, said she was postponing a Monday town hall after learning she was a potential target.

“Out of an abundance of caution and to not divert additional law enforcement resources away from protecting the broader public at this time, this is the responsible choice,” Scholten said in a statement.

Kaptur’s office said in a statement that her name was included in Boelter’s writing but that it will not get in the way of her work “to make life better for families across Northwest Ohio.”

“Uplifting those who she has the honor to serve has been her sole focus every single day she has served and nothing will deter her from doing so now,” the statement said.

Falconer, whose district includes a portion of the Twin Cities, said he woke up Saturday while on vacation with his wife and kids to a flurry of text messages about the shootings. The police chief then called to warn him about a list of targets.

Falconer said he later learned he wasn’t on the list, but his family decided to stay away until the suspect was in custody. The police chief increased patrols in his neighborhood and stationed a police car outside of his house, he said.

While the question of whether to stay in politics was top of mind for him this weekend, Falconer said, “They win if we quit.”

Falconer and his Democratic colleagues in the Minnesota House gathered at the Capitol on Monday to seek comfort in one another and share stories of Hortman, Falconer said. It was the first time they could meet since the shooting because they had been told by law enforcement to not leave their homes while the suspect remained at-large, he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750067563866.png" alt="Boelter photo Hennepin Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Boelter photo Hennepin Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP)—From a legislator in downtown Minneapolis to a veteran Ohio congresswoman, many lawmakers included in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-shot-vance-boelter-e9fc59e4307eb3461881f027ae626073">suspected Minnesota gunman's</a>&nbsp;writings and list of targets have vowed not to bow down.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-shootings-lawmakers-suspect-21b2165404bc66f77dd5e0e36efeb065">Vance Boelter</a>, 57, was charged with federal murder and stalking, along with state charges, following a nearly two-day search that culminated in his capture in the woods near his home.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564430219299.png" alt="Rep. Emanuel Cleaver " />
 <figcaption>Rep. Emanuel Cleaver </figcaption>
 </figure>He is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-shot-vance-boelter-cf8f26332fe0e33eb892080c4f8afad7">suspected of shooting</a>&nbsp;and killing former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their home early Saturday. He is also accused of wounding Democratic Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.The dozens of politicians included in Boelter's writings were Democrats, according to acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson. Authorities said the writings contained the names of about 45 Minnesota state and federal elected officials but have not identified them publicly.Members of Congress from at least five other Midwest states said law enforcement told them that their names were in Boelter's writings. They included U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and U.S. Reps. Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri and Nikki Budzinski of Illinois.Authorities have not provided a motive for the shootings. Manny Atwal, Boelter's lead attorney, declined to comment, saying the office just got the case.Here's how some lawmakers are reacting to the violence:<h2>US Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri</h2>“Yesterday, my office was made aware that my name appeared in the evidence collected in the case regarding the suspect in Minnesota, who is accused of murdering a state lawmaker and her husband, as well as attempting to murder another lawmaker and his wife," Cleaver’s office said in a statement. “While I am relieved that the suspect has been apprehended, my office is coordinating with local law enforcement to ensure my family, my staff, and I remain safe and secure. However, I will not allow this kind of political violence to prevent me from continuing my work on behalf of the Missourians in the Fifth Congressional District.”<h2>Minnesota state Rep. Esther Agbaje</h2>Agbaje spent the weekend with friends and family after learning that her name was on Boelter’s list and said she is still trying to make sense of the violence.Since his arrest, the lawmaker, whose district includes portions of northern and downtown Minneapolis, has returned home. She said she now feels “more committed than ever” to her work as a legislator.“We cannot allow people to divide us and then use violence to keep up those divisions,” she said.<h2>U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, Michigan</h2>A day after Dingell learned her name was included in Boelter's writing, she held a town hall Monday in a high school auditorium in Dexter.“We cannot let terror terrorize us," she told the audience, who cheered.Dingell, who represents the Ann Arbor area, said some people wanted her to cancel the event.After the town hall, she reflected on her habit of going out in public without her staff because she always wants people to be able to talk with her. After the shooting, law enforcement officers have told her to be more careful.“We can’t let elected officials be cut off," she said. "We can’t let elected officials become afraid.”“Look, I’m going to keep fighting for the people that I represent. I’m going to keep being a voice for those that want me to make sure their voice is heard at the table," she added.<h2>Minnesota state Sen. Ann Rest</h2>Rest, who represents New Hope in Hennepin County, said she was made aware that the suspect had been parked near her home early Saturday. She said in a statement Monday that the “quick action” of law enforcement officers saved her life.While she was grateful for the suspect’s apprehension, she noted in the statement that she was grieving the loss of the Hortmans and praying for the Hoffmans’ recovery.<h2>U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, Michigan</h2>Scholten, who represents Grand Rapids, said she was postponing a Monday town hall after learning she was a potential target.“Out of an abundance of caution and to not divert additional law enforcement resources away from protecting the broader public at this time, this is the responsible choice,” Scholten said in a statement.<h2>U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, Ohio</h2>Kaptur’s office said in a statement that her name was included in Boelter’s writing but that it will not get in the way of her work “to make life better for families across Northwest Ohio.”“Uplifting those who she has the honor to serve has been her sole focus every single day she has served and nothing will deter her from doing so now,” the statement said.<h2>Minnesota state Rep. Alex Falconer</h2>Falconer, whose district includes a portion of the Twin Cities, said he woke up Saturday while on vacation with his wife and kids to a flurry of text messages about the shootings. The police chief then called to warn him about a list of targets.Falconer said he later learned he wasn’t on the list, but his family decided to stay away until the suspect was in custody. The police chief increased patrols in his neighborhood and stationed a police car outside of his house, he said.While the question of whether to stay in politics was top of mind for him this weekend, Falconer said, “They win if we quit.”Falconer and his Democratic colleagues in the Minnesota House gathered at the Capitol on Monday to seek comfort in one another and share stories of Hortman, Falconer said. It was the first time they could meet since the shooting because they had been told by law enforcement to not leave their homes while the suspect remained at-large, he said.___

KC area Congressman included on list linked to accused MN shooter

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop in rural Shawnee County.

Just after 2a.m. June 15, , a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a silver 2004 Honda Odyssey near SW 6th Avenue and SW Clay Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation the deputy found illegal narcotics.

Misty L. Maspero, 36, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections (SNDOC) on requested charges: of Distribution of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body,&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlawful acts; vehicle registration violations and&nbsp;Vehicle liability insurance. Maspero also had a felony warrant out of Nebraska for her arrest.

Latrice N. Johnson, 35, was arrested and booked on requested charges: of Distribution of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body. Johnson also had Topeka bench warrants.&nbsp;

Frank E. Holloway III, 37, was arrested and booked on requested charges: of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body and transporting an open container of liquor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750192912327.png" alt="Johnson-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop in rural Shawnee County.Just after 2a.m. June 15, , a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a silver 2004 Honda Odyssey near SW 6th Avenue and SW Clay Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation the deputy found illegal narcotics.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750192892376.png" alt="Maspero photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Maspero photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Misty L. Maspero, 36, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections (SNDOC) on requested charges: of Distribution of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body,&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlawful acts; vehicle registration violations and&nbsp;Vehicle liability insurance. Maspero also had a felony warrant out of Nebraska for her arrest.Latrice N. Johnson, 35, was arrested and booked on requested charges: of Distribution of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body. Johnson also had Topeka bench warrants.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750192954525.png" alt="Holloway photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Holloway photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Frank E. Holloway III, 37, was arrested and booked on requested charges: of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body and transporting an open container of liquor.

Sheriff: 2 Kansas women were selling drugs

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Alex Padilla on Tuesday encouraged Americans to peacefully protest against President Donald Trump’s administration and said it’s “it’s time to wake up” in his first extended remarks in the Senate since he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alex-padilla-noem-immigration-protest-california-f67d220a0254473c53c16aa96f554239">forcibly removed</a>&nbsp;from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference in Los Angeles last week as he tried to speak up about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brad-lander-nyc-immigration-court-arrest-6ed341297efab31a08a14421674d8ed8">immigration raids</a>.

In emotional remarks on Tuesday, Padilla, a California Democrat, recounted the altercation, in which security forced him out of the room and onto the ground after he tried to ask Noem a question. Padilla said that even though he was accompanied by a National Guardsman and an FBI agent, “I was pushed and pulled, struggled to maintain my balance” and ended up flat on his chest on the floor.

“I was handcuffed and marched down a hallway repeatedly asking, ‘Why I am being detained?’” Padilla said as several of his colleagues from both major political parties sat in their chairs and listened. “Not once did they tell me why.”

He said he wondered in the moment if he was being arrested — he wasn’t — and, if he was, what the city and his family would think.

“What will a city already on edge from being militarized think when they see their U.S. senator being handcuffed for just trying to ask a question?” Padilla said.

In a statement afterward, the Department of Homeland Security said that Padilla “chose disrespectful political theater” and that the Secret Service “thought he was an attacker.” The statement claimed erroneously that Padilla did not identify himself — he did, as he was being pushed from the room.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749757448306.png" alt="Senator Padilla as shown in the video provided by U.S. Homeland Security" />
 <figcaption>Senator Padilla as shown in the video provided by U.S. Homeland Security</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Alex Padilla on Tuesday encouraged Americans to peacefully protest against President Donald Trump’s administration and said it’s “it’s time to wake up” in his first extended remarks in the Senate since he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alex-padilla-noem-immigration-protest-california-f67d220a0254473c53c16aa96f554239">forcibly removed</a>&nbsp;from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference in Los Angeles last week as he tried to speak up about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brad-lander-nyc-immigration-court-arrest-6ed341297efab31a08a14421674d8ed8">immigration raids</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenAlexPadilla?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenAlexPadilla</a>: &quot;How many Americans in the year 2025 see a vindictive president on a tour of retribution unrestrained by the majority of this separate and co-equal branch of government and wonder if it&#39;s worth it to stand up or to speak out.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/RhCaix3Y3q">pic.twitter.com/RhCaix3Y3q</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1935022858654089493?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In emotional remarks on Tuesday, Padilla, a California Democrat, recounted the altercation, in which security forced him out of the room and onto the ground after he tried to ask Noem a question. Padilla said that even though he was accompanied by a National Guardsman and an FBI agent, “I was pushed and pulled, struggled to maintain my balance” and ended up flat on his chest on the floor.“I was handcuffed and marched down a hallway repeatedly asking, ‘Why I am being detained?’” Padilla said as several of his colleagues from both major political parties sat in their chairs and listened. “Not once did they tell me why.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">During a news conference with DHS Secretary Noem, Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) is removed from the room by force. <a href="https://t.co/vJryoWIVHi">pic.twitter.com/vJryoWIVHi</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1933244184581873693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He said he wondered in the moment if he was being arrested — he wasn’t — and, if he was, what the city and his family would think.“What will a city already on edge from being militarized think when they see their U.S. senator being handcuffed for just trying to ask a question?” Padilla said.In a statement afterward, the Department of Homeland Security said that Padilla “chose disrespectful political theater” and that the Secret Service “thought he was an attacker.” The statement claimed erroneously that Padilla did not identify himself — he did, as he was being pushed from the room.“Padilla was told repeatedly to back away and did not comply with officers’ repeated commands,” the statement said, adding that officers acted appropriately.Padilla said he attended the press conference amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-crackdown-us-protests-049a611d47d0fc7656731e4f4c714e93">the immigration raids that have led to protests</a>&nbsp;in California and around the country and as the Republican president sent military troops to his state. He said he spoke up after he heard Noem say that they wanted to “liberate” Los Angeles from Mayor Karen Bass and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, both Democrats.“Let that fundamentally un-American mission statement sink in,” Padilla said.Padilla and his angry Democratic colleagues have framed the episode as intimidation by the Trump administration, especially as it came days after Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lamonica-mciver-assault-charge-alina-habba-immigration-7b6a5b0fc8079a9efd0606ab68e3f02d">indicted on federal charges</a>&nbsp;alleging she assaulted and interfered with immigration officers outside a detention center in New Jersey while Newark’s Democratic mayor, Ras Baraka,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-protest-ice-newark-mayor-arrested-5a2b3fefd7da563c48d2f85831cf2194">was being arrested</a>&nbsp;after he tried to join a congressional oversight visit at the facility.Padilla encouraged Americans to speak out.“No one is coming to save us but us,” Padilla said. “And we know that the cameras are not in every corner of the country. But if this administration is this afraid of just one senator with a question, colleagues, imagine what the voices of tens of millions of Americans peacefully protesting can do.”&nbsp;