WASHINGTON (AP) — Protesters against the Gaza war staged a sit-in at a congressional office building Tuesday ahead of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/netanyahu-congress-biden-israel-hamas-gaza-6d8deabff2701273ea77bf634ba1949b">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's</a>&nbsp;address to Congress, with Capitol Police making multiple arrests.

Netanyahu arrived in Washington Monday for a visit that includes meetings with President Joe Biden and a Wednesday speech before a joint session of Congress. Dozens of protesters rallied outside his hotel Monday evening, and on Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of demonstrators staged a flashmob-style protest in the Cannon Building, which houses offices of House of Representatives members.

Organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, protesters wearing red T-shirts that read “Not In Our Name” took over the building's rotunda, sitting on the floor, unfurling signs and chanting “Let Gaza Live!”

After about a half-hour of clapping and chanting, officers from the U.S. Capitol Police issued several warnings, then began arresting protesters — binding their hands with zip ties and leading them away one-by-one.

“I am the daughter of Holocaust survivors and I know what a Holocaust looks like,” said Jane Hirschmann, a native of Saugerties, New York, who drove down for the protest along with her two daughters — both of whom were arrested. “When we say ‘Never Again,’ we mean never for anybody.”

The demonstrators focused much of their ire on the Biden administration, demanding that the president immediately cease all arms shipments to Israel.

“We’re not focusing on Netanyahu. He’s just a symptom,” Hirschmann said. “But how can (Biden) be calling for a cease-fire when he’s sending them bombs and planes?”

As of 8 p.m. Tuesday night, the Capitol Police said they did not have a final tally of the number of people arrested. But JVP claimed in a statement that 400 people, "including over a dozen rabbis," had been arrested.

Mitchell Rivard, chief of staff for Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., said in a statement that his office called for Capitol Police intervention after the demonstrators “became disruptive, violently beating on the office doors, shouting loudly, and attempting to force entry into the office.”

Kildee later told The Associated Press that he was confused why his office was targeted, saying he had voted against a massive supplemental military aid package to Israel earlier this year.

Netanyahu's American visit has touched off a wave of protest activity, with some demonstrations condemning Israel and others expressing support but pressuring Netanyahu to strike a cease-fire deal and bring home the hostages still being held by Hamas.

Families of some of the remaining hostages held a protest vigil Tuesday evening on the National Mall, demanding that Netanyahu come to terms with Hamas and bring home the approximately 120 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza. About 150 people wearing yellow shirts that read “Seal the Deal NOW!” chanted “Bring Them Home” and listened to testimonials from relatives and former hostages. The demonstrators applauded when Biden's name was mentioned, but several criticized Netanyahu — known by his nickname “Bibi” — on the belief that he was dragging his feet or playing hardball on a proposed cease-fire deal that would return all of the hostages.

“I'm begging Bibi. There's a deal on the table and you have to take it,” said Aviva Siegel, 63, who spent 51 days in captivity and whose husband, Keith, remains a hostage. “I want Bibi to look in my eyes and tell me one thing: that Keith is coming home.”

Multiple protests are planned for Wednesday, when Netanyahu is slated to address Congress. In anticipation, police have significantly boosted security around the Capitol building and closed multiple roads for most of the week.

Biden and Netanyahu are expected to meet Thursday, according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the White House announcement. Vice President Kamala Harris will also meet with Netanyahu separately that day.

Harris, as Senate president, would normally sit behind foreign leaders addressing Congress, but she’ll be away Wednesday, on an Indianapolis trip scheduled before Biden withdrew his reelection bid and she became the likely Democratic presidential candidate over the weekend.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he would meet with Netanyahu on Friday.

Netanyahu arrived in Washington Monday for a several-day visit that includes meetings with President Joe Biden and a Wednesday speech before a joint session of Congress. Dozens of protesters rallied outside his hotel Monday evening, and on Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of demonstrators took over the rotunda of the Cannon Building, which houses offices of House of Representatives members.

Organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, protesters wearing identical red T-shirts that read “Not In Our Name” took over the Rotunda of the Cannon Building, chanting “Let Gaza Live!”

After about a half-hour of clapping and chanting, officers from the U.S. Capitol Police issued several warnings, then began arresting protesters — binding their hands with zip ties and leading them away one by one.

It wasn't immediately clear how many protesters had been arrested.

Families of some of the remaining hostages were planning a protest vigil Tuesday night on the National Mall. And multiple overlapping protests are planned for Wednesday, when Netanyahu is slated to address Congress. In anticipation, police have significantly boosted security around the Capitol building and closed multiple roads for the entire week.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Protesters against the Gaza war staged a sit-in at a congressional office building Tuesday ahead of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/netanyahu-congress-biden-israel-hamas-gaza-6d8deabff2701273ea77bf634ba1949b">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's</a>&nbsp;address to Congress, with Capitol Police making multiple arrests.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pro-Hamas insurrectionists have infiltrated the Cannon House Office Building once again. 10-20K expected tomorrow. Why are these people not being prosecuted the same way J6 protestors have been? <a href="https://t.co/eU02OIr5sk">pic.twitter.com/eU02OIr5sk</a>&mdash; Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMTG/status/1815833819762868606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Netanyahu arrived in Washington Monday for a visit that includes meetings with President Joe Biden and a Wednesday speech before a joint session of Congress. Dozens of protesters rallied outside his hotel Monday evening, and on Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of demonstrators staged a flashmob-style protest in the Cannon Building, which houses offices of House of Representatives members.Organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, protesters wearing red T-shirts that read “Not In Our Name” took over the building's rotunda, sitting on the floor, unfurling signs and chanting “Let Gaza Live!”After about a half-hour of clapping and chanting, officers from the U.S. Capitol Police issued several warnings, then began arresting protesters — binding their hands with zip ties and leading them away one-by-one.“I am the daughter of Holocaust survivors and I know what a Holocaust looks like,” said Jane Hirschmann, a native of Saugerties, New York, who drove down for the protest along with her two daughters — both of whom were arrested. “When we say ‘Never Again,’ we mean never for anybody.”The demonstrators focused much of their ire on the Biden administration, demanding that the president immediately cease all arms shipments to Israel.“We’re not focusing on Netanyahu. He’s just a symptom,” Hirschmann said. “But how can (Biden) be calling for a cease-fire when he’s sending them bombs and planes?”As of 8 p.m. Tuesday night, the Capitol Police said they did not have a final tally of the number of people arrested. But JVP claimed in a statement that 400 people, "including over a dozen rabbis," had been arrested.Mitchell Rivard, chief of staff for Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., said in a statement that his office called for Capitol Police intervention after the demonstrators “became disruptive, violently beating on the office doors, shouting loudly, and attempting to force entry into the office.”Kildee later told The Associated Press that he was confused why his office was targeted, saying he had voted against a massive supplemental military aid package to Israel earlier this year.Netanyahu's American visit has touched off a wave of protest activity, with some demonstrations condemning Israel and others expressing support but pressuring Netanyahu to strike a cease-fire deal and bring home the hostages still being held by Hamas.Families of some of the remaining hostages held a protest vigil Tuesday evening on the National Mall, demanding that Netanyahu come to terms with Hamas and bring home the approximately 120 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza. About 150 people wearing yellow shirts that read “Seal the Deal NOW!” chanted “Bring Them Home” and listened to testimonials from relatives and former hostages. The demonstrators applauded when Biden's name was mentioned, but several criticized Netanyahu — known by his nickname “Bibi” — on the belief that he was dragging his feet or playing hardball on a proposed cease-fire deal that would return all of the hostages.“I'm begging Bibi. There's a deal on the table and you have to take it,” said Aviva Siegel, 63, who spent 51 days in captivity and whose husband, Keith, remains a hostage. “I want Bibi to look in my eyes and tell me one thing: that Keith is coming home.”Multiple protests are planned for Wednesday, when Netanyahu is slated to address Congress. In anticipation, police have significantly boosted security around the Capitol building and closed multiple roads for most of the week.Biden and Netanyahu are expected to meet Thursday, according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the White House announcement. Vice President Kamala Harris will also meet with Netanyahu separately that day.Harris, as Senate president, would normally sit behind foreign leaders addressing Congress, but she’ll be away Wednesday, on an Indianapolis trip scheduled before Biden withdrew his reelection bid and she became the likely Democratic presidential candidate over the weekend.Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he would meet with Netanyahu on Friday.___WASHINGTON (AP) — Protesters against the Gaza war staged a sit-in at a congressional office building Tuesday ahead of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/netanyahu-congress-biden-israel-hamas-gaza-6d8deabff2701273ea77bf634ba1949b">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's</a>&nbsp;address to Congress, with Capitol Police making multiple arrests.Netanyahu arrived in Washington Monday for a several-day visit that includes meetings with President Joe Biden and a Wednesday speech before a joint session of Congress. Dozens of protesters rallied outside his hotel Monday evening, and on Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of demonstrators took over the rotunda of the Cannon Building, which houses offices of House of Representatives members.Organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, protesters wearing identical red T-shirts that read “Not In Our Name” took over the Rotunda of the Cannon Building, chanting “Let Gaza Live!”After about a half-hour of clapping and chanting, officers from the U.S. Capitol Police issued several warnings, then began arresting protesters — binding their hands with zip ties and leading them away one by one.“I am the daughter of Holocaust survivors and I know what a Holocaust looks like,” said Jane Hirschmann, a native of Saugerties, New York, who drove down for the protest along with her two daughters — both of whom were arrested. “When we say ‘Never Again,’ we mean never for anybody.”The demonstrators focused much of their ire on the Biden administration, demanding that the president immediately cease all arms shipments to Israel.“We’re not focusing on Netanyahu. He’s just a symptom,” Hirschmann said. “But how can (Biden) be calling for a cease-fire when he’s sending them bombs and planes?”It wasn't immediately clear how many protesters had been arrested.Mitchell Rivard, chief of staff for Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., said in a statement that his office called for Capitol Police intervention after the demonstrators “became disruptive, violently beating on the office doors, shouting loudly, and attempting to force entry into the office.”Netanyahu's American visit has touched off a wave of protest activity, with some demonstrations condemning Israel and others expressing support but pressuring Netanyahu to strike a cease-fire deal and bring home the hostages still being held by Hamas.Families of some of the remaining hostages were planning a protest vigil Tuesday night on the National Mall. And multiple overlapping protests are planned for Wednesday, when Netanyahu is slated to address Congress. In anticipation, police have significantly boosted security around the Capitol building and closed multiple roads for the entire week.Biden and Netanyahu are expected to meet Thursday, according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the White House announcement. Vice President Kamala Harris will also meet with Netanyahu separately that day.Harris, as Senate president, would normally sit behind foreign leaders addressing Congress, but she’ll be away Wednesday, on an Indianapolis trip scheduled before Biden withdrew his reelection bid and she became the likely Democratic presidential candidate over the weekend.Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he would meet with Netanyahu on Friday.___

Mass protest on Capitol Hill against Netanyahu visit, US military aid to Israel

West Yellowstone, Montana —Tourists enjoying Yellowstone National Park were forced to run for cover when the was a massive geyser explosion.

&nbsp;Just before 10:30a.m. Tuesday, a localized&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/yvo/news/hydrothermal-explosions-yellowstone-national-park" target="_blank">hydrothermal explosion</a>&nbsp;occurred near Sapphire Pool in Biscuit Basin, located just north of Old Faithful, according to the National Park Service.

No injuries were reported and the extent of damage is unknown at this time.&nbsp;

Biscuit Basin including the parking lot and boardwalks, are temporarily closed for safety reasons. The Grand Loop Road remains open.&nbsp; Park staff and staff from USGS will monitor conditions and reopen the area once deemed safe.&nbsp;

No&nbsp;other monitoring data show changes in the Yellowstone region. Tthe explosion does not reflect a change in the volcanic system, which remains at normal background levels of activity. The park service indicated this is an&nbsp;evolving incident, and additional details will be shared as more facts are known.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721765630612.png" alt="Photo National Park Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo National Park Service</figcaption>
 </figure>West Yellowstone, Montana —Tourists enjoying Yellowstone National Park were forced to run for cover when the was a massive geyser explosion.&nbsp;Just before 10:30a.m. Tuesday, a localized&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/yvo/news/hydrothermal-explosions-yellowstone-national-park" target="_blank">hydrothermal explosion</a>&nbsp;occurred near Sapphire Pool in Biscuit Basin, located just north of Old Faithful, according to the National Park Service.No injuries were reported and the extent of damage is unknown at this time.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721766258883.png" alt="Photo National Park Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo National Park Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Biscuit Basin including the parking lot and boardwalks, are temporarily closed for safety reasons. The Grand Loop Road remains open.&nbsp; Park staff and staff from USGS will monitor conditions and reopen the area once deemed safe.&nbsp;No&nbsp;other monitoring data show changes in the Yellowstone region. Tthe explosion does not reflect a change in the volcanic system, which remains at normal background levels of activity. The park service indicated this is an&nbsp;evolving incident, and additional details will be shared as more facts are known.

Geyser explosion closes portion of Yellowstone National Park

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have placed an 11-month-old girl into Police Protective Custody after she was found in the canal near the area of Mt. Vernon and Interstate 135.

Just after 1p.m. Tueday, police were dispatched to conduct a welfare check in the vicinity of Interstate 135 and Pawnee in Wichita after receiving a report of a child in the canal, according to Officer Kristopher Gupilan.

Upon arrival, officers, with the assistance of the Wichita Fire Department, located the child within the canal. She was safely extracted from the canal and transported to a local hospital for precautionary medical evaluation. At present, the child is under police protective custody.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding how the child ended up in the canal is ongoing.

It is believed that Vincent James Perez may have information pertinent to the investigation. Authorities are seeking assistance in locating him for questioning. Additionally, Vincent has an outstanding warrant through the Kansas Department of Corrections. He has previous convictions for theft, aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, criminal possession of a weapon and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to call 911 or contact Detectives at 316- 268-4407. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call Crime Stoppers at 267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721779759758.png" alt="&nbsp;Police believe Vincent James Perez may have information pertinent to the investigation involving the child in the canal." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Police believe Vincent James Perez may have information pertinent to the investigation involving the child in the canal.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have placed an 11-month-old girl into Police Protective Custody after she was found in the canal near the area of Mt. Vernon and Interstate 135.Just after 1p.m. Tueday, police were dispatched to conduct a welfare check in the vicinity of Interstate 135 and Pawnee in Wichita after receiving a report of a child in the canal, according to Officer Kristopher Gupilan.Upon arrival, officers, with the assistance of the Wichita Fire Department, located the child within the canal. She was safely extracted from the canal and transported to a local hospital for precautionary medical evaluation. At present, the child is under police protective custody.The investigation into the circumstances surrounding how the child ended up in the canal is ongoing.It is believed that Vincent James Perez may have information pertinent to the investigation. Authorities are seeking assistance in locating him for questioning. Additionally, Vincent has an outstanding warrant through the Kansas Department of Corrections. He has previous convictions for theft, aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, criminal possession of a weapon and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to call 911 or contact Detectives at 316- 268-4407. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call Crime Stoppers at 267-2111.

Police search for Kan. suspect after baby pulled from canal

WEST ALLIS, Wisconsin (AP) — A roaring crowd of battleground state voters greeted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-biden-presidential-candidate-election-withdraw-9fbd153493cb3f088994854fe61a73e9">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;Tuesday as she opened her Democratic political case against Republican former President Donald Trump.

In the November election, she said, “it’s a choice between freedom and chaos.”

“In this campaign, I promise you, I will proudly put my record against his any day of the week,” Harris said. “We believe in a future where every person has the opportunity not just to get by, but to get ahead.”

Harris arrived in the Milwaukee area having locked up nomination support from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/election-results-2024/ap-dnc-delegate-survey/">Democratic delegates</a>&nbsp;after President Joe Biden dropped his reelection bid on Sunday. It was her first campaign rally since she launched her campaign just two days ago with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">Biden’s endorsement</a>.

The event reflected a vibrancy that had been lacking among Democrats in recent weeks, adding to the evidence along with $100 million in donations since Sunday afternoon, that Harris looks to project a sense of steady confidence about the November election. The vice president has also scored the backing of Democratic officials and political groups, including congressional leaders Charles Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries.

By stopping in Wisconsin, Harris was going to one of the “blue wall” states along with Michigan and Pennsylvania that Democrats see as essential for securing a presidential victory.

The visit comes a week after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/republican-national-convention">the Republican National Convention</a>&nbsp;wrapped up in the city and as Harris works to sharpen her message against the GOP nominee with just over 100 days until Election Day.

Harris’ trip to the state was a sharp contrast to Biden’s July 6 visit when he was trying to reassure Democrats who were wary after his troubling performance in the June 27 debate against Donald Trump. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who is up for reelection this year, skipped the Biden event, but she spoke before Harris on Tuesday.

Harris is leaning into her resume as a former district attorney and California attorney general, seeking to draw a contrast with Trump who is the first former president to be convicted of felony crimes.

“She’s prepared to meet this moment because she was professionally trained to prosecute a criminal, and unfortunately that’s who the Republicans have put forward,” said Sen. Laphonza Butler, D-Calif.

“I took on perpetrators of all kinds. Predators who abused women. Fraudsters who ripped off consumers. Cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain. So hear me when I say, I know Donald Trump’s type,” she said.

Harris also cast her campaign as “people first,” again aiming to draw a contrast with Trump who she said represented special interests and corporations.

She also portrayed her rival’s policies as being antiquated and backward looking. “We are not going back,′ she said. “And I’ll tell you why we are not going back. Ours is a fight for the future.” That echoed Barack Obama who frequently deployed the refrain during his 2012 reelection fight to argue against Republican ideas.

Harris’ swift ascent over the past few days has required her to vet possible running mates, a process being led by Eric Holder, who was attorney general during Barack Obama’s presidency. But her key impact so far has been galvanizing Democrats.

Before the Tuesday speech, Diane Walter, 68, of South Milwaukee said she’s thrilled that Harris is the candidate.

“I’ve been a Democrat my whole life,” Walter said. “She’s energizing the party again.”

Tevin Humphrey, 21, came with his mother Myeesha Johnson, 41, and described the vice president as “a great figure to look up to.”

“She’s a better representative of the diversity we’re looking for,” he said.

Trump and his campaign have quickly turned most of their focus on Harris and have asserted that they were prepared for the change and it did not alter their plans.

The former president has nicknamed the vice president “Lyin’ Kamala Harris,” accused her of not being tough enough on crime as a prosecutor and sought to bind her to the administration’s policies on the border as he seeks to make immigration a focus of his campaign.

But there are signs that Trump seems to be unhappy about facing the younger vice president rather than making his case against the aging president. Twice since Biden dropped out, Trump has said the planned second presidential debate should not be hosted by ABC News and suggested it be moved to Fox News, which has a perception of being friendlier to him.

Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, said he was unimpressed by Trump’s attacks, telling reporters Tuesday, “That’s all he’s got?”

In addition to Baldwin, Harris was to be joined by major elected officials in Wisconsin, including Gov. Tony Evers, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Attorney General Josh Kaul, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski and Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler, as well as state labor leaders.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin Republican leaders are branding Harris as an “extreme liberal” who is out of step with most voters in the swing state.

“Kamala Harris’ favorables are as bad as Joe Biden’s,” said Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Brian Schimming at a news conference ahead of the Harris event at a high school outside of Milwaukee. “So they are exchanging one bad candidate for another bad candidate in the hope that the people of this state and this country don’t notice where she actually stands on the issues.”

WEST ALLIS, Wisconsin (AP) — A roaring crowd of battleground state voters greeted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-biden-presidential-candidate-election-withdraw-9fbd153493cb3f088994854fe61a73e9">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;Tuesday as she opened her Democratic political case against Republican former President Donald Trump.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a>: &quot;The shoulders on which we stand, generations of Americans before us led the fight for freedom and now, Wisconsin, the baton is in our hands,&quot; <a href="https://t.co/1E6kaF7Pbc">pic.twitter.com/1E6kaF7Pbc</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1815848893990457703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In the November election, she said, “it’s a choice between freedom and chaos.”“In this campaign, I promise you, I will proudly put my record against his any day of the week,” Harris said. “We believe in a future where every person has the opportunity not just to get by, but to get ahead.”Harris arrived in the Milwaukee area having locked up nomination support from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/election-results-2024/ap-dnc-delegate-survey/">Democratic delegates</a>&nbsp;after President Joe Biden dropped his reelection bid on Sunday. It was her first campaign rally since she launched her campaign just two days ago with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">Biden’s endorsement</a>.The event reflected a vibrancy that had been lacking among Democrats in recent weeks, adding to the evidence along with $100 million in donations since Sunday afternoon, that Harris looks to project a sense of steady confidence about the November election. The vice president has also scored the backing of Democratic officials and political groups, including congressional leaders Charles Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries.By stopping in Wisconsin, Harris was going to one of the “blue wall” states along with Michigan and Pennsylvania that Democrats see as essential for securing a presidential victory.The visit comes a week after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/republican-national-convention">the Republican National Convention</a>&nbsp;wrapped up in the city and as Harris works to sharpen her message against the GOP nominee with just over 100 days until Election Day.Harris’ trip to the state was a sharp contrast to Biden’s July 6 visit when he was trying to reassure Democrats who were wary after his troubling performance in the June 27 debate against Donald Trump. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who is up for reelection this year, skipped the Biden event, but she spoke before Harris on Tuesday.Harris is leaning into her resume as a former district attorney and California attorney general, seeking to draw a contrast with Trump who is the first former president to be convicted of felony crimes.“She’s prepared to meet this moment because she was professionally trained to prosecute a criminal, and unfortunately that’s who the Republicans have put forward,” said Sen. Laphonza Butler, D-Calif.“I took on perpetrators of all kinds. Predators who abused women. Fraudsters who ripped off consumers. Cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain. So hear me when I say, I know Donald Trump’s type,” she said.Harris also cast her campaign as “people first,” again aiming to draw a contrast with Trump who she said represented special interests and corporations.She also portrayed her rival’s policies as being antiquated and backward looking. “We are not going back,′ she said. “And I’ll tell you why we are not going back. Ours is a fight for the future.” That echoed Barack Obama who frequently deployed the refrain during his 2012 reelection fight to argue against Republican ideas.Harris’ swift ascent over the past few days has required her to vet possible running mates, a process being led by Eric Holder, who was attorney general during Barack Obama’s presidency. But her key impact so far has been galvanizing Democrats.Before the Tuesday speech, Diane Walter, 68, of South Milwaukee said she’s thrilled that Harris is the candidate.“I’ve been a Democrat my whole life,” Walter said. “She’s energizing the party again.”Tevin Humphrey, 21, came with his mother Myeesha Johnson, 41, and described the vice president as “a great figure to look up to.”“She’s a better representative of the diversity we’re looking for,” he said.Trump and his campaign have quickly turned most of their focus on Harris and have asserted that they were prepared for the change and it did not alter their plans.The former president has nicknamed the vice president “Lyin’ Kamala Harris,” accused her of not being tough enough on crime as a prosecutor and sought to bind her to the administration’s policies on the border as he seeks to make immigration a focus of his campaign.But there are signs that Trump seems to be unhappy about facing the younger vice president rather than making his case against the aging president. Twice since Biden dropped out, Trump has said the planned second presidential debate should not be hosted by ABC News and suggested it be moved to Fox News, which has a perception of being friendlier to him.Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, said he was unimpressed by Trump’s attacks, telling reporters Tuesday, “That’s all he’s got?”In addition to Baldwin, Harris was to be joined by major elected officials in Wisconsin, including Gov. Tony Evers, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Attorney General Josh Kaul, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski and Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler, as well as state labor leaders.Meanwhile, Wisconsin Republican leaders are branding Harris as an “extreme liberal” who is out of step with most voters in the swing state.“Kamala Harris’ favorables are as bad as Joe Biden’s,” said Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Brian Schimming at a news conference ahead of the Harris event at a high school outside of Milwaukee. “So they are exchanging one bad candidate for another bad candidate in the hope that the people of this state and this country don’t notice where she actually stands on the issues.”——

🎥Kamala Harris kicks off campaign for president with rally in Wisconsin

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Police are investigating a bank robbery and askig for help to identify a suspect

Just before 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, police responded to a reported robbery at US Bank, 719 S Kansas Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release. It was reported that a man entered the bank, indicated he had a weapon, demanded money and then fled on foot. Police were on scene and are working with federal partners to investigate the incident. No injuries have been reported.

The suspect was seen with light-colored facial hair, wearing a multi-color ball cap backwards, a red football jersey with the number “7” on it, red athletic shorts and brown boots. Anyone with information is encouraged to report it to law enforcement by calling 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721756613203.png" alt="Photos Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Police are investigating a bank robbery and askig for help to identify a suspectJust before 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, police responded to a reported robbery at US Bank, 719 S Kansas Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release. It was reported that a man entered the bank, indicated he had a weapon, demanded money and then fled on foot. Police were on scene and are working with federal partners to investigate the incident. No injuries have been reported.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721756581031.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect was seen with light-colored facial hair, wearing a multi-color ball cap backwards, a red football jersey with the number “7” on it, red athletic shorts and brown boots. Anyone with information is encouraged to report it to law enforcement by calling 911.

Police ask for help to ID Kansas bank robbery suspect

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez is resigning from office Aug. 20 following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/menendez-bribery-trial-jury-deliberations-bab89b99a77fc6ce95531c88ab26cc4d">his conviction for taking bribes</a>&nbsp;for corrupt acts including acting as an agent of the Egyptian government, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Menendez had insisted after the July 16 verdict that he was innocent and promised to appeal. The person who told the AP about Menendez's resignation did so on the condition of anonymity because the New Jersey Democrat’s decision hadn’t been made public. Menendez’s attorney hasn’t returned messages seeking comment.

The resignation gives New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, the ability to appoint someone to the senate for the remainder of Menendez's term, which expires on Jan. 3. The seat was already up for election on Nov. 5. Democrats have nominated U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, who's in strong position in the Democratic-leaning state. He faces Republican Curtis Bashaw.

Menendez, 70, was convicted of charges that he sold the power of his office to three New Jersey businessmen who sought a variety of favors. Prosecutors said Menendez used his influence to meddle in three different state and federal criminal investigations to protect his associates. They said he helped one bribe-paying friend get a multimillion-dollar deal with a Qatari investment fund and another keep a contract to provide religious certification for meat bound for Egypt.

He was also convicted of taking actions that benefited Egypt's government in exchange for bribes, including providing details on personnel at the U.S. embassy in Cairo, ghostwriting a letter to fellow senators regarding lifting a hold on military aid to Egypt. FBI agents found stacks of gold bars and $480,000 in cash hidden in Menendez's house.

After his conviction, Menendez denied all of those allegations, saying “I have never been anything but a patriot of my country and for my country. I have never, ever been a foreign agent.”

But numerous fellow Democrats had urged him to resign, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Murphy had urged the Senate to expel Menendez if he didn't quit. Only 15 senators have ever been expelled. Sen. William Blount, of Tennessee, was ousted in 1797 for treason. The other 14 were expelled in 1861 and 1862 for supporting Confederates during the Civil War.

Menendez faces the possibility of decades in prison. A judge scheduled his sentencing on Oct. 29, a week before the election.

His resignation bookends a career spent in politics that started with him getting elected to his local school board just a couple of years after high school graduation. He's held office at every level in his home state and had vowed to run as an independent in November for a fourth term.

The son of Cuban immigrants and an attorney by training, Menendez was a Union City, New Jersey, school board member at age 20 — before graduating from law school — and later became the mayor of the city, where he still has deep connections.

His own biography says he wanted to fight corruption early in his political career, testifying against Union City officials and building a reputation as tough. From there, he was elected to the state Assembly, then the state Senate before heading to the U.S. House.

He was appointed to be a U.S. senator in 2006 when the seat opened up after incumbent Jon Corzine became governor. He was elected outright in 2006 and again in 2012 and 2018. He served as chair of the influential Senate Foreign Relations Committee beginning in 2013.

Menendez' political career looked like it might be over in 2015, when he was indicted in New Jersey on charges that he had accepted bribes of luxury overseas vacations, private jet travel and campaign contributions from a wealthy Florida eye doctor, Salomon Melgen.

In return, prosecutors said Menendez pressured government officials on Melgen’s behalf over an $8.9 million Medicare billing dispute and a stalled contract to provide port screening equipment in the Dominican Republic. They said he also helped obtain U.S. visas for the doctor’s girlfriends.

The defense argued that the gifts were not bribes but tokens of friendship between two men who were “like brothers.”

A jury couldn’t reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial in 2017. U.S. prosecutors didn't seek a retrial.

New Jersey voters then returned Menendez to the Senate for another term. Melgen was convicted in a separate fraud trial, but his 17-year prison sentence was later commuted by then-President Donald Trump.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721761901477.png" alt="Senator Bob Menendez&nbsp; spoke after the guilty verdict in his federal corruption trial last week" />
 <figcaption>Senator Bob Menendez&nbsp; spoke after the guilty verdict in his federal corruption trial last week</figcaption>
 </figure>TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez is resigning from office Aug. 20 following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/menendez-bribery-trial-jury-deliberations-bab89b99a77fc6ce95531c88ab26cc4d">his conviction for taking bribes</a>&nbsp;for corrupt acts including acting as an agent of the Egyptian government, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Tuesday.Menendez had insisted after the July 16 verdict that he was innocent and promised to appeal. The person who told the AP about Menendez's resignation did so on the condition of anonymity because the New Jersey Democrat’s decision hadn’t been made public. Menendez’s attorney hasn’t returned messages seeking comment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721150824503.png" alt="One of the gold bars found at Menendez's house during a law enforcement search-photo. US District Court Southern District of New York" />
 <figcaption>One of the gold bars found at Menendez's house during a law enforcement search-photo. US District Court Southern District of New York</figcaption>
 </figure>The resignation gives New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, the ability to appoint someone to the senate for the remainder of Menendez's term, which expires on Jan. 3. The seat was already up for election on Nov. 5. Democrats have nominated U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, who's in strong position in the Democratic-leaning state. He faces Republican Curtis Bashaw.Menendez, 70, was convicted of charges that he sold the power of his office to three New Jersey businessmen who sought a variety of favors. Prosecutors said Menendez used his influence to meddle in three different state and federal criminal investigations to protect his associates. They said he helped one bribe-paying friend get a multimillion-dollar deal with a Qatari investment fund and another keep a contract to provide religious certification for meat bound for Egypt.He was also convicted of taking actions that benefited Egypt's government in exchange for bribes, including providing details on personnel at the U.S. embassy in Cairo, ghostwriting a letter to fellow senators regarding lifting a hold on military aid to Egypt. FBI agents found stacks of gold bars and $480,000 in cash hidden in Menendez's house.After his conviction, Menendez denied all of those allegations, saying “I have never been anything but a patriot of my country and for my country. I have never, ever been a foreign agent.”But numerous fellow Democrats had urged him to resign, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Murphy had urged the Senate to expel Menendez if he didn't quit. Only 15 senators have ever been expelled. Sen. William Blount, of Tennessee, was ousted in 1797 for treason. The other 14 were expelled in 1861 and 1862 for supporting Confederates during the Civil War.Menendez faces the possibility of decades in prison. A judge scheduled his sentencing on Oct. 29, a week before the election.His resignation bookends a career spent in politics that started with him getting elected to his local school board just a couple of years after high school graduation. He's held office at every level in his home state and had vowed to run as an independent in November for a fourth term.The son of Cuban immigrants and an attorney by training, Menendez was a Union City, New Jersey, school board member at age 20 — before graduating from law school — and later became the mayor of the city, where he still has deep connections.His own biography says he wanted to fight corruption early in his political career, testifying against Union City officials and building a reputation as tough. From there, he was elected to the state Assembly, then the state Senate before heading to the U.S. House.He was appointed to be a U.S. senator in 2006 when the seat opened up after incumbent Jon Corzine became governor. He was elected outright in 2006 and again in 2012 and 2018. He served as chair of the influential Senate Foreign Relations Committee beginning in 2013.Menendez' political career looked like it might be over in 2015, when he was indicted in New Jersey on charges that he had accepted bribes of luxury overseas vacations, private jet travel and campaign contributions from a wealthy Florida eye doctor, Salomon Melgen.In return, prosecutors said Menendez pressured government officials on Melgen’s behalf over an $8.9 million Medicare billing dispute and a stalled contract to provide port screening equipment in the Dominican Republic. They said he also helped obtain U.S. visas for the doctor’s girlfriends.The defense argued that the gifts were not bribes but tokens of friendship between two men who were “like brothers.”A jury couldn’t reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial in 2017. U.S. prosecutors didn't seek a retrial.New Jersey voters then returned Menendez to the Senate for another term. Melgen was convicted in a separate fraud trial, but his 17-year prison sentence was later commuted by then-President Donald Trump.

US Senator who took bribes paid in gold resigns from office

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa judge has ruled the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-abortion-ban-signing-lawsuit-a93ee0bfd11e5ff40d3c8d815f846c5c">strict abortion law</a>&nbsp;will take effect Monday, preventing most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy, before many women know they are pregnant.

The law passed last year, but a judge had blocked it from being enforced. The Iowa Supreme Court reiterated in June that there is no constitutional right to an abortion in the state and ordered the hold to be lifted. That translated into Monday's district court judge's decision ordering the law to into effect next Monday at 8:00 a.m. Central time.

Lawyers representing abortion providers asked Judge Jeffrey Farrell for notice before allowing the law to take hold, saying a buffer period was needed to provide continuity of services. Iowa requires pregnant women to wait 24 hours for an abortion after getting an initial consultation. Abortion had been legal in the state up to 20 weeks of pregnancy.

The high court’s order gave a decisive win to Iowa’s Republican leaders after years of legislative and legal battles.

Iowa will join more than a dozen states where abortion access has been sharply curbed in the two years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Currently,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/map-of-abortion-access-us">14 states</a>&nbsp;have near-total bans at all stages of pregnancy and three states — Iowa will make four — ban abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy.

Abortion access stands to be a major issue in the 2024 election, especially as Vice President Kamala Harris aims to lead the Democratic Party. Harris has said “everything is at stake” with reproductive health in November’s election and has traveled across the country to draw attention to the issue, including in Des Moines roughly a year ago after the stricter law initially passed.

Iowa’s Republican-controlled Legislature passed the law in a special session last July, and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-abortion-ban-lawsuit-eeeec320fc6453e69075da5a118bf0c8">legal challenge was immediately filed</a>&nbsp;by the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa, Planned Parenthood North Central States and the Emma Goldman Clinic. The law was in effect for just a few days before a district court judge temporarily blocked it.

“Today is a victory for life,” Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement Tuesday.

There are limited circumstances under the Iowa law that would allow for abortion after six weeks of pregnancy: rape, if reported to law enforcement or a health provider within 45 days; incest, if reported within 145 days; if the fetus has an abnormality “incompatible with life”; or if the pregnancy endangers the mother’s life.

The state’s medical board defined&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ban-iowa-d40f4875a9119387ec2053cc317803ff">standards of practice</a>&nbsp;earlier this year, though the rules do not outline how the board would determine noncompliance or what the appropriate disciplinary action might be.

Representatives from Planned Parenthood and the Emma Goldman Clinic have indicated they will continue to provide abortion services in Iowa in compliance with the law when it takes effect.

In June, Ruth Richardson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, also said the organization has spent the last year making “long-term regional investments” in preparation for this outcome, including expanding facilities in Mankato, Minnesota, and in Omaha, Nebraska, — both cities near Iowa.

Planned Parenthood in Iowa has ceased abortion services in two Iowa cities in the last year, including in Des Moines. Two of the state’s five Planned Parenthood clinics offer in-person abortion services, and three offer abortion through medication.

People in and around Des Moines seeking an abortion have been traveling about 35 miles (56 kilometers) north to Ames.

Alex Sharp, who manages the Ames facility, said conversations with patients will be difficult once the ban lifts and staff will be empathetic. There is “the sensitivity of being told you’re too far along and it’s too late now: ‘You have to, you know, leave and go somewhere else and you have to travel and you’re going to have to miss work again.’”

“A lot of people don’t know this happened,” Sharp said of the stricter law.

The facilities that provide abortions had been offering additional appointments in June ahead of the Iowa Supreme Court’s decision, and appointments throughout July have been completely booked, Sharp said.

“It’s entirely possible that they’re over six weeks, but we’ll scan them,” she said of people that have appointments scheduled for after the block is lifted.

Sarah Traxler, the Planned Parenthood region’s medical director, said a law prohibiting abortions after cardiac activity can be detected is “tricky.”

Since six weeks is approximate, Traxler said, “we don’t necessarily have plans to cut people off at a certain gestational age.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 44% of the 3,761 total abortions in Iowa in 2021 occurred at or before six weeks’ gestational age. Only six abortions were at the 21-week mark or later.

In other states with bans that kick in around six weeks into pregnancy, the number of abortions has fallen by about half.

In its 4-3 opinion last month, Iowa Supreme Court’s majority determined that abortion laws in Iowa are to be judged by whether the government has a legitimate interest in restricting the procedure, rather than whether there is too heavy a burden for people seeking abortion access.

The decision was celebrated by Iowa’s conservative leaders who have advocated for decades against access to abortion. Chuck Hurley, vice president of the conservative Christian organization, The Family Leader, said “bad judges for over 51 years” allowed access to abortion in Iowa.

While Hurley celebrated the victory and the “great strides in protecting the most innocent among us,” he alluded to the work still to be done.

“Fourteen states now protect babies from the moment of conception,” he said, “and Iowa should be the 15th.”

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa judge has ruled the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-abortion-ban-signing-lawsuit-a93ee0bfd11e5ff40d3c8d815f846c5c">strict abortion law</a>&nbsp;will take effect Monday, preventing most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy, before many women know they are pregnant.The law passed last year, but a judge had blocked it from being enforced. The Iowa Supreme Court reiterated in June that there is no constitutional right to an abortion in the state and ordered the hold to be lifted. That translated into Monday's district court judge's decision ordering the law to into effect next Monday at 8:00 a.m. Central time.Lawyers representing abortion providers asked Judge Jeffrey Farrell for notice before allowing the law to take hold, saying a buffer period was needed to provide continuity of services. Iowa requires pregnant women to wait 24 hours for an abortion after getting an initial consultation. Abortion had been legal in the state up to 20 weeks of pregnancy.The high court’s order gave a decisive win to Iowa’s Republican leaders after years of legislative and legal battles.Iowa will join more than a dozen states where abortion access has been sharply curbed in the two years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Currently,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/map-of-abortion-access-us">14 states</a>&nbsp;have near-total bans at all stages of pregnancy and three states — Iowa will make four — ban abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy.Abortion access stands to be a major issue in the 2024 election, especially as Vice President Kamala Harris aims to lead the Democratic Party. Harris has said “everything is at stake” with reproductive health in November’s election and has traveled across the country to draw attention to the issue, including in Des Moines roughly a year ago after the stricter law initially passed.Iowa’s Republican-controlled Legislature passed the law in a special session last July, and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-abortion-ban-lawsuit-eeeec320fc6453e69075da5a118bf0c8">legal challenge was immediately filed</a>&nbsp;by the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa, Planned Parenthood North Central States and the Emma Goldman Clinic. The law was in effect for just a few days before a district court judge temporarily blocked it.“Today is a victory for life,” Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement Tuesday.There are limited circumstances under the Iowa law that would allow for abortion after six weeks of pregnancy: rape, if reported to law enforcement or a health provider within 45 days; incest, if reported within 145 days; if the fetus has an abnormality “incompatible with life”; or if the pregnancy endangers the mother’s life.The state’s medical board defined&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ban-iowa-d40f4875a9119387ec2053cc317803ff">standards of practice</a>&nbsp;earlier this year, though the rules do not outline how the board would determine noncompliance or what the appropriate disciplinary action might be.Representatives from Planned Parenthood and the Emma Goldman Clinic have indicated they will continue to provide abortion services in Iowa in compliance with the law when it takes effect.In June, Ruth Richardson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, also said the organization has spent the last year making “long-term regional investments” in preparation for this outcome, including expanding facilities in Mankato, Minnesota, and in Omaha, Nebraska, — both cities near Iowa.Planned Parenthood in Iowa has ceased abortion services in two Iowa cities in the last year, including in Des Moines. Two of the state’s five Planned Parenthood clinics offer in-person abortion services, and three offer abortion through medication.People in and around Des Moines seeking an abortion have been traveling about 35 miles (56 kilometers) north to Ames.Alex Sharp, who manages the Ames facility, said conversations with patients will be difficult once the ban lifts and staff will be empathetic. There is “the sensitivity of being told you’re too far along and it’s too late now: ‘You have to, you know, leave and go somewhere else and you have to travel and you’re going to have to miss work again.’”“A lot of people don’t know this happened,” Sharp said of the stricter law.The facilities that provide abortions had been offering additional appointments in June ahead of the Iowa Supreme Court’s decision, and appointments throughout July have been completely booked, Sharp said.“It’s entirely possible that they’re over six weeks, but we’ll scan them,” she said of people that have appointments scheduled for after the block is lifted.Sarah Traxler, the Planned Parenthood region’s medical director, said a law prohibiting abortions after cardiac activity can be detected is “tricky.”Since six weeks is approximate, Traxler said, “we don’t necessarily have plans to cut people off at a certain gestational age.”The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 44% of the 3,761 total abortions in Iowa in 2021 occurred at or before six weeks’ gestational age. Only six abortions were at the 21-week mark or later.In other states with bans that kick in around six weeks into pregnancy, the number of abortions has fallen by about half.In its 4-3 opinion last month, Iowa Supreme Court’s majority determined that abortion laws in Iowa are to be judged by whether the government has a legitimate interest in restricting the procedure, rather than whether there is too heavy a burden for people seeking abortion access.The decision was celebrated by Iowa’s conservative leaders who have advocated for decades against access to abortion. Chuck Hurley, vice president of the conservative Christian organization, The Family Leader, said “bad judges for over 51 years” allowed access to abortion in Iowa.While Hurley celebrated the victory and the “great strides in protecting the most innocent among us,” he alluded to the work still to be done.“Fourteen states now protect babies from the moment of conception,” he said, “and Iowa should be the 15th.”

Judge: Iowa law banning most abortions after 6 weeks of pregnancy to take effect

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

Just after 11:30p.m. July 18, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp; conducted a traffic stop on a 2004 Honda Civic on U.S. Highway 75 near 110th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

  Illegal drugs and a firearm were found during a search of the vehicle. The driver, Renee Elizabeth Rivera, 35, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges for distribution of narcotics, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal possession of a weapon and interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721681236990.png" alt="Rivera photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Rivera photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just after 11:30p.m. July 18, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp; conducted a traffic stop on a 2004 Honda Civic on U.S. Highway 75 near 110th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. Illegal drugs and a firearm were found during a search of the vehicle. The driver, Renee Elizabeth Rivera, 35, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges for distribution of narcotics, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal possession of a weapon and interference with law enforcement.

Sheriff: Kansas woman accused of selling drugs

REHOBOTH BEACH, Delaware (AP) — President Joe Biden will address the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday evening on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">his decision to drop his 2024 Democratic reelection bid</a>.

Biden posted on X that he would speak “on what lies ahead” and how he will “finish the job for the American people.” He will speak at 8 p.m. ET.

The president is scheduled to return to the White House on Tuesday after isolating at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home after being diagnosed last week with COVID-19.

Biden has not been seen publicly since July 17, but he called into a campaign meeting on Monday to address staff and express his support for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-election-president-wisconsin-democrats-012c6474b8b23960d2cf616e92989a4b">Vice President Kamala Harris’ bid</a>&nbsp;to replace him a day after announcing he would leave the race.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721330243670.png" alt="File photo President Biden prepares to board Air Force One in Las Vegas July 17- image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo President Biden prepares to board Air Force One in Las Vegas July 17- image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>REHOBOTH BEACH, Delaware (AP) — President Joe Biden will address the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday evening on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">his decision to drop his 2024 Democratic reelection bid</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tomorrow evening at 8 PM ET, I will address the nation from the Oval Office on what lies ahead, and how I will finish the job for the American people.&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1815766423056080912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden posted on X that he would speak “on what lies ahead” and how he will “finish the job for the American people.” He will speak at 8 p.m. ET.The president is scheduled to return to the White House on Tuesday after isolating at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home after being diagnosed last week with COVID-19.Biden has not been seen publicly since July 17, but he called into a campaign meeting on Monday to address staff and express his support for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-election-president-wisconsin-democrats-012c6474b8b23960d2cf616e92989a4b">Vice President Kamala Harris’ bid</a>&nbsp;to replace him a day after announcing he would leave the race.

Biden to give a White House address on decision to exit the race

WASHINGTON (AP) — The director of the Secret Service said Tuesday she is resigning following the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump that unleashed intensifying outcry about how the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/secret-service-trump-rally-4e3415b1461f5acefbc8e1fadad0375b">agency tasked with protecting current and former presidents</a>&nbsp;could fail in its core mission.

Kimberly Cheatle, who had served as Secret Service director since August 2022, had been facing growing calls to resign and several investigations into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/secret-service-trump-rally-4e3415b1461f5acefbc8e1fadad0375b">how the shooter was able to get so close</a>&nbsp;to the Republican presidential nominee at an outdoor campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

“I take full responsibility for the security lapse,” she said in an email to staff, obtained by The Associated Press. “In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to step down as your director.”

Cheatle’s departure was unlikely to end the scrutiny of the long-troubled agency after the failures of July 13, and it comes at a critical juncture ahead of the Democratic National Convention and a busy presidential campaign season. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have promised continued investigation, along with an inspector general probe and an independent and bipartisan effort launched at President Joe Biden’s behest that will keep the agency in the spotlight.

“The scrutiny over the last week has been intense and will continue to remain as our operational tempo increases,” Cheatle said in her note to staff.

Cheatle’s resignation comes a day after appeared before a congressional committee and was berated by hours by both Democrats and Republicans for the security failures. She called the attempt on Trump’s life the Secret Service’s “most significant operational failure” in decades and said she took full responsibility for the security lapses, but she angered lawmakers by failing to answer specific questions about the investigation.

At the hearing Monday, Cheatle remained defiant that she was the “right person” to lead the Secret Service, even as she said she took responsibility the security failures. When Republican Rep. Nancy Mace suggested Cheatle begin drafting her resignation letter from the hearing room, Cheatle responded, “No, thank you.”

The 20-year-old shooter,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-drone-fbi-733811e02b1e609de6a9bc35f6b8c141">Thomas Matthew Crooks</a>, was able to get within 135 meters (157 yards) of the stage where the former president was speaking when he opened fire. That’s despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-attempted-assassination-iran-threat-secret-service-87f9a1e6e74c2ac18636334e9b2e03a3">a threat on Trump’s life from Iran leading to additional security</a>&nbsp;for the former president in the days before the July 13 rally.

Cheatle acknowledged Monday that the Secret Service was told about a suspicious person two to five times before the shooting at the rally. She also revealed that the roof from which Crooks opened fire had been identified as a potential vulnerability days before the rally. But she failed to answer many questions about what happened, including why there no agents stationed on the roof.

A bloodied Trump was quickly escorted off the stage by Secret Service agents, and agency snipers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-thomas-matthew-crooks-shooter-881581c46c07025898027143fc9132e5">killed the shooter</a>. Trump said the upper part of his right ear was pierced in the shooting. One rallygoer was killed, and two others were critically wounded.

“The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on July 13th is the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades,” Cheatle told members of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. “As the Director of the United States Secret Service, I take full responsibility for any security lapse.”

Details continue to unfold&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rally-shooting-butler-police-cdfd3f4b163f7f91b05eeefe21caa45a">about signs of trouble that day</a>&nbsp;and what role both the Secret Service and local authorities played in security. The agency routinely relies on local law enforcement to secure the perimeter of events where people it is protecting appear. Former top Secret Service agents said the gunman should never have been allowed to gain access to the roof.

Two days after the shooting, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said he supported Cheatle “100%.”

But there were calls for accountability across the political spectrum, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-congress-investigation-hearing-efcf80835d37fe6a80b2260b19416b7c">congressional committees immediately moving to investigate</a>, issuing a subpoena to testify and the top Republican leaders from both the House and the Senate saying she should step down. President Joe Biden also has ordered an independent review into security at the rally and the Secret Service’s inspector general opened an investigation. The agency is also reviewing its counter sniper team’s “preparedness and operations.”

In an interview with ABC News two days after the shooting, Cheatle said she wasn’t resigning. She called the shooting “unacceptable” and something that no Secret Service agent wants to happen. She said her agency is responsible for the former president’s protection: “The buck stops with me. I am the director of the Secret Service.”

Cheatle served in the Secret Service for 27 years. She left in 2021 for a job as a security executive at PepsiCo before Biden asked her to return in 2022 to head the agency with a workforce of 7,800 special agents, uniformed officers and other staff.

She took over amid a controversy over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-united-states-government-and-politics-e5b67d9a848b76a3803e9f7e3546bb51">missing text messages</a>&nbsp;from around the time thousands of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

During her time in the agency, Cheatle was the first woman to be named assistant director of protective operations, the division that provides protection to the president and other dignitaries where she oversaw a $133.5 million budget. She is the second woman to lead the agency overall.

When&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/08/24/statement-from-president-biden-on-the-appointment-of-kimberly-cheatle-to-be-the-next-director-of-the-united-states-secret-service/">he announced her appointment</a>, Biden said Cheatle had served on his detail when he was vice president and he and his wife “came to trust her judgment and counsel.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721678298947.png" alt="Kimberly Cheatle during the hearing on Monday-photo from the Oversight Committee video" />
 <figcaption>Kimberly Cheatle during the hearing on Monday-photo from the Oversight Committee video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The director of the Secret Service said Tuesday she is resigning following the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump that unleashed intensifying outcry about how the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/secret-service-trump-rally-4e3415b1461f5acefbc8e1fadad0375b">agency tasked with protecting current and former presidents</a>&nbsp;could fail in its core mission.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Cheatle’s resignation is only step one of cleaning house. Everyone who is involved in the oversight and massive failures that left President Trump within centimeters of losing his life and killed an American hero, Corey Comperatore, should follow suit immediately. We will not…&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1815760677471973413?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kimberly Cheatle, who had served as Secret Service director since August 2022, had been facing growing calls to resign and several investigations into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/secret-service-trump-rally-4e3415b1461f5acefbc8e1fadad0375b">how the shooter was able to get so close</a>&nbsp;to the Republican presidential nominee at an outdoor campaign rally in Pennsylvania.“I take full responsibility for the security lapse,” she said in an email to staff, obtained by The Associated Press. “In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to step down as your director.”Cheatle’s departure was unlikely to end the scrutiny of the long-troubled agency after the failures of July 13, and it comes at a critical juncture ahead of the Democratic National Convention and a busy presidential campaign season. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have promised continued investigation, along with an inspector general probe and an independent and bipartisan effort launched at President Joe Biden’s behest that will keep the agency in the spotlight.“The scrutiny over the last week has been intense and will continue to remain as our operational tempo increases,” Cheatle said in her note to staff.Cheatle’s resignation comes a day after appeared before a congressional committee and was berated by hours by both Democrats and Republicans for the security failures. She called the attempt on Trump’s life the Secret Service’s “most significant operational failure” in decades and said she took full responsibility for the security lapses, but she angered lawmakers by failing to answer specific questions about the investigation.At the hearing Monday, Cheatle remained defiant that she was the “right person” to lead the Secret Service, even as she said she took responsibility the security failures. When Republican Rep. Nancy Mace suggested Cheatle begin drafting her resignation letter from the hearing room, Cheatle responded, “No, thank you.”The 20-year-old shooter,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-drone-fbi-733811e02b1e609de6a9bc35f6b8c141">Thomas Matthew Crooks</a>, was able to get within 135 meters (157 yards) of the stage where the former president was speaking when he opened fire. That’s despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-attempted-assassination-iran-threat-secret-service-87f9a1e6e74c2ac18636334e9b2e03a3">a threat on Trump’s life from Iran leading to additional security</a>&nbsp;for the former president in the days before the July 13 rally.Cheatle acknowledged Monday that the Secret Service was told about a suspicious person two to five times before the shooting at the rally. She also revealed that the roof from which Crooks opened fire had been identified as a potential vulnerability days before the rally. But she failed to answer many questions about what happened, including why there no agents stationed on the roof.A bloodied Trump was quickly escorted off the stage by Secret Service agents, and agency snipers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-thomas-matthew-crooks-shooter-881581c46c07025898027143fc9132e5">killed the shooter</a>. Trump said the upper part of his right ear was pierced in the shooting. One rallygoer was killed, and two others were critically wounded.“The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on July 13th is the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades,” Cheatle told members of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. “As the Director of the United States Secret Service, I take full responsibility for any security lapse.”Details continue to unfold&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rally-shooting-butler-police-cdfd3f4b163f7f91b05eeefe21caa45a">about signs of trouble that day</a>&nbsp;and what role both the Secret Service and local authorities played in security. The agency routinely relies on local law enforcement to secure the perimeter of events where people it is protecting appear. Former top Secret Service agents said the gunman should never have been allowed to gain access to the roof.Two days after the shooting, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said he supported Cheatle “100%.”But there were calls for accountability across the political spectrum, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-congress-investigation-hearing-efcf80835d37fe6a80b2260b19416b7c">congressional committees immediately moving to investigate</a>, issuing a subpoena to testify and the top Republican leaders from both the House and the Senate saying she should step down. President Joe Biden also has ordered an independent review into security at the rally and the Secret Service’s inspector general opened an investigation. The agency is also reviewing its counter sniper team’s “preparedness and operations.”In an interview with ABC News two days after the shooting, Cheatle said she wasn’t resigning. She called the shooting “unacceptable” and something that no Secret Service agent wants to happen. She said her agency is responsible for the former president’s protection: “The buck stops with me. I am the director of the Secret Service.”Cheatle served in the Secret Service for 27 years. She left in 2021 for a job as a security executive at PepsiCo before Biden asked her to return in 2022 to head the agency with a workforce of 7,800 special agents, uniformed officers and other staff.She took over amid a controversy over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-united-states-government-and-politics-e5b67d9a848b76a3803e9f7e3546bb51">missing text messages</a>&nbsp;from around the time thousands of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.During her time in the agency, Cheatle was the first woman to be named assistant director of protective operations, the division that provides protection to the president and other dignitaries where she oversaw a $133.5 million budget. She is the second woman to lead the agency overall.When&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/08/24/statement-from-president-biden-on-the-appointment-of-kimberly-cheatle-to-be-the-next-director-of-the-united-states-secret-service/">he announced her appointment</a>, Biden said Cheatle had served on his detail when he was vice president and he and his wife “came to trust her judgment and counsel.”

Kan. U.S. Senator responds to Secret Service director's resignation

The House GOP Oversight Committee released a statement on what they learned during the 5-h0ur hearing on Monday with U.S. Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle.&nbsp; The statement is below.

While U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle refused to answer most of the questions asked of her, here are a few things we did learn:

Nine days after an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump’s life, the director of the U.S. Secret Service does not have a comprehensive timeline of events.

She has not visited the site in Butler, PA.

The roof the shooter used was outside the perimeter the Secret Service was monitoring.

She thinks that the assassination attempt was “the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades,” yet she still believes she is the best person to lead the Secret Service.

She was more forthcoming with her TV interview appearances than our hearing and even had her opening statement“leaked” to journalists hours before the committee received a copy.

Click below to watch a replay of the hearing.

She believes this tragedy, which claimed a life, almost killed President Trump, and injured two others, was preventable.

She admits to multiple lapses in security under her leadership of the law enforcement agency.&nbsp;&nbsp;She believes there were sufficient resources given to President Trump on the day he was shot.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721658019683.png" alt="Image from House Oversight Committee video" />
 <figcaption>Image from House Oversight Committee video</figcaption>
 </figure>The House GOP Oversight Committee released a statement on what they learned during the 5-h0ur hearing on Monday with U.S. Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle.&nbsp; The statement is below.While U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle refused to answer most of the questions asked of her, here are a few things we did learn:Nine days after an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump’s life, the director of the U.S. Secret Service does not have a comprehensive timeline of events.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721678257128.png" alt="Both Republican and Democrat lawmakers asked the director to resign" />
 <figcaption>Both Republican and Democrat lawmakers asked the director to resign</figcaption>
 </figure>She has not visited the site in Butler, PA.The roof the shooter used was outside the perimeter the Secret Service was monitoring.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720913971898.png" alt="Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)" />
 <figcaption>Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)</figcaption>
 </figure>She thinks that the assassination attempt was “the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades,” yet she still believes she is the best person to lead the Secret Service.She was more forthcoming with her TV interview appearances than our hearing and even had her opening statement“leaked” to journalists hours before the committee received a copy.Click below to watch a replay of the hearing.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hyP3tKtgtnw?si=Pqhet5TaSu_xleoJ&amp;start=999" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>She believes this tragedy, which claimed a life, almost killed President Trump, and injured two others, was preventable.She admits to multiple lapses in security under her leadership of the law enforcement agency.&nbsp;&nbsp;She believes there were sufficient resources given to President Trump on the day he was shot.

What committee learned on assassination attempt from Secret Service Director

KANSAS CITY—Police are working to identify a body found in a creek recovered from a Kansas City area creek.

Just before 8p.m. Monday a Kansas City Fire Department Rescue unit returning to their station near Emanual Cleaver and Cleveland spotted what appeared to be a body in brush creek, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

The company stopped and confirmed the information and requested additional resources. KC Fire Department crews entered the water and retrieved the individual. Due to the body temperature and condition of the body, crews-initiated CPR on the victim. 

The individual was transported to St. Lukes with CPR in progress. Patient care was transferred to ER staff, who after several minutes of CPR ceased care and pronounced the individual deceased. 

The victim was an African American male approximately 40 to 50 years old with no identification. It is unknown if a medical emergency caused the individual to end up in the creek or the creek caused the medical emergency. Kansas City Police are in charge of the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721736661928.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Police are working to identify a body found in a creek recovered from a Kansas City area creek.Just before 8p.m. Monday a Kansas City Fire Department Rescue unit returning to their station near Emanual Cleaver and Cleveland spotted what appeared to be a body in brush creek, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.The company stopped and confirmed the information and requested additional resources. KC Fire Department crews entered the water and retrieved the individual. Due to the body temperature and condition of the body, crews-initiated CPR on the victim. The individual was transported to St. Lukes with CPR in progress. Patient care was transferred to ER staff, who after several minutes of CPR ceased care and pronounced the individual deceased. The victim was an African American male approximately 40 to 50 years old with no identification. It is unknown if a medical emergency caused the individual to end up in the creek or the creek caused the medical emergency. Kansas City Police are in charge of the investigation.

Man dies after pulled from Kansas City creek

WASHINGTON (AP) —Shortly after securing the support of enough Democratic delegates to become her party’s nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement that she is looking forward to formally accepting the nomination while also making her case against a second Donald Trump presidency.

“Tonight, I am proud to have secured the broad support needed to become our party’s nominee, and as a daughter of California, I am proud that my home state’s delegation helped put our campaign over the top," Harris said.

The 2024 election is about two different visions for America's future, Harris said.

“Donald Trump wants to take our country back to a time before many of us had full freedoms and equal rights," she said. "I believe in a future that strengthens our democracy, protects reproductive freedom and ensures every person has the opportunity to not just get by, but to get ahead.”

The AP is not calling Harris the new presumptive nominee because the convention delegates are still free to vote for the candidate of their choice at the convention in August or if Democrats hold a virtual roll call ahead of that gathering in Chicago.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721737749444.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Shortly after securing the support of enough Democratic delegates to become her party’s nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement that she is looking forward to formally accepting the nomination while also making her case against a second Donald Trump presidency.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721737632143.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Tonight, I am proud to have secured the broad support needed to become our party’s nominee, and as a daughter of California, I am proud that my home state’s delegation helped put our campaign over the top," Harris said.The 2024 election is about two different visions for America's future, Harris said.“Donald Trump wants to take our country back to a time before many of us had full freedoms and equal rights," she said. "I believe in a future that strengthens our democracy, protects reproductive freedom and ensures every person has the opportunity to not just get by, but to get ahead.”The AP is not calling Harris the new presumptive nominee because the convention delegates are still free to vote for the candidate of their choice at the convention in August or if Democrats hold a virtual roll call ahead of that gathering in Chicago.

Read statement from Kamala Harris on accepting the nomination soon

PHILLIPS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a murder that occurred on Valentine's Day three years ago have a suspect in custody.

On February 14, 2021, deputies were dispatched to a reported shooting in the 600 block of 7th Street in Phillipsburg, according to a media release from the Phillips County Sheriff.

 The incident resulted in the death of 43-year-old Janna Lea Constable.

Just after 5:30 p.m. Monday, the Phillips County Sheriffs Office executed an arrest warrant for 37-year-old Phillipsburg resident Kevin Lee Hadley. 

Hadley was arrested on requested charges of second degree murder, interference with a law enforcement officer and possession of a Firearm.&nbsp;He remains in custody with a $125,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721730738856.png" alt="Hadley-photo Phillips County" />
 <figcaption>Hadley-photo Phillips County</figcaption>
 </figure>PHILLIPS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a murder that occurred on Valentine's Day three years ago have a suspect in custody.On February 14, 2021, deputies were dispatched to a reported shooting in the 600 block of 7th Street in Phillipsburg, according to a media release from the Phillips County Sheriff. The incident resulted in the death of 43-year-old Janna Lea Constable.Just after 5:30 p.m. Monday, the Phillips County Sheriffs Office executed an arrest warrant for 37-year-old Phillipsburg resident Kevin Lee Hadley. Hadley was arrested on requested charges of second degree murder, interference with a law enforcement officer and possession of a Firearm.&nbsp;He remains in custody with a $125,000 bond.

NW Kan. man jailed for Valentine's Day murder in 2021

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Investigators found the body of a fatal Kansas&nbsp; motorcycle crash.

Just after 8a.m. Monday,&nbsp; the Topeka Police Department requested assistance from the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office in searching for a missing Topeka man.

Just before 10a.m., deputies with the Sheriff’s Office located the body of 80-year-old Lowell W. Lence of Topeka in the 4400 block of SW Auburn Road, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

An investigation determined a 2011 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Lence southbound on SW Auburn Road when it left the roadway. Both the motorcycle and driver were located several yards off the roadway near the bottom of a ravine, in a heavily wooded area. The final resting place of Lence and motorcycle were not visible from the roadway. Lence was pronounced deceased at the scene.

SW Auburn Road was shut down between approximately 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. while investigators were on scene investigating.

This incident is still under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721682741770.png" alt="Investigators on the scene photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Investigators on the scene photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Investigators found the body of a fatal Kansas&nbsp; motorcycle crash.Just after 8a.m. Monday,&nbsp; the Topeka Police Department requested assistance from the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office in searching for a missing Topeka man.Just before 10a.m., deputies with the Sheriff’s Office located the body of 80-year-old Lowell W. Lence of Topeka in the 4400 block of SW Auburn Road, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.An investigation determined a 2011 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Lence southbound on SW Auburn Road when it left the roadway. Both the motorcycle and driver were located several yards off the roadway near the bottom of a ravine, in a heavily wooded area. The final resting place of Lence and motorcycle were not visible from the roadway. Lence was pronounced deceased at the scene.SW Auburn Road was shut down between approximately 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. while investigators were on scene investigating.This incident is still under investigation.

Sheriff: Victim of fatal Kan. motorcycle crash found in ravine

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause an apartment fire in Kansas City.

Just before 11a.m. Monday, crews responded to an apartment fire at 116th&nbsp;and Winchester, according to&nbsp;Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

First arriving crews reported heavy black smoke.&nbsp; After several minutes of interior firefighting the crews had to evacuate the structure. A second alarm was ordered, and fly-pipe operations were initiated. 

The fire was brought under control at approximately 11:30 a.m.. The building houses 12 apartment units. Eight units were occupied. A total of ten residents requested Red Cross assistance. One resident was treated and released on the scene and one firefighter was transported for evaluation due to heat related issues. A damage estimate has not been released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721680731932.png" alt="Photo KC Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo KC Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause an apartment fire in Kansas City. Just before 11a.m. Monday, crews responded to an apartment fire at 116th&nbsp;and Winchester, according to&nbsp;Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.First arriving crews reported heavy black smoke.&nbsp; After several minutes of interior firefighting the crews had to evacuate the structure. A second alarm was ordered, and fly-pipe operations were initiated. The fire was brought under control at approximately 11:30 a.m.. The building houses 12 apartment units. Eight units were occupied. A total of ten residents requested Red Cross assistance. One resident was treated and released on the scene and one firefighter was transported for evaluation due to heat related issues. A damage estimate has not been released.

Cause of 2 alarm Kansas City apartment fire under investigation

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-department-of-the-treasury">The Treasury Department</a>&nbsp;is warning that state laws that restrict banks from considering environmental, social and governance factors could harm efforts to address money laundering and terrorism financing.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of the letter sent to lawmakers. The letter singled out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-desantis-climate-change-environment-b8230e47da342b9379fa054d197b278a">a law signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis</a>&nbsp;in May that says it would be an “unsafe and unsound practice” for banks to consider non-financial factors when doing business. The letter concludes that “such laws create uncertainty and may inhibit” national security efforts.

Conservative Republicans such as DeSantis have sought to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-desantis-climate-change-environment-a3bee6775476d6f3e00b8c6cd500a3b1">block environmental and socially conscious standards for investing</a>, saying that such initiatives can lead to unfair discrimination based on political beliefs and harm legitimate businesses. They say that considering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-business-esg-investing-c1342634d0d3d4df4db797c562fe1a71">environmental, social and corporate-governance issues</a>, or ESG, before deciding whether to invest is woke behavior gone amok.

Tennessee recently enacted a similar law, although it was not mentioned in the Treasury letter. State legislatures in Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana and South Dakota also have measures along these same lines under consideration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705324613627.png" alt="File photo Florida Governor Ron Desantis-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo Florida Governor Ron Desantis-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-department-of-the-treasury">The Treasury Department</a>&nbsp;is warning that state laws that restrict banks from considering environmental, social and governance factors could harm efforts to address money laundering and terrorism financing.The Associated Press obtained a copy of the letter sent to lawmakers. The letter singled out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-desantis-climate-change-environment-b8230e47da342b9379fa054d197b278a">a law signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis</a>&nbsp;in May that says it would be an “unsafe and unsound practice” for banks to consider non-financial factors when doing business. The letter concludes that “such laws create uncertainty and may inhibit” national security efforts.Conservative Republicans such as DeSantis have sought to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-desantis-climate-change-environment-a3bee6775476d6f3e00b8c6cd500a3b1">block environmental and socially conscious standards for investing</a>, saying that such initiatives can lead to unfair discrimination based on political beliefs and harm legitimate businesses. They say that considering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-business-esg-investing-c1342634d0d3d4df4db797c562fe1a71">environmental, social and corporate-governance issues</a>, or ESG, before deciding whether to invest is woke behavior gone amok.Tennessee recently enacted a similar law, although it was not mentioned in the Treasury letter. State legislatures in Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana and South Dakota also have measures along these same lines under consideration.DeSantis has said the law being questioned by the Treasury Department would protect the access that conservative groups and the firearms industry have to the financial sector, arguing that such organizations have at times had their accounts frozen or closed.The Treasury Department letter said that the Florida law could, however, undermine the work of federal agencies, heightening “the risk that international drug traffickers, transnational organized criminals, terrorists, and corrupt foreign officials will use the U.S. financial system to launder money, evade sanctions, and threaten our national security.”The Treasury Department letter was a response to a July 8 request from Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-Mo., and Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif.Gottheimer said he was pleased that the Treasury Department shared his concerns.“To any states that are considering similar laws, I urge them to think twice before putting America’s national security at risk,” the congressman said in a statement.