WASHINGTON (AP) — Black clergy who know Vice President Kamala Harris,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-democratic-convention-nominee-virtual-voting-78991bcc443e06c000d1d800e0d94cc5">now the frontrunner</a>&nbsp;for the Democratic presidential nomination, marvel at the fusion of traditions and teachings that have molded her religious faith and social justice values.

A Baptist married to a Jewish man, she’s inspired by the work of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and influenced by the religious traditions of her mother’s native India as well as the Black Church.

“She’s had the best of two worlds,” says her longtime pastor, the Rev. Amos Brown, who leads Third Baptist Church in San Francisco.

In interviews, religious leaders and theologians told The Associated Press that Harris’ candidacy has special symbolic significance following President Joe Biden’s departure from election campaign. Not only because she would be the nation’s first female president, but she’s a Black American with South Asian roots and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-religion-baptist-f2a91e545f44712a7ea7bd962412bcfe">her two cultures are intrinsically linked</a>.

The clergy and scholars noted that the concept of nonviolent resistance, a critical strategy in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, gained influence under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in India, who was an inspiration for many decades to America’s Black preachers and civil rights leaders.

“It may be through the Negroes that the unadulterated message of nonviolence will be delivered to the world,” Gandhi said in 1935 to a visiting delegation led by prominent Black U.S. theologian Howard Thurman.

Those shared cultural links can be found in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/district-of-columbia-india-government-india-kamala-harris-united-states-government-9b183eb367fc43fc82010d9776b57dc8">Harris’ family history</a>, too. Her maternal grandmother was a community organizer, and her grandfather P.V. Gopalan, was a civil servant who joined the resistance to win India’s independence from Britain.

Harris’ mother, Shyamala Gopalan, even met King as a graduate student at the University of California at Berkeley, where she participated in civil rights demonstrations.

“She was conscious of history, conscious of struggle, conscious of inequities. She was born with a sense of justice imprinted on her soul,” Harris wrote of her mother in her 2008 book “Truths We Hold.”

The Black Church tradition also influenced Harris.

“The vice president has a strong Christian faith that she’s talked about a lot,” said Jamal Simmons, a pastor’s son and Harris’ former communications director. As a Democratic strategist, he has helped candidates make inroads with faith communities.

“She was raised in a Christian church, and attended Christian churches throughout her life, and I think that still influences her, her worldview and her ethical commitments,” he said.

The Rev. Freddie D. Haynes III, a pastor in Dallas, first met Harris at Third Baptist in San Francisco, sparking their more than 30-year friendship.

Haynes – whose family has close ties to Third Baptist – was guest preaching at the time while visiting his mother. Harris, then the Alameda County district attorney, had just joined the congregation.

“She has always understood that Jesus and justice go together. So, it’s not hard to see why she chose a church that has that kind of justice DNA,” said Haynes, whose grandfather shaped Third Baptist’s social justice identity as its pastor. Then his father carried it on during his short time in the pulpit.

Through the years, Haynes and Harris connected over their shared faith. Haynes said she admired his ability to blend Black Christian theology in the pulpit with the cadence and rhythm of hip-hop. It was Harris’s commitment to serving the most vulnerable that impressed him.

“Her spirituality has been informed by a sense of justice for those who are othered, disadvantaged, and treated as second-class citizens,” said Haynes, who leads Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas.

As a student at Howard University in Washington, D.C., Harris was immersed in a cultural environment influenced by deep faith. The fellowship and service she learned at her alma mater is key to understanding the spirituality driving her sense of purpose, said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kingdom-fellowship-ame-black-church-maryland-566ac03a1d0aee9fc338d1b3606ceba3">Matthew Watley</a>, pastor of nearby Kingdom Fellowship AME, one of the fastest growing churches in America.

Watley said Howard’s commitment to service through religious passion and academic prowess never leaves its students. Several of Harris’ friends, including a line sister in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-biden-pressure-to-leave-presidential-race-70442d102683f6ae9e3269ab946dfead">Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority</a>&nbsp;Inc., worship at Kingdom Fellowship, where Harris has attended twice in recent years.

Joshua DuBois, former head of the White House Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, said because of the influence of Eastern and Western cultural and religious traditions, Harris exudes a kind of ecumenism that makes her candidacy appealing to an array of religious voters.

“I think that presidents are grounded in their faith and inspired by their faith in numerous ways. It’s the wellspring that they draw from,” said DuBois, who worked under former President Barack Obama’s administration. “When you know the world is going mad how do you connect to something larger than yourself?”

“I also think faith can help you with prioritization,” he added. “Often times you can only focus on one thing as president and you face the question: Who needs you the most? I think that is certainly how Jesus walked. That’s how Gandhi walked.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-president-black-women-support-bdd0ba0a19697c7cd2f183773e97aa6e">Black women</a>, including clergy and activists who have not stopped organizing and praying since the COVID-19 pandemic, are quickly embracing Harris.

The Rev. Traci Blackmon, who joined 4,000 Black clergy on a recent pro-Harris call, said the outpouring of support for her is connected to the anticipated ugliness and opposition she is bound to face in her sprint against former President Donald Trump.

“She should be president because she’s equipped, prepared and the best candidate for the job,” said Blackmon, a St. Louis-based United Church of Christ minister, who spoke to the AP as Harris gathered delegate support.

The call was organized by the Black Church PAC, co-founded by the Rev. Michael McBride, a longtime Harris supporter and pastor of The Way Christian Center in Berkeley. McBride told the AP that he was still in the pulpit on Sunday when Biden withdrew his candidacy. After the benediction, McBride said, one of the church mothers stood up, shared that news, and asked, in effect, “What do we do now?”

McBride and many other Black pastors who have been calling for an end to the Israel-Hamas war will be looking to Harris for leadership that would bring about peace. Brown, her own pastor, was among the Black clergy who visited the White House in recent months to appeal to the Biden administration.

“To me it’s a matter of peace and justice,” Brown said.

On Sunday, after Harris was endorsed by Biden. she sought out Brown with an evening phone call, about an hour before the AP reached him at his home in San Francisco.

“I’m calling my pastor,” Harris said in her typical greeting, referring to the man that staffers in her office are instructed to get to know during their first week on the job.

She wanted her pastor to pray, and pray Brown did, that Harris “would be the quintessential instrument to bring healing, hope and wholeness” to the United States of America.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721917073398.png" alt="File Vice President Harris speaking at the Tyre Nichols funeral in Memphis-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File Vice President Harris speaking at the Tyre Nichols funeral in Memphis-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By DARREN SANDS Associated PressWASHINGTON (AP) — Black clergy who know Vice President Kamala Harris,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-democratic-convention-nominee-virtual-voting-78991bcc443e06c000d1d800e0d94cc5">now the frontrunner</a>&nbsp;for the Democratic presidential nomination, marvel at the fusion of traditions and teachings that have molded her religious faith and social justice values.A Baptist married to a Jewish man, she’s inspired by the work of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and influenced by the religious traditions of her mother’s native India as well as the Black Church.“She’s had the best of two worlds,” says her longtime pastor, the Rev. Amos Brown, who leads Third Baptist Church in San Francisco.In interviews, religious leaders and theologians told The Associated Press that Harris’ candidacy has special symbolic significance following President Joe Biden’s departure from election campaign. Not only because she would be the nation’s first female president, but she’s a Black American with South Asian roots and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-religion-baptist-f2a91e545f44712a7ea7bd962412bcfe">her two cultures are intrinsically linked</a>.The clergy and scholars noted that the concept of nonviolent resistance, a critical strategy in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, gained influence under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in India, who was an inspiration for many decades to America’s Black preachers and civil rights leaders.“It may be through the Negroes that the unadulterated message of nonviolence will be delivered to the world,” Gandhi said in 1935 to a visiting delegation led by prominent Black U.S. theologian Howard Thurman.Those shared cultural links can be found in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/district-of-columbia-india-government-india-kamala-harris-united-states-government-9b183eb367fc43fc82010d9776b57dc8">Harris’ family history</a>, too. Her maternal grandmother was a community organizer, and her grandfather P.V. Gopalan, was a civil servant who joined the resistance to win India’s independence from Britain.Harris’ mother, Shyamala Gopalan, even met King as a graduate student at the University of California at Berkeley, where she participated in civil rights demonstrations.“She was conscious of history, conscious of struggle, conscious of inequities. She was born with a sense of justice imprinted on her soul,” Harris wrote of her mother in her 2008 book “Truths We Hold.”The Black Church tradition also influenced Harris.“The vice president has a strong Christian faith that she’s talked about a lot,” said Jamal Simmons, a pastor’s son and Harris’ former communications director. As a Democratic strategist, he has helped candidates make inroads with faith communities.“She was raised in a Christian church, and attended Christian churches throughout her life, and I think that still influences her, her worldview and her ethical commitments,” he said.The Rev. Freddie D. Haynes III, a pastor in Dallas, first met Harris at Third Baptist in San Francisco, sparking their more than 30-year friendship.Haynes – whose family has close ties to Third Baptist – was guest preaching at the time while visiting his mother. Harris, then the Alameda County district attorney, had just joined the congregation.“She has always understood that Jesus and justice go together. So, it’s not hard to see why she chose a church that has that kind of justice DNA,” said Haynes, whose grandfather shaped Third Baptist’s social justice identity as its pastor. Then his father carried it on during his short time in the pulpit.Through the years, Haynes and Harris connected over their shared faith. Haynes said she admired his ability to blend Black Christian theology in the pulpit with the cadence and rhythm of hip-hop. It was Harris’s commitment to serving the most vulnerable that impressed him.“Her spirituality has been informed by a sense of justice for those who are othered, disadvantaged, and treated as second-class citizens,” said Haynes, who leads Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas.As a student at Howard University in Washington, D.C., Harris was immersed in a cultural environment influenced by deep faith. The fellowship and service she learned at her alma mater is key to understanding the spirituality driving her sense of purpose, said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kingdom-fellowship-ame-black-church-maryland-566ac03a1d0aee9fc338d1b3606ceba3">Matthew Watley</a>, pastor of nearby Kingdom Fellowship AME, one of the fastest growing churches in America.Watley said Howard’s commitment to service through religious passion and academic prowess never leaves its students. Several of Harris’ friends, including a line sister in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-biden-pressure-to-leave-presidential-race-70442d102683f6ae9e3269ab946dfead">Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority</a>&nbsp;Inc., worship at Kingdom Fellowship, where Harris has attended twice in recent years.Joshua DuBois, former head of the White House Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, said because of the influence of Eastern and Western cultural and religious traditions, Harris exudes a kind of ecumenism that makes her candidacy appealing to an array of religious voters.“I think that presidents are grounded in their faith and inspired by their faith in numerous ways. It’s the wellspring that they draw from,” said DuBois, who worked under former President Barack Obama’s administration. “When you know the world is going mad how do you connect to something larger than yourself?”“I also think faith can help you with prioritization,” he added. “Often times you can only focus on one thing as president and you face the question: Who needs you the most? I think that is certainly how Jesus walked. That’s how Gandhi walked.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-president-black-women-support-bdd0ba0a19697c7cd2f183773e97aa6e">Black women</a>, including clergy and activists who have not stopped organizing and praying since the COVID-19 pandemic, are quickly embracing Harris.The Rev. Traci Blackmon, who joined 4,000 Black clergy on a recent pro-Harris call, said the outpouring of support for her is connected to the anticipated ugliness and opposition she is bound to face in her sprint against former President Donald Trump.“She should be president because she’s equipped, prepared and the best candidate for the job,” said Blackmon, a St. Louis-based United Church of Christ minister, who spoke to the AP as Harris gathered delegate support.The call was organized by the Black Church PAC, co-founded by the Rev. Michael McBride, a longtime Harris supporter and pastor of The Way Christian Center in Berkeley. McBride told the AP that he was still in the pulpit on Sunday when Biden withdrew his candidacy. After the benediction, McBride said, one of the church mothers stood up, shared that news, and asked, in effect, “What do we do now?”McBride and many other Black pastors who have been calling for an end to the Israel-Hamas war will be looking to Harris for leadership that would bring about peace. Brown, her own pastor, was among the Black clergy who visited the White House in recent months to appeal to the Biden administration.“To me it’s a matter of peace and justice,” Brown said.On Sunday, after Harris was endorsed by Biden. she sought out Brown with an evening phone call, about an hour before the AP reached him at his home in San Francisco.“I’m calling my pastor,” Harris said in her typical greeting, referring to the man that staffers in her office are instructed to get to know during their first week on the job.She wanted her pastor to pray, and pray Brown did, that Harris “would be the quintessential instrument to bring healing, hope and wholeness” to the United States of America.___

Kamala Harris: A Baptist with a Jewish husband and a faith that traces back to MLK and Gandhi

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.

On July 23, Sheriff Deputies spotted a stolen SUV in the parking lot of a grocery store in Liberty, Missouri, according to the Clay County Sheriff. 

Deputies worked with local officers and store employees to locate the driver on store cameras. They saw her apparently shoplifting items. 

Deputies were waiting when she exited the store and took her into custody. She had the keys to the stolen SUV in her possession. Also in her bag were bank cards, a check book and ID cards belonging to at least five other people. In the car, deputies found items that appeared consistent with retail theft, as well as drug paraphernalia. 

The case has been submitted to the Prosecutor's Office for review.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721952603882.png" alt="Deputies waiting by the stolen SUV -photo Clay Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Deputies waiting by the stolen SUV -photo Clay Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.On July 23, Sheriff Deputies spotted a stolen SUV in the parking lot of a grocery store in Liberty, Missouri, according to the Clay County Sheriff. Deputies worked with local officers and store employees to locate the driver on store cameras. They saw her apparently shoplifting items. Deputies were waiting when she exited the store and took her into custody. She had the keys to the stolen SUV in her possession. Also in her bag were bank cards, a check book and ID cards belonging to at least five other people. In the car, deputies found items that appeared consistent with retail theft, as well as drug paraphernalia. The case has been submitted to the Prosecutor's Office for review.

KC area woman in stolen SUV caught with bank cards, IDs and more

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon arrested after his 11-month-old daughter was found in the canal in Wichita earlier this week made his first court appearance in the case Friday.

&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=320252">&nbsp;Vincent Perez&nbsp;</a>, 34, is&nbsp;charged with three counts of aggravated endangering a child and two counts of aggravated battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

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

Officers, with the assistance of the Wichita Fire Department, located the child within the canal. She was safely extracted from the canal and transported to a local hospital for precautionary medical evaluation and later placed into police protective custody, according to Gupilan.&nbsp;

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

Police believed Perez had information pertinent to the investigation. On Tuesday night, police asked the public for assistance in locating him for questioning. Just after 11a.m. Wednesday, police booked&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=320252">Perez&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;into the Sedgwick County jail.&nbsp; &nbsp;He remains jailed on a&nbsp;$150,000 bond. His next court appearance is August 5, according to the district attorney's office.

Perez has previous convictions for theft, aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, criminal possession of a weapon and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721927142112.png" alt="Perez photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Perez photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon arrested after his 11-month-old daughter was found in the canal in Wichita earlier this week made his first court appearance in the case Friday.&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=320252">&nbsp;Vincent Perez&nbsp;</a>, 34, is&nbsp;charged with three counts of aggravated endangering a child and two counts of aggravated battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 1p.m. Tueday, police were dispatched to conduct a welfare check in the vicinity of Interstate 135 and Pawnee in Wichita after receiving a report of a child in the canal, according to Officer Kristopher Gupilan.Officers, with the assistance of the Wichita Fire Department, located the child within the canal. She was safely extracted from the canal and transported to a local hospital for precautionary medical evaluation and later placed into police protective custody, according to Gupilan.&nbsp;The investigation into the circumstances surrounding how the child ended up in the canal continues.Police believed Perez had information pertinent to the investigation. On Tuesday night, police asked the public for assistance in locating him for questioning. Just after 11a.m. Wednesday, police booked&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=320252">Perez&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;into the Sedgwick County jail.&nbsp; &nbsp;He remains jailed on a&nbsp;$150,000 bond. His next court appearance is August 5, according to the district attorney's office.Perez has previous convictions for theft, aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, criminal possession of a weapon and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. felon charged after baby daughter rescued from canal

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

NAME:&nbsp;Eakin,Tate Douglas REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;

Distribute marijuana w/in 1000' sch; 25-&lt;450 gm

Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance

Use communication facility; In the commission of a felony drug violationd

NAME:&nbsp;Huddleston,Shane Anthony REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;

Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor

NAME:&nbsp;Bomar,Suzanne Marie REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Johnson,Drake Stephen REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;

NAME:&nbsp;McDaniel,Terry Michael REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Post,Leland Ray REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Roe,Sarah Lynne REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;

Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty

Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant

NAME:&nbsp;Smith Miller,Samantha Daelene REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;

Distribute marijuana; 25 - &lt; 450 grams

Use communication facility; In the commission of a felony drug violation

NAME:&nbsp;Spracklin,Andrew Lee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Stahlman,Crystal Dawn REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME: Tubal,Rachelle Marie REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722098300807.jpeg" alt="Eakin,Tate Douglas" />
 <figcaption>Eakin,Tate Douglas</figcaption>
 </figure>All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.NAME:&nbsp;Eakin,Tate Douglas REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Distribute marijuana w/in 1000' sch; 25-&lt;450 gmUse/poss drug paraphernalian/human bodyPoss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulantPoss para w/intent to manuf/plant/cultPoss of substance in KSA 65-4105(h)Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substanceUse communication facility; In the commission of a felony drug violationd<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722098314078.jpeg" alt="Huddleston,Shane Anthony" />
 <figcaption>Huddleston,Shane Anthony</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Huddleston,Shane Anthony REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appearDriving under influence of alcohol or drugs; MisdemeanorTransporting an open container<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722098281541.jpeg" alt="Bomar,Suzanne Marie" />
 <figcaption>Bomar,Suzanne Marie</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Bomar,Suzanne Marie REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722098327135.jpeg" alt="Johnson,Drake Stephen" />
 <figcaption>Johnson,Drake Stephen</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Johnson,Drake Stephen REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; MisdemeanorSpeeding; maximum limits<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722098338583.jpeg" alt="McDaniel,Terry Michael" />
 <figcaption>McDaniel,Terry Michael</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;McDaniel,Terry Michael REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722098350856.jpeg" alt="Post,Leland Ray" />
 <figcaption>Post,Leland Ray</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Post,Leland Ray REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722098365057.png" alt="Roe,Sarah Lynne" />
 <figcaption>Roe,Sarah Lynne</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Roe,Sarah Lynne REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on dutyInterf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrantRobbery<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722098377116.jpeg" alt="Smith Miller,Samantha Daelene" />
 <figcaption>Smith Miller,Samantha Daelene</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Smith Miller,Samantha Daelene REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Distribute marijuana; 25 - &lt; 450 gramsUse/poss drug paraphernalian/human bodyPoss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulantPoss para w/intent to manuf/plant/cultPoss of substance in KSA 65-4105(h)Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substanceUse communication facility; In the commission of a felony drug violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722098389323.jpeg" alt="Spracklin,Andrew Lee" />
 <figcaption>Spracklin,Andrew Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Spracklin,Andrew Lee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722098400470.jpeg" alt="Stahlman,Crystal Dawn" />
 <figcaption>Stahlman,Crystal Dawn</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Stahlman,Crystal Dawn REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722098412406.jpeg" alt="Tubal,Rachelle Marie" />
 <figcaption>Tubal,Rachelle Marie</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Tubal,Rachelle Marie REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, July 27

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Police investigating a fire at a home in Topeka have made an arrest.

Just before 7 a.m. Wednesday, crews responded to a reported house fire at 1305 SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols. Firefighters found smoke coming from the home and fire in the basement. Crews were able to extinguish the fire and no occupants were located in the house. No injuries have been reported.

A TFD Investigation Unit responded to this fire and later determined it was intentionally set.&nbsp; As result of the investigation, Michael W. Raines, 27, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of Aggravated Arson.

Authorities did not release a damage estimate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721990499470.png" alt="Raines-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Raines-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Police investigating a fire at a home in Topeka have made an arrest.Just before 7 a.m. Wednesday, crews responded to a reported house fire at 1305 SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols. Firefighters found smoke coming from the home and fire in the basement. Crews were able to extinguish the fire and no occupants were located in the house. No injuries have been reported.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721846734905.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>A TFD Investigation Unit responded to this fire and later determined it was intentionally set.&nbsp; As result of the investigation, Michael W. Raines, 27, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of Aggravated Arson.Authorities did not release a damage estimate.

Man jailed for starting fire in basement of Kansas home

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Fortner, Steven Mitchell

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+, Driving While Suspended and Transporting an open container

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;McMillan, Michaela Danae

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to Appear,&nbsp;&nbsp;Probation Violation and Driving While Suspended

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Uebelher, Christopher Joseph

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail.All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721997378461.png" alt="Fortner, Steven Mitchell" />
 <figcaption>Fortner, Steven Mitchell</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Fortner, Steven MitchellREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721997423642.png" alt="Green, Dustin Phillip" />
 <figcaption>Green, Dustin Phillip</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Green, Dustin PhillipREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721997476625.png" alt="Lenon, Thomas Edgar" />
 <figcaption>Lenon, Thomas Edgar</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Lenon, Thomas EdgarREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+, Driving While Suspended and Transporting an open container<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721997535235.png" alt="McMillan, Michaela Danae" />
 <figcaption>McMillan, Michaela Danae</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;McMillan, Michaela DanaeREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721997574464.png" alt="Mesecher, Joshua Loran" />
 <figcaption>Mesecher, Joshua Loran</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Mesecher, Joshua LoranREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721997617729.png" alt="Rincon, Maria Virginia" />
 <figcaption>Rincon, Maria Virginia</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Rincon, Maria VirginiaREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to Appear,&nbsp;&nbsp;Probation Violation and Driving While Suspended<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721997673166.png" alt="Uebelher, Christopher Joseph" />
 <figcaption>Uebelher, Christopher Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Uebelher, Christopher JosephREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, July 26

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement continue investigating after an 11-month-old girl was found in the canal in Wichita earlier this week and arrested a Kansas felon in the case&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=320252">34-year-old Vincent Perez&nbsp;</a>.&nbsp; He has been identified as the child's father, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford.

Police believed Perez had information pertinent to the investigation. On Tuesday night, police asked the public for assistance in locating him for questioning. Just after 11a.m. Wednesday, police booked&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=320252">Perez&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;into the Sedgwick County jail on<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=320252">&nbsp;requested charges of</a>&nbsp;endangering a child, aggravated battery and a parole violation, according to online jail records.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721927142112.png" alt="Perez-photo Sedgwick Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Perez-photo Sedgwick Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement continue investigating after an 11-month-old girl was found in the canal in Wichita earlier this week and arrested a Kansas felon in the case&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=320252">34-year-old Vincent Perez&nbsp;</a>.&nbsp; He has been identified as the child's father, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford.Just after 1p.m. Tueday, police were dispatched to conduct a welfare check in the vicinity of Interstate 135 and Pawnee in Wichita after receiving a report of a child in the canal, according to Officer Kristopher Gupilan.Officers, with the assistance of the Wichita Fire Department, located the child within the canal. She was safely extracted from the canal and transported to a local hospital for precautionary medical evaluation and later placed into police protective custody, according to Gupilan.&nbsp;The investigation into the circumstances surrounding how the child ended up in the canal continues.Police believed Perez had information pertinent to the investigation. On Tuesday night, police asked the public for assistance in locating him for questioning. Just after 11a.m. Wednesday, police booked&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=320252">Perez&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;into the Sedgwick County jail on<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=320252">&nbsp;requested charges of</a>&nbsp;endangering a child, aggravated battery and a parole violation, according to online jail records.&nbsp;&nbsp;Perez has previous convictions for theft, aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, criminal possession of a weapon and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. felon jailed after baby found in canal is the child's father

NAME:&nbsp;Ebinger,Casey Allan REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Direct

NAME:&nbsp;Garcia,Andres REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Jordan,Nellie Jo REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Lenon,Thomas Edgar REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance

NAME:&nbsp;Mayorquin-Dominguez,Bayron Alexander REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;

Agg human traff; Recruit/harbor/transp child &lt;14

Human Trafficking: Finan Benefit in forced labor

Human smuggling; enter into U.S. illegally

NAME:&nbsp;Neff,August Brittany REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Reinbold,Eric Lyle REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Savage-Knight,Tamara Lynn REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity

NAME:&nbsp;Thomas,Nicole Lynn REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Wray,Larry Joseph REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail.All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721911584949.jpeg" alt="Ebinger,Casey Allan" />
 <figcaption>Ebinger,Casey Allan</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Ebinger,Casey Allan REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Direct<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721911641552.jpeg" alt="Garcia,Andres" />
 <figcaption>Garcia,Andres</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Garcia,Andres REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721911669216.jpeg" alt="Jordan,Nellie Jo" />
 <figcaption>Jordan,Nellie Jo</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Jordan,Nellie Jo REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721911695447.png" alt="Lenon,Thomas Edgar" />
 <figcaption>Lenon,Thomas Edgar</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Lenon,Thomas Edgar REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721911734482.jpeg" alt="Mayorquin-Dominguez,Bayron Alexander" />
 <figcaption>Mayorquin-Dominguez,Bayron Alexander</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Mayorquin-Dominguez,Bayron Alexander REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Agg human traff; Recruit/harbor/transp child &lt;14Human Trafficking: Finan Benefit in forced laborHuman smuggling; enter into U.S. illegallyOutside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721911786452.jpeg" alt="Neff,August Brittany" />
 <figcaption>Neff,August Brittany</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Neff,August Brittany REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721911814679.jpeg" alt="Reinbold,Eric Lyle" />
 <figcaption>Reinbold,Eric Lyle</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Reinbold,Eric Lyle REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721911860427.jpeg" alt="Savage-Knight,Tamara Lynn" />
 <figcaption>Savage-Knight,Tamara Lynn</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Savage-Knight,Tamara Lynn REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721911894131.jpeg" alt="Thomas,Nicole Lynn" />
 <figcaption>Thomas,Nicole Lynn</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Thomas,Nicole Lynn REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721911924713.jpeg" alt="Wray,Larry Joseph" />
 <figcaption>Wray,Larry Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Wray,Larry Joseph REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear

Saline County Jail Bookings, July 25

On Saturday, July 27, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, the Friends of the Salina Public Library will host a “Drive Up &amp; Donate” event. Community members can donate gently used books and media to support the library’s programs.

The drive, organized by the Friends of the Salina Public Library, will take place at 301 W. Elm, Salina, KS. Donors can drive up to the front of the library, where volunteers will unload the materials. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, a group dedicated to supporting the library’s mission.

Gently used fiction and non-fiction books for all ages, textbooks and travel books less than three years old, and audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and video games. Proceeds from the collected items will fund various library programs and services.

Donating helps the library offer a wide range of educational and recreational opportunities. Every item donated supports the library's resources and programs.

For more information, contact the library or visit their <a href="https://salinapubliclibrary.org/about-us/policies/donations/#:~:text=Donations%20of%20books%20and%20other,be%20in%20usable%20physical%20condition.">website.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689129138193.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy Friends of the Salina Library" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy Friends of the Salina Library</figcaption>
 </figure>On Saturday, July 27, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, the Friends of the Salina Public Library will host a “Drive Up &amp; Donate” event. Community members can donate gently used books and media to support the library’s programs.The drive, organized by the Friends of the Salina Public Library, will take place at 301 W. Elm, Salina, KS. Donors can drive up to the front of the library, where volunteers will unload the materials. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, a group dedicated to supporting the library’s mission.Acceptable Donations Include:Gently used fiction and non-fiction books for all ages, textbooks and travel books less than three years old, and audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and video games. Proceeds from the collected items will fund various library programs and services.Supporting the LibraryDonating helps the library offer a wide range of educational and recreational opportunities. Every item donated supports the library's resources and programs.For more information, contact the library or visit their <a href="https://salinapubliclibrary.org/about-us/policies/donations/#:~:text=Donations%20of%20books%20and%20other,be%20in%20usable%20physical%20condition.">website.</a>

Friends of Salina Public Library host book donation drive on Saturday

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Recruit Deputy for alleged domestic battery.

On Tuesday, Haysville&nbsp; Police arrested 22-year-old Brandon Fox and he was booked into jail on a requested charge of Domestic Battery and Assault, according to a statement from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.

&nbsp;Fox has been employed by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office since February 2024 as a detention deputy. On July 22nd, 2024 Fox began the Sheriff’s Office Commissioned Academy.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is currently suspended from duty, pending the outcome of the criminal case and an internal investigation, according to the Sheriff’s Office. He bonded out of jail approximately 30 minutes after he was booked into jail, according to online records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721852285346.png" alt="Fox photo Sedgwick County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Fox photo Sedgwick County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Recruit Deputy for alleged domestic battery.On Tuesday, Haysville&nbsp; Police arrested 22-year-old Brandon Fox and he was booked into jail on a requested charge of Domestic Battery and Assault, according to a statement from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;Fox has been employed by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office since February 2024 as a detention deputy. On July 22nd, 2024 Fox began the Sheriff’s Office Commissioned Academy.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is currently suspended from duty, pending the outcome of the criminal case and an internal investigation, according to the Sheriff’s Office. He bonded out of jail approximately 30 minutes after he was booked into jail, according to online records.

22-year-old Kan. recruit deputy arrested for alleged domestic assault 

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country's democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">drop his bid</a>&nbsp;for reelection and throw his support behind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-campaign-trump-indiana-sorority-031e3afa51f9ed42e0acd979e80019a8">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>.

Insisting that “the defense of democracy is more important than any title,” Biden used his first public address since his announcement Sunday that he was stepping aside to deliver an implicit repudiation of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlotte-north-carolina-harris-7c7e6e405fecc8927a63763c76f2db1e">former President Donald Trump</a>. He did not directly call out Trump, whom he has called an existential threat to democracy. The 10-minute address also gave Biden a chance to try to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-legacy-oval-office-address-harris-0f92ccfe6f948770b760e983869fa989">shape how history will remember</a>&nbsp;his one and only term in office.

“Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy,” Biden said, in a somber coda to his 50 years spent in public office. “And that includes personal ambition.”

It was a moment for the history books — a U.S. president reflecting before the nation on why he was taking the rare step of voluntarily handing off power. It hasn’t been done since 1968, when Lyndon Johnson announced he would not seek reelection in the heat of the Vietnam War.

“I revere this office," Biden said. "But I love my country more.”

Trump, just an hour earlier at a campaign rally, revived his baseless claims of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election, which he lost to Biden. His refusal to concede inspired the Capitol insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021, which Biden called “the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War.”

Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-final-days-of-decision-end-campaign-f891f5a42a70cb616289e874d79eb103">skirted the political reality</a>&nbsp;that brought him to that point: His abysmal performance in a debate against Trump nearly a month ago, where he spoke haltingly, appeared ashen and failed to rebut his predecessor’s attacks, sparked a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-panic-performance-democrats-debate-trump-cnn-fe6546f2c9762e80e6067ba10abedea8">crisis of confidence</a>&nbsp;from Democrats. Lawmakers and ordinary voters questioned not just whether he was capable of beating Trump in November, but also whether, at 81, he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-election-debate-trump-7c366fda83a697265d9ecc77e8a32fd1">still fit</a>&nbsp;for the high-pressure job.

Biden, who said he believed his record was deserving of another term in office, tried to outlast the skepticism and quell the concerns with interviews and tepid rallies, but the pressure to end his campaign only mounted from the party’s political elites and from ordinary voters.

“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,” Biden said, saying he wanted to make room for “fresh voices, yes, younger voices.”

He added, “That is the best way to unite our nation.”

It was a belated fulfillment of his 2020 pledge to be a bridge to a new generation of leaders — and a bow to the drumbeat of calls from within his party to step aside.

Biden’s address was carried live by the major broadcast and cable news networks. He spooled out an weighty to-do list for his last six months in office, pledging to remain focused on being president until his term expires at noon on Jan. 20, 2025. He said he would work to end the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, fight to boost government support to cure cancer, address climate change and push for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-supreme-court-biden-9c1a40b8f989bfa31a08eb3890abb1a7">Supreme Court reform.</a>

The president sought to use the address to outline the stakes in the election, which both Biden and Harris have framed as a choice between freedom and chaos, but he tried to steer clear of overt campaigning from his official office.

“The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule,” Biden said. “The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America — lies in your hands.”

Biden was also making the case for his legacy of sweeping domestic legislation and the renewal of alliances abroad. But the way history will remember his time in office and his historic decision to step aside is intertwined with Harris’ electoral result in November, particularly as the vice president runs tightly on the achievements of the Biden administration.

His advisers say he intends to hold campaign events and fundraisers benefiting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/advertising-presidential-campaign-kamala-harris-trump-aab73a0d9593afebd734c8f708632926">Harris</a>, whom Biden praised as “tough” and “capable," albeit at a far slower pace than if he had remained on the ballot himself.

Harris advisers will ultimately have to decide how to deploy the president, whose popularity sagged as voters in both parties questioned his fitness for office.

Biden, aides say, knows that if Harris loses, he’ll be criticized for staying in the race too long and not giving her or another Democrat time to effectively mount a campaign against Trump. If she wins, she’ll ensure his policy victories are secured and expanded, and he’ll be remembered for a Washingtonian decision to step aside for the next generation of leadership.

Biden said he’s grateful to have served as president — nowhere else would a kid with a stutter grow up to sit in the Oval Office.

“I’ve given my heart and my soul to our nation," he said. “I’ve been blessed a million times in return.”

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday that any question of Biden resigning his office before the election — which would allow Harris to run as an incumbent — was “ridiculous.”

Jean-Pierre said Biden has “no regrets” about his decision to stay in the race as long as he did, or his decision to quit it over the weekend. She said Biden's decision had nothing to do with his health.

Trump, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/harris-biden-trump-election-campaign-updates#00000190-e763-dd62-ab9f-f77fe2450000">watched</a>&nbsp;Biden's remarks from his private jet, posted on his social media platform that the president “was barely understandable, and sooo bad!”

As he spoke inside the Oval Office, Biden was joined off-camera by family members, including his wife, Jill, son Hunter, daughter Ashley and several grandchildren. Hundreds of administration aides held a watch party in the White House and gathered in the Rose Garden afterward to hear Biden thank them for their service. Outside the gates, supporters of Biden gathered holding signs that read “We love Joe,” and a brass band played,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Insisting that “the defense of democracy is more important than any title,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday tried to explain in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and to throw his support behind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-campaign-trump-indiana-sorority-031e3afa51f9ed42e0acd979e80019a8">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>.

The address offered the public their first chance to hear directly from Biden his rationale for dropping out of the 2024 after weeks of insisting he believed himself to be the best candidate to take on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlotte-north-carolina-harris-7c7e6e405fecc8927a63763c76f2db1e">former President Donald Trump</a>, whom he has called an existential threat to the nation's democracy. It also gave Biden a chance to try to shape how history views his one and only term in office.

“The defense of democracy is more important than any title," Biden said. “Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. And that includes personal ambition.”

Said Biden, “I revere this office, but I love my country more.”

Biden's candidacy faced a crisis of confidence from Democrats after his abysmal debate against Trump nearly a month ago, where he spoke haltingly, appeared ashen and failed to rebut his predecessor's attacks. It sparked a mutiny within his party over not just whether he was capable of beating Trump in November, but also whether at 81, he was still fit for the high-pressure job.

Biden tried to outlast the skepticism and quell the concerns with interviews and tepid rallies, but the pressure to step aside only mounted from the party's political elites and from ordinary voters.

On Sunday afternoon, while isolating at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home with COVID-19, Biden finally bowed in a letter posted to his account on X announcing his decision to leave the race, followed up later by an endorsement of Harris.

“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation," Biden said, saying he wanted to make room for “fresh voices, yes, younger voices."

He added, "That is the best way to unite our nation.”

Biden's address was being carried by the major broadcast and cable news networks. He pledge to remain focused on being president until his term expires at noon on Jan. 20, 2025, saying he would work to end the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, fight to boost government support to cure cancer, and call for Supreme Court reform.

The president was hoping to use the address to outline the stakes in the election, which both Biden and Harris have framed as a choice between freedom and chaos, but he tried to steer clear of overt campaigning from his official office and never mentioned Trump by name.

“The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule," Biden said. "The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America — lies in your hands."

Biden was also looking to make the case for his legacy of sweeping domestic legislation and the renewal of alliances abroad. The way history will remember his time in office and his historic decision to step aside is intertwined with Harris’ electoral result in November, particularly as the vice president runs tightly on the achievements of the Biden administration.

His advisers say he intends to hold campaign events and fundraisers benefiting Harris, albeit at a far slower pace than if he had remained on the ballot himself.

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday that any question of Biden resigning his office — which would allow Harris to run as an incumbent — was “ridiculous.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Insisting that “the defense of democracy is more important than any title,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday will explain in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and to throw his support behind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-campaign-trump-indiana-sorority-031e3afa51f9ed42e0acd979e80019a8">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>.

The address will offer the public their first chance to hear directly from Biden his rationale for dropping out of the 2024 after weeks of insisting he believed himself to be the best candidate to take on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlotte-north-carolina-harris-7c7e6e405fecc8927a63763c76f2db1e">former President Donald Trump</a>, whom he has called an existential threat to the nation's democracy. It will also give Biden a chance to try to shape how history views his one and only term in office.

“The defense of democracy is more important than any title," Biden will say according to excerpts released by the White House. "I draw strength, and find joy, in working FOR the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our Union is not about me. It’s about you. Your families. Your futures. It’s about ‘We the People.’”

On Sunday afternoon while isolating at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home with COVID-19, Biden finally bowed in a letter posted to his account on X announcing his decision to leave the race, followed up later by an endorsement of Harris.

“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation," Biden was set to say Wednesday. "That is the best way to unite our nation.”

Biden's address is being carried by the major television news networks. He is set to pledge to remain focused on being president until his term expires at noon on Jan. 20, 2025.

The president was hoping to use the address to outline the stakes in the election, which both Biden and Harris have framed as a choice between freedom and chaos, but was expected to try to steer clear of overt campaigning from his official office or even mentioning Trump by name.

“The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule," Biden was set to say. "The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America — lies in your hands."

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country's democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">drop his bid</a>&nbsp;for reelection and throw his support behind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-campaign-trump-indiana-sorority-031e3afa51f9ed42e0acd979e80019a8">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>.(click below to watch the address)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/93T8biDlaBc?si=HkDNw-9oDSzeYZ0E" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Insisting that “the defense of democracy is more important than any title,” Biden used his first public address since his announcement Sunday that he was stepping aside to deliver an implicit repudiation of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlotte-north-carolina-harris-7c7e6e405fecc8927a63763c76f2db1e">former President Donald Trump</a>. He did not directly call out Trump, whom he has called an existential threat to democracy. The 10-minute address also gave Biden a chance to try to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-legacy-oval-office-address-harris-0f92ccfe6f948770b760e983869fa989">shape how history will remember</a>&nbsp;his one and only term in office.“Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy,” Biden said, in a somber coda to his 50 years spent in public office. “And that includes personal ambition.”It was a moment for the history books — a U.S. president reflecting before the nation on why he was taking the rare step of voluntarily handing off power. It hasn’t been done since 1968, when Lyndon Johnson announced he would not seek reelection in the heat of the Vietnam War.“I revere this office," Biden said. "But I love my country more.”Trump, just an hour earlier at a campaign rally, revived his baseless claims of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election, which he lost to Biden. His refusal to concede inspired the Capitol insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021, which Biden called “the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War.”Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-final-days-of-decision-end-campaign-f891f5a42a70cb616289e874d79eb103">skirted the political reality</a>&nbsp;that brought him to that point: His abysmal performance in a debate against Trump nearly a month ago, where he spoke haltingly, appeared ashen and failed to rebut his predecessor’s attacks, sparked a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-panic-performance-democrats-debate-trump-cnn-fe6546f2c9762e80e6067ba10abedea8">crisis of confidence</a>&nbsp;from Democrats. Lawmakers and ordinary voters questioned not just whether he was capable of beating Trump in November, but also whether, at 81, he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-election-debate-trump-7c366fda83a697265d9ecc77e8a32fd1">still fit</a>&nbsp;for the high-pressure job.Biden, who said he believed his record was deserving of another term in office, tried to outlast the skepticism and quell the concerns with interviews and tepid rallies, but the pressure to end his campaign only mounted from the party’s political elites and from ordinary voters.“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,” Biden said, saying he wanted to make room for “fresh voices, yes, younger voices.”He added, “That is the best way to unite our nation.”It was a belated fulfillment of his 2020 pledge to be a bridge to a new generation of leaders — and a bow to the drumbeat of calls from within his party to step aside.Biden’s address was carried live by the major broadcast and cable news networks. He spooled out an weighty to-do list for his last six months in office, pledging to remain focused on being president until his term expires at noon on Jan. 20, 2025. He said he would work to end the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, fight to boost government support to cure cancer, address climate change and push for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-supreme-court-biden-9c1a40b8f989bfa31a08eb3890abb1a7">Supreme Court reform.</a>The president sought to use the address to outline the stakes in the election, which both Biden and Harris have framed as a choice between freedom and chaos, but he tried to steer clear of overt campaigning from his official office.“The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule,” Biden said. “The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America — lies in your hands.”Biden was also making the case for his legacy of sweeping domestic legislation and the renewal of alliances abroad. But the way history will remember his time in office and his historic decision to step aside is intertwined with Harris’ electoral result in November, particularly as the vice president runs tightly on the achievements of the Biden administration.His advisers say he intends to hold campaign events and fundraisers benefiting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/advertising-presidential-campaign-kamala-harris-trump-aab73a0d9593afebd734c8f708632926">Harris</a>, whom Biden praised as “tough” and “capable," albeit at a far slower pace than if he had remained on the ballot himself.Harris advisers will ultimately have to decide how to deploy the president, whose popularity sagged as voters in both parties questioned his fitness for office.Biden, aides say, knows that if Harris loses, he’ll be criticized for staying in the race too long and not giving her or another Democrat time to effectively mount a campaign against Trump. If she wins, she’ll ensure his policy victories are secured and expanded, and he’ll be remembered for a Washingtonian decision to step aside for the next generation of leadership.Biden said he’s grateful to have served as president — nowhere else would a kid with a stutter grow up to sit in the Oval Office.“I’ve given my heart and my soul to our nation," he said. “I’ve been blessed a million times in return.”Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday that any question of Biden resigning his office before the election — which would allow Harris to run as an incumbent — was “ridiculous.”Jean-Pierre said Biden has “no regrets” about his decision to stay in the race as long as he did, or his decision to quit it over the weekend. She said Biden's decision had nothing to do with his health.Trump, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/harris-biden-trump-election-campaign-updates#00000190-e763-dd62-ab9f-f77fe2450000">watched</a>&nbsp;Biden's remarks from his private jet, posted on his social media platform that the president “was barely understandable, and sooo bad!”As he spoke inside the Oval Office, Biden was joined off-camera by family members, including his wife, Jill, son Hunter, daughter Ashley and several grandchildren. Hundreds of administration aides held a watch party in the White House and gathered in the Rose Garden afterward to hear Biden thank them for their service. Outside the gates, supporters of Biden gathered holding signs that read “We love Joe,” and a brass band played,-------------WASHINGTON (AP) — Insisting that “the defense of democracy is more important than any title,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday tried to explain in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and to throw his support behind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-campaign-trump-indiana-sorority-031e3afa51f9ed42e0acd979e80019a8">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>.The address offered the public their first chance to hear directly from Biden his rationale for dropping out of the 2024 after weeks of insisting he believed himself to be the best candidate to take on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlotte-north-carolina-harris-7c7e6e405fecc8927a63763c76f2db1e">former President Donald Trump</a>, whom he has called an existential threat to the nation's democracy. It also gave Biden a chance to try to shape how history views his one and only term in office.“The defense of democracy is more important than any title," Biden said. “Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. And that includes personal ambition.”Said Biden, “I revere this office, but I love my country more.”Biden's candidacy faced a crisis of confidence from Democrats after his abysmal debate against Trump nearly a month ago, where he spoke haltingly, appeared ashen and failed to rebut his predecessor's attacks. It sparked a mutiny within his party over not just whether he was capable of beating Trump in November, but also whether at 81, he was still fit for the high-pressure job.Biden tried to outlast the skepticism and quell the concerns with interviews and tepid rallies, but the pressure to step aside only mounted from the party's political elites and from ordinary voters.On Sunday afternoon, while isolating at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home with COVID-19, Biden finally bowed in a letter posted to his account on X announcing his decision to leave the race, followed up later by an endorsement of Harris.“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation," Biden said, saying he wanted to make room for “fresh voices, yes, younger voices."He added, "That is the best way to unite our nation.”Biden's address was being carried by the major broadcast and cable news networks. He pledge to remain focused on being president until his term expires at noon on Jan. 20, 2025, saying he would work to end the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, fight to boost government support to cure cancer, and call for Supreme Court reform.The president was hoping to use the address to outline the stakes in the election, which both Biden and Harris have framed as a choice between freedom and chaos, but he tried to steer clear of overt campaigning from his official office and never mentioned Trump by name.“The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule," Biden said. "The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America — lies in your hands."Biden was also looking to make the case for his legacy of sweeping domestic legislation and the renewal of alliances abroad. The way history will remember his time in office and his historic decision to step aside is intertwined with Harris’ electoral result in November, particularly as the vice president runs tightly on the achievements of the Biden administration.His advisers say he intends to hold campaign events and fundraisers benefiting Harris, albeit at a far slower pace than if he had remained on the ballot himself.Harris advisers will ultimately have to decide how to deploy the president, whose popularity sagged as voters in both parties questioned his fitness for office.Biden, aides say, knows that if Harris loses, he’ll be criticized for staying in the race too long and not giving her or another Democrat time to effectively mount a campaign against Trump. If she wins, she’ll ensure his policy victories are secured and expanded, and he’ll be remembered for a Washingtonian decision to step aside for the next generation of leadership.Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday that any question of Biden resigning his office — which would allow Harris to run as an incumbent — was “ridiculous.”Jean-Pierre said Biden has “no regrets” about his decision to stay in the race as long as he did, or his decision to quit it over the weekend. She said Biden's decision had nothing to do with his health.----------------WASHINGTON (AP) — Insisting that “the defense of democracy is more important than any title,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday will explain in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and to throw his support behind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-campaign-trump-indiana-sorority-031e3afa51f9ed42e0acd979e80019a8">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>.The address will offer the public their first chance to hear directly from Biden his rationale for dropping out of the 2024 after weeks of insisting he believed himself to be the best candidate to take on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlotte-north-carolina-harris-7c7e6e405fecc8927a63763c76f2db1e">former President Donald Trump</a>, whom he has called an existential threat to the nation's democracy. It will also give Biden a chance to try to shape how history views his one and only term in office.“The defense of democracy is more important than any title," Biden will say according to excerpts released by the White House. "I draw strength, and find joy, in working FOR the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our Union is not about me. It’s about you. Your families. Your futures. It’s about ‘We the People.’”Biden's candidacy faced a crisis of confidence from Democrats after his abysmal debate against Trump nearly a month ago, where he spoke haltingly, appeared ashen and failed to rebut his predecessor's attacks. It sparked a mutiny within his party over not just whether he was capable of beating Trump in November, but also whether at 81, he was still fit for the high-pressure job.Biden tried to outlast the skepticism and quell the concerns with interviews and tepid rallies, but the pressure to step aside only mounted from the party's political elites and from ordinary voters.On Sunday afternoon while isolating at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home with COVID-19, Biden finally bowed in a letter posted to his account on X announcing his decision to leave the race, followed up later by an endorsement of Harris.“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation," Biden was set to say Wednesday. "That is the best way to unite our nation.”Biden's address is being carried by the major television news networks. He is set to pledge to remain focused on being president until his term expires at noon on Jan. 20, 2025.The president was hoping to use the address to outline the stakes in the election, which both Biden and Harris have framed as a choice between freedom and chaos, but was expected to try to steer clear of overt campaigning from his official office or even mentioning Trump by name.“The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule," Biden was set to say. "The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America — lies in your hands."Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday that any question of Biden resigning his office — which would allow Harris to run as an incumbent — was “ridiculous.”Jean-Pierre said Biden has “no regrets” about his decision to stay in the race as long as he did, or his decision to quit it over the weekend. She said Biden's decision had nothing to do with his health.

🎥History: President Biden explains why he did not seek reelection

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

Just before 10:30p.m.&nbsp;July 20, a Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a Chevy Impala for a traffic infraction near 118th and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The traffic stop resulted in the search of the vehicle.  The driver, Lisa Marie Rodvelt, 42, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of distribute methamphetamine more than 3.5 grams, possession of amphetamines, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, use of a communication facility; in the commission of felony drug violation, no drug tax stamp.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721681507618.png" alt="Rodvelt-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Rodvelt-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just before 10:30p.m.&nbsp;July 20, a Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a Chevy Impala for a traffic infraction near 118th and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. The traffic stop resulted in the search of the vehicle. The driver, Lisa Marie Rodvelt, 42, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of distribute methamphetamine more than 3.5 grams, possession of amphetamines, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, use of a communication facility; in the commission of felony drug violation, no drug tax stamp.

Kansas woman accused of selling methamphetamine

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating after an 11-month-old girl was found in the canal in Wichita located a man wanted in connection with the case and have him in custody.

Just after 11a.m. Wednesday morning, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=320252">34-year-old Vincent Perez </a>was booked into the Sedgwick County jail on<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=320252"> requested charges of</a> endangering a child, aggravated battery and a parole violation, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Police have not reported the relationship between Perez and the baby.

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

Police believed Perez had information pertinent to the investigation. On Tuesday night, police asked the public for assistance in locating him for questioning. He is now in jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721779759758.png" alt="&nbsp;Police believe Vincent James Perez may have information pertinent to the investigation involving the child in the canal." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Police believe Vincent James Perez may have information pertinent to the investigation involving the child in the canal.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating after an 11-month-old girl was found in the canal in Wichita located a man wanted in connection with the case and have him in custody.Just after 11a.m. Wednesday morning, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=320252">34-year-old Vincent Perez </a>was booked into the Sedgwick County jail on<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=320252"> requested charges of</a> endangering a child, aggravated battery and a parole violation, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Police have not reported the relationship between Perez and the baby.Just after 1p.m. Tueday, police were dispatched to conduct a welfare check in the vicinity of Interstate 135 and Pawnee in Wichita after receiving a report of a child in the canal, according to Officer Kristopher Gupilan.Officers, with the assistance of the Wichita Fire Department, located the child within the canal. She was safely extracted from the canal and transported to a local hospital for precautionary medical evaluation and later placed into police protective custody, according to Gupilan.&nbsp;The investigation into the circumstances surrounding how the child ended up in the canal is continues.Police believed Perez had information pertinent to the investigation. On Tuesday night, police asked the public for assistance in locating him for questioning. He is now in jail.Perez has previous convictions for theft, aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, criminal possession of a weapon and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon is now in jail after baby pulled from canal

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/camikoons/">CAMI KOONS</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

ATCHISON — A grainy sonar image shows what some hope is Amelia Earhart’s lost plane. But it doesn’t show the decades of research, scientific debate and collaboration that has been dedicated to this search through the Pacific Ocean.

Rod Blocksome, a radio communications expert who has been on several expeditions to search for the plane, said folks usually view past explorations as failures –– after all, they didn’t find the plane.&nbsp;

“But we know a lot about where the plane isn’t,” Blocksome said with a laugh.

Blocksome has contributed thousands of hours of research into Earhart’s radio communications and their impact on her navigation, and he is one of many dedicated researchers contributing to the search.&nbsp;

Most explorers are willing to collaborate and share their theories and some of their findings, but they also will share when they think someone has it wrong.

Experts who gathered in Atchison last weekend say it’s all for the collective goal of finding the plane and bringing the Kansas native home to the United States.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum</a>&nbsp;organized several events on Friday and Saturday with notable Earhart explorers, as part of Atchison’s annual Amelia Earhart Festival.

In attendance were Tony and Lloyd Romeo, who earlier this year released a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/29/1227574179/amelia-earharts-lost-plane-howland-island" target="_blank">sonar image&nbsp;</a>of what they believe is Earhart’s lost Lockheed Electra 10-E.&nbsp;

Romeo’s discovery follows the “date line theory,” authored by Liz Smith, who was also in attendance. The two collaborated virtually throughout Romeo’s expedition but met face to face for the first time in Atchison for “<a href="https://ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/event/adventure-amelia/" target="_blank">Adventure Amelia: A Conversation With Explorers In The Search For Amelia</a>.”

The other panelists were Gary LaPook, an expert on celestial navigation, and Blocksome. Tony and Lloyd Romeo consulted these seasoned navigators while on the Deep Sea Vision search last year.&nbsp;

“We know all of these people through various conversations, but to sit in one room … I’m looking forward to it,” Tony Romeo said in a press event Friday morning.&nbsp;

Tony Romeo visited Atchison and the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum two years before and saw Muriel, the only surviving plane of the same model that Earhart took off in almost 90 years ago.

He said seeing the plane in person made the search for Earhart’s plane feel less like a “needle in a haystack” mission.&nbsp;

Beyond the mission to find Earhart’s plane, the Romeo brothers are building Deep Sea Vision, with its marine robotics technology, as a company that can go after some of the other mysteries in the ocean. The crew is also exploring more sustainable methods for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.deepseavision.com/service-details#minerals" target="_blank">extracting the mineral nodules</a>&nbsp;on the ocean floor that power important technology elements.&nbsp;

But the search for Earhart’s plane is the dream that started the company.

“We don’t want one bit of the plane to be lost or damaged,” Tony Romeo said. “We certainly don’t want it to be found by a foreign entity. … It’s an American treasure, and we want to bring it home.”&nbsp;

There are many theories about Earhart’s fate — some tend toward conspiracy, but the theorists gathered at the museum believe Earhart ran out of fuel and sank in the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;

Dorothy Cochrane, a curator for the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, said she agreed to moderate the panel because it included folks looking at Earhart’s disappearance “based on the evidence, the factual evidence of her flight.”&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.datelinetheory.com/p/effects-of-date-line.html" target="_blank">date line theory</a>&nbsp;proposes that as Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, crossed the international date line on their flight from Lae, Papua New Guinea, to Howland Island, they got mixed up on the date. This would have affected key navigational calculations and put them off course by about 60 nautical miles.&nbsp;

LaPook cleared his throat from the stage at Fox Theatre Atchison, where more than 200 people came to attend the panel.

“When you navigate you don’t change your clocks,” LaPook said to argue Smith’s theory.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721821349213.png" alt=" From left, Gary LaPook, Dorothy Cochrane, Liz Smith, Tony Romeo, Lloyd Romeo and Rod Blocksome stand in front of Muriel, a plane identical to the one in which Amelia Earthart and Fred Noonan took their fateful last flight. (Cami Koons for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> From left, Gary LaPook, Dorothy Cochrane, Liz Smith, Tony Romeo, Lloyd Romeo and Rod Blocksome stand in front of Muriel, a plane identical to the one in which Amelia Earthart and Fred Noonan took their fateful last flight. (Cami Koons for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/camikoons/">CAMI KOONS</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>ATCHISON — A grainy sonar image shows what some hope is Amelia Earhart’s lost plane. But it doesn’t show the decades of research, scientific debate and collaboration that has been dedicated to this search through the Pacific Ocean.Rod Blocksome, a radio communications expert who has been on several expeditions to search for the plane, said folks usually view past explorations as failures –– after all, they didn’t find the plane.&nbsp;“But we know a lot about where the plane isn’t,” Blocksome said with a laugh.Blocksome has contributed thousands of hours of research into Earhart’s radio communications and their impact on her navigation, and he is one of many dedicated researchers contributing to the search.&nbsp;Most explorers are willing to collaborate and share their theories and some of their findings, but they also will share when they think someone has it wrong.Experts who gathered in Atchison last weekend say it’s all for the collective goal of finding the plane and bringing the Kansas native home to the United States.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum</a>&nbsp;organized several events on Friday and Saturday with notable Earhart explorers, as part of Atchison’s annual Amelia Earhart Festival.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721821313285.png" alt="The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum has information and exhibits about Earhart’s life, accomplishments and final flight. (Cami Koons for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum has information and exhibits about Earhart’s life, accomplishments and final flight. (Cami Koons for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>In attendance were Tony and Lloyd Romeo, who earlier this year released a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/29/1227574179/amelia-earharts-lost-plane-howland-island" target="_blank">sonar image&nbsp;</a>of what they believe is Earhart’s lost Lockheed Electra 10-E.&nbsp;Romeo’s discovery follows the “date line theory,” authored by Liz Smith, who was also in attendance. The two collaborated virtually throughout Romeo’s expedition but met face to face for the first time in Atchison for “<a href="https://ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/event/adventure-amelia/" target="_blank">Adventure Amelia: A Conversation With Explorers In The Search For Amelia</a>.”The other panelists were Gary LaPook, an expert on celestial navigation, and Blocksome. Tony and Lloyd Romeo consulted these seasoned navigators while on the Deep Sea Vision search last year.&nbsp;“We know all of these people through various conversations, but to sit in one room … I’m looking forward to it,” Tony Romeo said in a press event Friday morning.&nbsp;Tony Romeo visited Atchison and the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum two years before and saw Muriel, the only surviving plane of the same model that Earhart took off in almost 90 years ago.He said seeing the plane in person made the search for Earhart’s plane feel less like a “needle in a haystack” mission.&nbsp;Beyond the mission to find Earhart’s plane, the Romeo brothers are building Deep Sea Vision, with its marine robotics technology, as a company that can go after some of the other mysteries in the ocean. The crew is also exploring more sustainable methods for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.deepseavision.com/service-details#minerals" target="_blank">extracting the mineral nodules</a>&nbsp;on the ocean floor that power important technology elements.&nbsp;But the search for Earhart’s plane is the dream that started the company.“We don’t want one bit of the plane to be lost or damaged,” Tony Romeo said. “We certainly don’t want it to be found by a foreign entity. … It’s an American treasure, and we want to bring it home.”&nbsp;There are many theories about Earhart’s fate — some tend toward conspiracy, but the theorists gathered at the museum believe Earhart ran out of fuel and sank in the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;Dorothy Cochrane, a curator for the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, said she agreed to moderate the panel because it included folks looking at Earhart’s disappearance “based on the evidence, the factual evidence of her flight.”&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.datelinetheory.com/p/effects-of-date-line.html" target="_blank">date line theory</a>&nbsp;proposes that as Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, crossed the international date line on their flight from Lae, Papua New Guinea, to Howland Island, they got mixed up on the date. This would have affected key navigational calculations and put them off course by about 60 nautical miles.&nbsp;LaPook cleared his throat from the stage at Fox Theatre Atchison, where more than 200 people came to attend the panel.“When you navigate you don’t change your clocks,” LaPook said to argue Smith’s theory.He explained some of the intricacies of celestial navigation, his knowledge of Noonan’s charts from earlier legs of the trip, and he pulled out the nautical almanac of 1937 to show the charts to Smith, who was seated to his right.&nbsp;Smith defended her theory, with support from Tony Romeo, who attributes his discovery, in part, to the date line theory.A question from the audience asked what this means for the Romeo sonar image and its probability of being Earhart’s plane.&nbsp;“I’ve seen this happen twice on our expeditions,” Blocksome said.A reading comes up that appears to be an artificially constructed object, but is disappointing when the team goes back for further imaging.&nbsp;They have all encountered various forms of what Smith called a “plane shaped rock” on the bottom of the Pacific.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721821253122.png" alt="Fox Theatre Atchison displays a sonar image of what some believe is Amelia Earhart’s lost plane. On Friday, explorers and Earhart experts gathered for panel discussion as part of the annual festival in Atchison. (Cami Koons for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Fox Theatre Atchison displays a sonar image of what some believe is Amelia Earhart’s lost plane. On Friday, explorers and Earhart experts gathered for panel discussion as part of the annual festival in Atchison. (Cami Koons for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Despite their competition and differences of opinion, the panelists all want to see Earhart found and are hopeful for the Romeo brothers’ next venture into the Pacific.&nbsp;“I think it’s the most interesting target that has shown up,” Blocksome said, and he noted he has future explorations planned. “But we all want to find out first what Tony has got.”Tony Romeo said Deep Sea Vision plans to return to the site of the sonar image before the end of the year and gather detailed images of what he believes is Earhart’s plane. He hopes to then execute a salvage operation.&nbsp;“She needs to come home,” Romeo said. “If it turns out that we didn’t find her, we’ll be the biggest cheerleaders for the guys that do.”Heather Stemp attended the panel on Friday. She traveled to Atchison from Ontario, Canada, to present her newest book, “<a href="https://www.heatherstemp.com/" target="_blank">Beyond Amelia</a>,” as part of the festival.Stemp’s young adult novels follow Earhart’s lasting influence on Ginny Ross, who is based on Stemp’s real-life Aunt Ginny.“When (Earhart) disappeared, she didn’t really disappear, because she inspired so many,” Stemp said.&nbsp;The goal of her novels is to help inspire young readers to find something they are passionate about and stick with it, just like Earhart did.&nbsp;She was excited by the panel on Friday morning and the possibility of solving the mystery. Like the others, Stemp said she believes it would only reinvigorate Earhart’s influence.&nbsp;“If it’s found and ends up in a museum, then it becomes accessible to everyone and we can pique the curiosity of kids who want to follow a dream,” Stemp said.&nbsp;The panelists, who agreed Earhart’s plane should live in the Smithsonian once it is found, believe solving the mystery would allow Earhart’s impressive accomplishments and body of work to step into the limelight.&nbsp;“So much of it is about her disappearance,” Smith said. “It’s so cool Atchison celebrates her birthday and accomplishments.”