WASHINGTON (AP) —In the year since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court struck down the nationwide right to abortion</a>, America’s religious leaders and denominations have responded in strikingly diverse ways — some celebrating the state-level bans that have ensued, others angered that a conservative Christian cause has changed the law of the land in ways they consider oppressive.

The divisions are epitomized in the country’s largest denomination — the Catholic Church.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/ap-norc-poll-details-rift-between-lay-catholics-and-bishops/">National polls</a>&nbsp;repeatedly show that a majority of U.S. Catholics believe abortion should be legal in most or all cases, yet the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usccb.org/news/2022/usccb-statement-us-supreme-court-ruling-dobbs-v-jackson">U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops</a>&nbsp;supports sweeping bans.

Among Protestants, a solid majority of white evangelicals favor outlawing abortion. But most mainline Protestants support the right to abortion, and several of their top leaders have decried the year-old Supreme Court ruling that undermined that right by reversing the Roe v. Wade decision of 1973.

For example, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, Michael Curry, said he was “deeply grieved” by that ruling.

The decision “institutionalizes inequality because women with access to resources will be able to exercise their moral judgment in ways that women without the same resources will not,” Curry said.

Some religious Americans have gone beyond expressions of dismay, filing lawsuits contending that new abortion bans infringed on their own religious beliefs. Jewish women played roles in such lawsuits in Indiana and Kentucky; in Florida, a synagogue in Boynton Beach — Congregation L’Dor Va-Dor — contended in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-religion-lawsuits-florida-6e115c5c1f23eff92161d136940ae91e">a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;that a state abortion ban violated Jewish teachings.

Dr. Sara Imershein, who performs first-trimester abortions in northern Virginia, said her Reform Judaism beliefs informed her decision to choose that path.

“I looked more at the liturgy of Judaism and found that it really supported my work,” she said. “I studied with my local rabbi.”

Imershein was in college when abortion was legalized nationwide. Now, at 69, she has seen Roe's demise.

“Laws that restrict abortion … ignore our Jewish teachings that are very old, and they stomp on our religious freedom,” she said.

In Buddhism, Islam and Sikhism, there also is widespread acceptance of abortion in some circumstances. Most U.S. Hindus are “very much in support of choice,” said Dheepa Sundaram, assistant professor of religious studies at the University of Denver; she cited the concept of karma which holds that each person has the liberty to act and face the consequences of their actions — good or bad.

Randall Balmer, a professor of American religious history at Dartmouth College, says the abortion debate is so intractable in part because believers in the opposing camps view the Bible — which doesn’t include the word “abortion” — as supporting their side.

“It shows the pliability of Scripture — the way that each group tries to marshal arguments on its behalf,” he said. “The Bible can be manipulated.”

“What strikes me about both sides is there’s no humility in their position,” Balmer added. “They stake out what they believe is God’s will, and everybody else is a heretic.”

Even within individual churches, divisions over abortion can flare. Bishop Timothy Clarke, pastor of First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio, frequently exhorts his predominantly African American congregation to respect those with opposing views.

Clarke describes himself as “biblically pro-life,” yet he criticizes the stringent abortion bans enacted in numerous Republican-led states as “excessive and extreme.”

Referring to laws that would criminalize abortion-providing doctors and deny abortion to victims of rape, he said many people in his church “are saying this is going too far. It’s beyond the pale.”

There is similar sentiment among some U.S. Catholics, says Kathleen Sprows Cummings, a professor of American studies and history at the University of Notre Dame and director of its Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism.

“There are some horrific stories coming out of pregnant women with severe issues who are being denied health care,” she said, referring to the consequences of some state abortion bans.

“We have to have a more human approach,” she said. “I think we’ll see more Catholics saying, ‘I’m not pro-abortion. But I want mercy. I want health care.’"

As a group, Catholic bishops are unwavering, as conveyed in a statement earlier this year from their conference’s president, Archbishop Timothy Broglio.

“The Catholic bishops of the United States are united in our commitment to life and will continue to work as one body in Christ to make abortion unthinkable,” he said.

<a href="https://apnorc.org/ap-norc-poll-details-rift-between-lay-catholics-and-bishops/">A poll last year</a>&nbsp;from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research showed a clear gap between the prevalent views of U.S. Catholics, and the anti-abortion positions of the bishops. According to the poll, 63% of Catholic adults said abortion should be legal in all or most cases, and 68% opposed Roe v. Wade's reversal.

“On every issue having to do with sexuality or reproductive health, there’s a huge gap between the way lay Catholics think and what the hierarchy is teaching,” said Jamie Manson, president of Catholics for Choice.

“What’s challenging,” she said, “is that even though most Catholics believe abortion should be legal, they don’t speak about it publicly because of the taboo … the fear of being ostracized by their community.”

Manson noted that a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/report/characteristics-us-abortion-patients-2014">2014 survey</a>&nbsp;by the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights, found that nearly one-fourth of U.S. abortion patients identify as Catholic.

“There’s an all-male hierarchy telling them they’re complicit in murder,” Manson said. “I wish what bishops and priests would do is listen to these women, listen to their stories of why they choose abortion.”

Among mainline Protestant denominations, there have been official statements acknowledging that abortion is a complex issue, but prevailing sentiment is that last year’s Supreme Court ruling was an injustice to women, particularly those already facing economic hardships and racial discrimination.

“This decision further complicates the struggle and creates division, anger, and chaos in an already divided and conflicted country,” wrote Bishop Thomas Bickerton, president of the United Methodist Church’s Council of Bishops.

Some Protestant pastors have emerged as outspoken advocates of abortion rights; among them is Jacqui Lewis, the first African American and first woman to serve as a senior minister in New York City’s historic Middle Collegiate Church.

She evoked the fear and heartache felt by many of the women affected by the new abortion bans.

“These are the poorest of us, the most disenfranchised and they’re struggling more because some portion of Christianity feels they have the right to decide for other people what is moral,” Lewis said. “It breaks my soul to see religion weaponized this way … it’s the opposite of what religion should be.”

Among the leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention, by far the largest evangelical denomination, there’s unified opposition to abortion. However, there has been sharp disagreement over whether to impose criminal penalties on women who get abortions.

The SBC’s president, Bart Barber, opposes criminalization of women in such cases and has sparred verbally with Baptist pastors who argue that such women. in some instances, should be considered murderers.

“I think it is unjust, unnecessary, and unwise to include in abortion laws the prosecution of women who seek or obtain an abortion,” Barber writes in a lengthy&nbsp;<a href="https://erlc.com/resource-library/commentary-articles/working-toward-the-end-of-abortion/">article.</a>&nbsp;“The abortionist is the murderer, and any law banning abortion should identify the abortionist uniquely as such.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656088183967.png" alt="Protestors for and against abortion outside the Supreme Court ruling in June 2022-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Protestors for and against abortion outside the Supreme Court ruling in June 2022-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY DAVID CRARY&nbsp;WASHINGTON (AP) —In the year since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court struck down the nationwide right to abortion</a>, America’s religious leaders and denominations have responded in strikingly diverse ways — some celebrating the state-level bans that have ensued, others angered that a conservative Christian cause has changed the law of the land in ways they consider oppressive.The divisions are epitomized in the country’s largest denomination — the Catholic Church.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/ap-norc-poll-details-rift-between-lay-catholics-and-bishops/">National polls</a>&nbsp;repeatedly show that a majority of U.S. Catholics believe abortion should be legal in most or all cases, yet the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usccb.org/news/2022/usccb-statement-us-supreme-court-ruling-dobbs-v-jackson">U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops</a>&nbsp;supports sweeping bans.Among Protestants, a solid majority of white evangelicals favor outlawing abortion. But most mainline Protestants support the right to abortion, and several of their top leaders have decried the year-old Supreme Court ruling that undermined that right by reversing the Roe v. Wade decision of 1973.For example, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, Michael Curry, said he was “deeply grieved” by that ruling.The decision “institutionalizes inequality because women with access to resources will be able to exercise their moral judgment in ways that women without the same resources will not,” Curry said.Some religious Americans have gone beyond expressions of dismay, filing lawsuits contending that new abortion bans infringed on their own religious beliefs. Jewish women played roles in such lawsuits in Indiana and Kentucky; in Florida, a synagogue in Boynton Beach — Congregation L’Dor Va-Dor — contended in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-religion-lawsuits-florida-6e115c5c1f23eff92161d136940ae91e">a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;that a state abortion ban violated Jewish teachings.Dr. Sara Imershein, who performs first-trimester abortions in northern Virginia, said her Reform Judaism beliefs informed her decision to choose that path.“I looked more at the liturgy of Judaism and found that it really supported my work,” she said. “I studied with my local rabbi.”Imershein was in college when abortion was legalized nationwide. Now, at 69, she has seen Roe's demise.“Laws that restrict abortion … ignore our Jewish teachings that are very old, and they stomp on our religious freedom,” she said.In Buddhism, Islam and Sikhism, there also is widespread acceptance of abortion in some circumstances. Most U.S. Hindus are “very much in support of choice,” said Dheepa Sundaram, assistant professor of religious studies at the University of Denver; she cited the concept of karma which holds that each person has the liberty to act and face the consequences of their actions — good or bad.Randall Balmer, a professor of American religious history at Dartmouth College, says the abortion debate is so intractable in part because believers in the opposing camps view the Bible — which doesn’t include the word “abortion” — as supporting their side.“It shows the pliability of Scripture — the way that each group tries to marshal arguments on its behalf,” he said. “The Bible can be manipulated.”“What strikes me about both sides is there’s no humility in their position,” Balmer added. “They stake out what they believe is God’s will, and everybody else is a heretic.”Even within individual churches, divisions over abortion can flare. Bishop Timothy Clarke, pastor of First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio, frequently exhorts his predominantly African American congregation to respect those with opposing views.Clarke describes himself as “biblically pro-life,” yet he criticizes the stringent abortion bans enacted in numerous Republican-led states as “excessive and extreme.”Referring to laws that would criminalize abortion-providing doctors and deny abortion to victims of rape, he said many people in his church “are saying this is going too far. It’s beyond the pale.”There is similar sentiment among some U.S. Catholics, says Kathleen Sprows Cummings, a professor of American studies and history at the University of Notre Dame and director of its Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism.“There are some horrific stories coming out of pregnant women with severe issues who are being denied health care,” she said, referring to the consequences of some state abortion bans.“We have to have a more human approach,” she said. “I think we’ll see more Catholics saying, ‘I’m not pro-abortion. But I want mercy. I want health care.’"As a group, Catholic bishops are unwavering, as conveyed in a statement earlier this year from their conference’s president, Archbishop Timothy Broglio.“The Catholic bishops of the United States are united in our commitment to life and will continue to work as one body in Christ to make abortion unthinkable,” he said.<a href="https://apnorc.org/ap-norc-poll-details-rift-between-lay-catholics-and-bishops/">A poll last year</a>&nbsp;from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research showed a clear gap between the prevalent views of U.S. Catholics, and the anti-abortion positions of the bishops. According to the poll, 63% of Catholic adults said abortion should be legal in all or most cases, and 68% opposed Roe v. Wade's reversal.“On every issue having to do with sexuality or reproductive health, there’s a huge gap between the way lay Catholics think and what the hierarchy is teaching,” said Jamie Manson, president of Catholics for Choice.“What’s challenging,” she said, “is that even though most Catholics believe abortion should be legal, they don’t speak about it publicly because of the taboo … the fear of being ostracized by their community.”Manson noted that a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/report/characteristics-us-abortion-patients-2014">2014 survey</a>&nbsp;by the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights, found that nearly one-fourth of U.S. abortion patients identify as Catholic.“There’s an all-male hierarchy telling them they’re complicit in murder,” Manson said. “I wish what bishops and priests would do is listen to these women, listen to their stories of why they choose abortion.”Among mainline Protestant denominations, there have been official statements acknowledging that abortion is a complex issue, but prevailing sentiment is that last year’s Supreme Court ruling was an injustice to women, particularly those already facing economic hardships and racial discrimination.“This decision further complicates the struggle and creates division, anger, and chaos in an already divided and conflicted country,” wrote Bishop Thomas Bickerton, president of the United Methodist Church’s Council of Bishops.Some Protestant pastors have emerged as outspoken advocates of abortion rights; among them is Jacqui Lewis, the first African American and first woman to serve as a senior minister in New York City’s historic Middle Collegiate Church.She evoked the fear and heartache felt by many of the women affected by the new abortion bans.“These are the poorest of us, the most disenfranchised and they’re struggling more because some portion of Christianity feels they have the right to decide for other people what is moral,” Lewis said. “It breaks my soul to see religion weaponized this way … it’s the opposite of what religion should be.”Among the leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention, by far the largest evangelical denomination, there’s unified opposition to abortion. However, there has been sharp disagreement over whether to impose criminal penalties on women who get abortions.The SBC’s president, Bart Barber, opposes criminalization of women in such cases and has sparred verbally with Baptist pastors who argue that such women. in some instances, should be considered murderers.“I think it is unjust, unnecessary, and unwise to include in abortion laws the prosecution of women who seek or obtain an abortion,” Barber writes in a lengthy&nbsp;<a href="https://erlc.com/resource-library/commentary-articles/working-toward-the-end-of-abortion/">article.</a>&nbsp;“The abortionist is the murderer, and any law banning abortion should identify the abortionist uniquely as such.”___

Religious leaders sharply divided over abortion, a year after Roe reversal

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Olathe.

Just before 6 p.m. Saturday, police were conducting a traffic stop in the 200 block of North Water Street, according to a media release.

During the course of the traffic stop, a separate and unrelated vehicle arrived on scene and the driver of that vehicle advanced on officers armed with a knife. 

Two Officers discharged their department issued handguns striking the man.&nbsp; The 58-year-old man, received medical attention by responding Officers as well as Johnson County Med-Act. He was pronounced deceased on scene. The Officers were not injured.

The Johnson County Officer Involved Critical Incident Investigation Team (OICIIT) was activated.&nbsp; Investigators from multiple agencies are leading the investigation of the incident.&nbsp; The Johnson County Crime Lab&nbsp; processed the scene.

As a matter of standard procedure, the involved Officers have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation by the Johnson County Officer Involved Critical Incident Investigation Team (OICIIT).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685845131430.png" alt="Police on the scene of the fatal officer-involved shooting photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the fatal officer-involved shooting photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Olathe.Just before 6 p.m. Saturday, police were conducting a traffic stop in the 200 block of North Water Street, according to a media release.During the course of the traffic stop, a separate and unrelated vehicle arrived on scene and the driver of that vehicle advanced on officers armed with a knife. Two Officers discharged their department issued handguns striking the man.&nbsp; The 58-year-old man, received medical attention by responding Officers as well as Johnson County Med-Act. He was pronounced deceased on scene. The Officers were not injured.The Johnson County Officer Involved Critical Incident Investigation Team (OICIIT) was activated.&nbsp; Investigators from multiple agencies are leading the investigation of the incident.&nbsp; The Johnson County Crime Lab&nbsp; processed the scene.As a matter of standard procedure, the involved Officers have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation by the Johnson County Officer Involved Critical Incident Investigation Team (OICIIT).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Man armed with a knife dies in Kansas officer shooting

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a&nbsp; shooting that sent a 19-year-old from Wichita to the hospital where she died May 23, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Officers continue the search for a suspect identified as&nbsp; 19-year-old La’Niha Banks who is considered armed and dangerous.

Just after 11 p.m. May 20, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1000 block of E 1st Street N in Wichita.

First responders located a woman with two gunshot wounds to her upper body. The victim was transported to an area hospital in critical condition and with life-threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed that the victim was trying to break up a physical altercation between an acquaintance of hers and Banks in a parking lot. 

After the victim managed to stop the fight, she started to drive away, but&nbsp; Banks produced a handgun and started to shoot into the occupied vehicle.

During the investigation, detectives were able to confirm Banks as the suspect. She was last seen fleeing in a red 2014 Buick Lacrosse with a paper 60-day tag. The police have located the car.

&nbsp;Banks is wanted on requested charges of aggravated battery, five counts of Aggravated Assault, two counts of discharge of a firearm into an occupied vehicle, and one count of&nbsp; murder.&nbsp; If you see Banks or know where she is, call 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684684649459.png" alt="Banks-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Banks-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a&nbsp; shooting that sent a 19-year-old from Wichita to the hospital where she died May 23, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.Officers continue the search for a suspect identified as&nbsp; 19-year-old La’Niha Banks who is considered armed and dangerous.Just after 11 p.m. May 20, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1000 block of E 1st Street N in Wichita.First responders located a woman with two gunshot wounds to her upper body. The victim was transported to an area hospital in critical condition and with life-threatening injuries.The investigation revealed that the victim was trying to break up a physical altercation between an acquaintance of hers and Banks in a parking lot. After the victim managed to stop the fight, she started to drive away, but&nbsp; Banks produced a handgun and started to shoot into the occupied vehicle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684688157483.png" alt="Police reported on May 23 they had recovered Banks' car -photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Police reported on May 23 they had recovered Banks' car -photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>During the investigation, detectives were able to confirm Banks as the suspect. She was last seen fleeing in a red 2014 Buick Lacrosse with a paper 60-day tag. The police have located the car.&nbsp;Banks is wanted on requested charges of aggravated battery, five counts of Aggravated Assault, two counts of discharge of a firearm into an occupied vehicle, and one count of&nbsp; murder.&nbsp; If you see Banks or know where she is, call 911.

Kansas murder suspect still hiding from police

SINGAPORE (AP) — U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin vowed Saturday that Washington would not stand for any “coercion and bullying” of its allies and partners by China, while assuring Beijing that the United States remains committed to maintaining the status quo on Taiwan and would prefer dialogue over conflict.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual forum bringing together top defense officials, diplomats and leaders in Singapore, Austin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-aquilino-china-security-north-korea-bb41e692490b13cfcc0a6e28fd8f9bef">lobbied for support for Washington's vision</a>&nbsp;of a “free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific within a world of rules and rights” as the best course to counter increasing Chinese assertiveness in the region.

The U.S. has been expanding its own activities around the Indo-Pacific to counter sweeping territorial claims from China, including regularly sailing through and flying over the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea.

“We are committed to ensuring that every country can fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows," he said at the forum hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies think tank. "And every country, large or small, must remain free to conduct lawful maritime activities.”

Austin noted that the U.S. had provided millions of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine during the height of the pandemic and is regularly involved in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance efforts in the region. He said it is working to combat climate change, illegal fishing and ensure that supply chains do not suffer disruptions — ticking off many issues of importance to Asian-Pacific nations.

“We're doubling down on our alliances and partnerships,” he said.

He said the U.S. is also committed to deterring North Korea's missile threat and China's claims on Taiwan, a self-governing island democracy that Beijing says is its territory, and said Washington has been stepping up defense planning, coordination and training with partner nations in the region.

“To be clear, we do not seek conflict or confrontation,” he said. “But we will not flinch in the face of bullying or coercion.”

Underscoring Austin's words, a U.S. guided-missile destroyer and a Canadian frigate sailed Saturday through the Taiwan Strait, “waters where high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law,” the U.S. 7th Fleet said. There was no immediate word of a Chinese response.

In Singapore, Chinese Lt. Gen. Jing Jianfeng, a senior member of the delegation accompanying Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu, accused Austin of “overtly or covertly making false accusations against China” in his address.

Speaking with reporters after Austin spoke, Jing alleged the U.S. has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-blinken-papua-biden-debt-limit-solomon-6bcfcfc6ea5c6bd179c072295c87b145">“deceiving and exploiting” Asia-Pacific nations</a>&nbsp;to advance its own self-interests to preserve “its dominant position" in the region.

He suggested that Washington has been holding on to alliances that are “remnants of the Cold War” and establishing new pacts, like the AUKUS agreement with Britain and Australia and the “Quad” grouping with Australia, India and Japan “to divide the world into ideologically-driven camps and provoke confrontation.”

Jing, who took no questions, said that by contrast, “China is committed to the region's development and prosperity.”

Austin sought to assure China that the U.S. remained “deeply committed” to the longstanding one-China policy, which recognizes Beijing as the government of China but allows informal relations with Taiwan, and continues to “categorically oppose unilateral changes to the status quo from either side.”

He added that Russia's invasion of Ukraine had served to underline how dangerous the world would be if big countries were able to "just invade their peaceful neighbors with impunity.”

“Conflict is neither imminent nor inevitable,” Austin said. “Deterrence is strong today — and it’s our job to keep it that way. The whole world has a stake in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”

But Jing accused the U.S. of hollowing out the one-China policy, accusing Washington of supporting Taiwanese separatists without citing any evidence, and reiterating Beijing's claim that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's sovereign territory.”

“There's no room for us to concede or compromise,” he said.

He added that “China has indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and the adjacent waters.”

Li, who became China’s defense minister in March,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-military-taiwan-balloon-singapore-e78f67d3d590294a2e4a351e6430e6ec">declined Austin’s invitation to talk</a>&nbsp;on the sidelines of the conference, though the two did shake hands before sitting down at opposite sides of the same table together as the forum opened Friday.

“A cordial handshake over dinner is no substitute for a substantive engagement,” he said.

Li, who was named defense minister in March, is under American sanctions that are part of a broad package of measures against Russia — but predate its invasion of Ukraine — that were imposed in 2018 over Li’s involvement in China’s purchase of combat aircraft and anti-aircraft missiles from Moscow.

The sanctions, which broadly prevent Li from doing business in the United States, do not prevent him from holding official talks, American defense officials have said.

It was not clear whether Li, who is to address the forum Sunday morning, was in the room while Austin talked. He did join the American defense secretary and others later for a ministerial roundtable.

Austin reiterated calls that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made in his opening address at the forum for China to engage in regular, direct communications to help prevent any possible conflict.

“For responsible defense leaders, the right time to talk is anytime,” Austin said. “The right time to talk is every time. And the right time to talk is now.”

Jing said, however, that lines of communication needed to be based upon “mutual respect.”

“But the U.S. has been calling for communications on one hand and undermining China’s interests and concerns on the other,” he said.

The U.S. has noted that since 2021 — well before Li became defense minister — China has declined or failed to respond to more than a dozen requests from the U.S. Defense Department to talk with senior leaders, as well as multiple requests for standing dialogues and working-level engagements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685562587349.png" alt="From a video of the Chinese J-16 fighter pilot that "flew directly in front of the nose of a U.S. RC-135,&nbsp;forcing the American pilot to fly through the turbulent wake. Image INDOPACOM" />
 <figcaption>From a video of the Chinese J-16 fighter pilot that "flew directly in front of the nose of a U.S. RC-135,&nbsp;forcing the American pilot to fly through the turbulent wake. Image INDOPACOM</figcaption>
 </figure>SINGAPORE (AP) — U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin vowed Saturday that Washington would not stand for any “coercion and bullying” of its allies and partners by China, while assuring Beijing that the United States remains committed to maintaining the status quo on Taiwan and would prefer dialogue over conflict.Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual forum bringing together top defense officials, diplomats and leaders in Singapore, Austin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-aquilino-china-security-north-korea-bb41e692490b13cfcc0a6e28fd8f9bef">lobbied for support for Washington's vision</a>&nbsp;of a “free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific within a world of rules and rights” as the best course to counter increasing Chinese assertiveness in the region.The U.S. has been expanding its own activities around the Indo-Pacific to counter sweeping territorial claims from China, including regularly sailing through and flying over the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea.“We are committed to ensuring that every country can fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows," he said at the forum hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies think tank. "And every country, large or small, must remain free to conduct lawful maritime activities.”Austin noted that the U.S. had provided millions of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine during the height of the pandemic and is regularly involved in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance efforts in the region. He said it is working to combat climate change, illegal fishing and ensure that supply chains do not suffer disruptions — ticking off many issues of importance to Asian-Pacific nations.“We're doubling down on our alliances and partnerships,” he said.He said the U.S. is also committed to deterring North Korea's missile threat and China's claims on Taiwan, a self-governing island democracy that Beijing says is its territory, and said Washington has been stepping up defense planning, coordination and training with partner nations in the region.“To be clear, we do not seek conflict or confrontation,” he said. “But we will not flinch in the face of bullying or coercion.”Underscoring Austin's words, a U.S. guided-missile destroyer and a Canadian frigate sailed Saturday through the Taiwan Strait, “waters where high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law,” the U.S. 7th Fleet said. There was no immediate word of a Chinese response.In Singapore, Chinese Lt. Gen. Jing Jianfeng, a senior member of the delegation accompanying Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu, accused Austin of “overtly or covertly making false accusations against China” in his address.Speaking with reporters after Austin spoke, Jing alleged the U.S. has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-blinken-papua-biden-debt-limit-solomon-6bcfcfc6ea5c6bd179c072295c87b145">“deceiving and exploiting” Asia-Pacific nations</a>&nbsp;to advance its own self-interests to preserve “its dominant position" in the region.He suggested that Washington has been holding on to alliances that are “remnants of the Cold War” and establishing new pacts, like the AUKUS agreement with Britain and Australia and the “Quad” grouping with Australia, India and Japan “to divide the world into ideologically-driven camps and provoke confrontation.”Jing, who took no questions, said that by contrast, “China is committed to the region's development and prosperity.”Austin sought to assure China that the U.S. remained “deeply committed” to the longstanding one-China policy, which recognizes Beijing as the government of China but allows informal relations with Taiwan, and continues to “categorically oppose unilateral changes to the status quo from either side.”He added that Russia's invasion of Ukraine had served to underline how dangerous the world would be if big countries were able to "just invade their peaceful neighbors with impunity.”“Conflict is neither imminent nor inevitable,” Austin said. “Deterrence is strong today — and it’s our job to keep it that way. The whole world has a stake in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”But Jing accused the U.S. of hollowing out the one-China policy, accusing Washington of supporting Taiwanese separatists without citing any evidence, and reiterating Beijing's claim that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's sovereign territory.”“There's no room for us to concede or compromise,” he said.He added that “China has indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and the adjacent waters.”Li, who became China’s defense minister in March,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-military-taiwan-balloon-singapore-e78f67d3d590294a2e4a351e6430e6ec">declined Austin’s invitation to talk</a>&nbsp;on the sidelines of the conference, though the two did shake hands before sitting down at opposite sides of the same table together as the forum opened Friday.Austin said this was not enough.“A cordial handshake over dinner is no substitute for a substantive engagement,” he said.Li, who was named defense minister in March, is under American sanctions that are part of a broad package of measures against Russia — but predate its invasion of Ukraine — that were imposed in 2018 over Li’s involvement in China’s purchase of combat aircraft and anti-aircraft missiles from Moscow.The sanctions, which broadly prevent Li from doing business in the United States, do not prevent him from holding official talks, American defense officials have said.It was not clear whether Li, who is to address the forum Sunday morning, was in the room while Austin talked. He did join the American defense secretary and others later for a ministerial roundtable.Austin reiterated calls that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made in his opening address at the forum for China to engage in regular, direct communications to help prevent any possible conflict.“For responsible defense leaders, the right time to talk is anytime,” Austin said. “The right time to talk is every time. And the right time to talk is now.”Jing said, however, that lines of communication needed to be based upon “mutual respect.”“But the U.S. has been calling for communications on one hand and undermining China’s interests and concerns on the other,” he said.The U.S. has noted that since 2021 — well before Li became defense minister — China has declined or failed to respond to more than a dozen requests from the U.S. Defense Department to talk with senior leaders, as well as multiple requests for standing dialogues and working-level engagements.

Defense secretary: U.S. won't stand for bullying from China

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces charges for the fatal shooting&nbsp; in the parking lot of a Kansas City apartment complex, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Mikell R. Grigsby, 23, faces Voluntary Manslaugther and Armed Criminal Action charges.

According to court records, on May 20, Kansas City police responded to an outside disturbance with persons fighting in the area of the 8600 block of Drury Avenue. 

A calling party reported gunfire and hearing a man say, "I'm going to shoot." Witnesses confirmed two women were fighting. Knives were involved. And the victim was armed with a firearm, as well as Grigsby. Video surveillance showed that when the victim panned his weapon toward one of the woman and appeared to lower the weapon, Grigsby fired and hit the victim.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685542166314.png" alt="Grigsby-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Grigsby-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces charges for the fatal shooting&nbsp; in the parking lot of a Kansas City apartment complex, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Mikell R. Grigsby, 23, faces Voluntary Manslaugther and Armed Criminal Action charges.According to court records, on May 20, Kansas City police responded to an outside disturbance with persons fighting in the area of the 8600 block of Drury Avenue. A calling party reported gunfire and hearing a man say, "I'm going to shoot." Witnesses confirmed two women were fighting. Knives were involved. And the victim was armed with a firearm, as well as Grigsby. Video surveillance showed that when the victim panned his weapon toward one of the woman and appeared to lower the weapon, Grigsby fired and hit the victim.&nbsp;

Kansas City man accused of deadly shooting amid knife fight

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas woman has been charged with multiple felony counts in connection with a recent shooting at a hotel in Blue Springs, Missouri, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Samantha J. Thrasher, 24, faces two counts of Assault 1st Degree and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.

According to court records, Blue Springs police officers were dispatched&nbsp; on May 20, to a hotel in the 700 block of NW South Outer Road in Blue Springs after a caller said a shot had been fired inside the hotel. 

Officers located two victims, one an adult who had been shot multiple times and the other, a juvenile, was wounded in the elbow. Video surveillance showed the defendant taking a gun from a vehicle. She went into the hotel lobby, where she earlier was involved in an altercation, and fired multiple shots, striking both victims.

The Blue Springs Police Department has an active arrest warrant&nbsp; Thrasher's arrest. She is considered armed and very dangerous, so do not attempt to apprehend but call 911 if you see her.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685702150583.png" alt="Thrasher-photo Blue Springs Police" />
 <figcaption>Thrasher-photo Blue Springs Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas woman has been charged with multiple felony counts in connection with a recent shooting at a hotel in Blue Springs, Missouri, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Samantha J. Thrasher, 24, faces two counts of Assault 1st Degree and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685702173582.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>According to court records, Blue Springs police officers were dispatched&nbsp; on May 20, to a hotel in the 700 block of NW South Outer Road in Blue Springs after a caller said a shot had been fired inside the hotel. Officers located two victims, one an adult who had been shot multiple times and the other, a juvenile, was wounded in the elbow. Video surveillance showed the defendant taking a gun from a vehicle. She went into the hotel lobby, where she earlier was involved in an altercation, and fired multiple shots, striking both victims.The Blue Springs Police Department has an active arrest warrant&nbsp; Thrasher's arrest. She is considered armed and very dangerous, so do not attempt to apprehend but call 911 if you see her.

Kansas woman charged in shooting child, man at hotel

Missouri Family Health Council will distribute over 5,500 kits containing emergency contraception pills in a pilot program launching Thursday

By CLARA BATES <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

Anyone with a Missouri address can now request emergency contraception pills be shipped to them by mail, for free,&nbsp;under a pilot program launched Thursday by a health care nonprofit.

Missouri Family Health Council Inc. launched the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://mfhc.org/EC">“Free EC” initiative</a>&nbsp;using federal Title X funds for family planning programs. Missourians can request the pills through an online form on the nonprofit’s website or pick them up at designated in-person centers.

Also known as the morning-after pill, or by the brand name Plan B, the emergency contraception pill is an over-the-counter form of birth control that can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex to avoid pregnancy.&nbsp;

The goal of the initiative, Executive Director Michelle Trupiano said, is to reduce geographic and financial barriers Missourians face in accessing emergency contraception pills.

“Really since the&nbsp;Dobbs&nbsp;ruling last summer,” Trupiano said in an interview with The Independent, “we realized that it was more important to combat misinformation and stigma about and to improve access to emergency contraception.”

Since last summer, abortion has been outlawed in Missouri except in cases of medical emergency.&nbsp;

Emergency contraception pills have remained legal, but&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/29/missouri-ag-says-state-abortion-ban-does-not-prohibit-plan-b-or-contraception/">confusion</a>&nbsp;and misinformation around that fact in Missouri and nationally has mounted.&nbsp;

A poll conducted by the health policy research nonprofit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/press-release/the-public-including-women-of-childbearing-age-are-largely-confused-about-the-legality-of-medication-abortion-and-emergency-contraceptives-in-their-states/">KFF</a>&nbsp;this year found that one-third of American adults said they are “unsure” if emergency contraception is legal in their state, though it is legal in all 50 states. Confusion about its legality is more pronounced in states where abortion is banned, the poll found.

The emergency contraception pill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/plan-b-one-step-15-mg-levonorgestrel-information#:~:text=One%2DStep%20work%3F-,A.,similar%20way%20to%20prevent%20pregnancy.">works</a>&nbsp;similarly to birth control pills, generally to prevent ovulation, but most adults incorrectly believe it can end early pregnancy, KFF found.

“We definitely hope that as more people become aware of this [initiative], that it will combat the misinformation that maybe emergency contraception is illegal,” Trupiano said.&nbsp;

“And so that more people will feel more confidence that they understand the difference between emergency contraception and medication abortion, and that they are able to talk about it and feel confident in terms of the legality of all methods of birth control.”

The nonprofit created more than 5,500 kits, Trupiano said, each of which includes two doses of the emergency contraception pill, along with safer sex supplies like condoms and family planning information.

“While we partly did this as a response to the&nbsp;Dobbs&nbsp;decision, we also know that it’s not a solution to the abortion access crisis,” Trupiano said. “It’s just one way to try to ensure that as many people have access to preventive care as possible.”

Missourians can request one of the kits by submitting a form on the nonprofit’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://mfhc.org/EC">website</a>, or going to one of the in-person distribution centers partnering with the nonprofit, which include health centers and private community partners such as domestic violence organizations.

Trupiano hopes that down the line, Missouri Family Health Council can “secure additional funding, continue this in a sustainable way,” she said, “because we know the need is great.”

The Missouri Family Health Council is the state’s sole grantee of federal family planning funding through Title X. The state has tried, in recent years,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/17/missouri-state-health-agency-seeks-control-of-title-x-funds-that-go-to-planned-parenthood/">to oversee the funds themselves,</a>&nbsp;raising advocates’ concerns the state would limit which providers could receive the federal planning dollars. But so far, that attempt to control the funds has been unsuccessful.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685626036011.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Missouri Family Health Council will distribute over 5,500 kits containing emergency contraception pills in a pilot program launching Thursday</h2>By CLARA BATES <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Anyone with a Missouri address can now request emergency contraception pills be shipped to them by mail, for free,&nbsp;under a pilot program launched Thursday by a health care nonprofit.Missouri Family Health Council Inc. launched the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://mfhc.org/EC">“Free EC” initiative</a>&nbsp;using federal Title X funds for family planning programs. Missourians can request the pills through an online form on the nonprofit’s website or pick them up at designated in-person centers.Also known as the morning-after pill, or by the brand name Plan B, the emergency contraception pill is an over-the-counter form of birth control that can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex to avoid pregnancy.&nbsp;The goal of the initiative, Executive Director Michelle Trupiano said, is to reduce geographic and financial barriers Missourians face in accessing emergency contraception pills.“Really since the&nbsp;Dobbs&nbsp;ruling last summer,” Trupiano said in an interview with The Independent, “we realized that it was more important to combat misinformation and stigma about and to improve access to emergency contraception.”Since last summer, abortion has been outlawed in Missouri except in cases of medical emergency.&nbsp;Emergency contraception pills have remained legal, but&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/29/missouri-ag-says-state-abortion-ban-does-not-prohibit-plan-b-or-contraception/">confusion</a>&nbsp;and misinformation around that fact in Missouri and nationally has mounted.&nbsp;A poll conducted by the health policy research nonprofit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/press-release/the-public-including-women-of-childbearing-age-are-largely-confused-about-the-legality-of-medication-abortion-and-emergency-contraceptives-in-their-states/">KFF</a>&nbsp;this year found that one-third of American adults said they are “unsure” if emergency contraception is legal in their state, though it is legal in all 50 states. Confusion about its legality is more pronounced in states where abortion is banned, the poll found.The emergency contraception pill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/plan-b-one-step-15-mg-levonorgestrel-information#:~:text=One%2DStep%20work%3F-,A.,similar%20way%20to%20prevent%20pregnancy.">works</a>&nbsp;similarly to birth control pills, generally to prevent ovulation, but most adults incorrectly believe it can end early pregnancy, KFF found.“We definitely hope that as more people become aware of this [initiative], that it will combat the misinformation that maybe emergency contraception is illegal,” Trupiano said.&nbsp;“And so that more people will feel more confidence that they understand the difference between emergency contraception and medication abortion, and that they are able to talk about it and feel confident in terms of the legality of all methods of birth control.”The nonprofit created more than 5,500 kits, Trupiano said, each of which includes two doses of the emergency contraception pill, along with safer sex supplies like condoms and family planning information.“While we partly did this as a response to the&nbsp;Dobbs&nbsp;decision, we also know that it’s not a solution to the abortion access crisis,” Trupiano said. “It’s just one way to try to ensure that as many people have access to preventive care as possible.”Missourians can request one of the kits by submitting a form on the nonprofit’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://mfhc.org/EC">website</a>, or going to one of the in-person distribution centers partnering with the nonprofit, which include health centers and private community partners such as domestic violence organizations.Trupiano hopes that down the line, Missouri Family Health Council can “secure additional funding, continue this in a sustainable way,” she said, “because we know the need is great.”The Missouri Family Health Council is the state’s sole grantee of federal family planning funding through Title X. The state has tried, in recent years,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/17/missouri-state-health-agency-seeks-control-of-title-x-funds-that-go-to-planned-parenthood/">to oversee the funds themselves,</a>&nbsp;raising advocates’ concerns the state would limit which providers could receive the federal planning dollars. But so far, that attempt to control the funds has been unsuccessful.

Nonprofit launches initiative to provide free emergency contraception by mail

RUSSELL COUNTY —A firefighter was injured&nbsp; while on the scene of a fire in Russell.

Just after 9 p.m. Friday, the City of Russell Fire Department was paged to a structure fire at 1706 N. Main Street, according to a media release. Shortly after the first units arrived on the scene, a police officer reported an explosion and a firefighter injured.

Russell County EMS transported Fire Chief Dylan Riedel to Russell Regional Hospital. 

EagleMed then transported him to a burn unit at Via Christi in Wichita. Fire crews contained the fire to the garage. The Kansas State Fire Marshall was contacted to assist in the investigation. The origin of the fire is still under investigation.

RUSSELL COUNTY —A firefighter was injured&nbsp; while on the scene of a fire in Russell.Just after 9 p.m. Friday, the City of Russell Fire Department was paged to a structure fire at 1706 N. Main Street, according to a media release. Shortly after the first units arrived on the scene, a police officer reported an explosion and a firefighter injured.Russell County EMS transported Fire Chief Dylan Riedel to Russell Regional Hospital. EagleMed then transported him to a burn unit at Via Christi in Wichita. Fire crews contained the fire to the garage. The Kansas State Fire Marshall was contacted to assist in the investigation. The origin of the fire is still under investigation.

Fire Chief injured in explosion while fighting Kansas fire

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The family of a Black Kansas City teenager who was shot by a white man after he mistakenly knocked on the man's door are frustrated with the prosecutor's handling of the case, attorneys for the family said Thursday.

The complaints came after a preliminary hearing for 84-year-old Andrew Lester was set for Aug. 31-Sept. 1 and just days after a Clay County judge approved a request by Lester's attorney to seal documents in the case.

Lester has pleaded not guilty to first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the shooting of Ralph Yarl, who knocked on Lester’s door on April 13 while trying to pick up his young brothers, who were at a home a block away.

Civil rights attorneys Benjamin Crump and Lee Merritt said in a Zoom news conference that they had previously asked Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson to step aside and let Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker be named as a special prosecutor in the case but that Thompson “adamantly” refused.

The family is upset that Thompson did not more aggressively challenge the motion to seal court records and that the preliminary hearing was delayed for 90 days, which Thompson did not object to in court.

“We continue to encourage the prosecutor to zealously prosecute this case as he would had the dynamics been different,” Crump said. “We don’t want any different form of justice or policy because we have a young teenage Black kid shot by an older white man.”

Thompson's office said in a statement that the focus of his office “remains squarely on following the law and achieving justice.”

The shooting drew international attention amid claims that Lester received preferential treatment from investigators after he shot Yarl. President Joe Biden and several celebrities issued statements calling for justice for Yarl.

Lester admitted that he shot Yarl through the door without warning because he was “scared to death” he was about to be robbed by the Black person standing at his door. He remains free after posting $20,000 — 10% of his $200,000 bond.

The teen’s father, Paul Yarl, said after Thursday’s hearing that he hopes Lester eventually serves jail time.

“The shooter was going to kill Ralph,” Paul Yarl said. “It’s obvious, right? He shot him twice. His intent was to finish him off. So yeah, we need justice for that.”

Ralph Yarl, who has celebrated his 17th birthday since the shooting, suffered gunshot wounds to his head and wrist and continues to recover at home. His mother, Cleo Nagbe, said he is trying to get back some normalcy in his life.

“The longer we stretch this out, the longer it takes him to get that little bit of normalcy he needs to spend his teenage years just doing teenager stuff ... Ralph needs to be the teenager that he needs to be that Lester is stealing away from him," Nagbe said.

Merritt said the appropriate circumstances to seal court documents have not been met and sealing them benefits Lester at the expense of Yarl and his family.

“The state's failure, Mr. Thompson's failure to make the appropriate objections to the seal is costing this family peace of mind," Merritt said. “It's costing them access to equal justice under the law.”

On Tuesday, Clay County Judge Louis Angles granted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yarl-shooting-court-motion-seal-case-4198795a6a1e67d38f5cd49200ab8a15">a request from Lester's attorney</a>&nbsp;to seal the court documents, saying the publicity led to threats against Lester, who his attorney says has been forced to move three times. He also said the publicity has made it more difficult for the case to be heard before a fair and impartial jury.

“The overwhelming majority of the reporting continues to assert that the alleged actions of (Lester) were racially motivated, which if believed, virtually eliminates the defense available to (Lester) related to the reasonableness of his actions,” Angles wrote in the ruling.

The judge noted in his order that Lester's personal cell phone number was posted on a public platform after the shooting, leading to several text messages calling him a “murderer” who “should burn in hell.” Others threatened to shoot up Lester's home, which has been vandalized since the shooting.

In his reply to the motion, Thompson argued that legal precedents largely favored&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yarl-motion-court-records-sealed-0bb0bab807449b383d243f450624b89a">keeping court documents open</a>&nbsp;to the public, but he did not directly oppose sealing the records.

Nagbe and Yarl’s aunt, Faith Spoonmore, said the family was upset that some of the arguments for sealing court records focused on Lester’s suffering health problems and being harassed since the shooting with little discussion about the continuing problems Ralph is facing.

They said Ralph, who will be a senior in high school in the fall, has restrictions on playing with friends and playing his band instruments, while also suffering from the emotional trauma of the shooting.

“That is what we need to talk about, that is what the judge needs to understand,” Spoonmore said. “That Lester is suffering the consequences of his actions, but Ralph is suffering the consequences of being Black in America. That is what the judge needs to hear.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681726215314.png" alt="Ralph Yarl-photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Ralph Yarl-photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The family of a Black Kansas City teenager who was shot by a white man after he mistakenly knocked on the man's door are frustrated with the prosecutor's handling of the case, attorneys for the family said Thursday.The complaints came after a preliminary hearing for 84-year-old Andrew Lester was set for Aug. 31-Sept. 1 and just days after a Clay County judge approved a request by Lester's attorney to seal documents in the case.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681844207619.png" alt="Lester-photo Clay Co." />
 <figcaption>Lester-photo Clay Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Lester has pleaded not guilty to first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the shooting of Ralph Yarl, who knocked on Lester’s door on April 13 while trying to pick up his young brothers, who were at a home a block away.Civil rights attorneys Benjamin Crump and Lee Merritt said in a Zoom news conference that they had previously asked Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson to step aside and let Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker be named as a special prosecutor in the case but that Thompson “adamantly” refused.The family is upset that Thompson did not more aggressively challenge the motion to seal court records and that the preliminary hearing was delayed for 90 days, which Thompson did not object to in court.“We continue to encourage the prosecutor to zealously prosecute this case as he would had the dynamics been different,” Crump said. “We don’t want any different form of justice or policy because we have a young teenage Black kid shot by an older white man.”Thompson's office said in a statement that the focus of his office “remains squarely on following the law and achieving justice.”The shooting drew international attention amid claims that Lester received preferential treatment from investigators after he shot Yarl. President Joe Biden and several celebrities issued statements calling for justice for Yarl.Lester admitted that he shot Yarl through the door without warning because he was “scared to death” he was about to be robbed by the Black person standing at his door. He remains free after posting $20,000 — 10% of his $200,000 bond.The teen’s father, Paul Yarl, said after Thursday’s hearing that he hopes Lester eventually serves jail time.“The shooter was going to kill Ralph,” Paul Yarl said. “It’s obvious, right? He shot him twice. His intent was to finish him off. So yeah, we need justice for that.”Ralph Yarl, who has celebrated his 17th birthday since the shooting, suffered gunshot wounds to his head and wrist and continues to recover at home. His mother, Cleo Nagbe, said he is trying to get back some normalcy in his life.“The longer we stretch this out, the longer it takes him to get that little bit of normalcy he needs to spend his teenage years just doing teenager stuff ... Ralph needs to be the teenager that he needs to be that Lester is stealing away from him," Nagbe said.Merritt said the appropriate circumstances to seal court documents have not been met and sealing them benefits Lester at the expense of Yarl and his family.“The state's failure, Mr. Thompson's failure to make the appropriate objections to the seal is costing this family peace of mind," Merritt said. “It's costing them access to equal justice under the law.”On Tuesday, Clay County Judge Louis Angles granted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yarl-shooting-court-motion-seal-case-4198795a6a1e67d38f5cd49200ab8a15">a request from Lester's attorney</a>&nbsp;to seal the court documents, saying the publicity led to threats against Lester, who his attorney says has been forced to move three times. He also said the publicity has made it more difficult for the case to be heard before a fair and impartial jury.“The overwhelming majority of the reporting continues to assert that the alleged actions of (Lester) were racially motivated, which if believed, virtually eliminates the defense available to (Lester) related to the reasonableness of his actions,” Angles wrote in the ruling.The judge noted in his order that Lester's personal cell phone number was posted on a public platform after the shooting, leading to several text messages calling him a “murderer” who “should burn in hell.” Others threatened to shoot up Lester's home, which has been vandalized since the shooting.In his reply to the motion, Thompson argued that legal precedents largely favored&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yarl-motion-court-records-sealed-0bb0bab807449b383d243f450624b89a">keeping court documents open</a>&nbsp;to the public, but he did not directly oppose sealing the records.Nagbe and Yarl’s aunt, Faith Spoonmore, said the family was upset that some of the arguments for sealing court records focused on Lester’s suffering health problems and being harassed since the shooting with little discussion about the continuing problems Ralph is facing.They said Ralph, who will be a senior in high school in the fall, has restrictions on playing with friends and playing his band instruments, while also suffering from the emotional trauma of the shooting.“That is what we need to talk about, that is what the judge needs to understand,” Spoonmore said. “That Lester is suffering the consequences of his actions, but Ralph is suffering the consequences of being Black in America. That is what the judge needs to hear.”

Family, attorneys criticize prosecutor's handling of KC teen shooting case

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced this week that total tax collections for May 2023 were $857.3 million. That is $38.8 million, or 4.7%, above the estimate, according to a statement from the governor's office. However, total tax collections are down 5.8% from May 2022. Click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vY29udGVudC5nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeS5jb20vYXR0YWNobWVudHMvS1NPRy8yMDIzLzA2LzAxL2ZpbGVfYXR0YWNobWVudHMvMjUxNDYwNS9NYXlfUmV2ZW51ZV9GWTIwMjNfMDYtMDEtMjAyM19GaW5hbC5wZGYiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjAxLjc3NjAyODIxIn0.QLzgygAYb43ZZGbtkiFpVHw_pt2LfxIaDrsHd23K6H4/s/1303160919/br/204093450411-l" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;to view the May 2023 revenue numbers.

“Thanks to our work to recruit businesses, create jobs, and grow the economy, Kansas is now in strong position to weather any future storms, to continue to invest in public education, and to fix roads and bridges across the state,”&nbsp;said Governor Kelly. “We're also in a position to pass responsible, affordable tax cuts, which is what legislators must do when they return next session.”

Individual income tax collections were $440.1 million. That is $12.9 million, or 2.9% below the estimate, and down 15.1% from May 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $91.2 million, or 140.0% higher than the estimate and up 77.4% from May 2022. The drastic increase in corporate income tax collections can be partly attributed to the continued impact of the SALT Parity Act.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $289.6 million which is $9.4 million, or 3.1% below the estimate and down $16.0 million, or 5.2%, from May 2022.&nbsp;

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced this week that total tax collections for May 2023 were $857.3 million. That is $38.8 million, or 4.7%, above the estimate, according to a statement from the governor's office. However, total tax collections are down 5.8% from May 2022. Click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vY29udGVudC5nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeS5jb20vYXR0YWNobWVudHMvS1NPRy8yMDIzLzA2LzAxL2ZpbGVfYXR0YWNobWVudHMvMjUxNDYwNS9NYXlfUmV2ZW51ZV9GWTIwMjNfMDYtMDEtMjAyM19GaW5hbC5wZGYiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNjAxLjc3NjAyODIxIn0.QLzgygAYb43ZZGbtkiFpVHw_pt2LfxIaDrsHd23K6H4/s/1303160919/br/204093450411-l" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;to view the May 2023 revenue numbers.“Thanks to our work to recruit businesses, create jobs, and grow the economy, Kansas is now in strong position to weather any future storms, to continue to invest in public education, and to fix roads and bridges across the state,”&nbsp;said Governor Kelly. “We're also in a position to pass responsible, affordable tax cuts, which is what legislators must do when they return next session.”Individual income tax collections were $440.1 million. That is $12.9 million, or 2.9% below the estimate, and down 15.1% from May 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $91.2 million, or 140.0% higher than the estimate and up 77.4% from May 2022. The drastic increase in corporate income tax collections can be partly attributed to the continued impact of the SALT Parity Act.Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $289.6 million which is $9.4 million, or 3.1% below the estimate and down $16.0 million, or 5.2%, from May 2022.&nbsp;

Kansas total tax collections down 5.8% from May 2022

DOUGLAS COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities are asking for the public's help identifying a victim in an overnight homicide in Lawrence.&nbsp; Police have no suspect in custody and are working to identity the victim.

Just after 1a.m. Saturday, several calls came into police dispatch reporting the sound of gunshots in the area of 24th&nbsp;and Cedarwood in Lawrence, according to Police Spokesperson Laurie McCabe. Officers arrived on scene and began speaking to witnesses but found no victim.&nbsp;

Officers also proactively dispatched to the hospital and witnessed a car speeding into the Emergency Department entrance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officers pulled a male victim from the back seat, who was later pronounced deceased by hospital personnel.&nbsp; The man is a white male, probably in his 20’s, with light brown hair.&nbsp;

Investigators have been working to get more information from the three men who were in the car with the victim, who say they don’t know his identity.&nbsp; Police also canvassed the area where the crime occurred and have spoken to dozens of residents.&nbsp;

Anyone with information is asked please call police or the Crime Stoppers hotline at 785.843.TIPS.

DOUGLAS COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities are asking for the public's help identifying a victim in an overnight homicide in Lawrence.&nbsp; Police have no suspect in custody and are working to identity the victim.Just after 1a.m. Saturday, several calls came into police dispatch reporting the sound of gunshots in the area of 24th&nbsp;and Cedarwood in Lawrence, according to Police Spokesperson Laurie McCabe. Officers arrived on scene and began speaking to witnesses but found no victim.&nbsp;Officers also proactively dispatched to the hospital and witnessed a car speeding into the Emergency Department entrance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officers pulled a male victim from the back seat, who was later pronounced deceased by hospital personnel.&nbsp; The man is a white male, probably in his 20’s, with light brown hair.&nbsp;Investigators have been working to get more information from the three men who were in the car with the victim, who say they don’t know his identity.&nbsp; Police also canvassed the area where the crime occurred and have spoken to dozens of residents.&nbsp;Anyone with information is asked please call police or the Crime Stoppers hotline at 785.843.TIPS.

Police ask for help to ID victim in Kansas homicide investigation

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that seriously injured a 17-year-old from Andover.

Just after 3a.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a Wichita hospital for a walk-in shooting victim with a gunshot wound to his upper chest, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo. 

The 17-year-old victim had serious but non-life-threatening injuries. He underwent surgery and was reported in stable condition.

The investigation revealed the incident took place in the parking of the 900 block of West Central Avenue in Wichita. Officers learned that before the incident, the 17-year-old victim had a brief verbal interaction, with an unknown man, and as the unknown man was leaving the scene in a vehicle with others, shots were fired striking the victim once. At the time of the incident, the parking lot was occupied by several juveniles.

Officers used Flock and developed a suspect vehicle and tag. A follow-up is in progress regarding that vehicle. The investigators are still working to fully determine what led up to the shooting.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that seriously injured a 17-year-old from Andover.Just after 3a.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a Wichita hospital for a walk-in shooting victim with a gunshot wound to his upper chest, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo. The 17-year-old victim had serious but non-life-threatening injuries. He underwent surgery and was reported in stable condition.The investigation revealed the incident took place in the parking of the 900 block of West Central Avenue in Wichita. Officers learned that before the incident, the 17-year-old victim had a brief verbal interaction, with an unknown man, and as the unknown man was leaving the scene in a vehicle with others, shots were fired striking the victim once. At the time of the incident, the parking lot was occupied by several juveniles.Officers used Flock and developed a suspect vehicle and tag. A follow-up is in progress regarding that vehicle. The investigators are still working to fully determine what led up to the shooting.&nbsp;

Shots fired from vehicle seriously injured Kansas teen

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden celebrated a “crisis averted" in his first speech to the nation from the Oval Office Friday evening, ready to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/national-debt">sign a budget agreement</a>&nbsp;that eliminates the potential for an unprecedented government default that he said would have been catastrophic for the U.S. and global economies.

The bipartisan measure was approved by the Senate late Thursday night after passing the House in yet another late session the night before. Biden is set to sign it at the White House on Saturday with just two days to spare until the Treasury Department has warned the U.S. wouldn't be able to meet its obligations.

<a href="https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20230529/BILLS-118hrPIH-fiscalresponsibility.pdf">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>the bill

“Passing this budget agreement was critical. The stakes could not have been higher," Biden said. “Nothing would have been more catastrophic,” he said, than defaulting on the country's debt.

The agreement was hashed out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-kevin-mccarthy-debt-limit-aee6d1dd48f53bedadfe1212e231f48f">by Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy</a>, giving Republicans some of their demanded federal spending cuts but holding the line on major Democratic priorities. It raises the debt limit until 2025 — after the 2024 presidential election — and gives legislators budget targets for the next two years, in hopes of assuring fiscal stability as the political season heats up.

“No one got everything they wanted but the American people got what they needed,” Biden said, highlighting the “compromise and consensus” in the deal. “We averted an economic crisis and an economic collapse.”

Biden used the opportunity to itemize the achievements of his first term as he runs for reelection, including support for high-tech manufacturing, infrastructure investments and financial incentives for fighting climate change — while at the same time highlighting how he forestalled steeper spending cuts pushed by the GOP that he said would have rolled back his agenda.

“We’re cutting spending and bringing deficits down at the same time,” Biden said. “We're protecting important priorities from Social Security to Medicare to Medicaid to veterans to our transformational investments in infrastructure and clean energy.”

Even as he pledged to continue working with Republicans, Biden also drew contrasts with the opposing party, particularly when it comes to raising taxes on the wealthy, something the Democratic president has sought.

It’s something he suggested may need to wait until a second term.

“I’m going to be coming back,” he said. “With your help, I’m going to win.”

Biden's remarks were the most detailed comments from the Democratic president on the compromise he and his staff negotiated. He largely remained quiet publicly during the high-stakes talks, a decision that frustrated some members of his party but was intended to give space for both sides to reach a deal and for lawmakers to vote it to his desk.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday that Biden was using the occasion to deliver his first address to the nation from behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office because “he just wanted to make sure that the American people understood how important it was to get this done, how important it was to do this in a bipartisan way.”

Biden praised McCarthy and his negotiators for operating in good faith, and all congressional leaders for ensuring swift passage of the legislation. “They acted responsibly, and put the good of the country ahead of politics,” he said.

And he made a renewed pitch for his governing style, which he described as less shouting and lower temperatures after four years of President Donald Trump.

“I know bipartisanship is hard,” he said. “And unity is hard. But we can never stop trying.”

Overall, the 99-page bill restricts spending for the next two years and changes some policies, including imposing new work requirements for older Americans receiving food aid and greenlighting an Appalachian natural gas pipeline that many Democrats oppose. Some environmental rules were modified&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-permitting-climate-energy-pipeline-b9cc880fbce3ad4f140d6ab71ac9ef0f">to help streamline approvals</a>&nbsp;for infrastructure and energy projects — a move long sought by moderates in Congress.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates it could actually expand total eligibility for federal food assistance, with the elimination of work requirements for veterans, homeless people and young people leaving foster care.

The legislation also bolsters funds for defense and veterans, cuts back some new money for Internal Revenue Service and rejects Biden’s call to roll back Trump-era tax breaks on corporations and the wealthy to help cover the nation’s deficits. But the White House said the IRS' plans to step up enforcement of tax laws for high-income earners and corporations would continue.

The agreement also imposes an automatic overall 1% cut to spending programs if Congress fails approve its annual spending bills — a measure designed to pressure lawmakers of both parties to reach consensus before the end of the fiscal year in September.

In both chambers, more Democrats backed the legislation than Republicans, but both parties were critical to its passage. In the Senate the tally was 63-36 including 46 Democrats and independents and 17 Republicans in favor, 31 Republicans along with four Democrats and one independent who caucuses with the Democrats opposed.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden celebrated a “crisis averted" in his first speech to the nation from the Oval Office Friday evening, ready to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/national-debt">sign a budget agreement</a>&nbsp;that eliminates the potential for an unprecedented government default that he said would have been catastrophic for the U.S. and global economies.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F817749609692498%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The bipartisan measure was approved by the Senate late Thursday night after passing the House in yet another late session the night before. Biden is set to sign it at the White House on Saturday with just two days to spare until the Treasury Department has warned the U.S. wouldn't be able to meet its obligations.<a href="https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20230529/BILLS-118hrPIH-fiscalresponsibility.pdf">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>the bill“Passing this budget agreement was critical. The stakes could not have been higher," Biden said. “Nothing would have been more catastrophic,” he said, than defaulting on the country's debt.The agreement was hashed out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-kevin-mccarthy-debt-limit-aee6d1dd48f53bedadfe1212e231f48f">by Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy</a>, giving Republicans some of their demanded federal spending cuts but holding the line on major Democratic priorities. It raises the debt limit until 2025 — after the 2024 presidential election — and gives legislators budget targets for the next two years, in hopes of assuring fiscal stability as the political season heats up.“No one got everything they wanted but the American people got what they needed,” Biden said, highlighting the “compromise and consensus” in the deal. “We averted an economic crisis and an economic collapse.”Biden used the opportunity to itemize the achievements of his first term as he runs for reelection, including support for high-tech manufacturing, infrastructure investments and financial incentives for fighting climate change — while at the same time highlighting how he forestalled steeper spending cuts pushed by the GOP that he said would have rolled back his agenda.“We’re cutting spending and bringing deficits down at the same time,” Biden said. “We're protecting important priorities from Social Security to Medicare to Medicaid to veterans to our transformational investments in infrastructure and clean energy.”Even as he pledged to continue working with Republicans, Biden also drew contrasts with the opposing party, particularly when it comes to raising taxes on the wealthy, something the Democratic president has sought.It’s something he suggested may need to wait until a second term.“I’m going to be coming back,” he said. “With your help, I’m going to win.”Biden's remarks were the most detailed comments from the Democratic president on the compromise he and his staff negotiated. He largely remained quiet publicly during the high-stakes talks, a decision that frustrated some members of his party but was intended to give space for both sides to reach a deal and for lawmakers to vote it to his desk.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday that Biden was using the occasion to deliver his first address to the nation from behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office because “he just wanted to make sure that the American people understood how important it was to get this done, how important it was to do this in a bipartisan way.”Biden praised McCarthy and his negotiators for operating in good faith, and all congressional leaders for ensuring swift passage of the legislation. “They acted responsibly, and put the good of the country ahead of politics,” he said.And he made a renewed pitch for his governing style, which he described as less shouting and lower temperatures after four years of President Donald Trump.“I know bipartisanship is hard,” he said. “And unity is hard. But we can never stop trying.”Overall, the 99-page bill restricts spending for the next two years and changes some policies, including imposing new work requirements for older Americans receiving food aid and greenlighting an Appalachian natural gas pipeline that many Democrats oppose. Some environmental rules were modified&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-permitting-climate-energy-pipeline-b9cc880fbce3ad4f140d6ab71ac9ef0f">to help streamline approvals</a>&nbsp;for infrastructure and energy projects — a move long sought by moderates in Congress.The Congressional Budget Office estimates it could actually expand total eligibility for federal food assistance, with the elimination of work requirements for veterans, homeless people and young people leaving foster care.The legislation also bolsters funds for defense and veterans, cuts back some new money for Internal Revenue Service and rejects Biden’s call to roll back Trump-era tax breaks on corporations and the wealthy to help cover the nation’s deficits. But the White House said the IRS' plans to step up enforcement of tax laws for high-income earners and corporations would continue.The agreement also imposes an automatic overall 1% cut to spending programs if Congress fails approve its annual spending bills — a measure designed to pressure lawmakers of both parties to reach consensus before the end of the fiscal year in September.In both chambers, more Democrats backed the legislation than Republicans, but both parties were critical to its passage. In the Senate the tally was 63-36 including 46 Democrats and independents and 17 Republicans in favor, 31 Republicans along with four Democrats and one independent who caucuses with the Democrats opposed.The vote in the House was 314-117.

🎥Victory Lap: Biden celebrates debt deal with first Oval Office address

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Friday.

The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department Traffic Division reported&nbsp; officers were dispatched to the area of N. 11TH Street and Grandview Blvd. in Kansas City and discovered a dirt bike with a man and a woman nearby. 

Both were transported to an area hospital where the woman was pronounced deceased. The man is being treated for serious, but non-life threatening injuries.

Police released no additional details including the names of the victims early Saturday.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Friday.The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department Traffic Division reported&nbsp; officers were dispatched to the area of N. 11TH Street and Grandview Blvd. in Kansas City and discovered a dirt bike with a man and a woman nearby. Both were transported to an area hospital where the woman was pronounced deceased. The man is being treated for serious, but non-life threatening injuries.Police released no additional details including the names of the victims early Saturday.

Woman dead, man injured after dirt bike accident in Kansas

NEW YORK (AP) — Customers of Chase's online banking services saw double transactions, fees and payments in their accounts on Friday, in a glitch that was not fixed until late in the day.

Numerous Chase customers had posted on social media that their rent or bill payments were taken out of their accounts twice and reported hold times with customer service approaching more than an hour. The New York-based bank is one of the country’s largest financial institutions with millions of online customers.

Transactions over Zelle, the bank’s own peer-to-peer payment service, were also impacted with Chase customers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685732600807.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Customers of Chase's online banking services saw double transactions, fees and payments in their accounts on Friday, in a glitch that was not fixed until late in the day.Numerous Chase customers had posted on social media that their rent or bill payments were taken out of their accounts twice and reported hold times with customer service approaching more than an hour. The New York-based bank is one of the country’s largest financial institutions with millions of online customers.Transactions over Zelle, the bank’s own peer-to-peer payment service, were also impacted with Chase customers.Chase said late Friday that the bank had “resolved the underlying issue” and was in the process of issuing refunds or reversing transactions for customers.Online banking services, while usually reliable, sometimes spectacularly fail or have temporary outages that tend to spook their customers. Banks typically will resolve an error in their services within hours, and no customer is liable for any errors in their accounts that occur when these happen.--------------NEW YORK (AP) — Customers of Chase's online banking services were seeing double transactions, fees and/or payments in their accounts, with the situation not immediately being resolved as of early afternoon on Friday.Numerous Chase customers were posting on social media that their rent or bill payments were taken out of their accounts twice and reporting hold times with customer service approaching more than an hour. The New York-based bank is one of the country’s largest financial institutions with millions of online customers.Transactions over Zelle, the bank’s own peer-to-peer payment service, were also being impacted with Chase customers.“We’re sorry that some customers are seeing duplicate transactions and fees on their checking account," a Chase spokesperson said. "We’re working to resolve the issue and will automatically reverse any duplicates and adjust any related fees."Online banking services, while usually reliable, sometimes spectacularly fail or have temporary outages that tend to spook their customers. Banks typically will resolve an error in their services within hours, and no customer is liable for any errors in their accounts that occur when these happen.