TEXAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have made an additional arrest in the deaths of 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jilian Kelley of Hugoton, Kansas, according to th Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, based on the evidence and information gathered from the case, 31-year-old Paul Grice was arrested and booked into the Texas County Jail on two counts of First-Degree Murder, two counts of Kidnapping, and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Murder in the First Degree.

Authorities say Butler and Kelley were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missing-women-oklahoma-kansas-foul-play-fb4b0638912286fc355b550165ee88c6">driving through the Oklahoma panhandle</a>&nbsp;to pick up Butler’s children for a March 30 birthday party in Kansas. They never showed up, and their vehicle was found later that day, abandoned on a rural highway near the Oklahoma-Kansas state line, with evidence of foul play. The two women&nbsp;were found deceased in rural Texas County on April 14.

On April 13, 43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum; 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams; 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly were arrested in Texas and Cimarron Counties, according to Hunter McKee with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

All four are also charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping and conspiracy in the killing of Butler and Kelley.&nbsp; Kelley, a pastor's wife, went along as a court-approved observer to supervise the visit on March 30. They never showed up for the party, setting off a two week search that ended with the two couples' arrests on Saturday and the discovery of the bodies on Sunday.

Adams is the children’s grandmother, and authorities say she was in a bitter custody dispute with Butler.

Arrest affidavits painted a gruesome picture of the scene where women's car was found, not far from the rural highway intersection where Butler had arranged to pick up her son and daughter from Adams. Investigators found blood on the road and Butler’s glasses near a broken hammer.

According to a witness who spoke to Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agents, all four suspects were part of “an anti-government group that had a religious affiliation." The affidavits said they called themselves “God’s Misfits” and held regular meetings at the home of the Twomblys and another couple who Adams said watched the children the day the women disappeared.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713991420283.png" alt="Grice-photo Texas Co." />
 <figcaption>Grice-photo Texas Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TEXAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have made an additional arrest in the deaths of 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jilian Kelley of Hugoton, Kansas, according to th Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713359723848.jpeg" alt="This combination photo shows Veronica Butler, left, and Jilian Kelley, right. (Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation via AP, File)" />
 <figcaption>This combination photo shows Veronica Butler, left, and Jilian Kelley, right. (Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation via AP, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday, based on the evidence and information gathered from the case, 31-year-old Paul Grice was arrested and booked into the Texas County Jail on two counts of First-Degree Murder, two counts of Kidnapping, and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Murder in the First Degree.Authorities say Butler and Kelley were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missing-women-oklahoma-kansas-foul-play-fb4b0638912286fc355b550165ee88c6">driving through the Oklahoma panhandle</a>&nbsp;to pick up Butler’s children for a March 30 birthday party in Kansas. They never showed up, and their vehicle was found later that day, abandoned on a rural highway near the Oklahoma-Kansas state line, with evidence of foul play. The two women&nbsp;were found deceased in rural Texas County on April 14.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713056452999.png" alt="Counterclockwise from top-43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum; 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams, 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly -photos Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation" />
 <figcaption>Counterclockwise from top-43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum; 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams, 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly -photos Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation</figcaption>
 </figure>On April 13, 43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum; 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams; 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly were arrested in Texas and Cimarron Counties, according to Hunter McKee with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.All four are also charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping and conspiracy in the killing of Butler and Kelley.&nbsp; Kelley, a pastor's wife, went along as a court-approved observer to supervise the visit on March 30. They never showed up for the party, setting off a two week search that ended with the two couples' arrests on Saturday and the discovery of the bodies on Sunday.Adams is the children’s grandmother, and authorities say she was in a bitter custody dispute with Butler.Arrest affidavits painted a gruesome picture of the scene where women's car was found, not far from the rural highway intersection where Butler had arranged to pick up her son and daughter from Adams. Investigators found blood on the road and Butler’s glasses near a broken hammer.According to a witness who spoke to Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agents, all four suspects were part of “an anti-government group that had a religious affiliation." The affidavits said they called themselves “God’s Misfits” and held regular meetings at the home of the Twomblys and another couple who Adams said watched the children the day the women disappeared.

Another suspect accused in murder of 2 Kansas women

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's Republican-led Legislature on Wednesday passed a bill to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/planned-parenthood-medicaid-abortion-db9adee20b60b625ea7b2709e5149704">ban Medicaid funding</a>&nbsp;from going to Planned Parenthood, a move they have tried for years in a state where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">almost all abortions</a>&nbsp;are banned.

The bill, approved 106-48 Wednesday in the House, aims to make it illegal for Missouri’s Medicaid program to reimburse Planned Parenthood for health care services to low-income patients, such as pap smears and cancer screenings.

Abortions are not covered by Medicaid, and almost all abortions are illegal in Missouri. But abortion opponents say Planned Parenthood should not receive any public funding because clinics in other states provide abortions.

“My rhetorical question is: Is Planned Parenthood sending monies from our state budget to other states to allow for women to have an abortion?” Republican Rep. Brian Seitz asked during Wednesday debate on the House floor. "Abortion is murder.”

House Democratic Minority Leader Crystal Quade in a statement described the bill as "an act of petty vengeance by Republicans against one of largest providers of women’s health care in Missouri.”

Planned Parenthood cautioned that other reproductive health care providers that serve Medicaid patients in Missouri do not have the capacity to take on all of Planned Parenthood's patients.

“Experts are clear: there are not enough other providers in the health care safety-net system to absorb Planned Parenthood’s patients,” the region’s Planned Parenthood said in a statement Wednesday. “At Planned Parenthood, we’ll continue to do everything we can to continue serving our patients — no matter what.”

Few states — Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas, according to Planned Parenthood — have successfully blocked Medicaid funding for the organization.

A February state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medicaid-planned-parenthood-5e343d00de4cc4b3e3a7bcbe5f56d2d6">Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;found that Missouri lawmakers’ latest attempt at defunding Planned Parenthood was unconstitutional.

While past efforts to kick Planned Parenthood off Missouri’s Medicaid program have been struck down by courts, this year, GOP lawmakers are taking another approach and passing the ban as a policy bill in hopes of avoiding another legal showdown.

Some House Democrats predicted the latest defunding bill likely will be fruitless, too. They pointed to a pending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-abortion-campaign-fundraising-election-740fd1267ab84d5e2a4cf6ebe5a56b71">constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;that could go before Missouri voters this fall and would restore abortion rights in the state.

The abortion-rights campaign needs to collect at least 172,000 voter signatures by May 5 to get on the ballot.

A spokesperson for Gov. Mike Parson on Wednesday did not immediately respond to an Associated Press request for comment on whether the Republican intends to sign the latest Planned Parenthood defunding bill. But his support is expected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702301437196.png" alt="House Democratic Minority Leader Crystal Quade in a statement described the bill as "an act of petty vengeance by Republicans against one of largest providers of women’s health care in Missouri.” (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption>House Democratic Minority Leader Crystal Quade in a statement described the bill as "an act of petty vengeance by Republicans against one of largest providers of women’s health care in Missouri.” (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's Republican-led Legislature on Wednesday passed a bill to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/planned-parenthood-medicaid-abortion-db9adee20b60b625ea7b2709e5149704">ban Medicaid funding</a>&nbsp;from going to Planned Parenthood, a move they have tried for years in a state where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">almost all abortions</a>&nbsp;are banned.The bill, approved 106-48 Wednesday in the House, aims to make it illegal for Missouri’s Medicaid program to reimburse Planned Parenthood for health care services to low-income patients, such as pap smears and cancer screenings.Abortions are not covered by Medicaid, and almost all abortions are illegal in Missouri. But abortion opponents say Planned Parenthood should not receive any public funding because clinics in other states provide abortions.“My rhetorical question is: Is Planned Parenthood sending monies from our state budget to other states to allow for women to have an abortion?” Republican Rep. Brian Seitz asked during Wednesday debate on the House floor. "Abortion is murder.”House Democratic Minority Leader Crystal Quade in a statement described the bill as "an act of petty vengeance by Republicans against one of largest providers of women’s health care in Missouri.”Planned Parenthood cautioned that other reproductive health care providers that serve Medicaid patients in Missouri do not have the capacity to take on all of Planned Parenthood's patients.“Experts are clear: there are not enough other providers in the health care safety-net system to absorb Planned Parenthood’s patients,” the region’s Planned Parenthood said in a statement Wednesday. “At Planned Parenthood, we’ll continue to do everything we can to continue serving our patients — no matter what.”Few states — Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas, according to Planned Parenthood — have successfully blocked Medicaid funding for the organization.A February state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medicaid-planned-parenthood-5e343d00de4cc4b3e3a7bcbe5f56d2d6">Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;found that Missouri lawmakers’ latest attempt at defunding Planned Parenthood was unconstitutional.While past efforts to kick Planned Parenthood off Missouri’s Medicaid program have been struck down by courts, this year, GOP lawmakers are taking another approach and passing the ban as a policy bill in hopes of avoiding another legal showdown.Some House Democrats predicted the latest defunding bill likely will be fruitless, too. They pointed to a pending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-abortion-campaign-fundraising-election-740fd1267ab84d5e2a4cf6ebe5a56b71">constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;that could go before Missouri voters this fall and would restore abortion rights in the state.The abortion-rights campaign needs to collect at least 172,000 voter signatures by May 5 to get on the ballot.A spokesperson for Gov. Mike Parson on Wednesday did not immediately respond to an Associated Press request for comment on whether the Republican intends to sign the latest Planned Parenthood defunding bill. But his support is expected.

Mo. GOP lawmakers vote to kick Planned Parenthood off Medicaid

&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and USD 262 officials continue their investigation of alleged animal cruelty that prompted the suspension of the Valley Center High School baseball season.

According to the Valley Center Department of Public Safety, a chicken was killed on the baseball field at the high school before a game on April 20. A school employee contacted a school resource officer on Monday about the incident.

According to a memo sent to parents of USD 262 students on Monday, "The Valley Center High School varsity baseball season has been suspended due to an active law enforcement investigation."

"High school administrators were alerted to an incident of possible animal cruelty involving the entire Hornet varsity baseball team and the entire coaching staff on USD 262 property."

"Immediately upon learning of the incident, high school and district leadership notified the appropriate authorities and suspended the season. A decision regarding the remainder of the baseball season will be made pending the outcome of the investigation.”

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities and USD 262 officials are investigating alleged animal cruelty and have chosen to suspend the high school baseball season.

According to a memo sent to parents of USD 262 students on Monday,&nbsp;"The Valley Center High School varsity baseball season has been suspended due to an active law enforcement investigation."

Law enforcement authorities and the school district released no additional details.

&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and USD 262 officials continue their investigation of alleged animal cruelty that prompted the suspension of the Valley Center High School baseball season.According to the Valley Center Department of Public Safety, a chicken was killed on the baseball field at the high school before a game on April 20. A school employee contacted a school resource officer on Monday about the incident.According to a memo sent to parents of USD 262 students on Monday, "The Valley Center High School varsity baseball season has been suspended due to an active law enforcement investigation.""High school administrators were alerted to an incident of possible animal cruelty involving the entire Hornet varsity baseball team and the entire coaching staff on USD 262 property." "Immediately upon learning of the incident, high school and district leadership notified the appropriate authorities and suspended the season. A decision regarding the remainder of the baseball season will be made pending the outcome of the investigation.”----------SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities and USD 262 officials are investigating alleged animal cruelty and have chosen to suspend the high school baseball season.According to a memo sent to parents of USD 262 students on Monday,&nbsp;"The Valley Center High School varsity baseball season has been suspended due to an active law enforcement investigation.""High school administrators were alerted to an incident of possible animal cruelty involving the entire Hornet varsity baseball team and the entire coaching staff on USD 262 property." "Immediately upon learning of the incident, high school and district leadership notified the appropriate authorities and suspended the season. A decision regarding the remainder of the baseball season will be made pending the outcome of the investigation.”Law enforcement authorities and the school district released no additional details.

Kan. school district suspends baseball season after chicken killed on field

DOUGLAS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 1p.m. Wednesday in Douglas County.

According to the Douglas County Sheriff's office, the head-on crash occurred just east of the intersection of 31st and Louisiana Street.&nbsp;

In addition to the fatality victim, EMS transported three others to area hospitals. One of the others was air-lifted to a hospital.

The sheriff's office crash investigation team is examining the scene and 31st Street between Louisiana Street east of Haskell Avenue will be closed for several hours.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 1p.m. Wednesday in Douglas County.According to the Douglas County Sheriff's office, the head-on crash occurred just east of the intersection of 31st and Louisiana Street.&nbsp;In addition to the fatality victim, EMS transported three others to area hospitals. One of the others was air-lifted to a hospital.The sheriff's office crash investigation team is examining the scene and 31st Street between Louisiana Street east of Haskell Avenue will be closed for several hours.

One dead, 3 injured after Kansas head-on crash

Critics of 30-year-old law assert changes bring a greater degree of fairness to system

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill unanimously approved by the Kansas Legislature overhauling the process established 30 years ago allowing law enforcement agencies to seize assets and property from people accused but not convicted of a crime.

Despite early opposition from law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, House and Senate negotiators set new guidelines on asset forfeiture, broadened due process protections for property owners and stiffened reporting on seizures.

Under&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/ccrb_sb458_01_0405.pdf">Senate Bill 458</a>, signed Tuesday by the governor, a court could order attorney fees to be paid for claimants who succeed in winning return of their property.

“This&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/04/11/kansas-legislature-brings-gavel-down-on-civil-asset-seizure-powers-of-law-enforcement/">bill represents a significant step forward</a>&nbsp;in ensuring fairness and accountability in asset forfeiture proceedings,” Kelly said. “These reforms will protect the rights of property owners and promote greater transparency in law enforcement practices.”

Under existing state law, many Kansans didn’t contest the seizures because legal fees would exceed the amount of money or value of property taken. The evidence threshold for law enforcement to move forward with a seizure case was low. A portion of cases were transferred from local or state agencies to the U.S. Department of Justice, which made contesting the cases more difficult.

“Anyone who learns about civil asset forfeiture immediately agrees it’s a problem,” said Rep. Dan Osman, D-Overland Park. “Unfortunately, for years, we could never agree on what the solution should be.”

Sen. Kellie Warren, a Leawood Republican who also worked on the bill, said legislation signed by the governor brought guardrails to civil asset seizure and forfeiture cases based on allegations the property was the ill-gotten gain from criminal activity. She said Kansans dealt for decades with seizures without “proper ability to raise a defense and get their seized property back.”

On Monday, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation released the 2023 annual report on civil asset seizure and forfeiture cases. During the period between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, law enforcement agencies in Kansas seized $3.91 million in property. That resulted in forfeiture of $2.38 during the 12-month period.

Meanwhile, Kelly signed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/ccrb_sb19_01_04042024.pdf">Senate Bill 19</a>&nbsp;to pay tuition and fees for Kansas National Guard members interested in earning a master’s degrees in college.

The law required the Kansas Guard’s adjutant general to begin by selecting up to 100 National Guard members from among those that applied to the degree program. The number of National Guard members enrolled in the graduate school program would be capped at 200 in any one academic year. If at full capacity, the program would cost the state an estimated $2.2 million annually.

Students would remain eligible by maintaining a minimum 2.75 grade point average. National Guard troops in the program would agree, in writing, to complete current service obligations and serve actively and in good standing for at least 48 months following completion of the degree.

Kelly also signed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/ccrb_sb292_01_0404241545.pdf">Senate Bill 292</a>&nbsp;to update the state’s Code of Military Justice to conform with amendments to the U.S. Code of Military Justice. The bill would direct the National Guard’s adjutant general, with the approval of the governor, to appoint an officer as state judge advocate with the rank of colonel.

The new law would require the state Military Disability Board, beginning July 1, 2025, to adjust death and disability benefits for National Guard members based on changes in the consumer price index.

The legislation increased the monthly benefit to National Guard members with a 100% disability to $850 plus 12.5% of monthly basic pay. Current state law provided $120 plus 12.5% of the member’s monthly basic pay. The bill also raised the monthly benefit for a surviving spouse of an eligible deceased member and substantially expanded monthly benefits for surviving children.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713970723512.png" alt="Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill unanimously approved by the Kansas Legislature to substantively alter the law enforcement civil asset seizure and forfeiture law to increase transparency and the ability of Kansans to challenge the action and regain their property.-File photo" />
 <figcaption>Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill unanimously approved by the Kansas Legislature to substantively alter the law enforcement civil asset seizure and forfeiture law to increase transparency and the ability of Kansans to challenge the action and regain their property.-File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Critics of 30-year-old law assert changes bring a greater degree of fairness to system</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill unanimously approved by the Kansas Legislature overhauling the process established 30 years ago allowing law enforcement agencies to seize assets and property from people accused but not convicted of a crime.Despite early opposition from law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, House and Senate negotiators set new guidelines on asset forfeiture, broadened due process protections for property owners and stiffened reporting on seizures.Under&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/ccrb_sb458_01_0405.pdf">Senate Bill 458</a>, signed Tuesday by the governor, a court could order attorney fees to be paid for claimants who succeed in winning return of their property.“This&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/04/11/kansas-legislature-brings-gavel-down-on-civil-asset-seizure-powers-of-law-enforcement/">bill represents a significant step forward</a>&nbsp;in ensuring fairness and accountability in asset forfeiture proceedings,” Kelly said. “These reforms will protect the rights of property owners and promote greater transparency in law enforcement practices.”Under existing state law, many Kansans didn’t contest the seizures because legal fees would exceed the amount of money or value of property taken. The evidence threshold for law enforcement to move forward with a seizure case was low. A portion of cases were transferred from local or state agencies to the U.S. Department of Justice, which made contesting the cases more difficult.“Anyone who learns about civil asset forfeiture immediately agrees it’s a problem,” said Rep. Dan Osman, D-Overland Park. “Unfortunately, for years, we could never agree on what the solution should be.”Sen. Kellie Warren, a Leawood Republican who also worked on the bill, said legislation signed by the governor brought guardrails to civil asset seizure and forfeiture cases based on allegations the property was the ill-gotten gain from criminal activity. She said Kansans dealt for decades with seizures without “proper ability to raise a defense and get their seized property back.”On Monday, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation released the 2023 annual report on civil asset seizure and forfeiture cases. During the period between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, law enforcement agencies in Kansas seized $3.91 million in property. That resulted in forfeiture of $2.38 during the 12-month period.Meanwhile, Kelly signed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/ccrb_sb19_01_04042024.pdf">Senate Bill 19</a>&nbsp;to pay tuition and fees for Kansas National Guard members interested in earning a master’s degrees in college.The law required the Kansas Guard’s adjutant general to begin by selecting up to 100 National Guard members from among those that applied to the degree program. The number of National Guard members enrolled in the graduate school program would be capped at 200 in any one academic year. If at full capacity, the program would cost the state an estimated $2.2 million annually.Students would remain eligible by maintaining a minimum 2.75 grade point average. National Guard troops in the program would agree, in writing, to complete current service obligations and serve actively and in good standing for at least 48 months following completion of the degree.Kelly also signed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/ccrb_sb292_01_0404241545.pdf">Senate Bill 292</a>&nbsp;to update the state’s Code of Military Justice to conform with amendments to the U.S. Code of Military Justice. The bill would direct the National Guard’s adjutant general, with the approval of the governor, to appoint an officer as state judge advocate with the rank of colonel.The new law would require the state Military Disability Board, beginning July 1, 2025, to adjust death and disability benefits for National Guard members based on changes in the consumer price index.The legislation increased the monthly benefit to National Guard members with a 100% disability to $850 plus 12.5% of monthly basic pay. Current state law provided $120 plus 12.5% of the member’s monthly basic pay. The bill also raised the monthly benefit for a surviving spouse of an eligible deceased member and substantially expanded monthly benefits for surviving children.

Gov. Kelly signs civil asset forfeiture reform unanimously passed by Legislature

SEDGWICK COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities are investigating another homicide in Wichita and have made an arres

Around noon Tuesday, police responded to the 1400 block of Minnesota Avenue following reports of a shooting. First responders found 34-year-old&nbsp; Norman E. Carter III with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. 

Responding officers immediately started life-saving measures until Sedgwick County EMS arrived and transported Carter to a local hospital. He was pronounced dead at 1:01 p.m, according to Ford.

Police detained a person of interest in their investigation and later booked 19-year-old Amunique Cavitt into jail on <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=747819">requested charges </a>of first-degree murder, according to the county arrest report.

&nbsp;Anyone with information about the incident or who may have video surveillance footage from either doorbell or garage cameras is asked to call the Wichita Police Homicide Investigations Unit at 316-268-4407. You can remain anonymous and contact Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713961470429.png" alt="Cavitt-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Cavitt-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities are investigating another homicide in Wichita and have made an arres<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713954859599.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation - photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation - photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Around noon Tuesday, police responded to the 1400 block of Minnesota Avenue following reports of a shooting. First responders found 34-year-old&nbsp; Norman E. Carter III with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. Responding officers immediately started life-saving measures until Sedgwick County EMS arrived and transported Carter to a local hospital. He was pronounced dead at 1:01 p.m, according to Ford.Police detained a person of interest in their investigation and later booked 19-year-old Amunique Cavitt into jail on <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=747819">requested charges </a>of first-degree murder, according to the county arrest report.&nbsp;Anyone with information about the incident or who may have video surveillance footage from either doorbell or garage cameras is asked to call the Wichita Police Homicide Investigations Unit at 316-268-4407. You can remain anonymous and contact Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Police: 19-year-old accused in murder of Kansas man 

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration Wednesday announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

 The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said&nbsp;U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.” &nbsp;

The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes.&nbsp;

Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:

DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process. &nbsp;

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.

In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.

The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

The final rule on refunds can be found at<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news">&nbsp;https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news</a>&nbsp;and at&nbsp;<a href="http://regulations.gov/">regulations.gov</a>, docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer">Click here for</a> more information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration Wednesday announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Transportation.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our department just issued rules to protect people from hidden airline fees and to require airlines to give passengers automatic cash refunds when owed. No more having to fend for yourself and jump through hoops to get your money back—airlines will have to automatically do this. <a href="https://t.co/Jv7dFmnNkI">pic.twitter.com/Jv7dFmnNkI</a>&mdash; Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecretaryPete/status/1783097342792438232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said&nbsp;U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.” &nbsp;The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes.&nbsp;Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:<ul>
 <li>Canceled or significantly changed flights:&nbsp;Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.&nbsp;</li><li>Significantly delayed baggage return:&nbsp;Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.&nbsp;</li><li>Extra services not provided:&nbsp;Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.</li>
 </ul>DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process. &nbsp;The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:<ul>
 <li>Automatic:&nbsp;Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Prompt:&nbsp;Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.&nbsp;</li><li>Cash or original form of payment:&nbsp;Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation. &nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Full amount:&nbsp;Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.</li>
 </ul>The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris AdministrationUnder the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.<ul>
 <li>Thanks to pressure from Secretary Buttigieg and DOT’s&nbsp;<a href="http://flightrights.gov/">flightrights.gov</a>&nbsp;dashboard, all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on&nbsp;<a href="http://flightrights.gov/">flightrights.gov</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Under Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.&nbsp;</li><li>DOT recently launched a new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/secretary-buttigieg-launches-bipartisan-partnership-state-attorneys-general-protect">partnership</a>&nbsp;with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.&nbsp;</li><li>In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/2023-numbers-more-flights-fewer-cancellations-more-consumer-protections#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20there%20were%2016.3,lowest%20rate%20in%20a%20decade.">record low</a>&nbsp;at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.&nbsp;</li><li>DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/secretary-buttigieg-announces-first-industry-wide-privacy-review-us-airlines#:~:text=The%20review%20will%20examine%20airlines,that%20data%20with%20third%20parties.">airline privacy practices</a>&nbsp;and its first review of airline loyalty programs.</li>
 </ul>In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:<ul>
 <li>Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, and the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.&nbsp;</li><li>Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/secretary-buttigieg-announces-proposed-rule-ensure-passengers-who-use-wheelchairs-can">safely and with dignity</a>. The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.</li>
 </ul>The final rule on refunds can be found at<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news">&nbsp;https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news</a>&nbsp;and at&nbsp;<a href="http://regulations.gov/">regulations.gov</a>, docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer">Click here for</a> more information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders

🎥Airlines now must offer you a cash refund under new rules

PAWNEE COUNTY– Shelby Lee Starr, 49 of Great Bend, appeared in the Pawnee County District Court this week for jury trial regarding two Jessica’s Law offenses.

An all-male jury was selected on Monday. Opening statements were scheduled to commence Tuesday morning. Prior to the formal swearing in of the jury, the parties announced they had reached a plea agreement whereby the defendant entered an Alford plea of guilt to a single count of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a child under the age of 14, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

In addition, the State agreed to allow Starr to be sentenced pursuant to the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines and dismiss the additional count.

As part of the plea agreement, Starr agreed to waive his right to appeal the conviction and will be subject to lifetime Sex Offender Registration.

In support of the plea, Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett advised the Court that had the matter proceeded to trial the evidence would have shown that in February of 2023 DCF received a mandatory-reporter referral from a school counselor that one of their students had disclosed they had been touched inappropriately by their father’s friend named “Shelby,” when the student was six years old.

The disclosure occurred after the local Child Advocacy Center had given a presentation to middle school students about “good touch and bad touch.” The subsequent DCF investigation identified Shelby Starr as the alleged perpetrator. In a forensic interview, the student disclosed the defendant had first touched her when she was at her grandfather’s Larned residence in 2016. The defendant touched her again when she and her family were at Starr’s Larned residence in July of 2017. The Larned Police Department assisted with the investigation.

McNett further advised the Court that pursuant to the Kansas Crime Victims’ Act he had consulted with the victim and her family prior to entering into plea negotiations, and that they we in support of the presented plea agreement.

After accepting the defendant’s plea as being knowingly and voluntarily made, Pawnee County District Judge Bruce Gatterman advised Starr of his duty to register as sex offender under the Kansas Offender Registration Act and ordered a presentence investigation report be completed to determine the defendant’s criminal history. Sentencing will be scheduled for a later date.

Under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines the defendant faces a presumptive prison sentence between 59 months and 247 months in the custody of the Department of Corrections depending on his criminal history.

The name, Alford plea, is taken from the case North Carolina v. Alford and is sometimes referred to a "best-interests plea," whereby the defendant registers a formal admission of guilt towards charges in criminal court while simultaneously expressing their innocence toward those same charges. An Alford-type guilty plea means the defendant decided it would be better to take a known sentence than to take their chances in a criminal jury trial.

Members of the Salina Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse were present at the jury proceeding in support of the child victim.

Starr was arrested in Barton County on April 1, 2023, without incident. He has been in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff since his arrest.&nbsp;-Starr has been registered as a sex offender since 2001 for child sex crime convictions in Georgia, according to the Kansas Offender Registry

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1688048306418.png" alt="-Starr has been registered as a sex offender since 2001 for child sex crime convictions in Georgia, according to the Kansas Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>-Starr has been registered as a sex offender since 2001 for child sex crime convictions in Georgia, according to the Kansas Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY– Shelby Lee Starr, 49 of Great Bend, appeared in the Pawnee County District Court this week for jury trial regarding two Jessica’s Law offenses.An all-male jury was selected on Monday. Opening statements were scheduled to commence Tuesday morning. Prior to the formal swearing in of the jury, the parties announced they had reached a plea agreement whereby the defendant entered an Alford plea of guilt to a single count of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a child under the age of 14, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.In addition, the State agreed to allow Starr to be sentenced pursuant to the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines and dismiss the additional count.As part of the plea agreement, Starr agreed to waive his right to appeal the conviction and will be subject to lifetime Sex Offender Registration.In support of the plea, Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett advised the Court that had the matter proceeded to trial the evidence would have shown that in February of 2023 DCF received a mandatory-reporter referral from a school counselor that one of their students had disclosed they had been touched inappropriately by their father’s friend named “Shelby,” when the student was six years old.The disclosure occurred after the local Child Advocacy Center had given a presentation to middle school students about “good touch and bad touch.” The subsequent DCF investigation identified Shelby Starr as the alleged perpetrator. In a forensic interview, the student disclosed the defendant had first touched her when she was at her grandfather’s Larned residence in 2016. The defendant touched her again when she and her family were at Starr’s Larned residence in July of 2017. The Larned Police Department assisted with the investigation.McNett further advised the Court that pursuant to the Kansas Crime Victims’ Act he had consulted with the victim and her family prior to entering into plea negotiations, and that they we in support of the presented plea agreement.After accepting the defendant’s plea as being knowingly and voluntarily made, Pawnee County District Judge Bruce Gatterman advised Starr of his duty to register as sex offender under the Kansas Offender Registration Act and ordered a presentence investigation report be completed to determine the defendant’s criminal history. Sentencing will be scheduled for a later date.Under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines the defendant faces a presumptive prison sentence between 59 months and 247 months in the custody of the Department of Corrections depending on his criminal history.The name, Alford plea, is taken from the case North Carolina v. Alford and is sometimes referred to a "best-interests plea," whereby the defendant registers a formal admission of guilt towards charges in criminal court while simultaneously expressing their innocence toward those same charges. An Alford-type guilty plea means the defendant decided it would be better to take a known sentence than to take their chances in a criminal jury trial.Members of the Salina Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse were present at the jury proceeding in support of the child victim.Starr was arrested in Barton County on April 1, 2023, without incident. He has been in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff since his arrest.&nbsp;-Starr has been registered as a sex offender since 2001 for child sex crime convictions in Georgia, according to the Kansas Offender Registry

Georgia sex offender enters plea deal for sex crimes in Kansas

KANSAS CITY (AP) —Thousands of United Methodists are gathering in Charlotte, North Carolina, for their big denominational meeting, known as General Conference.

It’s a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congregations-leaving-united-methodist-church-lgbtq-bans-70b8c89ea49174597f4548c249bab24f">much-anticipated gathering</a>. Typically it is held every four years, but church leaders delayed the 2020 gathering until now due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the 11-day gathering runs from April 23 to May 3. Among those assembling are hundreds of voting delegates — the United Methodists from across the globe who were elected to represent their regional church body — though as many as one-quarter of international delegates are not confirmed as able to attend. The delegates, half clergy and half lay Methodists, are the decision makers at General Conference.

General Conference — the only entity that can speak for the entire denomination — is a business meeting where delegates set policy, pass budgets and address other church-wide matters. It’s the only body that can amend the United Methodist Book of Discipline, which includes church law. It also includes Social Principles, which are non-binding declarations on social and ethical issues. There’s worship and fellowship, too.

IS THERE SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT THIS YEAR’S MEETING?

Yes. This will be the first General Conference since more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-methodist-congregations-leaving-lgbtq-bans-dbd315f329e4cfec4ba78916668ab50b">7,600 mostly conservative congregations left</a>&nbsp;the United Methodist Church between 2019 and 2023 because the denomination essentially stopped enforcing its bans on same-sex marriage and having “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” serving as clergy and bishops.

WILL THE GENERAL CONFERENCE LIFT THOSE LGBTQ-RELATED BANS THIS YEAR?

It’s possible. The delegates in Charlotte are expected to vote on whether to eliminate them. Similar efforts have failed in years past, but with the election of more progressive delegates and the departure of many conservatives, supporters of removing the bans are optimistic.

WHAT OTHER KEY ISSUES ARE UP FOR CONSIDERATION?

—&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-methodists-schism-disaffiliation-lgbtq-44fd14d471124d23e1fd5677a8f2b1d9">Disaffiliations</a>: The rules that allowed U.S. congregations to leave between 2019 and 2023. It allowed them to leave with their properties, held in trust for the denomination, under friendlier-than-normal legal terms. Some want similar conditions for international churches and for U.S. churches that missed the 2023 deadline.

—Regionalization: A proposal to restructure the denomination into regional conferences around the world, rather than having distinct names for U.S. and other jurisdictions. It would define the role of regions more precisely and put American congregations into their own regional body. Under this proposal, all regions would be able to adapt church policies to their local contexts, including those on marriage and ordination.

—Budgets: Because of all the disaffiliations, the conference will vote on a much-reduced budget proposal for the coming years.

New York Area Bishop Thomas Bickerton, president of the denomination’s Council of Bishops, addressed the recent schism head-on in feisty remarks during Tuesday's opening worship, which included music and Communion.

Bickerton spoke of his recent visit to a Texas conference that had lost more than half its churches and said those remaining were committed to rebuilding the church. He said those at the General Conference should be doing the same – not continuing the controversy.

“Are you committed to the revitalization of the United Methodist Church?” Bickerton said to applause. “Are you here to work for a culture marked by compassion, courage, and companionship? … If you can’t agree to that, what are you doing here anyway? Maybe, just maybe, you’re in the wrong place.”

He alluded to criticism of the denomination during the disaffiliation debates and said it was holding on to its core beliefs.

“Don’t you tell us that we don’t believe in Scripture,” he said. “Don’t you tell us that we don’t believe in the doctrine of the church. And Lord have mercy, don’t tell us that we don’t believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. … We have got to rebuild the church and we’ve got to do it together.”

Though thousands of Methodists with be attending the conference, there are only 862 official voting delegates, from the following regions of the church:

• 1.5% from concordant (affiliated) churches

No. As of last week, only about three-quarters of international delegates were confirmed as able to attend, the Commission on the General Conference reported Thursday. The other quarter includes 27 delegates unable to get visas or passports, others who couldn’t attend for various reasons, and 62 delegates still unconfirmed. African groups have strongly criticized denominational officials, faulting them for delays in providing necessary paperwork and information and raising questions about whether&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/methodists-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-conservatives-africa-1319aea6e1d2ad8755a905a8c4b1bf79">African conferences</a>&nbsp;will accept voting results from the conference.

That varies widely, but those long active in the movement to repeal LGBTQ bans are focused strongly on the conference. First United Methodist Church in Pittsburgh, for example, held a commissioning service on April 14 for three members attending the conference in varying capacities. “It will be deeply meaningful for me personally to vote for those changes,” said member Tracy Merrick, who will be a delegate.

They’re part of a larger worldwide family of Methodists and other groups in the tradition of 18th century British Protestant revivalist John Wesley, who emphasized evangelism, holy living and social service. They hold many beliefs in common with other Christians, with some distinct doctrines. United Methodists traditionally ranged from liberal to conservative. They were until recently the third largest and most widespread U.S. denomination. Methodist missionaries planted churches worldwide, which grew dramatically, especially in Africa. Some became independent, but churches on four continents remain part of the United Methodist Church.

5.4 million in the United States as of 2022, but that will decline significantly due to 2023 disaffiliations.

4.6 million in Africa, Asia and Europe. That’s lower than earlier estimates but reflects more recent denominational reports.

SOURCES: General Council on Finance and Administration and other United Methodist entities.

KANSAS CITY (AP) —Thousands of United Methodists are gathering in Charlotte, North Carolina, for their big denominational meeting, known as General Conference.It’s a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congregations-leaving-united-methodist-church-lgbtq-bans-70b8c89ea49174597f4548c249bab24f">much-anticipated gathering</a>. Typically it is held every four years, but church leaders delayed the 2020 gathering until now due to the COVID-19 pandemic.This year, the 11-day gathering runs from April 23 to May 3. Among those assembling are hundreds of voting delegates — the United Methodists from across the globe who were elected to represent their regional church body — though as many as one-quarter of international delegates are not confirmed as able to attend. The delegates, half clergy and half lay Methodists, are the decision makers at General Conference.WHAT HAPPENS AT GENERAL CONFERENCE?General Conference — the only entity that can speak for the entire denomination — is a business meeting where delegates set policy, pass budgets and address other church-wide matters. It’s the only body that can amend the United Methodist Book of Discipline, which includes church law. It also includes Social Principles, which are non-binding declarations on social and ethical issues. There’s worship and fellowship, too.IS THERE SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT THIS YEAR’S MEETING?Yes. This will be the first General Conference since more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-methodist-congregations-leaving-lgbtq-bans-dbd315f329e4cfec4ba78916668ab50b">7,600 mostly conservative congregations left</a>&nbsp;the United Methodist Church between 2019 and 2023 because the denomination essentially stopped enforcing its bans on same-sex marriage and having “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” serving as clergy and bishops.WILL THE GENERAL CONFERENCE LIFT THOSE LGBTQ-RELATED BANS THIS YEAR?It’s possible. The delegates in Charlotte are expected to vote on whether to eliminate them. Similar efforts have failed in years past, but with the election of more progressive delegates and the departure of many conservatives, supporters of removing the bans are optimistic.WHAT OTHER KEY ISSUES ARE UP FOR CONSIDERATION?—&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-methodists-schism-disaffiliation-lgbtq-44fd14d471124d23e1fd5677a8f2b1d9">Disaffiliations</a>: The rules that allowed U.S. congregations to leave between 2019 and 2023. It allowed them to leave with their properties, held in trust for the denomination, under friendlier-than-normal legal terms. Some want similar conditions for international churches and for U.S. churches that missed the 2023 deadline.—Regionalization: A proposal to restructure the denomination into regional conferences around the world, rather than having distinct names for U.S. and other jurisdictions. It would define the role of regions more precisely and put American congregations into their own regional body. Under this proposal, all regions would be able to adapt church policies to their local contexts, including those on marriage and ordination.—Budgets: Because of all the disaffiliations, the conference will vote on a much-reduced budget proposal for the coming years.HOW IS THE CONFERENCE STARTING OFF?New York Area Bishop Thomas Bickerton, president of the denomination’s Council of Bishops, addressed the recent schism head-on in feisty remarks during Tuesday's opening worship, which included music and Communion.Bickerton spoke of his recent visit to a Texas conference that had lost more than half its churches and said those remaining were committed to rebuilding the church. He said those at the General Conference should be doing the same – not continuing the controversy.“Are you committed to the revitalization of the United Methodist Church?” Bickerton said to applause. “Are you here to work for a culture marked by compassion, courage, and companionship? … If you can’t agree to that, what are you doing here anyway? Maybe, just maybe, you’re in the wrong place.”He alluded to criticism of the denomination during the disaffiliation debates and said it was holding on to its core beliefs.“Don’t you tell us that we don’t believe in Scripture,” he said. “Don’t you tell us that we don’t believe in the doctrine of the church. And Lord have mercy, don’t tell us that we don’t believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. … We have got to rebuild the church and we’ve got to do it together.”WHERE ARE THE DELEGATES COMING FROM?Though thousands of Methodists with be attending the conference, there are only 862 official voting delegates, from the following regions of the church:• 55.9% from the U.S.• 32% from Africa• 6% from the Philippines• 4.6% from Europe• 1.5% from concordant (affiliated) churchesWILL THEY ALL BE THERE?No. As of last week, only about three-quarters of international delegates were confirmed as able to attend, the Commission on the General Conference reported Thursday. The other quarter includes 27 delegates unable to get visas or passports, others who couldn’t attend for various reasons, and 62 delegates still unconfirmed. African groups have strongly criticized denominational officials, faulting them for delays in providing necessary paperwork and information and raising questions about whether&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/methodists-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-conservatives-africa-1319aea6e1d2ad8755a905a8c4b1bf79">African conferences</a>&nbsp;will accept voting results from the conference.HOW ARE CONGREGATIONS PREPARING?That varies widely, but those long active in the movement to repeal LGBTQ bans are focused strongly on the conference. First United Methodist Church in Pittsburgh, for example, held a commissioning service on April 14 for three members attending the conference in varying capacities. “It will be deeply meaningful for me personally to vote for those changes,” said member Tracy Merrick, who will be a delegate.WHAT ARE UNITED METHODISTS, ANYWAY?They’re part of a larger worldwide family of Methodists and other groups in the tradition of 18th century British Protestant revivalist John Wesley, who emphasized evangelism, holy living and social service. They hold many beliefs in common with other Christians, with some distinct doctrines. United Methodists traditionally ranged from liberal to conservative. They were until recently the third largest and most widespread U.S. denomination. Methodist missionaries planted churches worldwide, which grew dramatically, especially in Africa. Some became independent, but churches on four continents remain part of the United Methodist Church.HOW MANY UNITED METHODISTS ARE THERE?5.4 million in the United States as of 2022, but that will decline significantly due to 2023 disaffiliations.4.6 million in Africa, Asia and Europe. That’s lower than earlier estimates but reflects more recent denominational reports.___SOURCES: General Council on Finance and Administration and other United Methodist entities.___

United Methodists open 1st conference since breakup over LGBTQ inclusion

Washington, D.C.&nbsp;— U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Tuesday joined 26 of his Senate Republican colleagues in&nbsp;calling on&nbsp;Attorney General Merrick Garland and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona&nbsp;to restore order to university campuses that have been effectively shut down by anti-Semitic&nbsp;groups&nbsp;that are targeting Jewish students, according to a Statement from Moran's office.

The senators requested Attorney General Garland and Secretary Cardona provide an update on efforts to protect Jewish students by Wednesday, April 24.

“President Biden issued a statement on Sunday, purporting to condemn the outbreak of anti-Semitism,”&nbsp;the senators wrote. “If that statement was serious, it must be accompanied by immediate action from your departments.”

“Rioting violates federal law,”&nbsp;the senators wrote. “Violence or attempted violence against anyone because of their Jewish heritage violates federal law. School administrators’ failure to protect Jewish students from discrimination or harassment violates federal law and is grounds for those schools losing access to federal funds. Espousing support for terrorists such as Hamas violates federal immigration law and is grounds for deportation.”

Sen. Moran joined&nbsp;Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.),&nbsp;John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Thune (R-S.D.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).

Full text of the letter may be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/e/5/e5617560-bce0-4145-89d1-61f14b40fa60/1BFC1455170A0755AD531AF38ED50510.garland-letter2.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713893853332.jpeg" alt="The New School students and pro-Palestinian supporters rally outside The New School University Center building, Monday, April 22, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)" />
 <figcaption>The New School students and pro-Palestinian supporters rally outside The New School University Center building, Monday, April 22, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)</figcaption>
 </figure>Washington, D.C.&nbsp;— U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Tuesday joined 26 of his Senate Republican colleagues in&nbsp;calling on&nbsp;Attorney General Merrick Garland and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona&nbsp;to restore order to university campuses that have been effectively shut down by anti-Semitic&nbsp;groups&nbsp;that are targeting Jewish students, according to a Statement from Moran's office.The senators requested Attorney General Garland and Secretary Cardona provide an update on efforts to protect Jewish students by Wednesday, April 24.“President Biden issued a statement on Sunday, purporting to condemn the outbreak of anti-Semitism,”&nbsp;the senators wrote. “If that statement was serious, it must be accompanied by immediate action from your departments.”“Rioting violates federal law,”&nbsp;the senators wrote. “Violence or attempted violence against anyone because of their Jewish heritage violates federal law. School administrators’ failure to protect Jewish students from discrimination or harassment violates federal law and is grounds for those schools losing access to federal funds. Espousing support for terrorists such as Hamas violates federal immigration law and is grounds for deportation.”Sen. Moran joined&nbsp;Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.),&nbsp;John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Thune (R-S.D.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).Full text of the letter may be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/e/5/e5617560-bce0-4145-89d1-61f14b40fa60/1BFC1455170A0755AD531AF38ED50510.garland-letter2.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;

Moran joins call for crack down on campus anti-semitism

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok’s China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that’s expected to face legal challenges and disrupt the lives of content creators who rely on the short-form video app for income.

The TikTok legislation was included as part of a larger $95 billion package that provides foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel and was passed 79-18. It now goes to President Joe Biden, who said in a statement immediately after passage that he will sign it Wednesday.

A decision made by House Republicans last week to attach the TikTok bill to the high-priority package helped expedite its passage in Congress and came after negotiations with the Senate, where an earlier version of the bill had stalled. That version had given TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, six months to divest its stakes in the platform. But it drew skepticism from some key lawmakers concerned it was too short of a window for a complex deal that could be worth tens of billions of dollars.

The revised legislation extends the deadline, giving ByteDance nine months to sell TikTok, and a possible three-month extension if a sale is in progress. The bill would also bar the company from controlling TikTok’s secret sauce: the algorithm that feeds users videos based on their interests and has made the platform a trendsetting phenomenon.

TikTok did not immediately return a request for comment Tuesday night.

The passage of the legislation is a culmination of long-held bipartisan fears in Washington over Chinese threats and the ownership of TikTok, which is used by 170 million Americans. For years, lawmakers and administration officials have expressed concerns that Chinese authorities could force ByteDance to hand over U.S. user data, or influence Americans by suppressing or promoting certain content on TikTok.

“Congress is not acting to punish ByteDance, TikTok or any other individual company," Senate Commerce Committee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell said. "Congress is acting to prevent foreign adversaries from conducting espionage, surveillance, maligned operations, harming vulnerable Americans, our servicemen and women, and our U.S. government personnel.”

Opponents of the bill say the Chinese government could easily get information on Americans in other ways, including through commercial data brokers that traffic in personal information. The foreign aid package includes a provision that makes it illegal for data brokers to sell or rent “personally identifiable sensitive data” to North Korea, China, Russia, Iran or entities in those countries. But it has encountered some pushback, including from the American Civil Liberties Union, which says the language is written too broadly and could sweep in journalists and others who publish personal information.

Many opponents of the TikTok measure argue the best way to protect U.S. consumers is through implementing a comprehensive federal data privacy law that targets all companies regardless of their origin. They also note the U.S. has not provided public evidence that shows TikTok sharing U.S. user information with Chinese authorities, or that Chinese officials have ever tinkered with its algorithm.

“Banning TikTok would be an extraordinary step that requires extraordinary justification,” said Becca Branum, a deputy director at the Washington-based Center for Democracy &amp; Technology, which advocates for digital rights. “Extending the divestiture deadline neither justifies the urgency of the threat to the public nor addresses the legislation’s fundamental constitutional flaws.”

Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat who voted for the legislation, said he has concerns about TikTok, but he's also worried the bill could have negative effects on free speech, doesn't do enough to protect consumer privacy and could potentially be abused by a future administration to violate First Amendment rights.

“I plan to watchdog how this legislation is implemented,” Wyden said in a statement.

China has previously said it would oppose a forced sale of TikTok, and has signaled its opposition this time around. TikTok, which has long denied it’s a security threat, is also preparing a lawsuit to block the legislation.

“At the stage that the bill is signed, we will move to the courts for a legal challenge,” Michael Beckerman, TikTok’s head of public policy for the Americas, wrote in a memo sent to employees on Saturday and obtained by The Associated Press.

“This is the beginning, not the end of this long process," Beckerman wrote.

The company has seen some success with court challenges in the past, but it has never sought to prevent federal legislation from going into effect.

In November,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/montana-tiktok-ban-25c561396e85fee8926309daf4ad4b4f">a federal judge blocked a Montana law</a>&nbsp;that would ban TikTok use across the state after the company and five content creators who use the platform sued. Three years before that, federal courts&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-courts-a526c144fad9f0ebc37bf2d49a97740a">blocked</a>&nbsp;an executive order issued by then-President Donald Trump to ban TikTok after the company sued on the grounds that the order violated free speech and due process rights.

The Trump administration then brokered a deal that had U.S. corporations Oracle and Walmart take a large stake in TikTok. But the sale never went through.

Trump, who is running for president again this year, now says he opposes the potential ban.

Since then, TikTok has been in negotiations about its future with the secretive Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, a little-known government agency tasked with investigating corporate deals for national security concerns.

On Sunday, Erich Andersen, a top attorney for ByteDance who led talks with the U.S. government for years, told his team that he was stepping down from his role.

“As I started to reflect some months ago on the stresses of the last few years and the new generation of challenges that lie ahead, I decided that the time was right to pass the baton to a new leader,” Andersen wrote in an internal memo that was obtained by the AP. He said the decision to step down was entirely his and was decided months ago in a discussion with the company’s senior leaders.

Meanwhile, TikTok content creators who rely on the app have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-reaction-influencers-4ae88afbc344630b2c1091a4a1784078">trying to make their voices heard</a>. Earlier Tuesday, some creators congregated in front the Capitol building to speak out against the bill and carry signs that read “I’m 1 of the 170 million Americans on TikTok," among other things.

Tiffany Cianci, a content creator who has more than 140,000 followers on the platform and had encouraged people to show up, said she spent Monday night picking up creators from airports in the D.C. area. Some came from as far as Nevada and California. Others drove overnight from South Carolina or took a bus from upstate New York.

Cianci says she believes TikTok is the safest platform for users right now because of Project Texas, TikTok's $1.5 billion mitigation plan to store U.S. user data on servers owned and maintained by the tech giant Oracle.

“If our data is not safe on TikTok," she said. “I would ask&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-campaign-tiktok-young-voters-security-concerns-4fbb665f37d830fe9d950d614cb3810c">why the president is on TikTok</a>.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708714541315.png" alt="Image from President Biden's TikTok account" />
 <figcaption>Image from President Biden's TikTok account</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok’s China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that’s expected to face legal challenges and disrupt the lives of content creators who rely on the short-form video app for income.The TikTok legislation was included as part of a larger $95 billion package that provides foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel and was passed 79-18. It now goes to President Joe Biden, who said in a statement immediately after passage that he will sign it Wednesday.A decision made by House Republicans last week to attach the TikTok bill to the high-priority package helped expedite its passage in Congress and came after negotiations with the Senate, where an earlier version of the bill had stalled. That version had given TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, six months to divest its stakes in the platform. But it drew skepticism from some key lawmakers concerned it was too short of a window for a complex deal that could be worth tens of billions of dollars.The revised legislation extends the deadline, giving ByteDance nine months to sell TikTok, and a possible three-month extension if a sale is in progress. The bill would also bar the company from controlling TikTok’s secret sauce: the algorithm that feeds users videos based on their interests and has made the platform a trendsetting phenomenon.TikTok did not immediately return a request for comment Tuesday night.The passage of the legislation is a culmination of long-held bipartisan fears in Washington over Chinese threats and the ownership of TikTok, which is used by 170 million Americans. For years, lawmakers and administration officials have expressed concerns that Chinese authorities could force ByteDance to hand over U.S. user data, or influence Americans by suppressing or promoting certain content on TikTok.“Congress is not acting to punish ByteDance, TikTok or any other individual company," Senate Commerce Committee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell said. "Congress is acting to prevent foreign adversaries from conducting espionage, surveillance, maligned operations, harming vulnerable Americans, our servicemen and women, and our U.S. government personnel.”Opponents of the bill say the Chinese government could easily get information on Americans in other ways, including through commercial data brokers that traffic in personal information. The foreign aid package includes a provision that makes it illegal for data brokers to sell or rent “personally identifiable sensitive data” to North Korea, China, Russia, Iran or entities in those countries. But it has encountered some pushback, including from the American Civil Liberties Union, which says the language is written too broadly and could sweep in journalists and others who publish personal information.Many opponents of the TikTok measure argue the best way to protect U.S. consumers is through implementing a comprehensive federal data privacy law that targets all companies regardless of their origin. They also note the U.S. has not provided public evidence that shows TikTok sharing U.S. user information with Chinese authorities, or that Chinese officials have ever tinkered with its algorithm.“Banning TikTok would be an extraordinary step that requires extraordinary justification,” said Becca Branum, a deputy director at the Washington-based Center for Democracy &amp; Technology, which advocates for digital rights. “Extending the divestiture deadline neither justifies the urgency of the threat to the public nor addresses the legislation’s fundamental constitutional flaws.”Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat who voted for the legislation, said he has concerns about TikTok, but he's also worried the bill could have negative effects on free speech, doesn't do enough to protect consumer privacy and could potentially be abused by a future administration to violate First Amendment rights.“I plan to watchdog how this legislation is implemented,” Wyden said in a statement.China has previously said it would oppose a forced sale of TikTok, and has signaled its opposition this time around. TikTok, which has long denied it’s a security threat, is also preparing a lawsuit to block the legislation.“At the stage that the bill is signed, we will move to the courts for a legal challenge,” Michael Beckerman, TikTok’s head of public policy for the Americas, wrote in a memo sent to employees on Saturday and obtained by The Associated Press.“This is the beginning, not the end of this long process," Beckerman wrote.The company has seen some success with court challenges in the past, but it has never sought to prevent federal legislation from going into effect.In November,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/montana-tiktok-ban-25c561396e85fee8926309daf4ad4b4f">a federal judge blocked a Montana law</a>&nbsp;that would ban TikTok use across the state after the company and five content creators who use the platform sued. Three years before that, federal courts&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-courts-a526c144fad9f0ebc37bf2d49a97740a">blocked</a>&nbsp;an executive order issued by then-President Donald Trump to ban TikTok after the company sued on the grounds that the order violated free speech and due process rights.The Trump administration then brokered a deal that had U.S. corporations Oracle and Walmart take a large stake in TikTok. But the sale never went through.Trump, who is running for president again this year, now says he opposes the potential ban.Since then, TikTok has been in negotiations about its future with the secretive Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, a little-known government agency tasked with investigating corporate deals for national security concerns.On Sunday, Erich Andersen, a top attorney for ByteDance who led talks with the U.S. government for years, told his team that he was stepping down from his role.“As I started to reflect some months ago on the stresses of the last few years and the new generation of challenges that lie ahead, I decided that the time was right to pass the baton to a new leader,” Andersen wrote in an internal memo that was obtained by the AP. He said the decision to step down was entirely his and was decided months ago in a discussion with the company’s senior leaders.Meanwhile, TikTok content creators who rely on the app have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-reaction-influencers-4ae88afbc344630b2c1091a4a1784078">trying to make their voices heard</a>. Earlier Tuesday, some creators congregated in front the Capitol building to speak out against the bill and carry signs that read “I’m 1 of the 170 million Americans on TikTok," among other things.Tiffany Cianci, a content creator who has more than 140,000 followers on the platform and had encouraged people to show up, said she spent Monday night picking up creators from airports in the D.C. area. Some came from as far as Nevada and California. Others drove overnight from South Carolina or took a bus from upstate New York.Cianci says she believes TikTok is the safest platform for users right now because of Project Texas, TikTok's $1.5 billion mitigation plan to store U.S. user data on servers owned and maintained by the tech giant Oracle.“If our data is not safe on TikTok," she said. “I would ask&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-campaign-tiktok-young-voters-security-concerns-4fbb665f37d830fe9d950d614cb3810c">why the president is on TikTok</a>.”

Congress passes bill forcing TikTok to sell or face ban

MIAMI COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after a weekend arrest.

&nbsp;Just after 6.m. Saturday, a landowner reported turkeys being poached off his property in rural Miami County, according to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens.

The Miami County Sheriff's Office responded and located the vehicle. Game Warden Falls and K-9 Indy were notified and responded as well. 

Deputies and Game Warden Falls spoke with the two individuals at the scene and worked through a language barrier.&nbsp; The Game Warden seized two turkeys, one Tom and one Hen, three .22 rifles, and an air rifle.

The shooter was arrested for multiple wildlife violations. After the scene was cleared and everyone had left, Indy started into an area search for any more evidence. Shortly after that, another suspect came out of the woods with his hands up. 

That suspect was also arrested and taken to jail. Indy was sent back out to search and located another freshly dead hen turkey in the woods. Kansas Game Wardens are thankful for the observant landowner making the call and quick response by the Miami County Sheriff's Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713890763399.png" alt="Photos Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens" />
 <figcaption>Photos Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens</figcaption>
 </figure>MIAMI COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after a weekend arrest.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713890739743.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Just after 6.m. Saturday, a landowner reported turkeys being poached off his property in rural Miami County, according to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713890779089.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Miami County Sheriff's Office responded and located the vehicle. Game Warden Falls and K-9 Indy were notified and responded as well. Deputies and Game Warden Falls spoke with the two individuals at the scene and worked through a language barrier.&nbsp; The Game Warden seized two turkeys, one Tom and one Hen, three .22 rifles, and an air rifle.The shooter was arrested for multiple wildlife violations. After the scene was cleared and everyone had left, Indy started into an area search for any more evidence. Shortly after that, another suspect came out of the woods with his hands up. That suspect was also arrested and taken to jail. Indy was sent back out to search and located another freshly dead hen turkey in the woods. Kansas Game Wardens are thankful for the observant landowner making the call and quick response by the Miami County Sheriff's Office.

Kansas game warden's K9 finds hidden turkey poacher

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide near Kansas City International Airport.

Just before 11:30 p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a hotel in the 11800 block of NW Plaza Circle, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.

First responders found a man later identified as 38-year-old Jeremy Hills with gunshot wounds inside a room at the Orangewood Inn &amp; Suites.

A second man, also suffering from gunshots, was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. A person of interest was taken into custody.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide near Kansas City International Airport.Just before 11:30 p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a hotel in the 11800 block of NW Plaza Circle, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'. First responders found a man later identified as 38-year-old Jeremy Hills with gunshot wounds inside a room at the Orangewood Inn &amp; Suites.A second man, also suffering from gunshots, was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. A person of interest was taken into custody.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

Homicide: Police ID victim found in KC airport area hotel room

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has passed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-aid-israel-gaza-taiwan-c0645ad3f47f9d919c8988a98593e887">$95 billion in war aid</a>&nbsp;to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.

The bill passed the Senate on an overwhelming 79-18 vote late Tuesday after the House had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-aid-israel-tiktok-congress-a8910452e623413bf1da1e491d1d94ba">approved the package</a>&nbsp;Saturday. Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran voted with the majority. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall and Missouri Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt voted against the bill.

Biden, who worked with congressional leaders to win support, is expected to quickly sign the legislation and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-weapons-russia-congress-aid-a28f463da6df2f144e3bbdbf47254ece">start the process of sending weapons to Ukraine</a>, which has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-us-aid-package-5b2cfac8351bff94d8c1ead8704110a3">struggling to hold its front lines</a>&nbsp;against Russia. The legislation would also send $26 billion in wartime assistance to Israel and humanitarian relief to citizens of Gaza, and $8 billion to counter Chinese threats in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. officials said about $1 billion of the aid could be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-pentagon-weapons-congress-54045b0755b1711d0e22beaedf137cab">on its way shortly</a>, with the bulk following in coming weeks.

In an interview with The Associated Press shortly before the vote, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said that if Congress hadn’t passed the aid, “America would have paid a price economically, politically, militarily."

“Very few things we have done have risen to this level of historic importance,” he said.

On the Senate floor, Schumer said the Senate was sending a message to U.S. allies: “We will stand with you.”

Schumer and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made passage of the legislation a top priority, agreeing to tie the Ukraine and Israel aid to help ensure passage and arguing there could be dire consequences for the United States and many of its global allies if Russian President Vladimir Putin's aggression is left unchecked. They worked with House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, to overcome seemingly intractable Republican opposition to the Ukraine aid, in particular — eventually winning large majorities in both chambers.

McConnell said in a separate interview before the vote that it "is one of the biggest days in the time that I’ve been here.”

“At least on this episode, I think we turned the tables on the isolationists," McConnell said.

The House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-aid-israel-tiktok-congress-a8910452e623413bf1da1e491d1d94ba">approved the package</a>&nbsp;in a series of four votes on Saturday, with the Ukraine portion passing 311-112.

The $61 billion for Ukraine comes as the war-torn country desperately needs new firepower and as Russian President Vladimir Putin has stepped up his attacks. Ukrainian soldiers have struggled as Russia has seized the momentum on the battlefield and gained significant territory.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Biden</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-national-security-aid-russia-b172cb344d5c7867ed1370246c863794">told</a>&nbsp;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday the U.S. will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-weapons-russia-congress-aid-a28f463da6df2f144e3bbdbf47254ece">send</a>&nbsp;badly needed air defense weaponry as soon as the legislation is passed.

“The President has assured me that the package will be approved quickly and that it will be powerful, strengthening our air defense as well as long-range and artillery capabilities,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X on Monday.

In an effort to gain more votes, Republicans in the House majority also added a bill to the foreign aid package that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-us-ban-sale-china-congress-de12b4d22aa8095e62cb0982a6e62235">could ban the social media app TikTok</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. if its Chinese owners do not sell their stake within a year. That legislation had wide bipartisan support in both chambers.

The TikTok bill was one of several tweaks Johnson to the package the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-aid-congress-senate-5fdcf8cb1964681dcce0f4fe7b9a0f86">Senate passed in February</a>&nbsp;as he tried to move the bill through the House despite significant opposition within his conference. Other additions include a stipulation that $9 billion of the economic assistance to Ukraine is in the form of “forgivable loans"; provisions that allow the U.S. to seize frozen Russian central bank assets to rebuild Ukraine; and bills to impose sanctions on Iran, Russia, China and criminal organizations that traffic fentanyl.

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a longtime hawk who voted against the foreign aid package in February because it wasn’t paired with legislation to stem migration at the border, was one of the Republicans who switched their votes. “If we don't help Ukraine now, this war will spread, and Americans who are not involved will be involved,” Graham said.

The package has had broad congressional support since Biden first requested the money last summer. But congressional leaders had to navigate strong opposition from a growing number of conservatives who question U.S. involvement in foreign wars and argue that Congress should be focused instead on the surge of migration at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, a Republican who is a close ally to Donald Trump, said that despite the strong showing of support for funding Ukraine’s defense, opposition is growing among Republicans.

“The United States is spread too thin," Vance said, "And that that argument I think, is winning the American people and it’s slowly winning the Senate, but it’s not going to happen overnight.”

The growing fault line in the GOP between those conservatives who are skeptical of the aid and the more traditional, “Reagan Republicans" who strongly support it may prove to be career-defining for the two top Republican leaders.

McConnell,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-ukraine-republicans-senate-c5217d686c85837d2b9708aa197843f9">who has made the Ukraine aid a top priority</a>, said last month that he would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-senate-republican-leader-stepping-down-ba478d570a4561aa7baf91a204d7e366">step down from leadership</a>&nbsp;after becoming increasingly distanced from many in his conference on the Ukraine aid and other issues. Johnson, who said he put the bills on the floor after praying for guidance,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-ukraine-aid-speaker-ouster-c525efc953d532242d6d441c55724992">faces threats of an ouster</a>&nbsp;after a majority of Republicans voted against the aid to Ukraine.

Johnson said after House passage that “we did our work here, and I think history will judge it well."

Opponents in the Senate, like the House, included some left-wing senators who are opposed to aiding Israel as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has bombarded Gaza and killed thousands of civilians. Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, voted against the package.

“We must end our complicity in this terrible war,” Sanders said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713922038193.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (center right) on the Senate floor during the vote count Tuesday night-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (center right) on the Senate floor during the vote count Tuesday night-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has passed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-aid-israel-gaza-taiwan-c0645ad3f47f9d919c8988a98593e887">$95 billion in war aid</a>&nbsp;to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.The bill passed the Senate on an overwhelming 79-18 vote late Tuesday after the House had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-aid-israel-tiktok-congress-a8910452e623413bf1da1e491d1d94ba">approved the package</a>&nbsp;Saturday. Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran voted with the majority. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall and Missouri Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt voted against the bill.Biden, who worked with congressional leaders to win support, is expected to quickly sign the legislation and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-weapons-russia-congress-aid-a28f463da6df2f144e3bbdbf47254ece">start the process of sending weapons to Ukraine</a>, which has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-us-aid-package-5b2cfac8351bff94d8c1ead8704110a3">struggling to hold its front lines</a>&nbsp;against Russia. The legislation would also send $26 billion in wartime assistance to Israel and humanitarian relief to citizens of Gaza, and $8 billion to counter Chinese threats in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713922352534.png" alt="During a weekend meeting in Ukraine, Massachusetts Congressman Will Keating showing President Zelenskyy the members of the House who approved the $60 Billion in funding.-courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>During a weekend meeting in Ukraine, Massachusetts Congressman Will Keating showing President Zelenskyy the members of the House who approved the $60 Billion in funding.-courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tonight I will vote against sending an additional $60 billion to Ukraine. No more blank checks. <a href="https://t.co/TaDkwDhJPi">pic.twitter.com/TaDkwDhJPi</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1782929534968308141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>U.S. officials said about $1 billion of the aid could be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-pentagon-weapons-congress-54045b0755b1711d0e22beaedf137cab">on its way shortly</a>, with the bulk following in coming weeks.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The challenges we face will not resolve themselves &amp; the preservation of freedom requires enormous effort. Today we have an opportunity to deliver on that effort – to live up to our responsibilities as Americans; to be a steadfast and reliable partner.&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1782901299861733670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In an interview with The Associated Press shortly before the vote, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said that if Congress hadn’t passed the aid, “America would have paid a price economically, politically, militarily."“Very few things we have done have risen to this level of historic importance,” he said.On the Senate floor, Schumer said the Senate was sending a message to U.S. allies: “We will stand with you.”Schumer and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made passage of the legislation a top priority, agreeing to tie the Ukraine and Israel aid to help ensure passage and arguing there could be dire consequences for the United States and many of its global allies if Russian President Vladimir Putin's aggression is left unchecked. They worked with House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, to overcome seemingly intractable Republican opposition to the Ukraine aid, in particular — eventually winning large majorities in both chambers.McConnell said in a separate interview before the vote that it "is one of the biggest days in the time that I’ve been here.”“At least on this episode, I think we turned the tables on the isolationists," McConnell said.The House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-aid-israel-tiktok-congress-a8910452e623413bf1da1e491d1d94ba">approved the package</a>&nbsp;in a series of four votes on Saturday, with the Ukraine portion passing 311-112.The $61 billion for Ukraine comes as the war-torn country desperately needs new firepower and as Russian President Vladimir Putin has stepped up his attacks. Ukrainian soldiers have struggled as Russia has seized the momentum on the battlefield and gained significant territory.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Biden</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-national-security-aid-russia-b172cb344d5c7867ed1370246c863794">told</a>&nbsp;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday the U.S. will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-weapons-russia-congress-aid-a28f463da6df2f144e3bbdbf47254ece">send</a>&nbsp;badly needed air defense weaponry as soon as the legislation is passed.“The President has assured me that the package will be approved quickly and that it will be powerful, strengthening our air defense as well as long-range and artillery capabilities,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X on Monday.In an effort to gain more votes, Republicans in the House majority also added a bill to the foreign aid package that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-us-ban-sale-china-congress-de12b4d22aa8095e62cb0982a6e62235">could ban the social media app TikTok</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. if its Chinese owners do not sell their stake within a year. That legislation had wide bipartisan support in both chambers.The TikTok bill was one of several tweaks Johnson to the package the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-aid-congress-senate-5fdcf8cb1964681dcce0f4fe7b9a0f86">Senate passed in February</a>&nbsp;as he tried to move the bill through the House despite significant opposition within his conference. Other additions include a stipulation that $9 billion of the economic assistance to Ukraine is in the form of “forgivable loans"; provisions that allow the U.S. to seize frozen Russian central bank assets to rebuild Ukraine; and bills to impose sanctions on Iran, Russia, China and criminal organizations that traffic fentanyl.South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a longtime hawk who voted against the foreign aid package in February because it wasn’t paired with legislation to stem migration at the border, was one of the Republicans who switched their votes. “If we don't help Ukraine now, this war will spread, and Americans who are not involved will be involved,” Graham said.The package has had broad congressional support since Biden first requested the money last summer. But congressional leaders had to navigate strong opposition from a growing number of conservatives who question U.S. involvement in foreign wars and argue that Congress should be focused instead on the surge of migration at the U.S.-Mexico border.Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, a Republican who is a close ally to Donald Trump, said that despite the strong showing of support for funding Ukraine’s defense, opposition is growing among Republicans.“The United States is spread too thin," Vance said, "And that that argument I think, is winning the American people and it’s slowly winning the Senate, but it’s not going to happen overnight.”The growing fault line in the GOP between those conservatives who are skeptical of the aid and the more traditional, “Reagan Republicans" who strongly support it may prove to be career-defining for the two top Republican leaders.McConnell,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-ukraine-republicans-senate-c5217d686c85837d2b9708aa197843f9">who has made the Ukraine aid a top priority</a>, said last month that he would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-senate-republican-leader-stepping-down-ba478d570a4561aa7baf91a204d7e366">step down from leadership</a>&nbsp;after becoming increasingly distanced from many in his conference on the Ukraine aid and other issues. Johnson, who said he put the bills on the floor after praying for guidance,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-ukraine-aid-speaker-ouster-c525efc953d532242d6d441c55724992">faces threats of an ouster</a>&nbsp;after a majority of Republicans voted against the aid to Ukraine.Johnson said after House passage that “we did our work here, and I think history will judge it well."Opponents in the Senate, like the House, included some left-wing senators who are opposed to aiding Israel as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has bombarded Gaza and killed thousands of civilians. Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, voted against the package.“We must end our complicity in this terrible war,” Sanders said.