BUTLER COUNTY —El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) inmate Blade A. Floyd, 24, died Thursday, July 18, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 Floyd was found unresponsive in his cell. Staff and EMS administered life-saving measures but were unable to revive him. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.

Floyd was serving a 96-month sentence for three counts of burglary, two counts of attempted aggravated burglary, and drug possession based on convictions in Wilson County, Kansas.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721421738385.png" alt="Floyd-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Floyd-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) inmate Blade A. Floyd, 24, died Thursday, July 18, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections. Floyd was found unresponsive in his cell. Staff and EMS administered life-saving measures but were unable to revive him. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.Floyd was serving a 96-month sentence for three counts of burglary, two counts of attempted aggravated burglary, and drug possession based on convictions in Wilson County, Kansas.Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

Kansas inmate serving time for burglary found dead in his cell

NEW YORK— One week after&nbsp;a gunman's attempt to assassinate&nbsp;former&nbsp;President Donald Trump&nbsp;at a Pennsylvania rally, the public has an update on his health.

On Saturday, Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas, who was Donald Trump's White House physician, &nbsp;released a report that details&nbsp;the extent of his injuries, what treatment the Republican presidential nominee received in the hospital, and whether there may be any long-term effects on his health.

Trump's campaign had earlier refused to discuss his condition, release a medical report or records, or make the doctors who treated him available, leaving information to dribble out from Trump, his friends and family.

The first word on Trump's condition came about half an hour after shots rang out and Trump dropped to the ground after reaching for his ear and then pumped his fist defiantly to the crowd with blood streaming down his face. The campaign issued a statement saying he was “fine" and “being checked out at a local medical facility.”

“More details will follow,” his spokesperson said.

It wasn't until 8:42 p.m., however, that Trump told the public he had been struck by a bullet as opposed to shrapnel or debris. In a post on his social media network, Trump wrote that he was “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part” of his right ear.

“I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin,” he wrote..

Trump appeared at the Republican National Convention this past week with a bandage over his right ear.&nbsp;

Dr. Jackson who served as Trump's White House doctor and traveled to be with him after the shooting, said in a podcast interview Monday that Trump was missing part of his ear — “a little bit at the top" — but that the wound would heal.

“He was lucky," Jackson said on “The Benny Show,” a conservative podcast hosted by Benny Johnson. ”It was far enough away from his head that there was no concussive effects from the bullet. And it just took the top of his ear off, a little bit of the top of his ear off as it passed through."

He said that the area would need to be treated with care to avoid further bleeding — “It's not like a clean laceration like you would have with a knife or a blade, it's a bullet track going by," he said — but that Trump is "not going to need anything to be done with it. It's going to be fine.”

&nbsp;Trump is holding his first public campaign since he survived the attempted assassination, returning to the battleground state of Michigan alongside his new running mate JD Vance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721353012709.png" alt="Trump at the RNC Thursday night-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Trump at the RNC Thursday night-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK— One week after&nbsp;a gunman's attempt to assassinate&nbsp;former&nbsp;President Donald Trump&nbsp;at a Pennsylvania rally, the public has an update on his health.On Saturday, Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas, who was Donald Trump's White House physician, &nbsp;released a report that details&nbsp;the extent of his injuries, what treatment the Republican presidential nominee received in the hospital, and whether there may be any long-term effects on his health.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721510068404.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trump's campaign had earlier refused to discuss his condition, release a medical report or records, or make the doctors who treated him available, leaving information to dribble out from Trump, his friends and family.The first word on Trump's condition came about half an hour after shots rang out and Trump dropped to the ground after reaching for his ear and then pumped his fist defiantly to the crowd with blood streaming down his face. The campaign issued a statement saying he was “fine" and “being checked out at a local medical facility.”“More details will follow,” his spokesperson said.It wasn't until 8:42 p.m., however, that Trump told the public he had been struck by a bullet as opposed to shrapnel or debris. In a post on his social media network, Trump wrote that he was “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part” of his right ear.“I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin,” he wrote..Trump appeared at the Republican National Convention this past week with a bandage over his right ear.&nbsp;Dr. Jackson who served as Trump's White House doctor and traveled to be with him after the shooting, said in a podcast interview Monday that Trump was missing part of his ear — “a little bit at the top" — but that the wound would heal.“He was lucky," Jackson said on “The Benny Show,” a conservative podcast hosted by Benny Johnson. ”It was far enough away from his head that there was no concussive effects from the bullet. And it just took the top of his ear off, a little bit of the top of his ear off as it passed through."He said that the area would need to be treated with care to avoid further bleeding — “It's not like a clean laceration like you would have with a knife or a blade, it's a bullet track going by," he said — but that Trump is "not going to need anything to be done with it. It's going to be fine.”&nbsp;Trump is holding his first public campaign since he survived the attempted assassination, returning to the battleground state of Michigan alongside his new running mate JD Vance.

Trump releases doctor report following assassination attempt

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A jury has convicted a Kansas man in the deadly shooting of a teen in 2023.

According to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office, 25-year-old Rico Brown of Valley Center is guilty of first degree murder in the death of 16-year-old Elrecus Nolan, Jr. of Wichita.

Just before 10:30pm. July 3, 2023,&nbsp; police were dispatched to shots fired call at the intersection of Mt. Vernon and Ellis Street in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Police learned that a witness heard several gunshots before he noticed a silver 2002 Ford Taurus slowly rolling westbound on Mt. Vernon and striking the curb before stopping on the sidewalk.

First responders located Nolan unconscious and not breathing with a gunshot wound to his upper body. Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. Nolan was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Three days later, police arrested 21-year-old Dougqualynn Patterson and 21-year-old Kameron Solomon both from Wichita in connection with the killing.&nbsp; They captured Brown five days after the crime.

Brown will be sentenced on August 28, according to the district attorney's office. Patterson is scheduled for a hearing on August 15.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688845147553.png" alt="Brown-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Brown-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A jury has convicted a Kansas man in the deadly shooting of a teen in 2023.According to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office, 25-year-old Rico Brown of Valley Center is guilty of first degree murder in the death of 16-year-old Elrecus Nolan, Jr. of Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688508501373.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation late Monday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation late Monday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 10:30pm. July 3, 2023,&nbsp; police were dispatched to shots fired call at the intersection of Mt. Vernon and Ellis Street in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688743977576.png" alt="Patterson photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Patterson photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police learned that a witness heard several gunshots before he noticed a silver 2002 Ford Taurus slowly rolling westbound on Mt. Vernon and striking the curb before stopping on the sidewalk.First responders located Nolan unconscious and not breathing with a gunshot wound to his upper body. Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. Nolan was pronounced deceased at the scene.Three days later, police arrested 21-year-old Dougqualynn Patterson and 21-year-old Kameron Solomon both from Wichita in connection with the killing.&nbsp; They captured Brown five days after the crime.Brown will be sentenced on August 28, according to the district attorney's office. Patterson is scheduled for a hearing on August 15.

Jury: Man guilty in the murder of 16-year-old Kansas boy

KANSAS CITY (AP) —At least two people have died and more than two dozen were hospitalized in an outbreak of listeria food poisoning linked to meat sliced at grocery store deli counters, federal health officials&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/delimeats-7-24/index.html" target="_blank">said Friday.</a>

At least 28 people in a dozen states have gotten sick, though the largest number, seven, were in New York, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The people who died were from Illinois and New Jersey. Samples were collected from May 29 to July 5 and so far, all of the people known to be part of the outbreak have been hospitalized.

Many of the people in the outbreak reported eating meats that were sliced at grocery store deli counters. So far, there’s no information showing that people are getting sick from prepackaged deli meats, the CDC said. People most commonly reported eating deli-sliced turkey, liverwurst and ham, officials said. CDC doesn’t have enough information to say which deli meats are the source of the outbreak.

Listeria infections typically cause fever, muscle aches and tiredness and may cause stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Symptoms can occur quickly or to up to 10 weeks after eating contaminated food. The infections are especially dangerous for people older than 65, those with weakened immune systems and pregnant people, who can have miscarriages. This outbreak includes people aged 32 to 94, with a median age of 75. One pregnant person got sick, but retained the pregnancy, officials said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721435824473.png" alt="This map shows where the 28 people in this Listeria outbreak lived. This outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people is likely higher than the number reported. This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Listeria." />
 <figcaption>This map shows where the 28 people in this Listeria outbreak lived. This outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people is likely higher than the number reported. This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Listeria.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —At least two people have died and more than two dozen were hospitalized in an outbreak of listeria food poisoning linked to meat sliced at grocery store deli counters, federal health officials&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/delimeats-7-24/index.html" target="_blank">said Friday.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721435735887.png" alt="FILE - This 2002 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a Listeria monocytogenes bacterium, responsible for the food borne illness listeriosis. (Elizabeth White/CDC via AP, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - This 2002 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a Listeria monocytogenes bacterium, responsible for the food borne illness listeriosis. (Elizabeth White/CDC via AP, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>At least 28 people in a dozen states have gotten sick, though the largest number, seven, were in New York, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The people who died were from Illinois and New Jersey. Samples were collected from May 29 to July 5 and so far, all of the people known to be part of the outbreak have been hospitalized.Many of the people in the outbreak reported eating meats that were sliced at grocery store deli counters. So far, there’s no information showing that people are getting sick from prepackaged deli meats, the CDC said. People most commonly reported eating deli-sliced turkey, liverwurst and ham, officials said. CDC doesn’t have enough information to say which deli meats are the source of the outbreak.Listeria infections typically cause fever, muscle aches and tiredness and may cause stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Symptoms can occur quickly or to up to 10 weeks after eating contaminated food. The infections are especially dangerous for people older than 65, those with weakened immune systems and pregnant people, who can have miscarriages. This outbreak includes people aged 32 to 94, with a median age of 75. One pregnant person got sick, but retained the pregnancy, officials said.

Deaths linked to listeria food poisoning from meat sliced at deli counters

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal domestic incident and have made an arrest.

Just before 6a.m. Friday, police responded to the 1300 Block of SW Western Avenue in Topeka on the report of a Domestic Disturbance, according to Topeka Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.

First responders found&nbsp; Dedra L. Simmons, 38, of Topeka, suffering from life threatening injuries. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

Another individual believed to be involved in the incident was taken into custody and transported to the Law Enforcement Center to speak with Detectives.

&nbsp;As a result of the investigation, Demetris Gadson, 32, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and booked on requested charges of&nbsp;Murder in the 2 nd Degree, Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree, Aggravated Domestic Battery and Cruelty to Animals.

This death is the city’s 10th homicide of 2024, according to Connell.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721475537869.png" alt="Gadson photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Gadson photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal domestic incident and have made an arrest.Just before 6a.m. Friday, police responded to the 1300 Block of SW Western Avenue in Topeka on the report of a Domestic Disturbance, according to Topeka Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721435399295.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders found&nbsp; Dedra L. Simmons, 38, of Topeka, suffering from life threatening injuries. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.Another individual believed to be involved in the incident was taken into custody and transported to the Law Enforcement Center to speak with Detectives.&nbsp;As a result of the investigation, Demetris Gadson, 32, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and booked on requested charges of&nbsp;Murder in the 2 nd Degree, Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree, Aggravated Domestic Battery and Cruelty to Animals.This death is the city’s 10th homicide of 2024, according to Connell.

Police make arrest ID woman who died after assault at Kan. home

WASHINGTON— President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling Wednesday in Las Vegas. On Saturday, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician, provided an update on Biden's recovery.

The president's diagnosis comes amid intense scrutiny of his health and stamina after a disastrous debate with former President Donald Trump that sparked a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-poll-drop-out-debate-democrats-59eebaca6989985c2bfbf4f72bdfa112">flurry of concern</a>&nbsp;among Democrats that Biden is not up to the rigors of winning another presidential term.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721330377104.png" alt="Biden gingerly boarded Air Force One on his return home-image courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Biden gingerly boarded Air Force One on his return home-image courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON— President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling Wednesday in Las Vegas. On Saturday, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician, provided an update on Biden's recovery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721499656652.png" alt="Biden " />
 <figcaption>Biden </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721330819270.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The president's diagnosis comes amid intense scrutiny of his health and stamina after a disastrous debate with former President Donald Trump that sparked a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-poll-drop-out-debate-democrats-59eebaca6989985c2bfbf4f72bdfa112">flurry of concern</a>&nbsp;among Democrats that Biden is not up to the rigors of winning another presidential term.

Read doctor's Saturday update on Biden's COVID recovery

JOHNSON COUNTY —Earlier this month,&nbsp;&nbsp;members of the Lenexa Police Department's Directed Patrol Unit were patrolling hotels in the area of 95th Street and I-35 highway in Lenexa, according to a social media report.

 Officers contacted an individual from out of state parked at one of the hotels and began conversing with him. Through an investigation officers discovered nearly 2000 retail gift cards that had been altered illegally. Scammers often alter gift cards in such a way that an unsuspecting victim has the money drained remotely by the suspect.

Officers took the individual into custody and he has since been charged by the Johnson County District Attorney's Office with Destroying a Written Instrument, which is a felony.

The Lenexa Police Department's Directed Patrol Unit is tasked with a variety of different response actions and proactive enforcement, including narcotics, firearms crimes, prostitution/vice, human trafficking, pattern crimes, and more.

Police did not release the suspect's name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721163082845.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Earlier this month,&nbsp;&nbsp;members of the Lenexa Police Department's Directed Patrol Unit were patrolling hotels in the area of 95th Street and I-35 highway in Lenexa, according to a social media report. Officers contacted an individual from out of state parked at one of the hotels and began conversing with him. Through an investigation officers discovered nearly 2000 retail gift cards that had been altered illegally. Scammers often alter gift cards in such a way that an unsuspecting victim has the money drained remotely by the suspect.Officers took the individual into custody and he has since been charged by the Johnson County District Attorney's Office with Destroying a Written Instrument, which is a felony.The Lenexa Police Department's Directed Patrol Unit is tasked with a variety of different response actions and proactive enforcement, including narcotics, firearms crimes, prostitution/vice, human trafficking, pattern crimes, and more.Police did not release the suspect's name.

Kansas officers discover 2,000 altered retail gift cards

NEW YORK —Former U.S. President Donald&nbsp; Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a phone call Friday regarding the ongoing War with Russia and the possibility of Future Peace Negotiations. 

On his social media page, Trump wrote, " President Zelenskyy of Ukraine and I had a very good phone call earlier today. He congratulated me on a very successful Republican National Convention and becoming the Republican nominee for President of the United States."

"He condemned the heinous assassination attempt last Saturday and remarked about the American people coming together in the spirit of Unity during these times"

"I appreciate President Zelenskyy for reaching out because I, as your next President of the United States, will bring peace to the world and end the war that has cost so many lives and devastated countless innocent families. Both sides will be able to come together and negotiate a deal that ends the violence and paves a path forward to prosperity."

According to Zelenskyy' social media account of the call, "I spoke with Donald Trump&nbsp;to congratulate him on the Republican nomination and condemn the shocking assassination attempt in Pennsylvania."

"I wished him strength and absolute safety in the future.

I noted the vital bipartisan and bicameral American support for protecting our nation's freedom and independence.
 
Ukraine will always be grateful to the United States for its help in strengthening our ability to resist Russian terror. Russian attacks on our cities and villages continue every day.

We agreed with President Trump to discuss at a personal meeting what steps can make peace fair and truly lasting."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714052496496.png" alt="File photo Donald Trump courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo Donald Trump courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK —Former U.S. President Donald&nbsp; Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a phone call Friday regarding the ongoing War with Russia and the possibility of Future Peace Negotiations. On his social media page, Trump wrote, " President Zelenskyy of Ukraine and I had a very good phone call earlier today. He congratulated me on a very successful Republican National Convention and becoming the Republican nominee for President of the United States.""He condemned the heinous assassination attempt last Saturday and remarked about the American people coming together in the spirit of Unity during these times""I appreciate President Zelenskyy for reaching out because I, as your next President of the United States, will bring peace to the world and end the war that has cost so many lives and devastated countless innocent families. Both sides will be able to come together and negotiate a deal that ends the violence and paves a path forward to prosperity."According to Zelenskyy' social media account of the call, "I spoke with Donald Trump&nbsp;to congratulate him on the Republican nomination and condemn the shocking assassination attempt in Pennsylvania.""I wished him strength and absolute safety in the future.

I noted the vital bipartisan and bicameral American support for protecting our nation's freedom and independence.
 
Ukraine will always be grateful to the United States for its help in strengthening our ability to resist Russian terror. Russian attacks on our cities and villages continue every day.

We agreed with President Trump to discuss at a personal meeting what steps can make peace fair and truly lasting."

Trump, reports "very good phone call" from Ukraine President 

WASHINGTON (AP) —Longtime U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas, who helped lead federal efforts to protect women from domestic violence and recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday, has died. She was 74.

Lillie Conley, her chief of staff, confirmed that Jackson Lee, who had pancreatic cancer, died in Houston Friday night with her family around her.

The Democrat had represented her Houston-based district and the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1995. She had previously had breast cancer and announced the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sheila-jackson-lee-texas-cancer-b8da6eeca46ea9b8ad05b5ba03679e1d">pancreatic cancer diagnosis</a>&nbsp;on June 2.

“The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me,” Jackson Lee said in a statement then.

Bishop James Dixon, a longtime friend in Houston who visited Jackson Lee earlier this week, said he will remember her as a fighter.

“She was just a rare, rare jewel of a person who relentlessly gave everything she had to make sure others had what they needed. That was Sheila,” he said.

Jackson Lee had just been elected to the Houston district once represented by Barbara Jordan, the first Black woman elected to Congress from a Southern state since Reconstruction, when she was immediately placed on the high-profile House Judiciary Committee in 1995.

“They just saw me, I guess through my profile, through Barbara Jordan’s work,” Jackson Lee told the Houston Chronicle in 2022. “I thought it was an honor because they assumed I was going to be the person they needed.”

Jackson Lee quickly established herself as fierce advocate for women and minorities, and a leader for House Democrats on many social justice issues, from policing reform to reparations for descendants of enslaved people. She led the first rewrite of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/congress-edc7fb5f3bc0261cdbe7a29c50ec7c8e">Violence Against Women Act</a>&nbsp;in nearly a decade, which included protections for Native American, transgender and immigrant women.

Jackson Lee was also among the lead lawmakers behind the effort in 2021 to have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-holidays-juneteenth-lifestyle-f8648a23f2f6bdb2db3d648458828651">Juneteenth</a>&nbsp;recognized as the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established in 1986. The holiday marks the day in 1865 that the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom.

A native of Queens, New York, Jackson Lee graduated from Yale and earned her law degree at the University of Virginia. She was a judge in Houston before she was elected to Houston City Council in 1989, then ran for Congress in 1994. She was an advocate for gay rights and an early opponent of the Iraq War in 2003.

Top congressional Democrats reacted quickly to the news Friday night, praising her commitment and work ethic.

Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina called her “a tenacious advocate for civil rights and a tireless fighter, improving the lives of her constituents.”

Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland said he had never known a harder-working lawmaker than Jackson Lee, saying she "studied every bill and every amendment with exactitude and then told Texas and America exactly where she stood.”

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California cited Jackson Lee’s “relentless determination” in getting Juneteenth declared a national holiday.

“As a powerful voice in the Congress for our Constitution and human rights, she fought tirelessly to advance fairness, equity and justice for all," Pelosi said.

Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he and his wife Cecilia will always remember Jackson Lee, calling her a “tireless advocate for the people of Houston.”

“Her legacy of public service and dedication to Texas will live on,” he said.

Jackson Lee routinely won reelection to Congress with ease. The few times she faced a challenger, she never carried less than two-thirds of the vote. Jackson Lee considered leaving Congress in 2023 in a bid to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-houston-mayor-jackson-lee-whitmire-e3915f48429986359f51c92ab3eba9f4">become Houston’s first female Black mayor</a>&nbsp;but was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houston-mayor-election-runoff-2023-jackson-whitmire-ddbc4819f5aba2f5a59c56a18ba7078a">defeated in a runoff</a>. She then easily won the Democratic nomination for the 2024 general election.

During the mayoral campaign, Jackson Lee expressed regret and said “everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect” following the release of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-houston-mayor-jackson-lee-recording-21a6c108d82cf1cb72999bd0e0295145">unverified audio recording</a>&nbsp;purported to be of the lawmaker berating staff members.

In 2019, Jackson Lee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/4a012d2d4a7b419a89c8a63cfaf9607b">stepped down</a>&nbsp;from two leadership positions on the House Judiciary Committee and Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the fundraising of the Congressional Black Caucus, following a lawsuit from a former employee who said her sexual assault complaint was mishandled.

In a statement, Jackson Lee's family said she had been a beloved wife, sister, mother and grandmother known as Bebe.

“She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy," the statement said. “God bless you Congresswoman and God bless the United States of America.”

Associated Press writer Lou Kesten contributed to this story from Washington.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721477048488.png" alt="U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Longtime U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas, who helped lead federal efforts to protect women from domestic violence and recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday, has died. She was 74.Lillie Conley, her chief of staff, confirmed that Jackson Lee, who had pancreatic cancer, died in Houston Friday night with her family around her.The Democrat had represented her Houston-based district and the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1995. She had previously had breast cancer and announced the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sheila-jackson-lee-texas-cancer-b8da6eeca46ea9b8ad05b5ba03679e1d">pancreatic cancer diagnosis</a>&nbsp;on June 2.“The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me,” Jackson Lee said in a statement then.Bishop James Dixon, a longtime friend in Houston who visited Jackson Lee earlier this week, said he will remember her as a fighter.“She was just a rare, rare jewel of a person who relentlessly gave everything she had to make sure others had what they needed. That was Sheila,” he said.Jackson Lee had just been elected to the Houston district once represented by Barbara Jordan, the first Black woman elected to Congress from a Southern state since Reconstruction, when she was immediately placed on the high-profile House Judiciary Committee in 1995.“They just saw me, I guess through my profile, through Barbara Jordan’s work,” Jackson Lee told the Houston Chronicle in 2022. “I thought it was an honor because they assumed I was going to be the person they needed.”Jackson Lee quickly established herself as fierce advocate for women and minorities, and a leader for House Democrats on many social justice issues, from policing reform to reparations for descendants of enslaved people. She led the first rewrite of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/congress-edc7fb5f3bc0261cdbe7a29c50ec7c8e">Violence Against Women Act</a>&nbsp;in nearly a decade, which included protections for Native American, transgender and immigrant women.Jackson Lee was also among the lead lawmakers behind the effort in 2021 to have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-holidays-juneteenth-lifestyle-f8648a23f2f6bdb2db3d648458828651">Juneteenth</a>&nbsp;recognized as the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established in 1986. The holiday marks the day in 1865 that the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom.A native of Queens, New York, Jackson Lee graduated from Yale and earned her law degree at the University of Virginia. She was a judge in Houston before she was elected to Houston City Council in 1989, then ran for Congress in 1994. She was an advocate for gay rights and an early opponent of the Iraq War in 2003.Top congressional Democrats reacted quickly to the news Friday night, praising her commitment and work ethic.Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina called her “a tenacious advocate for civil rights and a tireless fighter, improving the lives of her constituents.”Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland said he had never known a harder-working lawmaker than Jackson Lee, saying she "studied every bill and every amendment with exactitude and then told Texas and America exactly where she stood.”Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California cited Jackson Lee’s “relentless determination” in getting Juneteenth declared a national holiday.“As a powerful voice in the Congress for our Constitution and human rights, she fought tirelessly to advance fairness, equity and justice for all," Pelosi said.Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he and his wife Cecilia will always remember Jackson Lee, calling her a “tireless advocate for the people of Houston.”“Her legacy of public service and dedication to Texas will live on,” he said.Jackson Lee routinely won reelection to Congress with ease. The few times she faced a challenger, she never carried less than two-thirds of the vote. Jackson Lee considered leaving Congress in 2023 in a bid to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-houston-mayor-jackson-lee-whitmire-e3915f48429986359f51c92ab3eba9f4">become Houston’s first female Black mayor</a>&nbsp;but was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houston-mayor-election-runoff-2023-jackson-whitmire-ddbc4819f5aba2f5a59c56a18ba7078a">defeated in a runoff</a>. She then easily won the Democratic nomination for the 2024 general election.During the mayoral campaign, Jackson Lee expressed regret and said “everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect” following the release of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-houston-mayor-jackson-lee-recording-21a6c108d82cf1cb72999bd0e0295145">unverified audio recording</a>&nbsp;purported to be of the lawmaker berating staff members.In 2019, Jackson Lee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/4a012d2d4a7b419a89c8a63cfaf9607b">stepped down</a>&nbsp;from two leadership positions on the House Judiciary Committee and Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the fundraising of the Congressional Black Caucus, following a lawsuit from a former employee who said her sexual assault complaint was mishandled.In a statement, Jackson Lee's family said she had been a beloved wife, sister, mother and grandmother known as Bebe.“She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy," the statement said. “God bless you Congresswoman and God bless the United States of America.”___Associated Press writer Lou Kesten contributed to this story from Washington.

Longtime US Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee has died

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just before 6p.m. Friday in Kansas City.

A motorcycle was westbound on Parvin Road, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino,&nbsp; A car was eastbound and turning left onto Belmont Ave when the motorcycle struck the passenger front fender. The motorcyclist was ejected and transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased, according to DiMartino.

The driver of the car was uninjured and not impaired. The roadway was closed for approximately 2 hours.&nbsp; The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, according to DiMartino.

This is fatality #52 compared to #47 at this time last year in KCMO.

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just before 6p.m. Friday in Kansas City.A motorcycle was westbound on Parvin Road, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino,&nbsp; A car was eastbound and turning left onto Belmont Ave when the motorcycle struck the passenger front fender. The motorcyclist was ejected and transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased, according to DiMartino.The driver of the car was uninjured and not impaired. The roadway was closed for approximately 2 hours.&nbsp; The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, according to DiMartino.This is fatality #52 compared to #47 at this time last year in KCMO.

KCPD: Motorcyclist dies after crash with a car

<a href="https://innocenceproject.org/sandra-hemme-free-after-43-years/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR15-vbiv-LIzzLi86J_LNTG-rsUzyGP4cNUPu9WDcqtvRk7wml85ZA9iKU_aem_vAKWKpZ-vhcseb3al8Y-hw">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;the statement from Ms. Hemme’s legal team.

CHILLICOTHE, Mo. (AP) — A woman whose murder conviction was overturned after she served&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-sandra-hemme-conviction-overturned-killing-3cb4c9ae74b2e95cb076636d52453228">43 years of a life sentence</a>&nbsp;was released Friday, despite attempts in the last month by Missouri’s attorney general to keep her behind bars.

Sandra Hemme, 64, left a prison in Chillicothe, hours after a judge threatened to hold the attorney general’s office in contempt if they continued to fight against her release. She reunited with her family at a nearby park, where she hugged her sister, daughter and granddaughter.

“You were just a baby when your mom sent me a picture of you,” she said. “You looked just like your mamma when you were little and you still look like her.”

Her granddaughter laughed. “I get that a lot.”

Hemme had been the longest-held wrongly incarcerated woman known in the U.S., according to her legal team at the Innocence Project. The judge originally ruled on June 14 that Hemme’s attorneys had established “clear and convincing evidence” of “actual innocence” and he overturned her conviction. But Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey fought her release in the courts.

“It was too easy to convict an innocent person and way harder than it should have been to get her out, even to the point of court orders being ignored,” her attorney Sean O’Brien said. “It shouldn’t be this hard to free an innocent person.”

During a court hearing Friday, Judge Ryan Horsman said that if Hemme wasn’t released within hours, Bailey himself would have to appear in court Tuesday morning. He threatened to hold the attorney general's office in contempt.

He also scolded Bailey’s office for calling the warden and telling prison officials not to release Hemme after he ordered her to be freed in her own recognizance. “I would suggest you never do that,” Horsman said, adding: “To call someone and tell them to disregard a court order is wrong.”

Hemme declined to address reporters after she was released. O'Brien said she was going straight to the side of her father, who was hospitalized with kidney failure and recently moved to palliative care. ”This has been a long time coming," he said of her release.

O'Brien said previously that delays had caused their family “irreparable harm and emotional distress.”

“She’s going to need help,” he said, noting she won’t be eligible for social security because she has been incarcerated for so long.

Over the last month, a circuit judge, an appellate court and the Missouri Supreme Court all agreed Hemme should be released, but she was still held behind bars, leaving her lawyers and legal experts puzzled.

“I’ve never seen it,” said Michael Wolff, a former Missouri Supreme Court judge and professor and dean emeritus of Saint Louis University Law School. “Once the courts have spoken, the courts should be obeyed.”

The lone holdup to freedom came from the attorney general, who filed court motions seeking to force her to serve additional years for decades-old prison assault cases. The warden at the Chillicothe Correctional Center initially declined to let Hemme go, based on Bailey's actions.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-sandra-hemme-conviction-overturned-killing-82e6f4b98905df1386352a33ac82cf14">Horsman ruled on June 14</a>&nbsp;that “the totality of the evidence supports a finding of actual innocence.” A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-sandra-hemme-conviction-overturned-killing-0aa17f2a099f5e6a37dcbd0f543558f3">state appeals court ruled</a>&nbsp;on July 8 that Hemme should be set free while it continued to review the case. The Missouri Supreme Court on Thursday declined to undo the lower court rulings that allowed her to be released on her own recognizance and placed with her sister and brother-in-law.

Bailey, a Republican facing opposition in the Aug. 6 primary election, responded with another request late Thursday, asking the Circuit Court to reconsider.

Hemme was serving a life sentence at the Chillicothe Correctional Center for the 1980 stabbing death of library worker Patricia Jeschke in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Hemme's immediate freedom was complicated by sentences she received for crimes committed while behind bars. She received a 10-year sentence in 1996 for attacking a prison worker with a razor blade, and a two-year sentence in 1984 for “offering to commit violence.” Bailey had argued that Hemme represents a safety risk to herself and others and that she should start serving those sentences now.

Her attorneys countered that keeping her incarcerated any longer would be a “draconian outcome.”

Peter Joy, a law professor at the Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, said the effort to keep Hemme in prison was “a shock to the conscience of any decent human being,” since evidence strongly suggests she didn’t commit the crime.

Bailey's office did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment Friday.

Bailey, who was appointed attorney general after Eric Schmitt was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022, has a history of opposing overturning convictions, even when local prosecutors cite evidence of actual innocence.

Horsman,&nbsp;<a href="https://innocenceproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Hemme-Judgment-23LVCC00008.pdf">after an extensive review</a>, concluded in June that Hemme was heavily sedated and in a “malleable mental state” when investigators repeatedly questioned her in a psychiatric hospital after the killing. Her attorneys described her ultimate confession as “often monosyllabic responses to leading questions.” Other than the confession, no evidence linked her to the crime, her trial prosecutor said.

The St. Joseph Police Department, meanwhile, ignored evidence pointing to Michael Holman — a fellow officer, who died in 2015 — and the prosecution wasn’t told about FBI results that could have cleared Hemme, so it was never disclosed before her trials, the judge found.

Evidence presented to Horsman showed that Holman’s pickup truck was seen outside Jeschke’s apartment, that he tried to use her credit card, and that her earrings were found in his home.

Horsman, in his report, called Hemme “the victim of a manifest injustice.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721436949388.png" alt="Sandra Hemme walks out of prison after 43 years-photo courtesy The Innocence Project " />
 <figcaption>Sandra Hemme walks out of prison after 43 years-photo courtesy The Innocence Project </figcaption>
 </figure>By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and JIM SALTER<a href="https://innocenceproject.org/sandra-hemme-free-after-43-years/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR15-vbiv-LIzzLi86J_LNTG-rsUzyGP4cNUPu9WDcqtvRk7wml85ZA9iKU_aem_vAKWKpZ-vhcseb3al8Y-hw">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;the statement from Ms. Hemme’s legal team.CHILLICOTHE, Mo. (AP) — A woman whose murder conviction was overturned after she served&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-sandra-hemme-conviction-overturned-killing-3cb4c9ae74b2e95cb076636d52453228">43 years of a life sentence</a>&nbsp;was released Friday, despite attempts in the last month by Missouri’s attorney general to keep her behind bars.Sandra Hemme, 64, left a prison in Chillicothe, hours after a judge threatened to hold the attorney general’s office in contempt if they continued to fight against her release. She reunited with her family at a nearby park, where she hugged her sister, daughter and granddaughter.“You were just a baby when your mom sent me a picture of you,” she said. “You looked just like your mamma when you were little and you still look like her.”Her granddaughter laughed. “I get that a lot.”Hemme had been the longest-held wrongly incarcerated woman known in the U.S., according to her legal team at the Innocence Project. The judge originally ruled on June 14 that Hemme’s attorneys had established “clear and convincing evidence” of “actual innocence” and he overturned her conviction. But Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey fought her release in the courts.“It was too easy to convict an innocent person and way harder than it should have been to get her out, even to the point of court orders being ignored,” her attorney Sean O’Brien said. “It shouldn’t be this hard to free an innocent person.”During a court hearing Friday, Judge Ryan Horsman said that if Hemme wasn’t released within hours, Bailey himself would have to appear in court Tuesday morning. He threatened to hold the attorney general's office in contempt.He also scolded Bailey’s office for calling the warden and telling prison officials not to release Hemme after he ordered her to be freed in her own recognizance. “I would suggest you never do that,” Horsman said, adding: “To call someone and tell them to disregard a court order is wrong.”Hemme declined to address reporters after she was released. O'Brien said she was going straight to the side of her father, who was hospitalized with kidney failure and recently moved to palliative care. ”This has been a long time coming," he said of her release.O'Brien said previously that delays had caused their family “irreparable harm and emotional distress.”There are still struggles ahead.“She’s going to need help,” he said, noting she won’t be eligible for social security because she has been incarcerated for so long.Over the last month, a circuit judge, an appellate court and the Missouri Supreme Court all agreed Hemme should be released, but she was still held behind bars, leaving her lawyers and legal experts puzzled.“I’ve never seen it,” said Michael Wolff, a former Missouri Supreme Court judge and professor and dean emeritus of Saint Louis University Law School. “Once the courts have spoken, the courts should be obeyed.”The lone holdup to freedom came from the attorney general, who filed court motions seeking to force her to serve additional years for decades-old prison assault cases. The warden at the Chillicothe Correctional Center initially declined to let Hemme go, based on Bailey's actions.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-sandra-hemme-conviction-overturned-killing-82e6f4b98905df1386352a33ac82cf14">Horsman ruled on June 14</a>&nbsp;that “the totality of the evidence supports a finding of actual innocence.” A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-sandra-hemme-conviction-overturned-killing-0aa17f2a099f5e6a37dcbd0f543558f3">state appeals court ruled</a>&nbsp;on July 8 that Hemme should be set free while it continued to review the case. The Missouri Supreme Court on Thursday declined to undo the lower court rulings that allowed her to be released on her own recognizance and placed with her sister and brother-in-law.Bailey, a Republican facing opposition in the Aug. 6 primary election, responded with another request late Thursday, asking the Circuit Court to reconsider.Hemme was serving a life sentence at the Chillicothe Correctional Center for the 1980 stabbing death of library worker Patricia Jeschke in St. Joseph, Missouri.Hemme's immediate freedom was complicated by sentences she received for crimes committed while behind bars. She received a 10-year sentence in 1996 for attacking a prison worker with a razor blade, and a two-year sentence in 1984 for “offering to commit violence.” Bailey had argued that Hemme represents a safety risk to herself and others and that she should start serving those sentences now.Her attorneys countered that keeping her incarcerated any longer would be a “draconian outcome.”Some legal experts agreed.Peter Joy, a law professor at the Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, said the effort to keep Hemme in prison was “a shock to the conscience of any decent human being,” since evidence strongly suggests she didn’t commit the crime.Bailey's office did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment Friday.Bailey, who was appointed attorney general after Eric Schmitt was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022, has a history of opposing overturning convictions, even when local prosecutors cite evidence of actual innocence.Horsman,&nbsp;<a href="https://innocenceproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Hemme-Judgment-23LVCC00008.pdf">after an extensive review</a>, concluded in June that Hemme was heavily sedated and in a “malleable mental state” when investigators repeatedly questioned her in a psychiatric hospital after the killing. Her attorneys described her ultimate confession as “often monosyllabic responses to leading questions.” Other than the confession, no evidence linked her to the crime, her trial prosecutor said.The St. Joseph Police Department, meanwhile, ignored evidence pointing to Michael Holman — a fellow officer, who died in 2015 — and the prosecution wasn’t told about FBI results that could have cleared Hemme, so it was never disclosed before her trials, the judge found.Evidence presented to Horsman showed that Holman’s pickup truck was seen outside Jeschke’s apartment, that he tried to use her credit card, and that her earrings were found in his home.Horsman, in his report, called Hemme “the victim of a manifest injustice.”

Longest-held wrongly incarcerated woman known in the U.S. is free

Biggest IT outage in history continues causing worldwide disruptions

ATCHISON—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged criminal damage after an explosion at a home in Atchison.

At 8:30p.m. on Monday, police responded to the 1700 block Chestnut to investigate a report of an explosion, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

When officers arrived at the home., police was determined that there had been a dispute outside the residence that included a 56-year-old woman who lived at the home and 34-year-old Kevin L. Berning of Atchison who had arrived in a truck. 

During the disturbance Berning took a wooden trunk from his truck and threw it on the porch of the residence while the woman was standing nearby. It is believed that Berning had placed some type of explosive device inside the trunk before throwing it on the porch. 

The trunk exploded, damaging items on the porch including a mailbox, a chair, a flower pot, and a door. No one was injured. Berning had left the area before officers arrived. 

Police took him into custody on Thursday morning on requested charges of&nbsp;aggravated assault, arson, and criminal damage to property, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721399961717.png" alt="Berning-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Berning-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged criminal damage after an explosion at a home in Atchison.At 8:30p.m. on Monday, police responded to the 1700 block Chestnut to investigate a report of an explosion, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.When officers arrived at the home., police was determined that there had been a dispute outside the residence that included a 56-year-old woman who lived at the home and 34-year-old Kevin L. Berning of Atchison who had arrived in a truck. During the disturbance Berning took a wooden trunk from his truck and threw it on the porch of the residence while the woman was standing nearby. It is believed that Berning had placed some type of explosive device inside the trunk before throwing it on the porch. The trunk exploded, damaging items on the porch including a mailbox, a chair, a flower pot, and a door. No one was injured. Berning had left the area before officers arrived. Police took him into custody on Thursday morning on requested charges of&nbsp;aggravated assault, arson, and criminal damage to property, according to Wilson.

Kan. man accused of throwing explosive on woman's porch

JOHNSON COUNTY —During a driving under the influence traffic stop near 75th Street and Nieman Road this week, a suspect surprised officers by performing a handstand instead of raising his leg, according to a social media report from the Shawnee, Kansas Police Department.

"While this incident may seem amusing, it's a reminder that impaired driving puts everyone on the road at risk—pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers."

"Let's all make responsible choices to ensure road safety."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721419221599.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —During a driving under the influence traffic stop near 75th Street and Nieman Road this week, a suspect surprised officers by performing a handstand instead of raising his leg, according to a social media report from the Shawnee, Kansas Police Department."While this incident may seem amusing, it's a reminder that impaired driving puts everyone on the road at risk—pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers.""Let's all make responsible choices to ensure road safety."

Suspect does handstand during Kan. DUI traffic stop

KANSAS CITY —Detectives are asking for assistance from the public in identifying an individual who police believe may have information regarding a homicide that occurred on on June 17, 2023 in the 6700 block of Richmond Avenue in Kansas City, according to a social media report from KCPD.

Please call the homicide/missing persons unit directly at 816-234-5043, or the TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721338918107.png" alt="photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Detectives are asking for assistance from the public in identifying an individual who police believe may have information regarding a homicide that occurred on on June 17, 2023 in the 6700 block of Richmond Avenue in Kansas City, according to a social media report from KCPD.Please call the homicide/missing persons unit directly at 816-234-5043, or the TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

KCPD needs help to ID man who may have info about deadly shooting

WASHINGTON— President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling Wednesday in Las Vegas.&nbsp; Late Friday afternoon,&nbsp;Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician, provided an update on Biden's recovery.

Biden gingerly boarded Air Force One and told reporters traveling with him, “I feel good.” The president was not wearing a mask as he walked onto Air Force One.

The president had previously been at the Original Lindo Michoacan restaurant in Las Vegas, where he was greeting diners and sat for an interview with Univision.

Biden has been vaccinated and is current on his recommended annual booster dose for COVID-19. The vaccines have proven highly effective at limiting serious illness and death from the virus, which killed more than 1 million people in the U.S. since the pandemic began in 2020. Paxlovid has been proven to curtail the chances of serious illness and death from COVID-19 when prescribed in the early days of an infection, but has also been associated with rebound infections, where the virus comes back a few days after clearing up.

Biden last tested positive for COVID-19 twice in the summer of 2022, when he had a primary case and a rebound case of the virus.

Health officials have reported recent upticks in emergency room visits and hospitalizations from COVID-19. There has also been a pronounced increase in positive test results in much of the country —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid19-vaccinations-cdc-coronavirus-a785acb4aca8e69f21b6f1a41c021e2c">particularly the southwestern U.S.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721330265336.png" alt="President Joe Biden preparing to board Air Force One on his way to Delaware Wednesday- image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden preparing to board Air Force One on his way to Delaware Wednesday- image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON— President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling Wednesday in Las Vegas.&nbsp; Late Friday afternoon,&nbsp;Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician, provided an update on Biden's recovery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721431566073.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721330819270.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The president's diagnosis comes amid intense scrutiny of his health and stamina after a disastrous debate with former President Donald Trump that sparked a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-poll-drop-out-debate-democrats-59eebaca6989985c2bfbf4f72bdfa112">flurry of concern</a>&nbsp;among Democrats that Biden is not up to the rigors of winning another presidential term.Biden gingerly boarded Air Force One and told reporters traveling with him, “I feel good.” The president was not wearing a mask as he walked onto Air Force One.The president had previously been at the Original Lindo Michoacan restaurant in Las Vegas, where he was greeting diners and sat for an interview with Univision.Biden has been vaccinated and is current on his recommended annual booster dose for COVID-19. The vaccines have proven highly effective at limiting serious illness and death from the virus, which killed more than 1 million people in the U.S. since the pandemic began in 2020. Paxlovid has been proven to curtail the chances of serious illness and death from COVID-19 when prescribed in the early days of an infection, but has also been associated with rebound infections, where the virus comes back a few days after clearing up.Biden last tested positive for COVID-19 twice in the summer of 2022, when he had a primary case and a rebound case of the virus.Health officials have reported recent upticks in emergency room visits and hospitalizations from COVID-19. There has also been a pronounced increase in positive test results in much of the country —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid19-vaccinations-cdc-coronavirus-a785acb4aca8e69f21b6f1a41c021e2c">particularly the southwestern U.S.</a>

Read Friday update from Biden's doctor on the President's  COVID recovery

&nbsp;WASHINGTON —U.S. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri wrote&nbsp;a letter to&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas,&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fx.com%2fHawleyMO%2fstatus%2f1814278991605350726&amp;redir_log=668494987763288" target="_blank">demanding</a>&nbsp;answers behind the U.S. Secret Service’s botched security rollout at President Donald Trump’s July 13 rally.

The letter comes after multiple whistleblowers contacted Senator Hawley’s office with disturbing new information behind the assassination attempt on the former president.

“Whistleblowers who have direct knowledge of the event have approached my office. According to the allegations, the July 13 rally was considered to be a ‘loose’ security event,”&nbsp;wrote Senator Hawley.

“For example, detection canines were not used to monitor entry and detect threats in the usual manner. Individuals without proper designations were able to gain access to backstage areas. Department personnel did not appropriately police the security buffer around the podium and were also not stationed at regular intervals around the event’s security perimeter,”&nbsp;Senator Hawley continued.

Senator Hawley is a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee which&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2foutreach.senate.gov%2fiqextranet%2fiqClickTrk.aspx%3f%26cid%3dSenHawley%26crop%3d14515QQQ9232341QQQ8086479QQQ8019990%26report_id%3d%26redirect%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.hawley.senate.gov%252fhawley-demands-full-scale-investigation-by-congress-into-attempted-assassination-of-president-trump%252f%26redir_log%3d794174422822921&amp;redir_log=832193208462131" target="_blank">conducts</a>&nbsp;oversight of Secretary Mayorkas’ DHS.

Immediately following the assassination attempt against President Trump, Senator Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2foutreach.senate.gov%2fiqextranet%2fiqClickTrk.aspx%3f%26cid%3dSenHawley%26crop%3d14392QQQ9230180QQQ8085138QQQ8019990%26report_id%3d%26redirect%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.hawley.senate.gov%252fhawley-demands-full-scale-investigation-by-congress-into-attempted-assassination-of-president-trump%252f%26redir_log%3d794174422822921&amp;redir_log=646663966612131" target="_blank">demanded</a>&nbsp;that the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee launch a comprehensive, transparent investigation into the incident with sworn testimony from DHS and Secret Service officials.&nbsp;That investigation was&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2foutreach.senate.gov%2fiqextranet%2fiqClickTrk.aspx%3f%26cid%3dSenHawley%26crop%3d14392QQQ9230180QQQ8085138QQQ8019990%26report_id%3d%26redirect%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.hsgac.senate.gov%252fmedia%252freps%252fpaul-and-peters-announce-bipartisan-homeland-security-and-governmental-affairs-committee-investigation-into-security-failures-and-the-assassination-attempt-on-former-president-donald-trump%252f%26redir_log%3d287783080511620&amp;redir_log=448394230822865" target="_blank">confirmed</a>&nbsp;this week along with plans to feature public testimony from agency leadership.

Senator Hawley then&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fhawley-requests-more-records-behind-assassination-attempt-on-president-trump-opens-office-whistleblower-tip-line%2f&amp;redir_log=745274266151011" target="_blank">opened</a>&nbsp;a whistleblower tip line within his office earlier this week, pledging to protect the anonymity of all who contact his staff in an effort to shed light on last Saturday’s disastrous security breach.&nbsp;

Senator Hawley has also written two additional oversight letters—<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2foutreach.senate.gov%2fiqextranet%2fiqClickTrk.aspx%3f%26cid%3dSenHawley%26crop%3d14392QQQ9230180QQQ8085138QQQ8019990%26report_id%3d%26redirect%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.hawley.senate.gov%252fwp-content%252fuploads%252f2024%252f07%252fHawley-letter-to-DHS-IG-.pdf%26redir_log%3d536796294054560&amp;redir_log=088027971831792" target="_blank">one</a>&nbsp;to the DHS Inspector General and a&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2foutreach.senate.gov%2fiqextranet%2fiqClickTrk.aspx%3f%26cid%3dSenHawley%26crop%3d14392QQQ9230180QQQ8085138QQQ8019990%26report_id%3d%26redirect%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.hawley.senate.gov%252fwp-content%252fuploads%252f2024%252f07%252fHawley-letter-to-BlackRock-re-Trump-investigation-.pdf%26redir_log%3d816819426384762&amp;redir_log=091259807621997" target="_blank">second</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;BlackRock’s CEO—requesting all records related to the staggering security failures on July 13.&nbsp;

Click here to read the full letter&nbsp;sent Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720911723876.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;WASHINGTON —U.S. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri wrote&nbsp;a letter to&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas,&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fx.com%2fHawleyMO%2fstatus%2f1814278991605350726&amp;redir_log=668494987763288" target="_blank">demanding</a>&nbsp;answers behind the U.S. Secret Service’s botched security rollout at President Donald Trump’s July 13 rally. The letter comes after multiple whistleblowers contacted Senator Hawley’s office with disturbing new information behind the assassination attempt on the former president.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721410507537.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Whistleblowers who have direct knowledge of the event have approached my office. According to the allegations, the July 13 rally was considered to be a ‘loose’ security event,”&nbsp;wrote Senator Hawley.“For example, detection canines were not used to monitor entry and detect threats in the usual manner. Individuals without proper designations were able to gain access to backstage areas. Department personnel did not appropriately police the security buffer around the podium and were also not stationed at regular intervals around the event’s security perimeter,”&nbsp;Senator Hawley continued.Senator Hawley is a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee which&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2foutreach.senate.gov%2fiqextranet%2fiqClickTrk.aspx%3f%26cid%3dSenHawley%26crop%3d14515QQQ9232341QQQ8086479QQQ8019990%26report_id%3d%26redirect%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.hawley.senate.gov%252fhawley-demands-full-scale-investigation-by-congress-into-attempted-assassination-of-president-trump%252f%26redir_log%3d794174422822921&amp;redir_log=832193208462131" target="_blank">conducts</a>&nbsp;oversight of Secretary Mayorkas’ DHS.Immediately following the assassination attempt against President Trump, Senator Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2foutreach.senate.gov%2fiqextranet%2fiqClickTrk.aspx%3f%26cid%3dSenHawley%26crop%3d14392QQQ9230180QQQ8085138QQQ8019990%26report_id%3d%26redirect%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.hawley.senate.gov%252fhawley-demands-full-scale-investigation-by-congress-into-attempted-assassination-of-president-trump%252f%26redir_log%3d794174422822921&amp;redir_log=646663966612131" target="_blank">demanded</a>&nbsp;that the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee launch a comprehensive, transparent investigation into the incident with sworn testimony from DHS and Secret Service officials.&nbsp;That investigation was&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2foutreach.senate.gov%2fiqextranet%2fiqClickTrk.aspx%3f%26cid%3dSenHawley%26crop%3d14392QQQ9230180QQQ8085138QQQ8019990%26report_id%3d%26redirect%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.hsgac.senate.gov%252fmedia%252freps%252fpaul-and-peters-announce-bipartisan-homeland-security-and-governmental-affairs-committee-investigation-into-security-failures-and-the-assassination-attempt-on-former-president-donald-trump%252f%26redir_log%3d287783080511620&amp;redir_log=448394230822865" target="_blank">confirmed</a>&nbsp;this week along with plans to feature public testimony from agency leadership.Senator Hawley then&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fhawley-requests-more-records-behind-assassination-attempt-on-president-trump-opens-office-whistleblower-tip-line%2f&amp;redir_log=745274266151011" target="_blank">opened</a>&nbsp;a whistleblower tip line within his office earlier this week, pledging to protect the anonymity of all who contact his staff in an effort to shed light on last Saturday’s disastrous security breach.&nbsp;Senator Hawley has also written two additional oversight letters—<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2foutreach.senate.gov%2fiqextranet%2fiqClickTrk.aspx%3f%26cid%3dSenHawley%26crop%3d14392QQQ9230180QQQ8085138QQQ8019990%26report_id%3d%26redirect%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.hawley.senate.gov%252fwp-content%252fuploads%252f2024%252f07%252fHawley-letter-to-DHS-IG-.pdf%26redir_log%3d536796294054560&amp;redir_log=088027971831792" target="_blank">one</a>&nbsp;to the DHS Inspector General and a&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=14341QQQ9232312QQQ8086450QQQ8019990&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2foutreach.senate.gov%2fiqextranet%2fiqClickTrk.aspx%3f%26cid%3dSenHawley%26crop%3d14392QQQ9230180QQQ8085138QQQ8019990%26report_id%3d%26redirect%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.hawley.senate.gov%252fwp-content%252fuploads%252f2024%252f07%252fHawley-letter-to-BlackRock-re-Trump-investigation-.pdf%26redir_log%3d816819426384762&amp;redir_log=091259807621997" target="_blank">second</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;BlackRock’s CEO—requesting all records related to the staggering security failures on July 13.&nbsp;Click here to read the full letter&nbsp;sent Friday.

Whistleblower: Most of Trump’s security detail last Saturday not Secret Service

BILLINGS, Montana — A Kansas man accused of devising a scheme to steal from Montana and Wyoming ranchers who were trying to find hay to feed their livestock during a drought admitted to a fraud charge Thursday, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Jory D. Parks, 43, of Logan, Kansas, was arraigned on and pleaded guilty to an information charging him with wire fraud. Parks faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Parks was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that a drought in the summer of 2021 created a hay shortage for ranchers in Montana and Wyoming, and ranchers were struggling to find enough hay to feed their livestock.

During this time, Parks intentionally devised a scheme to defraud these ranchers. Parks advertised on Facebook, claiming that he was selling large amounts of hay and was willing to deliver to Montana and Wyoming from out of state.

Parks, operating as Heart Cross Ranch, LLC, received money from customers in exchange for promises to deliver hay. Instead, Parks used the money for unrelated business and personal expenses and made false promises about what he would deliver and the scale and success of his business.

In September 2021, when Parks was trying to convince a prospective customer that he had a successful business selling high-quality hay, he told the victim that he had sold all his hay the previous year to a known horse racing facility in Nebraska to feed racehorses. After interviewing the CEO of the facility and analyzing Parks’ financials, the FBI determined that Parks’ statements were false.

In Montana, a ranching business owned by a couple in Ingomar responded to one of Parks’ Facebook ads in which he claimed to be selling hay cheaper than they had been able to find.

The couple signed a contract with Parks to buy 190 tons of hay from Parks for $43,300 and mailed half of the amount, $21,650, as a down payment to Heart Cross Ranch.

Parks deposited the check into his business account in a bank in Colorado. Three weeks later, Parks delivered the couple’s first shipment of 23 tons of the 190 tons they had purchased but never delivered the additional hay or repaid the remainder of the downpayment.

U.S. Attorney's Office-MontanaBILLINGS, Montana — A Kansas man accused of devising a scheme to steal from Montana and Wyoming ranchers who were trying to find hay to feed their livestock during a drought admitted to a fraud charge Thursday, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.The defendant, Jory D. Parks, 43, of Logan, Kansas, was arraigned on and pleaded guilty to an information charging him with wire fraud. Parks faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Parks was released pending further proceedings.In court documents, the government alleged that a drought in the summer of 2021 created a hay shortage for ranchers in Montana and Wyoming, and ranchers were struggling to find enough hay to feed their livestock.During this time, Parks intentionally devised a scheme to defraud these ranchers. Parks advertised on Facebook, claiming that he was selling large amounts of hay and was willing to deliver to Montana and Wyoming from out of state.Parks, operating as Heart Cross Ranch, LLC, received money from customers in exchange for promises to deliver hay. Instead, Parks used the money for unrelated business and personal expenses and made false promises about what he would deliver and the scale and success of his business.In September 2021, when Parks was trying to convince a prospective customer that he had a successful business selling high-quality hay, he told the victim that he had sold all his hay the previous year to a known horse racing facility in Nebraska to feed racehorses. After interviewing the CEO of the facility and analyzing Parks’ financials, the FBI determined that Parks’ statements were false.In Montana, a ranching business owned by a couple in Ingomar responded to one of Parks’ Facebook ads in which he claimed to be selling hay cheaper than they had been able to find.The couple signed a contract with Parks to buy 190 tons of hay from Parks for $43,300 and mailed half of the amount, $21,650, as a down payment to Heart Cross Ranch.Parks deposited the check into his business account in a bank in Colorado. Three weeks later, Parks delivered the couple’s first shipment of 23 tons of the 190 tons they had purchased but never delivered the additional hay or repaid the remainder of the downpayment.

Kan. man admits defrauding rancher in hay scam during drought

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Kansas made its presence felt at the Republican National Convention, with Hays local and delegate Travis Couture-Lovelady representing the Sunflower State.

This marks Couture's fourth convention since 2012, held this week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for Republican Party delegates to select their presidential nominees.

Couture attended the RNC&nbsp; from July 15 to 18 with other Kansans, saying it was a great privilege to make history.

"It's always an honor to do so. You're part of history every time, and I'm certainly humbled and honored to be representing Kansas," he said.

Couture previously served as a Kansas State Representative, first elected in 2012. During his tenure in the Legislature, he served as majority caucus chairman and vice-chairman of the Federal and State Affairs Committee.

He also managed Congressman Tim Huelskamp’s 2014 re-election campaign and worked for then-State Treasurer Ron Estes. Additionally, he spent two years on Capitol Hill with Senator Sam Brownback.&nbsp;

He graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2005 with a degree in political science and has served as the state director of the National Rifle Association since 2015.

On Monday, Couture and 38 other Kansas delegates cast their votes, officially nominating Donald Trump as the Republican presidential candidate.

"We all here understand the gravity of how big of a deal it is to be one of the delegates," Couture said. "The fact we get to cast those votes at the convention as part of the presidential nominating process is a pretty neat experience."

On Wednesday, Trump announced Senator JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate and delivered one of several speeches at the convention.

Couture said the pairing sends a clear message of supporting working-class Americans and energizes voters for the November election.

"It's been a focus for both of them in their political careers. Getting the working class people who felt the political class sold them out, get them back involved and engaged in believing in America again," he said.

Vance delivered an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8TlBHRtrvM">acceptance speech</a> for the vice presidential nomination, sharing personal stories from his family. Additionally, families of the 13 U.S. service members who lost their lives during the Afghanistan withdrawal also spoke.

"There wasn't much of a dry eye in the place," Couture said. "The overall theme was making America strong again."

The convention covered topics such as inflation, crime, border security, and energy resources, including the use of American oil versus foreign oil.

Kansas Reps. Tracey Mann and Ron Estes, and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach also attended the convention. Couture also reconnected with former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Donald Trump delivered his acceptance speech on Thursday, five days after the assassination attempt on his life at a Pennsylvania rally on July 13, which resulted in the deaths of the shooter and one rallygoer.

Having attended several conventions, Couture said security is always of the utmost importance, and this year's convention safety measures were similar to previous years.

"They did a wonderful job of keeping all delegates and everyone else attending safe," he said. "As far as we saw, there were very strong security protocols."

You can follow Travis Couture-Lovelady on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tcouturelovelady">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721326451989.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostKansas made its presence felt at the Republican National Convention, with Hays local and delegate Travis Couture-Lovelady representing the Sunflower State.This marks Couture's fourth convention since 2012, held this week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for Republican Party delegates to select their presidential nominees.Couture attended the RNC&nbsp; from July 15 to 18 with other Kansans, saying it was a great privilege to make history."It's always an honor to do so. You're part of history every time, and I'm certainly humbled and honored to be representing Kansas," he said.Couture previously served as a Kansas State Representative, first elected in 2012. During his tenure in the Legislature, he served as majority caucus chairman and vice-chairman of the Federal and State Affairs Committee.He also managed Congressman Tim Huelskamp’s 2014 re-election campaign and worked for then-State Treasurer Ron Estes. Additionally, he spent two years on Capitol Hill with Senator Sam Brownback.&nbsp;He graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2005 with a degree in political science and has served as the state director of the National Rifle Association since 2015.On Monday, Couture and 38 other Kansas delegates cast their votes, officially nominating Donald Trump as the Republican presidential candidate."We all here understand the gravity of how big of a deal it is to be one of the delegates," Couture said. "The fact we get to cast those votes at the convention as part of the presidential nominating process is a pretty neat experience."On Wednesday, Trump announced Senator JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate and delivered one of several speeches at the convention.Couture said the pairing sends a clear message of supporting working-class Americans and energizes voters for the November election."It's been a focus for both of them in their political careers. Getting the working class people who felt the political class sold them out, get them back involved and engaged in believing in America again," he said.Vance delivered an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8TlBHRtrvM">acceptance speech</a> for the vice presidential nomination, sharing personal stories from his family. Additionally, families of the 13 U.S. service members who lost their lives during the Afghanistan withdrawal also spoke."There wasn't much of a dry eye in the place," Couture said. "The overall theme was making America strong again."The convention covered topics such as inflation, crime, border security, and energy resources, including the use of American oil versus foreign oil.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721330907320.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Reps. Tracey Mann and Ron Estes, and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach also attended the convention. Couture also reconnected with former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.Donald Trump delivered his acceptance speech on Thursday, five days after the assassination attempt on his life at a Pennsylvania rally on July 13, which resulted in the deaths of the shooter and one rallygoer.Having attended several conventions, Couture said security is always of the utmost importance, and this year's convention safety measures were similar to previous years."They did a wonderful job of keeping all delegates and everyone else attending safe," he said. "As far as we saw, there were very strong security protocols."You can follow Travis Couture-Lovelady on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tcouturelovelady">Facebook</a>.

Delegate from NW Kansas attends Republican National Convention

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas isn't enforcing a new law requiring abortion providers to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kansas-reporting-patients-data-3025f009a076868f7c31dc2cd67860fe">ask patients why</a>&nbsp;they want to terminate their pregnancies, as a legal challenge against that rule and other older requirements makes its way through the courts.

Attorneys for the state and for providers challenging the new law&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kansas-waiting-period-medication-reversal-1f0f5fad64b4180997d0f32a32d047dd">along with other requirements</a>&nbsp;announced a deal Thursday. In return for not enforcing the law, the state will get another four months to develop its defense of the challenged restrictions ahead of a trial now delayed until late June 2025. The agreement was announced during a Zoom hearing in Johnson County District Court in the Kansas City area.

Kansas doesn’t ban most abortions until the 22nd week of pregnancy. Its clinics now see thousands of patients from other states with near bans on abortion, most notably Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.

Last fall, District Judge K. Christopher Jayaram&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medications-restrictions-kansas-f1435cc5538ae6e19cd481a58e82aa7f">blocked enforcement</a>&nbsp;of requirements that include rules spelling out what providers must tell their patients, and a longstanding requirement that patients wait 24 hours after consulting a provider to undergo a procedure. On July 1, he allowed the providers to add a challenge to the new reporting law to their existing lawsuit rather than making them file a separate case.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2749_01_0000.pdf">The new law</a>&nbsp;was supposed to take effect July 1 and would require providers to ask patients questions from a state script about their reasons for an abortion, although patients wouldn't be forced to answer. Potential reasons include not being able to afford a child, not wanting a disabled child, not wanting to put schooling or a career on hold, and having an abusive spouse or partner. Clinics would be required to send data about patients' answers to the state health department for a public report every six months.

“We are relieved that this intrusive law will not take effect," the Center for Reproductive Rights, the national organization for abortion provider Planned Parenthood and the regional Planned Parenthood affiliate said in a joint statement. “This law would have forced abortion providers to collect deeply personal information — an unjustifiable invasion of patient privacy that has nothing to do with people’s health.”

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 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas isn't enforcing a new law requiring abortion providers to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kansas-reporting-patients-data-3025f009a076868f7c31dc2cd67860fe">ask patients why</a>&nbsp;they want to terminate their pregnancies, as a legal challenge against that rule and other older requirements makes its way through the courts.Attorneys for the state and for providers challenging the new law&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kansas-waiting-period-medication-reversal-1f0f5fad64b4180997d0f32a32d047dd">along with other requirements</a>&nbsp;announced a deal Thursday. In return for not enforcing the law, the state will get another four months to develop its defense of the challenged restrictions ahead of a trial now delayed until late June 2025. The agreement was announced during a Zoom hearing in Johnson County District Court in the Kansas City area.Kansas doesn’t ban most abortions until the 22nd week of pregnancy. Its clinics now see thousands of patients from other states with near bans on abortion, most notably Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.Last fall, District Judge K. Christopher Jayaram&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medications-restrictions-kansas-f1435cc5538ae6e19cd481a58e82aa7f">blocked enforcement</a>&nbsp;of requirements that include rules spelling out what providers must tell their patients, and a longstanding requirement that patients wait 24 hours after consulting a provider to undergo a procedure. On July 1, he allowed the providers to add a challenge to the new reporting law to their existing lawsuit rather than making them file a separate case.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2749_01_0000.pdf">The new law</a>&nbsp;was supposed to take effect July 1 and would require providers to ask patients questions from a state script about their reasons for an abortion, although patients wouldn't be forced to answer. Potential reasons include not being able to afford a child, not wanting a disabled child, not wanting to put schooling or a career on hold, and having an abusive spouse or partner. Clinics would be required to send data about patients' answers to the state health department for a public report every six months.“We are relieved that this intrusive law will not take effect," the Center for Reproductive Rights, the national organization for abortion provider Planned Parenthood and the regional Planned Parenthood affiliate said in a joint statement. “This law would have forced abortion providers to collect deeply personal information — an unjustifiable invasion of patient privacy that has nothing to do with people’s health.”Kansas already collects data about each abortion, such as the method and the week of pregnancy, but abortion opponents argue that having more information will aid in setting policies for helping pregnant women and new mothers. The Republican-controlled Legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ban-law-states-kansas-lousiana-81e9da53aaa0903fdd958421bd941a3a">enacted the law</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-care-abortion-pornography-kansas-7b4141984334258017da842a3542570c">a veto</a>&nbsp;from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.At least eight other states have such reporting requirements, but the Kansas Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">declared in 2019</a>&nbsp;that the state constitution protects access to abortion as a part of a “fundamental" right to bodily autonomy. In August 2022, Kansas voters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisively rejected</a>&nbsp;a proposed amendment to say that the constitution doesn't grant any right to abortion access.The trial of the providers' lawsuit had been set for late February 2025 before Jayaram delayed it in responded to the parties' deal.“The state is prepared to accept an agreement not to enforce the new law until the final judgment, provided that we get a schedule that accommodates the record that we think we need to develop in this case,” said Lincoln Wilson, a senior counsel for the anti-abortion Alliance Defending Freedom, which is leading the state's defense of its laws.Abortion providers suggested July 1 that the state wouldn't enforce the new reporting requirement while the lawsuit proceeded, but the health department did not confirm that when reporters asked about it.