SEDGWICK COUNTY —Two men drowned over the weekend at a lake in Sedgwick County.

Just after 1 a.m. Sunday, sheriff's deputies&nbsp;were dispatched to Lake Afton,&nbsp;located east of the intersection of Viola Road or 263rd Street W and MacArthur Road- 39th St. S,  on a report of a possible drowning, according to a statement from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.

Deputies were advised by campers at the lake that a Wichita man later identified as 40-year-old Wesley C. Simmons&nbsp; was yelling for help from the water.&nbsp; 

Three campers, including 23-year-old Zachary V. Viramontez from Douglas went into the water to attempt to help Simmons.&nbsp; The campers were unsuccessful in rescuing Simmons from the water and during their efforts, the other campers lost sight of both Simmons and Viramontez.

Deputies, Fire and EMS arrived on scene and began rescue efforts and later recovery efforts.&nbsp; Just after 11:00 a.m. Sunday, Fire Rescue recovered both bodies from the lake.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717963445048.png" alt="First responders on the scene Sunday-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene Sunday-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Two men drowned over the weekend at a lake in Sedgwick County.Just after 1 a.m. Sunday, sheriff's deputies&nbsp;were dispatched to Lake Afton,&nbsp;located east of the intersection of Viola Road or 263rd Street W and MacArthur Road- 39th St. S, on a report of a possible drowning, according to a statement from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.Deputies were advised by campers at the lake that a Wichita man later identified as 40-year-old Wesley C. Simmons&nbsp; was yelling for help from the water.&nbsp; Three campers, including 23-year-old Zachary V. Viramontez from Douglas went into the water to attempt to help Simmons.&nbsp; The campers were unsuccessful in rescuing Simmons from the water and during their efforts, the other campers lost sight of both Simmons and Viramontez.Deputies, Fire and EMS arrived on scene and began rescue efforts and later recovery efforts.&nbsp; Just after 11:00 a.m. Sunday, Fire Rescue recovered both bodies from the lake.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sheriff: Kansas man drowned attempting water rescue

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —After serving on the Hutchinson City Council for more than a decade&nbsp;and working for a broadband startup, Jade Piros de Carvalho was tapped by the state's lieutenant governor to head Kansas' newly formed Office of Broadband Development.&nbsp; In March of 2023 she was also recognized as one of USA Today’s Women of the Year honorees. Now she's out of a job.

According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jadepiros_broadband-digitalequity-internetforall-activity-7204604084618723329-DRXD?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop">LinkedIn post</a>&nbsp;she made on June 7, former Hutchinson Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho was let go from her position as the leader of Kansas Office of Broadband Development.

"As you may have heard, I am no longer with KOBD," Piros de Carvalho said. "I will dearly miss the team and the entire&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/kansas-department-of-commerce/">Kansas Department of Commerce</a>&nbsp;staff. If you are a Kansan, you need to know how hard the Commerce team works for the state."

Piros de Carvalho didn't go deeply into details, but here is her description of what caused her termination.

"This was not my decision," Piros de Carvalho said. "Tuesday brought the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. At 9:00 a.m. I was taking a selfie with the Governor and listening to her sing my praises to a room full of my peers at the National Governors Association broadband workshop. It was truly a career high. I adore her. By that afternoon, I was told that my job was on the line. I said the wrong thing to the wrong person, who made a phone call and I was gone."

She won't name the person who overheard her.

"We live in a very litigious society so you will not pry the person’s name out of me," Piros de Carvalho said. "I’m not interested in being sued."

Piros de Carvalho is going to take time with her family this summer while she considers what's next.

"I’m just not sure I’m built to last in the public sector," Piros de Carvalho said. "I don’t like to move slowly and I don’t like to parse my words. But I also can’t get out of bed every morning for a job that doesn’t make a positive difference in the world."

Piros de Carvalho left Hutchinson two years ago for the post in Topeka.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718038796350.png" alt="Jade Piros de Carvalho from a Forward Ever interview with Gary Shorman in March of 2023" />
 <figcaption>Jade Piros de Carvalho from a Forward Ever interview with Gary Shorman in March of 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —After serving on the Hutchinson City Council for more than a decade&nbsp;and working for a broadband startup, Jade Piros de Carvalho was tapped by the state's lieutenant governor to head Kansas' newly formed Office of Broadband Development.&nbsp; In March of 2023 she was also recognized as one of USA Today’s Women of the Year honorees. Now she's out of a job.According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jadepiros_broadband-digitalequity-internetforall-activity-7204604084618723329-DRXD?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop">LinkedIn post</a>&nbsp;she made on June 7, former Hutchinson Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho was let go from her position as the leader of Kansas Office of Broadband Development."As you may have heard, I am no longer with KOBD," Piros de Carvalho said. "I will dearly miss the team and the entire&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/kansas-department-of-commerce/">Kansas Department of Commerce</a>&nbsp;staff. If you are a Kansan, you need to know how hard the Commerce team works for the state."Piros de Carvalho didn't go deeply into details, but here is her description of what caused her termination."This was not my decision," Piros de Carvalho said. "Tuesday brought the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. At 9:00 a.m. I was taking a selfie with the Governor and listening to her sing my praises to a room full of my peers at the National Governors Association broadband workshop. It was truly a career high. I adore her. By that afternoon, I was told that my job was on the line. I said the wrong thing to the wrong person, who made a phone call and I was gone."She won't name the person who overheard her."We live in a very litigious society so you will not pry the person’s name out of me," Piros de Carvalho said. "I’m not interested in being sued."Piros de Carvalho is going to take time with her family this summer while she considers what's next."I’m just not sure I’m built to last in the public sector," Piros de Carvalho said. "I don’t like to move slowly and I don’t like to parse my words. But I also can’t get out of bed every morning for a job that doesn’t make a positive difference in the world."Piros de Carvalho left Hutchinson two years ago for the post in Topeka.

USA Today Woman of the Year 2023 honoree let go by State of Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — Jonathan Dekel-Chen dreams of the moment when his abducted 35-year-old son, Sagui, is reunited with his wife and three young children, including a daughter born two months after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">devastating attack on Israel that initiated the war.</a>

Ruby Chen longs to recover the remains of his 19-year-old son, Itay — a soldier who Israeli intelligence says was killed in the Oct. 7 attack — so that he can be buried and his “soul” finally given “a place to rest” in accordance with Jewish practices.

For many Americans, the Israeli-Hamas war is seen through the daily reports of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-rafah-latest-06-05-2024-950a8f8aacb672c7c6f3c2d75f7b499b">Israeli ground incursions and airstrikes in Gaza</a>&nbsp;and warnings of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-famine-0056ceecdb4ae3bee5f64c54ab034c7e">looming famine</a>. There are college campuses riven by protests and great uncertainty over cease-fire prospects.

But the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-american-hostages-ceasefire-308ec1f89ef14f7db261fa304be9f944">families of the Americans taken hostage</a>&nbsp;are laser-focused on one thing: their loved ones. They fear that with all the tumult of the war, Americans often forget about their fellow citizens who remain missing. They’re doing whatever they can to make sure they aren’t forgotten and to keep pushing to get them -- or their remains -- back home.

“For most of us, we are doers. So we wake up in the morning and we say, what are we doing today? What’s on the agenda?” said Ronen Neutra, whose son, Omer, a soldier, was among those taken. “What can I do to make sure that my son will come back home today?

The families were in Washington last week for meetings with U.S. government officials, including national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Attorney General Merrick Garland, whose Justice Department is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hamas-americans-killed-kidnapped-justice-department-investigation-64d851f794a6de4cbda40968dca50320">investigating the deaths and kidnapping of Americans</a>&nbsp;at the hands of Hamas. The meetings came at a sensitive time as the Biden administration endeavors to get Israel and Hamas to commit to a cease-fire deal to end the eight-month-old war.

Speaking as a group Wednesday to The Associated Press, the families recounted their shared sadness, angst and uncertainty but also their hopes for a resolution that would result in the release of scores of hostages, including their loved ones. Eight Americans are believed to be held by Hamas, including three who were killed.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-hamas-58169a607d4a7c4d7fc34f43160076b8">three-part proposal</a>&nbsp;announced on May 31 by President Joe Biden calls for a “full and complete cease-fire,” a withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas of Gaza and the release of hostages — first, women, the elderly and the wounded and later, all remaining captives, including male soldiers like Neutra, who was ambushed and pulled from a tank on Oct. 7.

“The only way they are going to emerge alive from these tunnels is through some sort of negotiated agreement with the devil, which is Hamas,” said Dekel-Chen, whose son was kidnapped while protecting his kibbutz, Nir Oz, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-hostages-0c14750240138853a70e38b0c09ef157">endured a disproportionate toll</a>&nbsp;of murders and hostage-taking by Hamas.

“Hamas clearly has to be forced to or coerced to enter negotiations and complete them,” he said, and must decide whether it's about “perpetual warfare and perpetual suffering of its own people” or about “some better future.” The Israeli government, for its part, must “stay the course” and “put aside any kind of narrow political interests” for the good of the country, he said.

That won't necessarily be easy, given the possibility that a cease-fire deal would shatter Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition and make him more vulnerable to a conviction in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-netanyahu-corruption-trial-courts-4e18ed8f34e65707bd47e37696da4705">his corruption trial</a>.

Netanyahu says he is committed to bringing the hostages home, but also says he won't end the war without destroying Hamas. He and hard-liners in his coalition fear a full Israeli withdrawal before reaching this goal could allow Hamas to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-hostages-endgame-0b4720545d294b4eb25eb97055c238eb">claim victory</a>&nbsp;and reconstitute itself.

The meetings with American officials were the latest in a series of sit-downs that began last fall, shortly after the Hamas attack in which militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250 hostages.

The resulting Israeli assault on Gaza has displaced most of the territory's population and killed over 36,000 Palestinians, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry</a>, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians. Israel has drawn global criticism, with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-palestinians-court-ceasefire-01d093d21a1eadaa31af5708cf1cbf38">U.N. court</a>&nbsp;ordering Israel to halt its offensive in the southern city of Rafah, while American universities from Columbia to Stanford have been convulsed by protests.

In Israel,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-protests-humanitarian-aid-pier-41c0e8c110323eb5d57f811ea18492cd">thousands have protested the government</a>, criticizing Netanyahu over his approach to the war and demanding he do more to bring back more hostages believed to be alive, along with the remains of 43 pronounced dead. Many hostage families have been at the forefront of the protest movement.&nbsp;

On Saturday Israeli troops did rescued four hostages who were kidnapped in a Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, in the largest such hostage recovery operation since the war with Hamas began in Gaza.

The American hostage families were measured in discussing the Israeli government's approach, placing the onus more on Hamas.

And they say the warm embrace they have received from U.S. officials exposes a disconnect with the general American public, which they consider to be more apathetic to their plight and ignorant of the fact that so many hostages remain in captivity.

“I think there’s also a lack of knowledge,” Chen said. “I think the majority of the U.S people are not aware that on October 7th, this was also attack on the United States."

Compounding the sadness eight months into the war is a steady drip of somber Israeli government announcements of additional hostage fatalities — most recently on Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-06-03-2024-d31eda4128b438739d69dda0d4f7f72b">when the military declared</a>&nbsp;four hostages who'd been kidnapped on Oct. 7 as now dead. Adding to the pain, the four men had been seen alive in videos released by Hamas, meaning they died in captivity, possibly from Israeli fire.

Chen spent months hoping his son, an NBA-loving soldier in the Israel Defense Forces, was alive only to learn earlier this year that he had been killed.

“He was taken hostage even though he was killed. Who does that? Savages. Who takes dead people as bargaining chips?" he said.

Andrea Weinstein received similar news after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hamas-hostages-biden-7e8115b6a4fa51495970ec8b7f8172eb">Israeli government in late December</a>&nbsp;disclosed the deaths of her sister, Judy — previously thought to be among the living hostages — and her husband, Gad Haggai. Weinstein, a teacher with a creative spirit who used puppets to help students find their voices, was on a morning walk with her husband when the attack unfolded, her sister said.

Optimistic feelings come in cycles for Omer Neutra's mother, Orna, who said she could not have imagined eight months ago that the family would still be in the same position. She is hopeful but also guarded.

“October 6, it was a different life,” she said. “Nothing is the same for us.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710266231699.png" alt="&nbsp;Itay's father Ruby Chen testified before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/organization/?161/Middle-East">Middle East</a>, North Africa, and Central Asia. Witnesses emotionally detailed their last conversations with loved ones and urged Congress to help bring hostages home.-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Itay's father Ruby Chen testified before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/organization/?161/Middle-East">Middle East</a>, North Africa, and Central Asia. Witnesses emotionally detailed their last conversations with loved ones and urged Congress to help bring hostages home.-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Jonathan Dekel-Chen dreams of the moment when his abducted 35-year-old son, Sagui, is reunited with his wife and three young children, including a daughter born two months after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">devastating attack on Israel that initiated the war.</a>Ruby Chen longs to recover the remains of his 19-year-old son, Itay — a soldier who Israeli intelligence says was killed in the Oct. 7 attack — so that he can be buried and his “soul” finally given “a place to rest” in accordance with Jewish practices.For many Americans, the Israeli-Hamas war is seen through the daily reports of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-rafah-latest-06-05-2024-950a8f8aacb672c7c6f3c2d75f7b499b">Israeli ground incursions and airstrikes in Gaza</a>&nbsp;and warnings of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-famine-0056ceecdb4ae3bee5f64c54ab034c7e">looming famine</a>. There are college campuses riven by protests and great uncertainty over cease-fire prospects.But the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-american-hostages-ceasefire-308ec1f89ef14f7db261fa304be9f944">families of the Americans taken hostage</a>&nbsp;are laser-focused on one thing: their loved ones. They fear that with all the tumult of the war, Americans often forget about their fellow citizens who remain missing. They’re doing whatever they can to make sure they aren’t forgotten and to keep pushing to get them -- or their remains -- back home.“For most of us, we are doers. So we wake up in the morning and we say, what are we doing today? What’s on the agenda?” said Ronen Neutra, whose son, Omer, a soldier, was among those taken. “What can I do to make sure that my son will come back home today?The families were in Washington last week for meetings with U.S. government officials, including national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Attorney General Merrick Garland, whose Justice Department is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hamas-americans-killed-kidnapped-justice-department-investigation-64d851f794a6de4cbda40968dca50320">investigating the deaths and kidnapping of Americans</a>&nbsp;at the hands of Hamas. The meetings came at a sensitive time as the Biden administration endeavors to get Israel and Hamas to commit to a cease-fire deal to end the eight-month-old war.Speaking as a group Wednesday to The Associated Press, the families recounted their shared sadness, angst and uncertainty but also their hopes for a resolution that would result in the release of scores of hostages, including their loved ones. Eight Americans are believed to be held by Hamas, including three who were killed.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-hamas-58169a607d4a7c4d7fc34f43160076b8">three-part proposal</a>&nbsp;announced on May 31 by President Joe Biden calls for a “full and complete cease-fire,” a withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas of Gaza and the release of hostages — first, women, the elderly and the wounded and later, all remaining captives, including male soldiers like Neutra, who was ambushed and pulled from a tank on Oct. 7.“The only way they are going to emerge alive from these tunnels is through some sort of negotiated agreement with the devil, which is Hamas,” said Dekel-Chen, whose son was kidnapped while protecting his kibbutz, Nir Oz, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-hostages-0c14750240138853a70e38b0c09ef157">endured a disproportionate toll</a>&nbsp;of murders and hostage-taking by Hamas.“Hamas clearly has to be forced to or coerced to enter negotiations and complete them,” he said, and must decide whether it's about “perpetual warfare and perpetual suffering of its own people” or about “some better future.” The Israeli government, for its part, must “stay the course” and “put aside any kind of narrow political interests” for the good of the country, he said.That won't necessarily be easy, given the possibility that a cease-fire deal would shatter Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition and make him more vulnerable to a conviction in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-netanyahu-corruption-trial-courts-4e18ed8f34e65707bd47e37696da4705">his corruption trial</a>.Netanyahu says he is committed to bringing the hostages home, but also says he won't end the war without destroying Hamas. He and hard-liners in his coalition fear a full Israeli withdrawal before reaching this goal could allow Hamas to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-hostages-endgame-0b4720545d294b4eb25eb97055c238eb">claim victory</a>&nbsp;and reconstitute itself.The meetings with American officials were the latest in a series of sit-downs that began last fall, shortly after the Hamas attack in which militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250 hostages.So much has changed since then.The resulting Israeli assault on Gaza has displaced most of the territory's population and killed over 36,000 Palestinians, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry</a>, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians. Israel has drawn global criticism, with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-palestinians-court-ceasefire-01d093d21a1eadaa31af5708cf1cbf38">U.N. court</a>&nbsp;ordering Israel to halt its offensive in the southern city of Rafah, while American universities from Columbia to Stanford have been convulsed by protests.In Israel,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-protests-humanitarian-aid-pier-41c0e8c110323eb5d57f811ea18492cd">thousands have protested the government</a>, criticizing Netanyahu over his approach to the war and demanding he do more to bring back more hostages believed to be alive, along with the remains of 43 pronounced dead. Many hostage families have been at the forefront of the protest movement.&nbsp;On Saturday Israeli troops did rescued four hostages who were kidnapped in a Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, in the largest such hostage recovery operation since the war with Hamas began in Gaza.The American hostage families were measured in discussing the Israeli government's approach, placing the onus more on Hamas.And they say the warm embrace they have received from U.S. officials exposes a disconnect with the general American public, which they consider to be more apathetic to their plight and ignorant of the fact that so many hostages remain in captivity.“I think there’s also a lack of knowledge,” Chen said. “I think the majority of the U.S people are not aware that on October 7th, this was also attack on the United States."Compounding the sadness eight months into the war is a steady drip of somber Israeli government announcements of additional hostage fatalities — most recently on Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-06-03-2024-d31eda4128b438739d69dda0d4f7f72b">when the military declared</a>&nbsp;four hostages who'd been kidnapped on Oct. 7 as now dead. Adding to the pain, the four men had been seen alive in videos released by Hamas, meaning they died in captivity, possibly from Israeli fire.Chen spent months hoping his son, an NBA-loving soldier in the Israel Defense Forces, was alive only to learn earlier this year that he had been killed.“He was taken hostage even though he was killed. Who does that? Savages. Who takes dead people as bargaining chips?" he said.Andrea Weinstein received similar news after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hamas-hostages-biden-7e8115b6a4fa51495970ec8b7f8172eb">Israeli government in late December</a>&nbsp;disclosed the deaths of her sister, Judy — previously thought to be among the living hostages — and her husband, Gad Haggai. Weinstein, a teacher with a creative spirit who used puppets to help students find their voices, was on a morning walk with her husband when the attack unfolded, her sister said.Their bodies remain in Gaza.Optimistic feelings come in cycles for Omer Neutra's mother, Orna, who said she could not have imagined eight months ago that the family would still be in the same position. She is hopeful but also guarded.“October 6, it was a different life,” she said. “Nothing is the same for us.”

Families of US hostages in Gaza plead: Don't forget your fellow citizens

SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just before 10a.m.&nbsp; June 6, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop of a white 2023 GMC Terrain for a traffic violation on eastbound Interstate 470 Highway near SW Burlingame Road, according to Shawnee County Deputy Shayna Anderson.

During a subsequent search of the vehicle deputies discovered a large amount of illegal drugs.

John W. Roberts II, 46, of Indiana, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug with intent to distribute and felony possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717793619055.png" alt="Roberts-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Roberts-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just before 10a.m.&nbsp; June 6, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop of a white 2023 GMC Terrain for a traffic violation on eastbound Interstate 470 Highway near SW Burlingame Road, according to Shawnee County Deputy Shayna Anderson.During a subsequent search of the vehicle deputies discovered a large amount of illegal drugs.John W. Roberts II, 46, of Indiana, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug with intent to distribute and felony possession of drug paraphernalia.

Indiana man accused of selling drugs in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — The director of the U.N. World Food Program said Sunday the program has “paused” its distribution of humanitarian aid from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-pier-aid-palestinians-00e83d1b302a23b5920c72e859430c15">an American-built pier</a>&nbsp;off Gaza, saying she was “concerned about the safety of our people" after what had been one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">deadliest days of the war there</a>.

Saturday saw both an Israeli military assault that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-hostages-casualties-1458f5a1dfe7bd4d908231bb7090a559">freed four hostages</a>&nbsp;but left 274 Palestinians and one Israeli commando dead, and, Cindy McCain said, two of WFP's warehouses in Gaza had been “rocketed” and a staffer injured.

Sunday's U.N. announcement of the pause appears the latest setback for the U.S. sea route, set up to try to bring more aid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-hunger-un-07afb7fe4a1654f54b81b944a0dab535">to Gaza's starving people</a>.

The U.S. Agency for International Development described the pause as a step to allow for a security review by the humanitarian community in Gaza. USAID works with the World Food Program and their humanitarian partners in Gaza to distribute food and other aid coming from the U.S.-operated pier.

Completed in mid-May, the U.S. pier was operational for only about a week before being knocked offline by storm damage for two weeks. After repairs, it returned to operation again Saturday, bringing in 1.1 million pounds (492 metric tons) of food and other aid, before McCain said her agency was pausing its humanitarian work there.

The U.N. agency gave no further details, including how long the pause would last. WFP spokespeople did not respond to requests for further details.

Asked about the pier operation during an appearance on CBS's “Face the Nation" McCain said: “Right now we’re paused.”

“I’m concerned about the safety of our people after the incident yesterday,” McCain said, without elaboration. “We also, two of our warehouses, the warehouse complex were rocketed yesterday.”

“We’ve stepped back for the moment,” she said, and want “to make sure that we’re on safe terms and on safe ground before we’ll restart. But the rest of the country is operational. We’re doing ... everything we can in the north and the south.”

USAID said in a statement to The Associated Press that it was working with other U.S. government officials and with humanitarian groups in Gaza “to ensure that aid can safely and effectively resume movement following completion of the security review that the humanitarian community is currently undertaking.”

President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-gaza-humanitarian-aid-port-us-military-israel-25fb6d71bc951d7491de3ab99733a749">Joe Biden in March announced</a>&nbsp;in his State of the Union address that he had directed the U.S. military to set up the temporary pier. The U.S. project was meant to bring in a limited amount of aid into Gaza, where Israeli restrictions on land crossings, and fighting, have brought more than 1 million of Gaza's 2.3 million people near the point of famine.

Saturday's return to operation for the U.S. pier project came the same day that Israel mounted a heavy air and ground&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-8-6-2024-a5d1ef04763a5ed17de2d050ebc5d490">assault that rescued four hostages</a>, who had been taken by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attack that launched the war in Gaza.

Pushing back against social media claims after the Israeli military operation, U.S. Central Command&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/1799578307001717226">said in a tweet</a>&nbsp;Saturday that neither the pier nor any of its equipment, personnel or other assets were used in the Israeli operation. It noted that Israel used an area south of the pier “to safely return hostages.”

A core principle of humanitarian groups holds that their work must be independent of the mission of combatants in a conflict zone, so as to keep aid operations and aid workers from becoming targets.

USAID said in a separate statement Saturday that no humanitarian workers were involved in the Israeli operation.

Speaking of the “rocketing” of the WFP warehouses, McCain said Sunday that one staffer was injured but “everybody else is fine.”

“That’s why a cease-fire is necessary. That’s why we need to stop this,” so that aid from her program and other organizations can flow into Gaza “at scale.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717793045172.png" alt="FILE photo U.S Central Command" />
 <figcaption>FILE photo U.S Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The director of the U.N. World Food Program said Sunday the program has “paused” its distribution of humanitarian aid from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-pier-aid-palestinians-00e83d1b302a23b5920c72e859430c15">an American-built pier</a>&nbsp;off Gaza, saying she was “concerned about the safety of our people" after what had been one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">deadliest days of the war there</a>.Saturday saw both an Israeli military assault that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-hostages-casualties-1458f5a1dfe7bd4d908231bb7090a559">freed four hostages</a>&nbsp;but left 274 Palestinians and one Israeli commando dead, and, Cindy McCain said, two of WFP's warehouses in Gaza had been “rocketed” and a staffer injured.Sunday's U.N. announcement of the pause appears the latest setback for the U.S. sea route, set up to try to bring more aid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-hunger-un-07afb7fe4a1654f54b81b944a0dab535">to Gaza's starving people</a>.The U.S. Agency for International Development described the pause as a step to allow for a security review by the humanitarian community in Gaza. USAID works with the World Food Program and their humanitarian partners in Gaza to distribute food and other aid coming from the U.S.-operated pier.Completed in mid-May, the U.S. pier was operational for only about a week before being knocked offline by storm damage for two weeks. After repairs, it returned to operation again Saturday, bringing in 1.1 million pounds (492 metric tons) of food and other aid, before McCain said her agency was pausing its humanitarian work there.The U.N. agency gave no further details, including how long the pause would last. WFP spokespeople did not respond to requests for further details.Asked about the pier operation during an appearance on CBS's “Face the Nation" McCain said: “Right now we’re paused.”“I’m concerned about the safety of our people after the incident yesterday,” McCain said, without elaboration. “We also, two of our warehouses, the warehouse complex were rocketed yesterday.”“We’ve stepped back for the moment,” she said, and want “to make sure that we’re on safe terms and on safe ground before we’ll restart. But the rest of the country is operational. We’re doing ... everything we can in the north and the south.”USAID said in a statement to The Associated Press that it was working with other U.S. government officials and with humanitarian groups in Gaza “to ensure that aid can safely and effectively resume movement following completion of the security review that the humanitarian community is currently undertaking.”President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-gaza-humanitarian-aid-port-us-military-israel-25fb6d71bc951d7491de3ab99733a749">Joe Biden in March announced</a>&nbsp;in his State of the Union address that he had directed the U.S. military to set up the temporary pier. The U.S. project was meant to bring in a limited amount of aid into Gaza, where Israeli restrictions on land crossings, and fighting, have brought more than 1 million of Gaza's 2.3 million people near the point of famine.Saturday's return to operation for the U.S. pier project came the same day that Israel mounted a heavy air and ground&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-8-6-2024-a5d1ef04763a5ed17de2d050ebc5d490">assault that rescued four hostages</a>, who had been taken by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attack that launched the war in Gaza.Pushing back against social media claims after the Israeli military operation, U.S. Central Command&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/1799578307001717226">said in a tweet</a>&nbsp;Saturday that neither the pier nor any of its equipment, personnel or other assets were used in the Israeli operation. It noted that Israel used an area south of the pier “to safely return hostages.”A core principle of humanitarian groups holds that their work must be independent of the mission of combatants in a conflict zone, so as to keep aid operations and aid workers from becoming targets.USAID said in a separate statement Saturday that no humanitarian workers were involved in the Israeli operation.Speaking of the “rocketing” of the WFP warehouses, McCain said Sunday that one staffer was injured but “everybody else is fine.”“That’s why a cease-fire is necessary. That’s why we need to stop this,” so that aid from her program and other organizations can flow into Gaza “at scale.”

Repaired $230 million US pier in Gaza faces another setback

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged violent sex crime and have made an arrest.

On Friday,&nbsp;Garden City Police arrested 28-year-old Jayce Morales following a rape investigation, according to a media release.

Earlier Friday, police were dispatched to the north part of Garden City and met with a woman who alleged an altercation had just occurred between her and Morales, who is known to her. 

The investigation revealed that the woman woke up to Morales sexually assaulting her before he left the scene. Morales was later located and taken into custody.

Morales is being held in Finney County Jail on requested charges of Rape and Domestic Battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717874820134.png" alt="Morales from an April arrest in Ford County" />
 <figcaption>Morales from an April arrest in Ford County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged violent sex crime and have made an arrest.On Friday,&nbsp;Garden City Police arrested 28-year-old Jayce Morales following a rape investigation, according to a media release.Earlier Friday, police were dispatched to the north part of Garden City and met with a woman who alleged an altercation had just occurred between her and Morales, who is known to her. The investigation revealed that the woman woke up to Morales sexually assaulting her before he left the scene. Morales was later located and taken into custody.Morales is being held in Finney County Jail on requested charges of Rape and Domestic Battery.

Police make arrest after SW Kansas rape investigation

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The City of Wichita reported on Monday that recovery efforts following the recent cyber security incident are progressing well. 

According to a statement from the city, most public facing systems are now back in service with some limited exceptions.

Water metering, billing and payment processing systems are coming back online. Customers should expect to begin receiving updated statements this week. Auto-payments are functioning as normal, and customers should now have access to their utility accounts online. Bills may be paid via credit card, cash, check and money order by coming to City Hall, accessing your water account online at https://link.wichita.gov, by calling (316) 265-1300 or mailing payment.

Please be aware, due to the cyber incident, which impaired processing bills and payments, some June bills will be for more than 60 days of service. If necessary, please speak with a representative by calling (316) 265-1300 for a payment arrangement and to work out a plan to get your account caught up on payment activity.

Please <a href="https://www.wichita.gov/1199/Alert">click here to see</a> frequently asked questions about water bill payments if you experience any glitches when accessing your account.

o Available: Public Wi-Fi is available at all locations; Libby (eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines) are available; materials can be checked in/out manually;

o Not available: Hold requests and renewals; customer account information; online catalog, automated materials handler at the Advanced Learning Library, online databases (Kanopy/LinkedIn Learning);

o For the complete list of what services are currently available or not at the Library, visit www.wichita.gov/alert.

- Airport: Public flight and gate display information is not yet online but is expected soon;

- Municipal Court: Public search of warrants is expected to be online Monday, June 10. While most Court systems are online, we encourage residents to please call (316) 268-4345 to verify the information regarding their court date, fees or other information.

- Unless specifically noted, all other resident-facing systems should be functioning as of June 10, 2024. If residents experience other system outages,<a href="https://www.wichita.gov/1199/Alert"> click here for updates.</a>

The City’s Information Technology team continues to work tirelessly to remediate remaining system outages.

We appreciate customer patience as there may be intermittent service interruptions over the coming days and weeks as recovery activity continues.

For the latest updates, FAQs and contact information on any other systems of interest,<a href="https://www.wichita.gov/1199/Alert"> please click here.</a>

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The City of Wichita reported on Monday that recovery efforts following the recent cyber security incident are progressing well. According to a statement from the city, most public facing systems are now back in service with some limited exceptions.Water metering, billing and payment processing systems are coming back online. Customers should expect to begin receiving updated statements this week. Auto-payments are functioning as normal, and customers should now have access to their utility accounts online. Bills may be paid via credit card, cash, check and money order by coming to City Hall, accessing your water account online at https://link.wichita.gov, by calling (316) 265-1300 or mailing payment.Please be aware, due to the cyber incident, which impaired processing bills and payments, some June bills will be for more than 60 days of service. If necessary, please speak with a representative by calling (316) 265-1300 for a payment arrangement and to work out a plan to get your account caught up on payment activity.Please <a href="https://www.wichita.gov/1199/Alert">click here to see</a> frequently asked questions about water bill payments if you experience any glitches when accessing your account.Remaining City service updates:- Wichita Public Library:o Available: Public Wi-Fi is available at all locations; Libby (eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines) are available; materials can be checked in/out manually;o Not available: Hold requests and renewals; customer account information; online catalog, automated materials handler at the Advanced Learning Library, online databases (Kanopy/LinkedIn Learning);o For the complete list of what services are currently available or not at the Library, visit www.wichita.gov/alert.- Airport: Public flight and gate display information is not yet online but is expected soon;- Municipal Court: Public search of warrants is expected to be online Monday, June 10. While most Court systems are online, we encourage residents to please call (316) 268-4345 to verify the information regarding their court date, fees or other information.- Unless specifically noted, all other resident-facing systems should be functioning as of June 10, 2024. If residents experience other system outages,<a href="https://www.wichita.gov/1199/Alert"> click here for updates.</a>The City’s Information Technology team continues to work tirelessly to remediate remaining system outages.We appreciate customer patience as there may be intermittent service interruptions over the coming days and weeks as recovery activity continues.For the latest updates, FAQs and contact information on any other systems of interest,<a href="https://www.wichita.gov/1199/Alert"> please click here.</a>

City of Wichita slowly restoring services after cyberattack

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Monday morning homicide near the Kansas City Power and Light District.

Just before 1a.m., police responded to report of a shooting near&nbsp;Truman Road and Grand Boulevard, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.&nbsp; 

First responders found a man on the sidewalk suffering from gunshot trauma. He was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead.

Police also found two other shooting victims in a parking area behind a business. The two women were transported to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Since there was a large crowd on the scene, police are hopeful someone may have information leading to an arrest.

Detectives were on the scene to gather evidence, talk with witnesses and review surveillance footage.&nbsp; Anyone who may have information is asked to call the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718022865935.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Monday morning homicide near the Kansas City Power and Light District.Just before 1a.m., police responded to report of a shooting near&nbsp;Truman Road and Grand Boulevard, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.&nbsp; First responders found a man on the sidewalk suffering from gunshot trauma. He was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718022337961.png" alt="Google map" />
 <figcaption>Google map</figcaption>
 </figure>Police also found two other shooting victims in a parking area behind a business. The two women were transported to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; &nbsp;Since there was a large crowd on the scene, police are hopeful someone may have information leading to an arrest.Detectives were on the scene to gather evidence, talk with witnesses and review surveillance footage.&nbsp; Anyone who may have information is asked to call the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS.&nbsp;

Shooting near KC Power & Light District: 1 dead, 2 injured

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—A bear at a Kansas zoo caused some excitement over the weekend.

On Sunday, the staff at Ralph Mitchell Zoo, 400 Mickey Mantle Way in Independence,&nbsp; discovered one of its three Siberian bear sisters had apparently decided zoo life had become unbearable and made an unsuccessful attempt to tunnel out of her enclosure, according to a media release from the city.

While the bear never made it out of the enclosure confines, she did manage to dig under the viewing platform and slip barely out of sight of staff for very brief period of time. Staff quickly responded to the situation, coaxed the bear back into the security of her pen and are taking steps to reinforce the enclosure to eliminate any chance of a future breakout.

   To fully ensure public safety while the bear was misbehaving, staff cleared the zoo of all visitors and locked the secondary enclosure within five minutes of discovering the dig, and within 10 minutes, had the bear back safely secured in the enclosure. Per protocol, the Independence Police Department was notified of the issue and responded to the zoo to provide any necessary assistance.

   “Safety of our visitors is always our number one priority, followed by the well-being of our animals, so I am very thankful for the quick actions of the zoo staff and responding officers to avert danger,” said Independence City Manager Kelly Passauer.

    The bear sisters will be off public exhibit for the next few days as staff continue to make modifications and reinforcements to their enclosure.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717981520148.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—A bear at a Kansas zoo caused some excitement over the weekend.On Sunday, the staff at Ralph Mitchell Zoo, 400 Mickey Mantle Way in Independence,&nbsp; discovered one of its three Siberian bear sisters had apparently decided zoo life had become unbearable and made an unsuccessful attempt to tunnel out of her enclosure, according to a media release from the city.While the bear never made it out of the enclosure confines, she did manage to dig under the viewing platform and slip barely out of sight of staff for very brief period of time. Staff quickly responded to the situation, coaxed the bear back into the security of her pen and are taking steps to reinforce the enclosure to eliminate any chance of a future breakout. To fully ensure public safety while the bear was misbehaving, staff cleared the zoo of all visitors and locked the secondary enclosure within five minutes of discovering the dig, and within 10 minutes, had the bear back safely secured in the enclosure. Per protocol, the Independence Police Department was notified of the issue and responded to the zoo to provide any necessary assistance. “Safety of our visitors is always our number one priority, followed by the well-being of our animals, so I am very thankful for the quick actions of the zoo staff and responding officers to avert danger,” said Independence City Manager Kelly Passauer. The bear sisters will be off public exhibit for the next few days as staff continue to make modifications and reinforcements to their enclosure.

Bear attempted to tunnel out of enclosure at Kansas zoo

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating incidents that disrupted the annual Downtown Days festival in Lee's Summit.

&nbsp;During the weekend Downtown Days festival, the Lee’s Summit Police Department had a large contingent of officers present during all hours of the festival. 

Just after 10p.m. Saturday, po lice were alerted to the sound of shots fired in the area of SW 3rd and Jefferson just outside of the festival boundary. 

 Officers responded quickly to the area and did not locate any suspects or victims; all parties involved had quickly left the area.  In addition to this incident, officers did handle several small disturbance calls within the festival.

  Officers also observed several members of the juvenile crowd attempting to create artificial panic incidents by running and acting as if an emergency was occurring. 

 During one of these incidents, an elderly woman was pushed to the ground by the running crowd; she was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.  Officers worked the festival through its conclusion on Sunday.&nbsp; No other injuries were reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718015072324.png" alt="Downtown Days in Lee's Summit -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Downtown Days in Lee's Summit -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating incidents that disrupted the annual Downtown Days festival in Lee's Summit.&nbsp;During the weekend Downtown Days festival, the Lee’s Summit Police Department had a large contingent of officers present during all hours of the festival. Just after 10p.m. Saturday, po lice were alerted to the sound of shots fired in the area of SW 3rd and Jefferson just outside of the festival boundary. Officers responded quickly to the area and did not locate any suspects or victims; all parties involved had quickly left the area. In addition to this incident, officers did handle several small disturbance calls within the festival. Officers also observed several members of the juvenile crowd attempting to create artificial panic incidents by running and acting as if an emergency was occurring. During one of these incidents, an elderly woman was pushed to the ground by the running crowd; she was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries. Officers worked the festival through its conclusion on Sunday.&nbsp; No other injuries were reported.

Shots fired, woman injured during incidents at KC area festival

JERUSALEM —Iranian-backed Houthis terrorists launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) from Houthi controlled areas of Yemen into the Gulf of Aden over the weekend, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. 

One missile struck M/V Tavvishi, a Liberian-flagged, Swiss owned  and operated container ship. M/V Tavvishi reported damage but has continued  underway. The second missile was successfully destroyed by a coalition ship. There were no injuries reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels. 

Separately, Iranian terrorists&nbsp; launched one ballistic missile and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) into the Gulf of Aden. Both missiles struck M/V Norderney, an Antigua and Barbados flagged, German owned and operated cargo ship. M/V Norderney reported damage but has continued underway. There were no injuries reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels. 

Additionally, U.S. forces successfully destroyed one drone over the Gulf of Aden. Later, US forces successfully destroyed two Houthi land attack cruise missiles (LACM) and one missile launcher in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702740562018.png" alt="File photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —Iranian-backed Houthis terrorists launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) from Houthi controlled areas of Yemen into the Gulf of Aden over the weekend, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. One missile struck M/V Tavvishi, a Liberian-flagged, Swiss owned and operated container ship. M/V Tavvishi reported damage but has continued underway. The second missile was successfully destroyed by a coalition ship. There were no injuries reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels. Separately, Iranian terrorists&nbsp; launched one ballistic missile and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) into the Gulf of Aden. Both missiles struck M/V Norderney, an Antigua and Barbados flagged, German owned and operated cargo ship. M/V Norderney reported damage but has continued underway. There were no injuries reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels. Additionally, U.S. forces successfully destroyed one drone over the Gulf of Aden. Later, US forces successfully destroyed two Houthi land attack cruise missiles (LACM) and one missile launcher in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

Iran-backed terrorist's missiles damage ships in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for a drug sale death.

&nbsp;Last week, Mason Duane Robinson, 28, of Lawrence, was sentenced to 49 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for distribution of a controlled substance in a case related to the fentanyl-overdose death of a Lawrence woman, according to Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez.

“One fentanyl-laced pill can have a devastating impact on so many,” District Attorney Valdez said. “The resolve to stem the tide of this epidemic by my office and our law enforcement partners remains steadfast.”

Judge Sally Pokorny also sentenced Robinson, who pleaded no contest in April, to 24 months of post-release supervision. Robinson must register as a drug offender for 15 years.

Charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on April 14, 2022, when a 23-year-old woman was discovered unresponsive in front of a home in the 1900 block of Miller Drive in Lawrence.&nbsp;

For those seeking substance abuse treatment resources in Kansas, call 211. Visit the website for Lawrence-based nonprofit DCCCA, which provides free naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray, fentanyl test strips and training to community organizations and Kansas residents, at http://bit.ly/3xyc9lU.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717791959218.png" alt="Robinson-photo Douglas Co." />
 <figcaption>Robinson-photo Douglas Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for a drug sale death.&nbsp;Last week, Mason Duane Robinson, 28, of Lawrence, was sentenced to 49 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for distribution of a controlled substance in a case related to the fentanyl-overdose death of a Lawrence woman, according to Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez.“One fentanyl-laced pill can have a devastating impact on so many,” District Attorney Valdez said. “The resolve to stem the tide of this epidemic by my office and our law enforcement partners remains steadfast.”Judge Sally Pokorny also sentenced Robinson, who pleaded no contest in April, to 24 months of post-release supervision. Robinson must register as a drug offender for 15 years.Charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on April 14, 2022, when a 23-year-old woman was discovered unresponsive in front of a home in the 1900 block of Miller Drive in Lawrence.&nbsp;For those seeking substance abuse treatment resources in Kansas, call 211. Visit the website for Lawrence-based nonprofit DCCCA, which provides free naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray, fentanyl test strips and training to community organizations and Kansas residents, at http://bit.ly/3xyc9lU.

Man going to prison for Kan. woman's fentanyl overdose death

SISTERS, Ore. (AP) — A rodeo bull hopped a fence surrounding an Oregon arena and ran through a concession area into a parking lot, injuring at least three people before wranglers caught up with it, officials said.

The crowd at the 84th Sisters Rodeo in the city of Sisters was singing along with Lee Greenwood's “God Bless the U.S.A." on Saturday night, most with their cellphone flashlights on, as the bull ran around the arena before what was to be the final bull ride of the night, when the bull hopped the fence, according to a video shot by a fan.

Other videos posted online showed the bull running through a concession area, knocking over a garbage can and sending people scrambling. The bull lifted one person off the ground, spun them end over end, and bounced them off its horns before the person hit the ground.

The Sisters Rodeo Association issued a statement Sunday saying three people were injured “as a direct result of the bull, two of whom were transported to a local hospital,"&nbsp;<a href="https://ktvz.com/cnn-regional/2024/06/09/bull-jumps-sisters-rodeo-arena-fence-escapes-3-struck-injured-by-bull-as-crowd-scrambles-out-of-the-way/">KTVZ-TV reported</a>. Rodeo livestock professionals secured the bull next to livestock holding pens and placed it in a pen, the association said.

Deschutes County sheriff’s Sergeant Joshua Spano said several ambulances were called to the scene. Deputies transported one patient with non-life-threatening injuries to a hospital, and a deputy also sustained minor injuries when responding to the bull's escape, Lt. Jayson Janes told KTVZ on Sunday.

Danielle Smithers was among the rodeo fans with her cellphone flashlight on as the bull named Party Bus was moving around the ring with two riders on horseback as the crowd sang and swayed to the music.

“And about 30 seconds into it I stopped and I looked at it and I thought to myself, ‘this is just too beautiful not to have a video,’" Smithers said. She shut off her flashlight and “started recording the bull, just following him, making his loop and as he started coming around his second loop in my video, he goes right over” the fence, she said.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association said Saturday's incident is a reminder that “while rodeo is a highly-entertaining sport, on very rare occasions it can also pose some risk.”

“PRCA sends our thoughts and well wishes to those who were injured or otherwise impacted by this frightening and very rare incident," the association said.

Officials with the Sisters Rodeo couldn’t be reached to ask if an investigation is planned.

The rodeo's final performance on Sunday went on as scheduled.

SISTERS, Ore. (AP) — A rodeo bull hopped a fence surrounding an Oregon arena and ran through a concession area into a parking lot, injuring at least three people before wranglers caught up with it, officials said.The crowd at the 84th Sisters Rodeo in the city of Sisters was singing along with Lee Greenwood's “God Bless the U.S.A." on Saturday night, most with their cellphone flashlights on, as the bull ran around the arena before what was to be the final bull ride of the night, when the bull hopped the fence, according to a video shot by a fan.Other videos posted online showed the bull running through a concession area, knocking over a garbage can and sending people scrambling. The bull lifted one person off the ground, spun them end over end, and bounced them off its horns before the person hit the ground.The Sisters Rodeo Association issued a statement Sunday saying three people were injured “as a direct result of the bull, two of whom were transported to a local hospital,"&nbsp;<a href="https://ktvz.com/cnn-regional/2024/06/09/bull-jumps-sisters-rodeo-arena-fence-escapes-3-struck-injured-by-bull-as-crowd-scrambles-out-of-the-way/">KTVZ-TV reported</a>. Rodeo livestock professionals secured the bull next to livestock holding pens and placed it in a pen, the association said.Deschutes County sheriff’s Sergeant Joshua Spano said several ambulances were called to the scene. Deputies transported one patient with non-life-threatening injuries to a hospital, and a deputy also sustained minor injuries when responding to the bull's escape, Lt. Jayson Janes told KTVZ on Sunday.Danielle Smithers was among the rodeo fans with her cellphone flashlight on as the bull named Party Bus was moving around the ring with two riders on horseback as the crowd sang and swayed to the music.“And about 30 seconds into it I stopped and I looked at it and I thought to myself, ‘this is just too beautiful not to have a video,’" Smithers said. She shut off her flashlight and “started recording the bull, just following him, making his loop and as he started coming around his second loop in my video, he goes right over” the fence, she said.The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association said Saturday's incident is a reminder that “while rodeo is a highly-entertaining sport, on very rare occasions it can also pose some risk.”“PRCA sends our thoughts and well wishes to those who were injured or otherwise impacted by this frightening and very rare incident," the association said.Officials with the Sisters Rodeo couldn’t be reached to ask if an investigation is planned.The rodeo's final performance on Sunday went on as scheduled.

Bull hops fence at rodeo arena, injures 3 before being captured

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations.

Jusst after 11p.m. June 6,&nbsp;a Sheriff’s Deputy near Mayetta, observed a gray Honda Accord with a Kansas license plate and the vehicle’s registration was expired. However, the plate contained a current 2025 sticker, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

A Jackson County K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal drugs and or narcotics within the vehicle. A probable cause search was conducted and revealed illegal narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and multiple open alcohol containers within the vehicle.

The driver was identified as&nbsp;Earl T Kuhn III,&nbsp;61, of Topeka, and&nbsp;passenger identified&nbsp;as&nbsp;David W Brooks, 58, of Topeka.

Kuhn III was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of THC, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia,&nbsp;transporting an open container, driving while a habitual violator, operating a vehicle with expired registration, improper registration, and&nbsp;no proof of insurance.

Brooks was arrested on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine, possession of THC, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and&nbsp;transporting an open container.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717793395255.png" alt="Kuhn-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Kuhn-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations.Jusst after 11p.m. June 6,&nbsp;a Sheriff’s Deputy near Mayetta, observed a gray Honda Accord with a Kansas license plate and the vehicle’s registration was expired. However, the plate contained a current 2025 sticker, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.A Jackson County K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal drugs and or narcotics within the vehicle. A probable cause search was conducted and revealed illegal narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and multiple open alcohol containers within the vehicle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717793359173.png" alt="Brooks" />
 <figcaption>Brooks</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver was identified as&nbsp;Earl T Kuhn III,&nbsp;61, of Topeka, and&nbsp;passenger identified&nbsp;as&nbsp;David W Brooks, 58, of Topeka.Kuhn III was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of THC, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia,&nbsp;transporting an open container, driving while a habitual violator, operating a vehicle with expired registration, improper registration, and&nbsp;no proof of insurance.Brooks was arrested on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine, possession of THC, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and&nbsp;transporting an open container.

Kan. deputy found multiple open alcohol containers in car

By JULIE APPLEBY&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-01-14/private-practice-doctors-patients-wonder-when-its-their-turn-for-the-covid-19-vaccine">Kaiser Health News</a>

A company that makes tests for lead poisoning has agreed to resolve criminal charges that it concealed for years a malfunction that resulted in inaccurately low results.

It’s the latest in a long-running saga involving Massachusetts-based Magellan Diagnostics, which will&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/magellan-diagnostics-agrees-plead-guilty-and-pay-42-million-resolve-criminal-charges">pay $42 million in penalties</a>, according to the Department of Justice.

While many of the fault-prone devices were used from 2013 to 2017, some were being recalled&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/CLPPB/CDPH%20Document%20Library/magellan_fact_sheet_20211203_ADA_v2.pdf">as late as 2021</a>. The Justice Department said the malfunction produced inaccurate results for “potentially tens of thousands” of children and other patients.

Doctors don’t consider any level of lead in the blood to be safe, especially for children. Several U.S. cities, including Washington, D.C., and Flint, Michigan, have struggled with widespread lead contamination of their water supplies in the last two decades, making accurate tests critical for public health.

It’s possible faulty Magellan kits were used to test children for lead exposure into the early 2020s, based on the recall in 2021. Here’s what parents should know.

The inaccurate results came from three Magellan devices: LeadCare Ultra, LeadCare II, and LeadCare Plus. One, the LeadCare II, uses finger-stick samples primarily and accounted for more than half of all blood lead tests conducted in the U.S. from 2013 to 2017, according to the Justice Department. It was often used in physician offices to check children’s lead levels.

The other two could also be used with blood drawn from a vein and may have been more common in labs than doctor’s offices. The company “first learned that a malfunction in its LeadCare Ultra device could cause inaccurate lead test results – specifically, lead test results that were falsely low” in June 2013 while seeking regulatory clearance to sell the product, the DOJ said. But it did not disclose that information and went on to market the tests, according to the settlement.

The agency said 2013 testing indicated the same flaw affected the LeadCare II device. A 2021 recall included most of all three types of test kits distributed since October 27, 2020.

The company said in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.magellandx.com/resources/magellan-diagnostics-announces-voluntary-resolution-of-federal-investigation/">press release</a>&nbsp;announcing the resolution that “the underlying issues that affected the results of some of Magellan’s products from 2013 to 2018 have been fully and effectively remediated,” and that the tests it currently sells are safe.

Children are often tested during pediatrician visits at age 1 and again at age 2. Elevated lead levels can put kids at risk of developmental delay, lower IQ, and other problems. And symptoms, such as stomachache, poor appetite, or irritability, may not appear until high levels are reached.

Falsely low test results could mean parents and physicians were unaware of the problem.

That’s a concern because treatment for lead poisoning is, initially, mainly preventive. Results showing elevated levels should prompt parents and health officials to determine the sources of lead and take steps to prevent continued lead intake, said Janine Kerr, health educator with the Virginia Department of Health’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/leadsafe/">Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program</a>.

Children can be exposed to lead in a variety of ways, including by drinking water contaminated with lead from old pipes, such as in Flint and Washington; ingesting lead-based paint flakes often found in older homes; or, as reported recently, eating some&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-chromium-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023">brands of cinnamon-flavored applesauce.</a>

“Parents can contact their child’s pediatrician to determine if their child had a blood lead test with a LeadCare device” and discuss whether a repeat blood lead test is needed, said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://profiles.mountsinai.org/maida-p-galvez">Maida Galvez</a>, a pediatrician and professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.

During an earlier recall of some Magellan devices, in 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-warns-americans-about-risk-inaccurate-results-certain-lead-tests">recommended that patients be retested</a>&nbsp;if they were pregnant, nursing, or children younger than 6 and had a blood lead level of less than 10 micrograms per deciliter as determined by a Magellan device from a venous blood draw.

The 2021 recall of Magellan devices recommended retesting children whose results were less than the current CDC reference level of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter. Many of those tests were of the finger-stick variety.

Kerr, at the Virginia health department, said her agency has not had many calls about that recall.

The finger-stick tests “are not that widely used in Virginia,” said Kerr, adding that “we did get a lot of questions about the applesauce recall.”

In any case, she said, the “best course of action for parents is to talk with a health care provider.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://kffhealthnews.org/about-us">KFF Health News</a>&nbsp;is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/about-us">KFF</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717934001181.png" alt=" From left, a lead pipe, a corroded steel pipe, and a lead pipe treated with protective orthophosphate (Photo courtesy Environmental Protection Agency)." />
 <figcaption> From left, a lead pipe, a corroded steel pipe, and a lead pipe treated with protective orthophosphate (Photo courtesy Environmental Protection Agency).</figcaption>
 </figure>By JULIE APPLEBY&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-01-14/private-practice-doctors-patients-wonder-when-its-their-turn-for-the-covid-19-vaccine">Kaiser Health News</a>A company that makes tests for lead poisoning has agreed to resolve criminal charges that it concealed for years a malfunction that resulted in inaccurately low results.It’s the latest in a long-running saga involving Massachusetts-based Magellan Diagnostics, which will&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/magellan-diagnostics-agrees-plead-guilty-and-pay-42-million-resolve-criminal-charges">pay $42 million in penalties</a>, according to the Department of Justice.While many of the fault-prone devices were used from 2013 to 2017, some were being recalled&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/CLPPB/CDPH%20Document%20Library/magellan_fact_sheet_20211203_ADA_v2.pdf">as late as 2021</a>. The Justice Department said the malfunction produced inaccurate results for “potentially tens of thousands” of children and other patients.Doctors don’t consider any level of lead in the blood to be safe, especially for children. Several U.S. cities, including Washington, D.C., and Flint, Michigan, have struggled with widespread lead contamination of their water supplies in the last two decades, making accurate tests critical for public health.It’s possible faulty Magellan kits were used to test children for lead exposure into the early 2020s, based on the recall in 2021. Here’s what parents should know.<h2>What tests were affected?</h2>The inaccurate results came from three Magellan devices: LeadCare Ultra, LeadCare II, and LeadCare Plus. One, the LeadCare II, uses finger-stick samples primarily and accounted for more than half of all blood lead tests conducted in the U.S. from 2013 to 2017, according to the Justice Department. It was often used in physician offices to check children’s lead levels.The other two could also be used with blood drawn from a vein and may have been more common in labs than doctor’s offices. The company “first learned that a malfunction in its LeadCare Ultra device could cause inaccurate lead test results – specifically, lead test results that were falsely low” in June 2013 while seeking regulatory clearance to sell the product, the DOJ said. But it did not disclose that information and went on to market the tests, according to the settlement.The agency said 2013 testing indicated the same flaw affected the LeadCare II device. A 2021 recall included most of all three types of test kits distributed since October 27, 2020.The company said in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.magellandx.com/resources/magellan-diagnostics-announces-voluntary-resolution-of-federal-investigation/">press release</a>&nbsp;announcing the resolution that “the underlying issues that affected the results of some of Magellan’s products from 2013 to 2018 have been fully and effectively remediated,” and that the tests it currently sells are safe.<h2>What does a falsely low result mean?</h2>Children are often tested during pediatrician visits at age 1 and again at age 2. Elevated lead levels can put kids at risk of developmental delay, lower IQ, and other problems. And symptoms, such as stomachache, poor appetite, or irritability, may not appear until high levels are reached.Falsely low test results could mean parents and physicians were unaware of the problem.That’s a concern because treatment for lead poisoning is, initially, mainly preventive. Results showing elevated levels should prompt parents and health officials to determine the sources of lead and take steps to prevent continued lead intake, said Janine Kerr, health educator with the Virginia Department of Health’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/leadsafe/">Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program</a>.Children can be exposed to lead in a variety of ways, including by drinking water contaminated with lead from old pipes, such as in Flint and Washington; ingesting lead-based paint flakes often found in older homes; or, as reported recently, eating some&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-chromium-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023">brands of cinnamon-flavored applesauce.</a><h2>What should parents do now?</h2>“Parents can contact their child’s pediatrician to determine if their child had a blood lead test with a LeadCare device” and discuss whether a repeat blood lead test is needed, said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://profiles.mountsinai.org/maida-p-galvez">Maida Galvez</a>, a pediatrician and professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.During an earlier recall of some Magellan devices, in 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-warns-americans-about-risk-inaccurate-results-certain-lead-tests">recommended that patients be retested</a>&nbsp;if they were pregnant, nursing, or children younger than 6 and had a blood lead level of less than 10 micrograms per deciliter as determined by a Magellan device from a venous blood draw.The 2021 recall of Magellan devices recommended retesting children whose results were less than the current CDC reference level of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter. Many of those tests were of the finger-stick variety.Kerr, at the Virginia health department, said her agency has not had many calls about that recall.The finger-stick tests “are not that widely used in Virginia,” said Kerr, adding that “we did get a lot of questions about the applesauce recall.”In any case, she said, the “best course of action for parents is to talk with a health care provider.”<a target="_blank" href="https://kffhealthnews.org/about-us">KFF Health News</a>&nbsp;is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/about-us">KFF</a>.

Thousands of children got tested for lead with faulty devices: What parents should know

KANSAS CITY (AP) —For retirees Tom and Beverly McAdam, the good news is the value of their two-bedroom home in suburban Denver has risen 45% since they purchased it more than six years ago.

That's also the bad news, costing them thousands more in real estate taxes and leaving less for discretionary spending.

“To pay the higher property taxes, it just means we’ve got to take more money out of our investments when it comes time to hit those big bills,” Beverly McAdam said.

She backs a Colorado ballot proposal that could cap the growth of property tax revenue. It's one of several measures in states this year to limit, cut or offset escalating property taxes in response to complaints.

Over the past five years, single-family home prices have risen about 54% nationally, according to S&amp;P Dow Jones Indices.

That means higher tax bills for homeowners when governments don’t offset higher real estate values by reducing tax rates. And with offices seeing higher vacancies as people still work from home after the coronavirus pandemic, some commercial property values are declining, putting even more pressure on residential properties to deliver revenues.

“With assessed values skyrocketing over the past few years,” said Jared Walczak, vice president of state projects at the nonprofit Tax Foundation, “homeowners are clamoring for relief, and state policymakers are increasingly exploring ways to provide it.”

Colorado, like Alabama and Wyoming, also has a new law that will limit the growth in tax-assessed values for homeowners. Property tax relief will be part of a special legislative session&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-budget-tax-cuts-veto-5db61e7a326e861c7a492122c0615ac6">beginning June 18</a>&nbsp;in Kansas, while Nebraska also could hold a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-special-session-property-tax-ef418445d4d953643f46f57d37ba2642">special session</a>&nbsp;to cut property taxes.

Georgia voters will decide in November whether to authorize&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-property-tax-cut-home-values-608e078a59193f4014ea10ae453b3fc6">a new law</a>&nbsp;limiting increases in assessed home values for tax purposes to the rate of inflation, unless local governments or school boards opt out.

Five years ago, Lanell Griffith and her husband paid a little less than $2,700 in property taxes on their Topeka, Kansas, home in a historic neighborhood of tree-lined, brick streets. Their bill last year was more than $3,700.

“The government shouldn’t be able to arbitrarily just increase what they say you owe them without any sort of guardrails on that,” Griffith said.

Kansas lawmakers this year passed three measures that would have reduced the state's property tax levy for public schools. But each was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-budget-tax-cuts-veto-9ebddf96cd35b614d8e96f2d8b8939c2">vetoed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly</a>&nbsp;because of concerns about other sections to cut income taxes. The special session will mark a fourth attempt at consensus.

In Vermont, Republican Gov. Phil Scott has vowed to veto a bill that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vermont-legislature-adjourns-b523fb14564d3c8034c553445e1c9db0">raise property taxes</a>&nbsp;by an average of nearly 14% to provide more money for public schools. Scott said people “simply cannot afford a historic, double digit property tax increase.”

In many states, property taxes are primarily a function of local governments such as counties, cities, school boards and special districts for libraries, fire departments and water systems. Each entity sets its own property tax rate, which is added to the others to come up with an overall tax bill for property owners.

State legislatures can intervene in a variety of ways. They can establish statewide limits on how much assessed property values can rise, create partial tax exemptions for all homeowners or provide income tax credits to help offset property taxes for certain people, such as those 65 and older.

But any relief carries consequences. Limits on the growth of assessed property values may provide a greater benefit to the wealthy. Exemptions for homes used as primary residences can shift a greater tax burden to rental properties and businesses.

"If you do this too much, you can now start tying the hands of your local government and cutting them off from the ability to raise revenue," said Richard Auxier, a principal policy associate at the nonprofit Tax Policy Center.

While signing several&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.wyo.gov/news-releases/governor-gordon-signs-four-bills-expanding-and-extending-property-tax-relief-">property tax relief laws</a>&nbsp;this year, Republican Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed one that would have exempted 25% of a home's value from property taxes. He said it “jeopardized the financial stability of the state and counties.”

In 1982, voters in Muscogee County, Georgia, approved a local ordinance freezing assessed property values for homes used as primary residences. The result: longtime homeowners pay very little, newcomers pay more and businesses face some of the state's highest property tax rates, said Suzanne Widenhouse, the county’s chief appraiser.

Last year, two similar homes worth around $330,000 had dramatically different tax bills. One, whose assessed value was frozen in the 1980s, owed less than $8. The other, whose assessed value was frozen when purchased about five years ago, owed $3,236, Widenhouse said.

“Anytime you grant an exemption, you create an inequality,” she said.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-income-property-tax-cuts-brian-kemp-53eb92dc76bce0de97e9e7d3749a0ca6">Georgia ballot measure</a>&nbsp;would amend the constitution to allow increases in assessed property values to be capped at the rate of inflation. But it wouldn’t undo past increases.

In the eight years since Rob Romeijn bought a ranch-style house on 10 acres (4 hectares) southeast of Atlanta, Rockdale County has raised the assessed value of his property from $127,000 to $230,000, also bumping up his property tax bill, he said.

As a Dutch immigrant with permanent residency, Romeijn can’t vote in elections in Conyers, but he was so unhappy about the increase that he made a sign urging people to vote out Rockdale’s commissioners and protested outside county offices in April.

Colorado also has been at the center of the property tax debate. The state has experienced decades-long growth in new residents, driving up demand for housing. Meanwhile, it has struggled to find a balance between providing tax relief for homeowners and sufficient funding for local governments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659001075252.jpeg" alt="Photo AP" />
 <figcaption>Photo AP</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID A. LIEB&nbsp;KANSAS CITY (AP) —For retirees Tom and Beverly McAdam, the good news is the value of their two-bedroom home in suburban Denver has risen 45% since they purchased it more than six years ago.That's also the bad news, costing them thousands more in real estate taxes and leaving less for discretionary spending.“To pay the higher property taxes, it just means we’ve got to take more money out of our investments when it comes time to hit those big bills,” Beverly McAdam said.She backs a Colorado ballot proposal that could cap the growth of property tax revenue. It's one of several measures in states this year to limit, cut or offset escalating property taxes in response to complaints.Over the past five years, single-family home prices have risen about 54% nationally, according to S&amp;P Dow Jones Indices.That means higher tax bills for homeowners when governments don’t offset higher real estate values by reducing tax rates. And with offices seeing higher vacancies as people still work from home after the coronavirus pandemic, some commercial property values are declining, putting even more pressure on residential properties to deliver revenues.“With assessed values skyrocketing over the past few years,” said Jared Walczak, vice president of state projects at the nonprofit Tax Foundation, “homeowners are clamoring for relief, and state policymakers are increasingly exploring ways to provide it.”Colorado, like Alabama and Wyoming, also has a new law that will limit the growth in tax-assessed values for homeowners. Property tax relief will be part of a special legislative session&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-budget-tax-cuts-veto-5db61e7a326e861c7a492122c0615ac6">beginning June 18</a>&nbsp;in Kansas, while Nebraska also could hold a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-special-session-property-tax-ef418445d4d953643f46f57d37ba2642">special session</a>&nbsp;to cut property taxes.Georgia voters will decide in November whether to authorize&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-property-tax-cut-home-values-608e078a59193f4014ea10ae453b3fc6">a new law</a>&nbsp;limiting increases in assessed home values for tax purposes to the rate of inflation, unless local governments or school boards opt out.Five years ago, Lanell Griffith and her husband paid a little less than $2,700 in property taxes on their Topeka, Kansas, home in a historic neighborhood of tree-lined, brick streets. Their bill last year was more than $3,700.“The government shouldn’t be able to arbitrarily just increase what they say you owe them without any sort of guardrails on that,” Griffith said.Kansas lawmakers this year passed three measures that would have reduced the state's property tax levy for public schools. But each was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-budget-tax-cuts-veto-9ebddf96cd35b614d8e96f2d8b8939c2">vetoed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly</a>&nbsp;because of concerns about other sections to cut income taxes. The special session will mark a fourth attempt at consensus.In Vermont, Republican Gov. Phil Scott has vowed to veto a bill that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vermont-legislature-adjourns-b523fb14564d3c8034c553445e1c9db0">raise property taxes</a>&nbsp;by an average of nearly 14% to provide more money for public schools. Scott said people “simply cannot afford a historic, double digit property tax increase.”In many states, property taxes are primarily a function of local governments such as counties, cities, school boards and special districts for libraries, fire departments and water systems. Each entity sets its own property tax rate, which is added to the others to come up with an overall tax bill for property owners.State legislatures can intervene in a variety of ways. They can establish statewide limits on how much assessed property values can rise, create partial tax exemptions for all homeowners or provide income tax credits to help offset property taxes for certain people, such as those 65 and older.But any relief carries consequences. Limits on the growth of assessed property values may provide a greater benefit to the wealthy. Exemptions for homes used as primary residences can shift a greater tax burden to rental properties and businesses."If you do this too much, you can now start tying the hands of your local government and cutting them off from the ability to raise revenue," said Richard Auxier, a principal policy associate at the nonprofit Tax Policy Center.While signing several&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.wyo.gov/news-releases/governor-gordon-signs-four-bills-expanding-and-extending-property-tax-relief-">property tax relief laws</a>&nbsp;this year, Republican Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed one that would have exempted 25% of a home's value from property taxes. He said it “jeopardized the financial stability of the state and counties.”In 1982, voters in Muscogee County, Georgia, approved a local ordinance freezing assessed property values for homes used as primary residences. The result: longtime homeowners pay very little, newcomers pay more and businesses face some of the state's highest property tax rates, said Suzanne Widenhouse, the county’s chief appraiser.Last year, two similar homes worth around $330,000 had dramatically different tax bills. One, whose assessed value was frozen in the 1980s, owed less than $8. The other, whose assessed value was frozen when purchased about five years ago, owed $3,236, Widenhouse said.“Anytime you grant an exemption, you create an inequality,” she said.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-income-property-tax-cuts-brian-kemp-53eb92dc76bce0de97e9e7d3749a0ca6">Georgia ballot measure</a>&nbsp;would amend the constitution to allow increases in assessed property values to be capped at the rate of inflation. But it wouldn’t undo past increases.In the eight years since Rob Romeijn bought a ranch-style house on 10 acres (4 hectares) southeast of Atlanta, Rockdale County has raised the assessed value of his property from $127,000 to $230,000, also bumping up his property tax bill, he said.As a Dutch immigrant with permanent residency, Romeijn can’t vote in elections in Conyers, but he was so unhappy about the increase that he made a sign urging people to vote out Rockdale’s commissioners and protested outside county offices in April.Colorado also has been at the center of the property tax debate. The state has experienced decades-long growth in new residents, driving up demand for housing. Meanwhile, it has struggled to find a balance between providing tax relief for homeowners and sufficient funding for local governments.A 1982 constitutional amendment limited residential properties to 45% of Colorado’s total property tax base while also setting a fixed assessment rate for commercial properties. To keep the ratio in balance as home values rose, residential tax assessments were cut, leaving less revenue for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1640d1cf050b4cf0902f8daf50625c20">essential services such as fire districts</a>.Colorado voters repealed that constitutional provision in 2020. Since then, assessed home values have risen rapidly and the General Assembly has responded. The latest law, signed in May, is projected to shave over $1 billion annually off future property tax revenue by reducing tax rates and imposing growth limits.But that’s not enough to satisfy some residents. The conservative group Advance Colorado backed a citizens initiative asking voters in November to cap all property tax revenue growth at 4% per year and is gathering signatures for still another ballot initiative to lower property taxes.“People are saying this is too much growth; government doesn’t need this much money,” Advance Colorado President Michael Fields said. "People are genuinely scared of losing their houses.”___