KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a double-homicide at a home in Kansas City have determined this is an apparent case of domestic violence, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'

Just after 1a.m. Thursday, responded to a shooting at a home at 32nd and Bellefontaine.

First responders found a man and boy dead inside the home. EMS transported two others, a woman and boy, to the hospital for treatment.

Police are not looking to identify any additional suspects, according to Forte'. Police have not released the names of the

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717709109080.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a double-homicide at a home in Kansas City have determined this is an apparent case of domestic violence, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'Just after 1a.m. Thursday, responded to a shooting at a home at 32nd and Bellefontaine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717675441604.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First responders found a man and boy dead inside the home. EMS transported two others, a woman and boy, to the hospital for treatment.Police are not looking to identify any additional suspects, according to Forte'. Police have not released the names of the

Double homicide at KC home investigated as a domestic violence

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The City of Wichita announced Thursday that it is considering the re-use of the former Park Elementary School facility at&nbsp;1025 N. Main in Wichita as the future Multi-Agency Center (MAC), a one-stop, wraparound homeless services coordinator, as well as space for congregate, non-congregate and emergency housing, according to a media release from the city.

Earlier this year, Wichita Public Schools (WPS) announced it would close six schools before the 2024-2025 school year to reallocate resources. The City approached WPS after the announcement to inquire about the potential availability of Park Elementary as it is ideally located near other homeless service providers and would offer a centralized location for the MAC. 

As such, it is the intent of the City, pending due diligence on the property, to acquire the building from WPS for a nominal fee.If the transaction occurs on schedule, the City intends to use the facility for the 2024-2025 winter emergency shelter and could open the full-service MAC in 2026. 

The property will include a no-barrier, short term shelter open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round and feature comprehensive services to connect unhoused individuals to services and resources to transition them from shelter services into affordable housing.The City will host a community open house this Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 2 pm to 4 pm at the Advanced Learning Library in downtown Wichita to answer questions and address community concerns.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717757780465.png" alt="Park Elementary School facility at 1025 N. Main in Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Park Elementary School facility at 1025 N. Main in Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —The City of Wichita announced Thursday that it is considering the re-use of the former Park Elementary School facility at&nbsp;1025 N. Main in Wichita as the future Multi-Agency Center (MAC), a one-stop, wraparound homeless services coordinator, as well as space for congregate, non-congregate and emergency housing, according to a media release from the city.Earlier this year, Wichita Public Schools (WPS) announced it would close six schools before the 2024-2025 school year to reallocate resources. The City approached WPS after the announcement to inquire about the potential availability of Park Elementary as it is ideally located near other homeless service providers and would offer a centralized location for the MAC. As such, it is the intent of the City, pending due diligence on the property, to acquire the building from WPS for a nominal fee.If the transaction occurs on schedule, the City intends to use the facility for the 2024-2025 winter emergency shelter and could open the full-service MAC in 2026. The property will include a no-barrier, short term shelter open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round and feature comprehensive services to connect unhoused individuals to services and resources to transition them from shelter services into affordable housing.The City will host a community open house this Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 2 pm to 4 pm at the Advanced Learning Library in downtown Wichita to answer questions and address community concerns.

City plans to convert closed Kan. elementary school to homeless shelter

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Wichita Police are trying to locate Anjaliyah S. Orange and Jeremiah Z. Walker as they may have information about a homicide that occurred on June 4, 2024, in the 4800 block of East Funston. 

Just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call reporting a shooting in the 4800 block of East Funston, according to Police Captain Aaron Moses.

Wichita Police, Wichita Fire, and Sedgwick County EMS responded to the scene and found 27- year-old Quentin Gordon suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Wichita Police Department Homicide Investigators, in collaboration with patrol officers, immediately began their investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that Gordon was involved in an argument with another individual when the shooting occurred, indicating that this was not a random act of violence, according to Moses.

If you have any information about Anjaliyah and Jeremiah's whereabouts or have seen them, please call 911, Crimestoppers at 316-267-2111, or WPD Investigators at 316-268-4407.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717697125559.png" alt="Anjaliyah S. Orange and Jeremiah Z. Walker-photo Wichita Police&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Anjaliyah S. Orange and Jeremiah Z. Walker-photo Wichita Police&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Wichita Police are trying to locate Anjaliyah S. Orange and Jeremiah Z. Walker as they may have information about a homicide that occurred on June 4, 2024, in the 4800 block of East Funston. Just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call reporting a shooting in the 4800 block of East Funston, according to Police Captain Aaron Moses.Wichita Police, Wichita Fire, and Sedgwick County EMS responded to the scene and found 27- year-old Quentin Gordon suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.Wichita Police Department Homicide Investigators, in collaboration with patrol officers, immediately began their investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that Gordon was involved in an argument with another individual when the shooting occurred, indicating that this was not a random act of violence, according to Moses.If you have any information about Anjaliyah and Jeremiah's whereabouts or have seen them, please call 911, Crimestoppers at 316-267-2111, or WPD Investigators at 316-268-4407.

Police: Search continues for 2 in Kan. homicide investigation

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Yemen's Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;have unveiled a new, solid-fuel missile in their arsenal that resembles aspects of one earlier displayed by Iran that Tehran described as flying at hypersonic speeds.

The rebels fired its new “Palestine” missile, complete with a warhead painted like a Palestinian keffiyeh checkered scarf, at the southern Gulf of Aqaba port of Eilat in Israel on Monday. The attack set off air raid sirens but caused no reported damage or injuries.

Footage released by the Houthis late Wednesday showed the Palestine being raised on what appeared to be a mobile launcher and rising quickly into the air with plumes of white smoke coming from its engine. White smoke is common with solid-fuel missiles.

Solid-fuel missiles can be set up and fired faster than those containing liquid fuel. That's a key concern for the Houthis as their missile launch sites have been repeatedly targeted by U.S. and allied forces in recent months over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-iran-503de70230fba0cd7c992558e2d1b83a">the rebels' attacks on shipping through the Red Sea corridor</a>. One such strike hit the Houthis even before they were able to launch their missile.

For their part, the Houthis described the Palestine as a “locally made” missile. However, the Houthis are not known to possess the ability to manufacture complicated missile and guidance systems locally in Yemen, the Arab world's poorest country, which been gripped by war since the rebels seized the capital, Sanaa, nearly a decade ago.

The Houthis have, however, been repeatedly armed by Iran during the war despite a United Nations arms embargo. While Iran claims it doesn't arm the Houthis, ships seized by the U.S. and its allies have found Iranian weaponry, missile fuel and components on board.

Iranian media reported the launch of the Palestine and described it as locally manufactured, citing the Houthis. However, design elements on the missile resemble other missiles developed by Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. That includes one called the Fattah, or “Conqueror” in Farsi.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-hypersonic-missile-us-tensions-0a8e09f7e053f5fbce2d4e1d9c46a96e">Iran unveiled the missile last year</a>&nbsp;and claimed it could reach Mach 15 — or 15 times the speed of sound. It also described the missile's range as up to 1,400 kilometers (870 miles). That's a little short of Eilat from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, but missile can be reconfigured to boost their range.

In March, Russia's state-run RIA Novosti news agency&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-hypersonic-missile-red-sea-e2bc170ff4470712f314fbb80bf24716">quoted an anonymous source claiming</a>&nbsp;the Houthis had a hypersonic missile.

“While we cannot say for sure what exact version the ‘Palestine’ corresponds to, we can say with high certainty that is is an advanced and precision-guided (Guard)-developed solid propellant missile provided by Iran,” wrote Fabian Hinz, a missile expert and research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Asked about the similarity between the Palestine and its missiles, Iran's mission to the United Nations told The Associated Press that Tehran “has not engaged in any activities in contravention” of U.N. resolutions.

"Yemen’s military power has grown since the war began ... — a fact rooted in the internal capacity and prowess of Ansar Allah,” the mission said, using another name for the Houthis.

Hypersonic weapons, which fly at speeds higher than Mach 5, could pose crucial challenges to missile defense systems because of their speed and maneuverability.

Ballistic missiles fly on a trajectory in which anti-missile systems like the U.S.-made Patriot can anticipate their path and intercept them. The more irregular the missile’s flight path, such as a hypersonic missile with the ability to change directions, the more difficult it becomes to intercept.

China is believed to be pursuing the weapons, as is America. Russia claims it has already used them.

It remains unclear how well the Palestine maneuvers and at what speed it travels.

Meanwhile Thursday, a commercial ship in the southern Red Sea near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait reported seeing explosions nearby, though no one was hurt, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said. The private security firm Ambrey also reported the blasts. Though no one immediately claimed the attack, suspicion immediately fell on the Houthis.

The U.S. military's Central Command said the Houthis fired one ballistic missile into the Red Sea, while America and its allies destroyed nine drones and two drone boats over the last day.

"There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition or commercial ships," it said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708804229711.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Yemen's Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;have unveiled a new, solid-fuel missile in their arsenal that resembles aspects of one earlier displayed by Iran that Tehran described as flying at hypersonic speeds.The rebels fired its new “Palestine” missile, complete with a warhead painted like a Palestinian keffiyeh checkered scarf, at the southern Gulf of Aqaba port of Eilat in Israel on Monday. The attack set off air raid sirens but caused no reported damage or injuries.Footage released by the Houthis late Wednesday showed the Palestine being raised on what appeared to be a mobile launcher and rising quickly into the air with plumes of white smoke coming from its engine. White smoke is common with solid-fuel missiles.Solid-fuel missiles can be set up and fired faster than those containing liquid fuel. That's a key concern for the Houthis as their missile launch sites have been repeatedly targeted by U.S. and allied forces in recent months over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-attacks-iran-503de70230fba0cd7c992558e2d1b83a">the rebels' attacks on shipping through the Red Sea corridor</a>. One such strike hit the Houthis even before they were able to launch their missile.For their part, the Houthis described the Palestine as a “locally made” missile. However, the Houthis are not known to possess the ability to manufacture complicated missile and guidance systems locally in Yemen, the Arab world's poorest country, which been gripped by war since the rebels seized the capital, Sanaa, nearly a decade ago.The Houthis have, however, been repeatedly armed by Iran during the war despite a United Nations arms embargo. While Iran claims it doesn't arm the Houthis, ships seized by the U.S. and its allies have found Iranian weaponry, missile fuel and components on board.Iranian media reported the launch of the Palestine and described it as locally manufactured, citing the Houthis. However, design elements on the missile resemble other missiles developed by Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. That includes one called the Fattah, or “Conqueror” in Farsi.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-hypersonic-missile-us-tensions-0a8e09f7e053f5fbce2d4e1d9c46a96e">Iran unveiled the missile last year</a>&nbsp;and claimed it could reach Mach 15 — or 15 times the speed of sound. It also described the missile's range as up to 1,400 kilometers (870 miles). That's a little short of Eilat from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, but missile can be reconfigured to boost their range.In March, Russia's state-run RIA Novosti news agency&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-hypersonic-missile-red-sea-e2bc170ff4470712f314fbb80bf24716">quoted an anonymous source claiming</a>&nbsp;the Houthis had a hypersonic missile.“While we cannot say for sure what exact version the ‘Palestine’ corresponds to, we can say with high certainty that is is an advanced and precision-guided (Guard)-developed solid propellant missile provided by Iran,” wrote Fabian Hinz, a missile expert and research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.Asked about the similarity between the Palestine and its missiles, Iran's mission to the United Nations told The Associated Press that Tehran “has not engaged in any activities in contravention” of U.N. resolutions."Yemen’s military power has grown since the war began ... — a fact rooted in the internal capacity and prowess of Ansar Allah,” the mission said, using another name for the Houthis.Hypersonic weapons, which fly at speeds higher than Mach 5, could pose crucial challenges to missile defense systems because of their speed and maneuverability.Ballistic missiles fly on a trajectory in which anti-missile systems like the U.S.-made Patriot can anticipate their path and intercept them. The more irregular the missile’s flight path, such as a hypersonic missile with the ability to change directions, the more difficult it becomes to intercept.China is believed to be pursuing the weapons, as is America. Russia claims it has already used them.It remains unclear how well the Palestine maneuvers and at what speed it travels.Meanwhile Thursday, a commercial ship in the southern Red Sea near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait reported seeing explosions nearby, though no one was hurt, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said. The private security firm Ambrey also reported the blasts. Though no one immediately claimed the attack, suspicion immediately fell on the Houthis.The U.S. military's Central Command said the Houthis fired one ballistic missile into the Red Sea, while America and its allies destroyed nine drones and two drone boats over the last day."There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition or commercial ships," it said.

Iran-backed rebels unveil new hypersonic missile to Red Sea attacks

SHAWNEE COUNTY – On Thursday, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Northeast Child Victims Task Force, along with the KBI Cyber Crime Unit and the Rossville Police Department, executed a search warrant for child sexual abuse material in Rossville, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.

At approximately 6:40 a.m., law enforcement officers executed the search warrant for child sexual abuse material at 128 Pearl St in Rossville, Kan. for an investigation that began on January 23, 2024.

One occupant of the home, John Ross, 55, of Rossville, became combative while being detained. During that time, Ross bit a Task Force Agent and broke skin. The Task Force Agent was treated and released.

Ross was transported to Stormont for minor injuries. He was treated and released and is in custody at the Shawnee County Detention Center. Ross was arrested on requested charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and obstruction of legal process.

Methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia were found at the residence during the search.

The investigation for child sexual abuse material and drug possession remains ongoing, according to the KBI.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717702346572.png" alt="Ross photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ross photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY – On Thursday, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Northeast Child Victims Task Force, along with the KBI Cyber Crime Unit and the Rossville Police Department, executed a search warrant for child sexual abuse material in Rossville, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.At approximately 6:40 a.m., law enforcement officers executed the search warrant for child sexual abuse material at 128 Pearl St in Rossville, Kan. for an investigation that began on January 23, 2024.One occupant of the home, John Ross, 55, of Rossville, became combative while being detained. During that time, Ross bit a Task Force Agent and broke skin. The Task Force Agent was treated and released.Ross was transported to Stormont for minor injuries. He was treated and released and is in custody at the Shawnee County Detention Center. Ross was arrested on requested charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and obstruction of legal process.Methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia were found at the residence during the search.The investigation for child sexual abuse material and drug possession remains ongoing, according to the KBI.

KBI: Suspect bit officer during search for child sex abuse material

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent attack on a Kansas teen, have made an arrest and continue to search for another suspect.

Just after noon May 26, police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of N Dodge in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The victim in this case, an 18-year-old girl later arrived at an area hospital with second degree burns to the face and neck believed to be caused by a suspect throwing an acidic liquid on her during a physical fight. This is not believed to be a random incident.

Immediately following the incident, investigators with the WPD Felony Assault unit along with patrol officers began looking for three suspects. On June 5, officers with the Patrol North Community Response Team located and arrested two 18-year-old suspects. According to Sedgwick County booking records, Ye'Kira Acoya Hollins and Tayronnia Jontashia West are being held on requested charges of&nbsp;&nbsp;Aggravated Battery.

Investigators are still attempting to locate a third suspect, a 16-year-old black female of Topeka.

If you have information related to this case, please call investigators at 316-268-4407 or make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717690911383.png" alt="Hollins -photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Hollins -photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent attack on a Kansas teen, have made an arrest and continue to search for another suspect.Just after noon May 26, police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of N Dodge in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The victim in this case, an 18-year-old girl later arrived at an area hospital with second degree burns to the face and neck believed to be caused by a suspect throwing an acidic liquid on her during a physical fight. This is not believed to be a random incident.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717690818288.png" alt="West-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>West-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Immediately following the incident, investigators with the WPD Felony Assault unit along with patrol officers began looking for three suspects. On June 5, officers with the Patrol North Community Response Team located and arrested two 18-year-old suspects. According to Sedgwick County booking records, Ye'Kira Acoya Hollins and Tayronnia Jontashia West are being held on requested charges of&nbsp;&nbsp;Aggravated Battery.Investigators are still attempting to locate a third suspect, a 16-year-old black female of Topeka.If you have information related to this case, please call investigators at 316-268-4407 or make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Two accused of  throwing acid in face of Kansas teen

WASHINGTON (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;is set to address a joint meeting of Congress on July 24, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Congressional leaders last week formally invited Netanyahu to come speak, delivering the most recent show of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">wartime</a>&nbsp;support for the longtime ally despite mounting political divisions over Israel’s military assault on Hamas in Gaza. But the date of the speech had been in flux. It has now been set for July 24, according to the person, who was granted anonymity to discuss private planning.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, along with Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, signed the letter extending the invitation to Netanyahu. They said the offer was intended to “highlight America’s solidarity with Israel.”

Netanyahu's appearance before a growingly divided Congress is sure to be contentious and met with plenty of protests both inside the Capitol from lawmakers and outside by pro-Palestinian protesters. And it will put on stark display the growing election-year divisions among Democrats over the prime minister’s prosecution of the monthslong war against Hamas.

Democratic lawmakers most critical of Netanyahu’s strategy are expected to be no-shows for the address. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the independent from Vermont, said: “Netanyahu is a war criminal. I certainly will not attend.”

Netanyahu’s visit to the Capitol also comes as the relationship between President Joe Biden and the leader of the Jewish state has frayed in recent months. Biden has privately and publicly criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the war and criticized the Israeli government for not letting more humanitarian into Gaza.

Late last week, Biden announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-hamas-58169a607d4a7c4d7fc34f43160076b8">proposed agreement</a>&nbsp;to end the fighting in Gaza, putting growing pressure on Netanyahu to accept the deal. Many Israelis have been urging him to embrace the terms, but his far-right allies have threatened to leave his coalition government if he does.

Netanyahu called a permanent cease-fire in Gaza a “nonstarter” until long-standing conditions for ending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the war</a>&nbsp;are met, appearing to undermine the proposal that Biden described as an Israeli one.

Johnson first suggested inviting the Israeli leader, saying it would be “a great honor of mine” to invite him. His move came soon after Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the U.S., delivered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/schumer-netanyahu-israel-palestinians-elections-1ebf21e4c9c0f6f42478bb26e1db7a9b">stinging rebuke</a>&nbsp;of Netanyahu in a lengthy speech on the Senate floor. Schumer said in the speech that Netanyahu had “lost his way” amid the Israeli bombing campaign in Gaza.

Even so, Schumer had said he would join in the invitation because “our relationship with Israel is ironclad and transcends any one prime minister or president.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700064381613.jpeg" alt="File photo -Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran with Israeli Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;during a trip to Israel in November" />
 <figcaption>File photo -Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran with Israeli Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;during a trip to Israel in November</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;is set to address a joint meeting of Congress on July 24, according to a person familiar with the matter.Congressional leaders last week formally invited Netanyahu to come speak, delivering the most recent show of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">wartime</a>&nbsp;support for the longtime ally despite mounting political divisions over Israel’s military assault on Hamas in Gaza. But the date of the speech had been in flux. It has now been set for July 24, according to the person, who was granted anonymity to discuss private planning.House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, along with Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, signed the letter extending the invitation to Netanyahu. They said the offer was intended to “highlight America’s solidarity with Israel.”Netanyahu's appearance before a growingly divided Congress is sure to be contentious and met with plenty of protests both inside the Capitol from lawmakers and outside by pro-Palestinian protesters. And it will put on stark display the growing election-year divisions among Democrats over the prime minister’s prosecution of the monthslong war against Hamas.Democratic lawmakers most critical of Netanyahu’s strategy are expected to be no-shows for the address. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the independent from Vermont, said: “Netanyahu is a war criminal. I certainly will not attend.”Netanyahu’s visit to the Capitol also comes as the relationship between President Joe Biden and the leader of the Jewish state has frayed in recent months. Biden has privately and publicly criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the war and criticized the Israeli government for not letting more humanitarian into Gaza.Late last week, Biden announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-hamas-58169a607d4a7c4d7fc34f43160076b8">proposed agreement</a>&nbsp;to end the fighting in Gaza, putting growing pressure on Netanyahu to accept the deal. Many Israelis have been urging him to embrace the terms, but his far-right allies have threatened to leave his coalition government if he does.Netanyahu called a permanent cease-fire in Gaza a “nonstarter” until long-standing conditions for ending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the war</a>&nbsp;are met, appearing to undermine the proposal that Biden described as an Israeli one.Johnson first suggested inviting the Israeli leader, saying it would be “a great honor of mine” to invite him. His move came soon after Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the U.S., delivered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/schumer-netanyahu-israel-palestinians-elections-1ebf21e4c9c0f6f42478bb26e1db7a9b">stinging rebuke</a>&nbsp;of Netanyahu in a lengthy speech on the Senate floor. Schumer said in the speech that Netanyahu had “lost his way” amid the Israeli bombing campaign in Gaza.Even so, Schumer had said he would join in the invitation because “our relationship with Israel is ironclad and transcends any one prime minister or president.”

Israel’s Netanyahu set to address the US Congress next month

WASHINGTON (AP) — A man's death in Mexico was caused by a strain of bird flu called H5N2 that has never before been found in a human, the World Health Organization said Wednesday.

The WHO said it wasn’t clear how the man became infected, although H5N2 has been reported in poultry in Mexico.

There are numerous types of bird flu. H5N2 is not the same strain that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-dairy-cattle-h5n1-milk-0b46e7a28a20fe825d7a324a976bac22">infected multiple dairy cow herds</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. That strain is called H5N1 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-cows-michigan-e409aa93e7fa8c637785048bc04dad47">three farmworkers</a>&nbsp;have gotten mild infections.

Other bird flu varieties have killed people across the world in previous years, including 18 people in China during an outbreak of H5N6 in 2021, according to a timeline of bird flu outbreaks from the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/timeline/avian-timeline-2020s.htm">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>.

Mexican health officials alerted the WHO that a 59-year-old man who died in a Mexico City hospital had the virus despite no known exposure to poultry or other animals.

According to family members, the WHO release said, the patient had been bedridden for unrelated reasons before developing a fever, shortness of breath and diarrhea on April 17. Mexico's public health department said in a statement that he had underlying ailments, including chronic kidney failure, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Hospital care was sought on April 24 and the man died the same day.

Initial tests showed an unidentified type of flu that subsequent weeks of lab testing confirmed was H5N2.

The WHO said the risk to people in Mexico is low, and that no further human cases have been discovered so far despite testing people who came in contact with the deceased at home and in the hospital.

There had been three poultry outbreaks of H5N2 in nearby parts of Mexico in March but authorities haven’t been able to find a connection. Mexican officials also are monitoring birds near a shallow lake on the outskirts of Mexico City.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A man's death in Mexico was caused by a strain of bird flu called H5N2 that has never before been found in a human, the World Health Organization said Wednesday.The WHO said it wasn’t clear how the man became infected, although H5N2 has been reported in poultry in Mexico.There are numerous types of bird flu. H5N2 is not the same strain that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-dairy-cattle-h5n1-milk-0b46e7a28a20fe825d7a324a976bac22">infected multiple dairy cow herds</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. That strain is called H5N1 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-cows-michigan-e409aa93e7fa8c637785048bc04dad47">three farmworkers</a>&nbsp;have gotten mild infections.Other bird flu varieties have killed people across the world in previous years, including 18 people in China during an outbreak of H5N6 in 2021, according to a timeline of bird flu outbreaks from the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/timeline/avian-timeline-2020s.htm">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>.Mexican health officials alerted the WHO that a 59-year-old man who died in a Mexico City hospital had the virus despite no known exposure to poultry or other animals.According to family members, the WHO release said, the patient had been bedridden for unrelated reasons before developing a fever, shortness of breath and diarrhea on April 17. Mexico's public health department said in a statement that he had underlying ailments, including chronic kidney failure, diabetes and high blood pressure.Hospital care was sought on April 24 and the man died the same day.Initial tests showed an unidentified type of flu that subsequent weeks of lab testing confirmed was H5N2.The WHO said the risk to people in Mexico is low, and that no further human cases have been discovered so far despite testing people who came in contact with the deceased at home and in the hospital.There had been three poultry outbreaks of H5N2 in nearby parts of Mexico in March but authorities haven’t been able to find a connection. Mexican officials also are monitoring birds near a shallow lake on the outskirts of Mexico City.

Man dies of a bird flu strain not confirmed before in a human

JEFFERSON COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 11a.m. Thursday in Jefferson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Buick LeSabre driven by&nbsp;F Ethan Wayne&nbsp;Fisher, 24, Holton, was&nbsp;eastbound on U.S. 24 approximately one mile east of the U.S. 59 Junction.

The car left the roadway to the right, entered the south ditch, rolled, struck a utility pole, caught fire and was fully engulfed.&nbsp;

Fisher was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics.&nbsp; He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717710720670.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 11a.m. Thursday in Jefferson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Buick LeSabre driven by&nbsp;F Ethan Wayne&nbsp;Fisher, 24, Holton, was&nbsp;eastbound on U.S. 24 approximately one mile east of the U.S. 59 Junction.The car left the roadway to the right, entered the south ditch, rolled, struck a utility pole, caught fire and was fully engulfed.&nbsp;Fisher was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics.&nbsp; He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after rollover crash and fire

NEMAHA COUNTY —There were no serious injuries despite a violent crash and fire that occurred just after 3a.m. Thursday in Nemaha County.

Two semis were involved in the collision on U.S. 75 five miles north of Sabetha, according to a social media report from the Sabetha Fire Department.

First responders were met with heavy fire, debris, complete blockage of the roadway and ruptured fuel tanks.&nbsp;Firefighters took 30 minutes getting the fire under control.

All occupants had escaped with what were believed to be minor injuries.&nbsp;

Sabetha Fire responded in Rescue 37, Pumper 34, Pumper 32, Brush 1 and 2, and Tanker 35. Crews were assisted on scene by Morrill Fire Department, Brown County Rescue Squad 48, Sherriffs deputies from Brown and Nemaha Counties as well as Kansas Highway Patrol. Emergency Management personnel from both counties responded and  KDOT crews arrived later to assist with traffic control and clearing the roadway. 

U.S. 75.&nbsp;from 192nd Road north to the state line was closed down for much of Thursday due to the debris and highway being damaged.&nbsp; The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717703833390.png" alt="-Photo courtesy Sabetha Fire" />
 <figcaption>-Photo courtesy Sabetha Fire</figcaption>
 </figure>NEMAHA COUNTY —There were no serious injuries despite a violent crash and fire that occurred just after 3a.m. Thursday in Nemaha County.Two semis were involved in the collision on U.S. 75 five miles north of Sabetha, according to a social media report from the Sabetha Fire Department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717704003761.png" alt="Photo courtesy Sabetha Fire" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Sabetha Fire</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders were met with heavy fire, debris, complete blockage of the roadway and ruptured fuel tanks.&nbsp;Firefighters took 30 minutes getting the fire under control.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717704221856.png" alt="Photo Nemaha Co. Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Photo Nemaha Co. Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>All occupants had escaped with what were believed to be minor injuries.&nbsp;Sabetha Fire responded in Rescue 37, Pumper 34, Pumper 32, Brush 1 and 2, and Tanker 35. Crews were assisted on scene by Morrill Fire Department, Brown County Rescue Squad 48, Sherriffs deputies from Brown and Nemaha Counties as well as Kansas Highway Patrol. Emergency Management personnel from both counties responded and KDOT crews arrived later to assist with traffic control and clearing the roadway. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717704385766.png" alt="Photo Nemaha County Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Photo Nemaha County Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. 75.&nbsp;from 192nd Road north to the state line was closed down for much of Thursday due to the debris and highway being damaged.&nbsp; The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Semi crash, fire shuts down portion of Kansas highway

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.

The person, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the event, said team trainers and medical staff were able to react quickly and treat Thompson until paramedics arrived.

The Chiefs planned to wrap up their voluntary offseason workouts on Thursday, but a team spokesman said the practice would be pushed to Friday. That is when Chiefs coach Andy Reid and other players will speak to reporters.

The 27-year-old Thompson was a fifth-round pick of the Chiefs out of Stephen F. Austin in last year's draft. The only game Thompson appeared in was their regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, when Kansas City already had clinched its playoff spot and the game's outcome was meaningless. Thompson had two tackles in that game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717698357421.png" alt="FILE - Kansas City Chiefs’ B.J. Thompson (53) walks to the field before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday, June 6, 2024, after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas City Chiefs’ B.J. Thompson (53) walks to the field before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday, June 6, 2024, after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.The person, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the event, said team trainers and medical staff were able to react quickly and treat Thompson until paramedics arrived.The Chiefs planned to wrap up their voluntary offseason workouts on Thursday, but a team spokesman said the practice would be pushed to Friday. That is when Chiefs coach Andy Reid and other players will speak to reporters.The 27-year-old Thompson was a fifth-round pick of the Chiefs out of Stephen F. Austin in last year's draft. The only game Thompson appeared in was their regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, when Kansas City already had clinched its playoff spot and the game's outcome was meaningless. Thompson had two tackles in that game.

Chiefs lineman hospitalized after cardiac event during team meeting

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Jewish studies, philosophy, geography, physics: The Kansas Board of Regents is in the process of determining which underperforming programs at state universities will be chopped and which will be subjected to progress reviews.

Last summer, KBOR research identified undergraduate programs that were more than five years old and did not meet two or more of the board’s metrics for the six state universities.

Standards included having 25 or more students enrolled in the program, producing 10 or more graduates from the program, having 51% or more of graduates working in the region after graduation and student return on investment. That return is evaluated by having a salary of $38,050 or higher, a number determined by the five-year, post-graduation median salary for 2022.

The metrics placed 31 programs at risk. Schools with underperforming programs have three options: axe the program, merge the program with another program in a cost-effective way, or make an action plan to boost metrics within three years.

Action plans: Bachelor of Science in Math, Bachelor of Science in History, Bachelor of Science in Polymer Chemistry, Bachelor of Science in Physics, Bachelor of Music&nbsp;

Phase-out: International Business Bachelor of Business Administration

Action plans: Bachelor of General Studies/Arts in African &amp; African-American Studies, Bachelor of General Studies/Arts in American Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Global International Studies, Bachelor of General Studies/Arts in Religious Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies, Bachelor of Arts/Science in Astronomy, Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science, Bachelor of General Studies/Arts/Science Geography, Music program classified as Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Fine Arts/Arts in Music, Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics

Merge: Bachelor of Secondary Ed in Physical Ed Plus

Action plan: Bachelor of Arts/Science in Geography,&nbsp;Bachelor of Arts in Music/Bachelor of Music program

Phase-out: Bachelor of Science in Education for Business Education&nbsp;

Action plan: Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts&nbsp;

Action plan: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts/Science in Geology, Bachelor of Arts/Science in Physics, Bachelor of Science in Forensic Sciences

Merge: Bachelor of Arts in Women’s, Ethnicity, &amp; Intersectional Studies

Action plan: Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language: Spanish, Bachelor of Arts/Science in Physics and Bachelor of Arts in Music&nbsp;

Merge: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy&nbsp;

On Tuesday, regents on the Board Academic Affairs Standing Committee&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansasregents.org/resources/PDF/About/BAASC_Meetings/_2024_06_04_BAASC_FINAL_.pdf">reviewed program recommendations</a>, the final step before plans go before the full board later this month.

Regent Alysia Johnston said curriculum dealing with identity is important, but performance has to be a factor.

“I think that that’s important as well,” Johnston said. “But I still am sticking to the fact that I believe some of these things, if we’re not meeting three of the four targets, then we’ve got to be able to do something to act, move forward in terms of how we are going to get this on track.”

Earlier this year, regents members discussed the impact of several of these programs, such as Jewish studies and African studies, which offer rigorous research and opportunities but appear to be underperforming by KBOR metrics.

“I don’t want to see those courses go away completely,” said regent Diana Mendoza. “I think they’re valuable, I think we need to continue to offer those opportunities to students, but I also feel like we need to be efficient in the way that we allocate our resources.”&nbsp;

The University of Kansas has the most programs impacted, with 11 under review, 10 of which the university recommended for action and one recommended to merge.

According to the University of Kansas action plan, Jewish studies allows students to participate in influential research, including through The Druze Studies Project, a digital humanities program for studying Druze culture, literature, and history.

Students have received research scholarships and were given the opportunity to write journal articles. The program hosted a “Druze Studies” symposium last year with 25 international scholars attending, another valuable experience, the university’s plan said.

“One of these students is currently in the process of writing a research article as a follow-up to this event, a testament to the lasting impact of their involvement,” the university argued in defense of the program. “This experience has also opened doors for him in the academic publishing landscape, as he was recently hired as the assistant to the editor of the new Druze Studies Journal.”

Emporia State University reviewed two programs. The institution already has phased out or merged 20% of programs following the KBOR-sanctioned decision in 2022&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/13/emporia-state-university-is-about-to-suspend-tenure-heres-why-you-should-care/">to fire tenured faculty members</a>, and eliminate programs without explanation for which ones were targeted.

An American Association of University Professors&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/aaup_EmporiaState_Final.pdf">investigation</a>&nbsp;later concluded the actions taken by ESU president Ken Hush with<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/14/emporia-state-receives-green-light-to-move-rapidly-with-faculty-program-realignment/">&nbsp;regents support</a>&nbsp;were little more than an attack on academic freedom. The investigation concluded university administrators and Kansas Board of Regents members&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/05/01/emporia-state-university-kansas-board-of-regents-members-unfit-to-lead-investigation-finds/">are “unfit to lead.</a>”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717696933743.png" alt=" All six of the state's public universities have undergone a review process to determine the success of academic programs. At Emporia State University, which had a series of cuts last year, two programs are under review. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> All six of the state's public universities have undergone a review process to determine the success of academic programs. At Emporia State University, which had a series of cuts last year, two programs are under review. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Jewish studies, philosophy, geography, physics: The Kansas Board of Regents is in the process of determining which underperforming programs at state universities will be chopped and which will be subjected to progress reviews.Last summer, KBOR research identified undergraduate programs that were more than five years old and did not meet two or more of the board’s metrics for the six state universities.Standards included having 25 or more students enrolled in the program, producing 10 or more graduates from the program, having 51% or more of graduates working in the region after graduation and student return on investment. That return is evaluated by having a salary of $38,050 or higher, a number determined by the five-year, post-graduation median salary for 2022.The metrics placed 31 programs at risk. Schools with underperforming programs have three options: axe the program, merge the program with another program in a cost-effective way, or make an action plan to boost metrics within three years.<h2>Under review</h2>Pittsburg State UniversityPrograms reviewed: SixAction plans: Bachelor of Science in Math, Bachelor of Science in History, Bachelor of Science in Polymer Chemistry, Bachelor of Science in Physics, Bachelor of Music&nbsp;Phase-out: International Business Bachelor of Business AdministrationUniversity of Kansas&nbsp;Programs reviewed: 11Action plans: Bachelor of General Studies/Arts in African &amp; African-American Studies, Bachelor of General Studies/Arts in American Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Global International Studies, Bachelor of General Studies/Arts in Religious Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies, Bachelor of Arts/Science in Astronomy, Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science, Bachelor of General Studies/Arts/Science Geography, Music program classified as Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Fine Arts/Arts in Music, Bachelor of Science in Engineering PhysicsMerge: Bachelor of Secondary Ed in Physical Ed PlusKansas State UniversityPrograms reviewed: TwoAction plan: Bachelor of Arts/Science in Geography,&nbsp;Bachelor of Arts in Music/Bachelor of Music programEmporia State UniversityPrograms reviewed: TwoPhase-out: Bachelor of Science in Education for Business Education&nbsp;Action plan: Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts&nbsp;Wichita State UniversityPrograms reviewed: FiveAction plan: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts/Science in Geology, Bachelor of Arts/Science in Physics, Bachelor of Science in Forensic SciencesMerge: Bachelor of Arts in Women’s, Ethnicity, &amp; Intersectional StudiesFort Hays State UniversityPrograms reviewed: FiveAction plan: Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language: Spanish, Bachelor of Arts/Science in Physics and Bachelor of Arts in Music&nbsp;Merge: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy&nbsp;On Tuesday, regents on the Board Academic Affairs Standing Committee&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansasregents.org/resources/PDF/About/BAASC_Meetings/_2024_06_04_BAASC_FINAL_.pdf">reviewed program recommendations</a>, the final step before plans go before the full board later this month.Regent Alysia Johnston said curriculum dealing with identity is important, but performance has to be a factor.“I think that that’s important as well,” Johnston said. “But I still am sticking to the fact that I believe some of these things, if we’re not meeting three of the four targets, then we’ve got to be able to do something to act, move forward in terms of how we are going to get this on track.”Earlier this year, regents members discussed the impact of several of these programs, such as Jewish studies and African studies, which offer rigorous research and opportunities but appear to be underperforming by KBOR metrics.“I don’t want to see those courses go away completely,” said regent Diana Mendoza. “I think they’re valuable, I think we need to continue to offer those opportunities to students, but I also feel like we need to be efficient in the way that we allocate our resources.”&nbsp;The University of Kansas has the most programs impacted, with 11 under review, 10 of which the university recommended for action and one recommended to merge.According to the University of Kansas action plan, Jewish studies allows students to participate in influential research, including through The Druze Studies Project, a digital humanities program for studying Druze culture, literature, and history.Students have received research scholarships and were given the opportunity to write journal articles. The program hosted a “Druze Studies” symposium last year with 25 international scholars attending, another valuable experience, the university’s plan said.“One of these students is currently in the process of writing a research article as a follow-up to this event, a testament to the lasting impact of their involvement,” the university argued in defense of the program. “This experience has also opened doors for him in the academic publishing landscape, as he was recently hired as the assistant to the editor of the new Druze Studies Journal.”Emporia State University reviewed two programs. The institution already has phased out or merged 20% of programs following the KBOR-sanctioned decision in 2022&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/13/emporia-state-university-is-about-to-suspend-tenure-heres-why-you-should-care/">to fire tenured faculty members</a>, and eliminate programs without explanation for which ones were targeted.An American Association of University Professors&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/aaup_EmporiaState_Final.pdf">investigation</a>&nbsp;later concluded the actions taken by ESU president Ken Hush with<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/14/emporia-state-receives-green-light-to-move-rapidly-with-faculty-program-realignment/">&nbsp;regents support</a>&nbsp;were little more than an attack on academic freedom. The investigation concluded university administrators and Kansas Board of Regents members&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/05/01/emporia-state-university-kansas-board-of-regents-members-unfit-to-lead-investigation-finds/">are “unfit to lead.</a>”

Kan. Regents evaluating action plans for underperforming university programs

Police: 2 wanted in connection with Kan. homicide investigation

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double-homicide at a home in Kansas City.

Just after 1a.m. Thursday, responded to a shooting at a home at 32nd and Bellefontaine, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.&nbsp;

Police released no additional details and have not reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717675441604.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double-homicide at a home in Kansas City.Just after 1a.m. Thursday, responded to a shooting at a home at 32nd and Bellefontaine, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.&nbsp;First responders found a man and boy dead inside the home. EMS transported two others, a woman and boy, to the hospital for treatment.Police released no additional details and have not reported an arrest.

Police: Man and teen dead, 2 injured in shooting at KC home

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp; seeking information or witnesses surrounding a burglary and robbery investigation. 

On Wednesday, the Overland Park Police Department received a report that a ride-share driver had his vehicle stolen near W 135th and Switzer, according to a media release.

 Officers discovered that the ride-share driver was approached by a suspect who displayed a weapon and took the victim's vehicle.&nbsp; There were no injuries to the victim. 

 The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, 6-foot-2 with a black beard and black hair.  The suspect left north on Switzer.  While conducting an area search, officers located the abandoned stolen vehicle at a nearby business. 

 The business doors were found unsecured and the officers searched the business for the suspect, however the suspect was not located. 

There were obvious signs the business was entered by the suspect. Anyone with information regarding this incident please contact the TIPs Hotline at 814-474-TIPS.

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp; seeking information or witnesses surrounding a burglary and robbery investigation. On Wednesday, the Overland Park Police Department received a report that a ride-share driver had his vehicle stolen near W 135th and Switzer, according to a media release. Officers discovered that the ride-share driver was approached by a suspect who displayed a weapon and took the victim's vehicle.&nbsp; There were no injuries to the victim. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, 6-foot-2 with a black beard and black hair. The suspect left north on Switzer. While conducting an area search, officers located the abandoned stolen vehicle at a nearby business. The business doors were found unsecured and the officers searched the business for the suspect, however the suspect was not located. There were obvious signs the business was entered by the suspect. Anyone with information regarding this incident please contact the TIPs Hotline at 814-474-TIPS.

Police: Kansas ride share vehicle stolen at gunpoint

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just before 9:30a.m. Wednesday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Ford Explorer driven by Rickey Don&nbsp;Newman, 75, Edwardsville, was eastbound in the number one lane of Kansas 32 just west of southbound Interstate 435.

The SUV struck a 2007 Chevy Silverado driven by Demond  Anthony&nbsp;McMillian, 41, Edwaardsville, who was stopped at the traffic signal&nbsp;on Kansas 32 at the Interstate 435 southbound exit ramp intersection in the left turn lane. 

After impact the Silverado struck a 2022 Ford Transit van driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Bradley Wayne&nbsp; Guthrie, 26, Basehor.&nbsp;

Newman was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics.&nbsp; EMS transported a passenger in the Explorer Franklin Dale Newman, 50, Edwardsville, to Overland Park Regional. A private vehicle transported&nbsp;McMillian to an area hospital. Guthrie was not injured. The KHP did not have seat belt usage details.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just before 9:30a.m. Wednesday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Ford Explorer driven by Rickey Don&nbsp;Newman, 75, Edwardsville, was eastbound in the number one lane of Kansas 32 just west of southbound Interstate 435.The SUV struck a 2007 Chevy Silverado driven by Demond Anthony&nbsp;McMillian, 41, Edwaardsville, who was stopped at the traffic signal&nbsp;on Kansas 32 at the Interstate 435 southbound exit ramp intersection in the left turn lane. After impact the Silverado struck a 2022 Ford Transit van driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Bradley Wayne&nbsp; Guthrie, 26, Basehor.&nbsp;Newman was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics.&nbsp; EMS transported a passenger in the Explorer Franklin Dale Newman, 50, Edwardsville, to Overland Park Regional. A private vehicle transported&nbsp;McMillian to an area hospital. Guthrie was not injured. The KHP did not have seat belt usage details.

Kansas man dead, 2 injured after 3-vehicle crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans have blocked legislation designed to protect women’s access to contraception, arguing that the bill was just a political stunt as Democrats mount an election-year effort to put GOP senators on the record on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-bans-exceptions-doctors-lawmakers-7cefca4a248076268c789ea05b367f1a">reproductive rights issues</a>,

The test vote won a 51-39 majority, but that was well short of the 60 votes to move ahead on the legislation. Kansas Junior Senator Roger Marshall voted against the measure. Kansas Senior Senator Jerry Moran was one of 10 Senators who did not vote.

It came as the Senate has abandoned hopes of doing serious bipartisan legislation before the election. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and his Democrats are trying to instead spotlight issues they believe can help them win the presidency and keep the Senate in November. A similar vote on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ivf-senate-reproductive-care-8325160d68579ff2bbf89cfee5acd481">ensuring nationwide access to in vitro fertilization</a>&nbsp;is expected next week.

That bill is expected to similarly stall in the Senate, where Democrats need 60 votes to move forward on legislation. Schumer said Tuesday that Democrats will “put reproductive freedoms front and center before this chamber, so that the American people can see for themselves who will stand up to defend their fundamental liberties.”

The effort comes as Democrats worry that reproductive rights will be further threatened after the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;two years ago and as they continue to see that access as one of their most potent election-year issues. President Joe Biden’s campaign has embraced reproductive rights as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-biden-abortion-israelhamas-4edafc567e1e8377950e52713f8f4966">a key to winning undecided voters</a>, especially women.

“Contraception is health care, essential health care, that millions of people rely on,” said Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono, a Democrat. She said the court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade “foretold more chaos to come.”

Minority Republicans scoffed, saying the political messaging votes were unserious distractions from legislation they would like to vote on. “I expect we will see a lot more show votes this summer,” said South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Senate Republican, on Tuesday.

Maine Sen. Susan Collins, one of two Republicans to vote with Democrats to move forward on the bill, said Monday that she would want the legislation to be amended to include more religious liberty protections. “It is clearly a messaging attempt and not a serious attempt in itself,” she said.

Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who along with Collins supports abortion rights, also voted to move forward on the legislation.

Many Republicans who voted against consideration of the bill said they support access to contraception but believe the legislation is unnecessary.

"The Democrats are using their power to push an alarmist and false narrative that there is a problem accessing contraception,” said Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, the top Republican on the Senate Health, Labor, Education and Pensions Committee.

The Senate push on reproductive access this year differs from bipartisan legislation passed in 2022 that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-wisconsin-rob-portman-marriage-tammy-baldwin-91b12650871afaa87a479d3018a4fded">protect same-sex marriage</a>&nbsp;amid concerns that the court could go after the Obergefell v. Hodges decision that legalized gay marriage nationwide. A vote on that bill was delayed until after that year’s midterm elections to try and avoid political complications, and 12 Republicans eventually supported it, sending it to Biden's desk.

Since Republicans took the House majority last year, though, Congress has moved on few legislative items that were not immediately urgent or that did not face deadlines for expiration. Schumer has said repeatedly that he would like to move on bills to improve rail safety, lower the cost of prescription drugs and improve online safety for children, among other bipartisan legislation. But most of those bills have stalled in the divided Congress as some Republicans and Democrats have been less willing to work together in an election year.

Instead, Schumer has focused the Senate on judicial nominations and political messaging bills, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-immigration-senate-vote-924f48912eecf1dc544dc648d757c3fe">repeat vote last month on a border security bill</a>&nbsp;that Republicans had already rejected in February after months of bipartisan negotiations. Democrats who have faced intense criticism over the border issue have hoped that they can blunt that issue somewhat by highlighting that legislation. But Republicans have said it did not go far enough.

Democrats seized on the contraception issue after former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, the presumptive GOP nominee, said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-contraception-birth-control-abortion-2024-8f73bb1b3a5864b24157f15eb272a3e6">in an interview</a>&nbsp;last month that he was open to supporting restrictions on birth control. He quickly reversed course and said that he “has never and never will” advocate to restrict that access.

Contraception has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-contraception-access-gop-protections-birth-control-d376b5c489298e3035f7f433fe579b1e">increasingly entangled</a>&nbsp;in the abortion debate in some conservative states, however. In Missouri, a women’s health care bill was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/08/missouri-womens-health-bill-birth-control/">stalled for months</a>&nbsp;over concerns about expanding insurance coverage for birth control after some lawmakers falsely conflated birth control with medication abortion. In Arizona, Republicans unanimously blocked a Democratic effort to protect the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-birth-control-contraception-right-46662839c7c0baec0cb8088106f261de">right to contraception</a>&nbsp;access. Tennessee Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://tennesseelookout.com/2024/03/05/bill-to-protect-ivf-treatment-access-to-contraceptives-dies-in-tennessee-house/">blocked a bill</a>&nbsp;that would have clarified that the state’s abortion ban would not affect contraceptive care or fertility treatments.

And in Virginia, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/youngkin-virginia-general-assembly-vetoes-skill-games-771aaae0d34b31bbd7008d8e396c71b6">vetoed</a>&nbsp;bills from the Democratic-controlled Legislature that would have protected the right to contraception earlier this year. He said he supports the right to birth control but that “we cannot trample on the religious freedoms of Virginians.”

The Senate bill would make it federal law that an individual has the right to obtain contraceptives and to “engage in contraception,” and that health providers can provide them.

In the GOP-led House, Democratic Rep. Kathy Manning of North Carolina is leading a longshot effort to get enough signatures to discharge a similar version of the Senate's contraception bill from committee and put it on the floor — a tactic used when leadership won't bring up legislation for a vote.

Schumer said that the legislation designed to protect IVF access will come up in the Senate next week.

That bill comes after Alabama’s Supreme Court ruled frozen embryos can be considered children under state law earlier this year, causing several clinics to suspend IVF treatments. The state later enacted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-ivf-clinic-lawsuit-immunity-things-know-0d16d3be139f42c96bc3ab35c4467f55">law providing legal protections</a>&nbsp;for IVF clinics, but Democrats have argued that Congress should act to guarantee nationwide access to reproductive care to try and prevent courts from making those decisions.

“Democrats will act to safeguard and strengthen IVF access for all Americans, so that everyone has a chance to start a family,” Schumer said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — In an election year effort to put Republicans on record on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-bans-exceptions-doctors-lawmakers-7cefca4a248076268c789ea05b367f1a">reproductive rights issues</a>, Senate Democrats are holding a vote Wednesday to move forward with legislation designed to protect women’s access to contraception.

The test vote comes as the Senate has abandoned hopes for doing serious bipartisan legislation before the election and as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats are trying to instead spotlight issues that they believe can help them win the presidency and keep the Senate in November. A similar vote on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ivf-senate-reproductive-care-8325160d68579ff2bbf89cfee5acd481">ensuring nationwide access to in vitro fertilization</a>&nbsp;could come as soon as next week.

Neither bill is likely to pass the Senate, where Democrats would need 60 votes, much less the Republican-led House. But Schumer said Tuesday that Democrats will “put reproductive freedoms front and center before this chamber, so that the American people can see for themselves who will stand up to defend their fundamental liberties.”

The effort comes as Democrats worry that reproductive rights will be further threatened after the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;two years ago and as they continue to see that access as one of their most potent election-year issues. President Joe Biden’s campaign sees reproductive rights as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-biden-abortion-israelhamas-4edafc567e1e8377950e52713f8f4966">a key path to winning undecided voters</a>, especially women.

Still, Wednesday’s vote on whether to move forward with the legislation could put some GOP senators in a tough spot. While most Republicans would oppose any restrictions on contraception, they are unlikely to back Democrats’ political push.

Maine Sen. Susan Collins, one of the few Republican senators who supports abortion rights, said Monday that she is likely to vote to move forward on the legislation but that she would want the bill to be amended to include more religious liberty protections. “It is clearly a messaging attempt and not a serious attempt in itself,” she said.

The legislation designed to protect in vitro fertilization comes after Alabama’s Supreme Court ruled frozen embryos can be considered children under state law earlier this year, causing several clinics to suspend IVF treatments. The state later enacted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-ivf-clinic-lawsuit-immunity-things-know-0d16d3be139f42c96bc3ab35c4467f55">law providing legal protections</a>&nbsp;for IVF clinics, but Democrats have argued that Congress should act to guarantee nationwide access to reproductive care to try and prevent courts from making those decisions.

Washington Sen. Patty Murray, the Democratic chairwoman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said that she believes Americans “will be watching closely” as Democrats force Republicans to vote on contraception Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717622656334.png" alt="Senate Democrat image" />
 <figcaption>Senate Democrat image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans have blocked legislation designed to protect women’s access to contraception, arguing that the bill was just a political stunt as Democrats mount an election-year effort to put GOP senators on the record on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-bans-exceptions-doctors-lawmakers-7cefca4a248076268c789ea05b367f1a">reproductive rights issues</a>,The test vote won a 51-39 majority, but that was well short of the 60 votes to move ahead on the legislation. Kansas Junior Senator Roger Marshall voted against the measure. Kansas Senior Senator Jerry Moran was one of 10 Senators who did not vote.It came as the Senate has abandoned hopes of doing serious bipartisan legislation before the election. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and his Democrats are trying to instead spotlight issues they believe can help them win the presidency and keep the Senate in November. A similar vote on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ivf-senate-reproductive-care-8325160d68579ff2bbf89cfee5acd481">ensuring nationwide access to in vitro fertilization</a>&nbsp;is expected next week.That bill is expected to similarly stall in the Senate, where Democrats need 60 votes to move forward on legislation. Schumer said Tuesday that Democrats will “put reproductive freedoms front and center before this chamber, so that the American people can see for themselves who will stand up to defend their fundamental liberties.”The effort comes as Democrats worry that reproductive rights will be further threatened after the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;two years ago and as they continue to see that access as one of their most potent election-year issues. President Joe Biden’s campaign has embraced reproductive rights as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-biden-abortion-israelhamas-4edafc567e1e8377950e52713f8f4966">a key to winning undecided voters</a>, especially women.“Contraception is health care, essential health care, that millions of people rely on,” said Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono, a Democrat. She said the court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade “foretold more chaos to come.”Minority Republicans scoffed, saying the political messaging votes were unserious distractions from legislation they would like to vote on. “I expect we will see a lot more show votes this summer,” said South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Senate Republican, on Tuesday.Maine Sen. Susan Collins, one of two Republicans to vote with Democrats to move forward on the bill, said Monday that she would want the legislation to be amended to include more religious liberty protections. “It is clearly a messaging attempt and not a serious attempt in itself,” she said.Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who along with Collins supports abortion rights, also voted to move forward on the legislation.Many Republicans who voted against consideration of the bill said they support access to contraception but believe the legislation is unnecessary."The Democrats are using their power to push an alarmist and false narrative that there is a problem accessing contraception,” said Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, the top Republican on the Senate Health, Labor, Education and Pensions Committee.The Senate push on reproductive access this year differs from bipartisan legislation passed in 2022 that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-wisconsin-rob-portman-marriage-tammy-baldwin-91b12650871afaa87a479d3018a4fded">protect same-sex marriage</a>&nbsp;amid concerns that the court could go after the Obergefell v. Hodges decision that legalized gay marriage nationwide. A vote on that bill was delayed until after that year’s midterm elections to try and avoid political complications, and 12 Republicans eventually supported it, sending it to Biden's desk.Since Republicans took the House majority last year, though, Congress has moved on few legislative items that were not immediately urgent or that did not face deadlines for expiration. Schumer has said repeatedly that he would like to move on bills to improve rail safety, lower the cost of prescription drugs and improve online safety for children, among other bipartisan legislation. But most of those bills have stalled in the divided Congress as some Republicans and Democrats have been less willing to work together in an election year.Instead, Schumer has focused the Senate on judicial nominations and political messaging bills, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-immigration-senate-vote-924f48912eecf1dc544dc648d757c3fe">repeat vote last month on a border security bill</a>&nbsp;that Republicans had already rejected in February after months of bipartisan negotiations. Democrats who have faced intense criticism over the border issue have hoped that they can blunt that issue somewhat by highlighting that legislation. But Republicans have said it did not go far enough.Democrats seized on the contraception issue after former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, the presumptive GOP nominee, said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-contraception-birth-control-abortion-2024-8f73bb1b3a5864b24157f15eb272a3e6">in an interview</a>&nbsp;last month that he was open to supporting restrictions on birth control. He quickly reversed course and said that he “has never and never will” advocate to restrict that access.Contraception has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-contraception-access-gop-protections-birth-control-d376b5c489298e3035f7f433fe579b1e">increasingly entangled</a>&nbsp;in the abortion debate in some conservative states, however. In Missouri, a women’s health care bill was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/08/missouri-womens-health-bill-birth-control/">stalled for months</a>&nbsp;over concerns about expanding insurance coverage for birth control after some lawmakers falsely conflated birth control with medication abortion. In Arizona, Republicans unanimously blocked a Democratic effort to protect the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-birth-control-contraception-right-46662839c7c0baec0cb8088106f261de">right to contraception</a>&nbsp;access. Tennessee Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://tennesseelookout.com/2024/03/05/bill-to-protect-ivf-treatment-access-to-contraceptives-dies-in-tennessee-house/">blocked a bill</a>&nbsp;that would have clarified that the state’s abortion ban would not affect contraceptive care or fertility treatments.And in Virginia, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/youngkin-virginia-general-assembly-vetoes-skill-games-771aaae0d34b31bbd7008d8e396c71b6">vetoed</a>&nbsp;bills from the Democratic-controlled Legislature that would have protected the right to contraception earlier this year. He said he supports the right to birth control but that “we cannot trample on the religious freedoms of Virginians.”The Senate bill would make it federal law that an individual has the right to obtain contraceptives and to “engage in contraception,” and that health providers can provide them.In the GOP-led House, Democratic Rep. Kathy Manning of North Carolina is leading a longshot effort to get enough signatures to discharge a similar version of the Senate's contraception bill from committee and put it on the floor — a tactic used when leadership won't bring up legislation for a vote.Schumer said that the legislation designed to protect IVF access will come up in the Senate next week.That bill comes after Alabama’s Supreme Court ruled frozen embryos can be considered children under state law earlier this year, causing several clinics to suspend IVF treatments. The state later enacted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-ivf-clinic-lawsuit-immunity-things-know-0d16d3be139f42c96bc3ab35c4467f55">law providing legal protections</a>&nbsp;for IVF clinics, but Democrats have argued that Congress should act to guarantee nationwide access to reproductive care to try and prevent courts from making those decisions.“Democrats will act to safeguard and strengthen IVF access for all Americans, so that everyone has a chance to start a family,” Schumer said.___WASHINGTON (AP) — In an election year effort to put Republicans on record on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-bans-exceptions-doctors-lawmakers-7cefca4a248076268c789ea05b367f1a">reproductive rights issues</a>, Senate Democrats are holding a vote Wednesday to move forward with legislation designed to protect women’s access to contraception.The test vote comes as the Senate has abandoned hopes for doing serious bipartisan legislation before the election and as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats are trying to instead spotlight issues that they believe can help them win the presidency and keep the Senate in November. A similar vote on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ivf-senate-reproductive-care-8325160d68579ff2bbf89cfee5acd481">ensuring nationwide access to in vitro fertilization</a>&nbsp;could come as soon as next week.Neither bill is likely to pass the Senate, where Democrats would need 60 votes, much less the Republican-led House. But Schumer said Tuesday that Democrats will “put reproductive freedoms front and center before this chamber, so that the American people can see for themselves who will stand up to defend their fundamental liberties.”The effort comes as Democrats worry that reproductive rights will be further threatened after the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;two years ago and as they continue to see that access as one of their most potent election-year issues. President Joe Biden’s campaign sees reproductive rights as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-biden-abortion-israelhamas-4edafc567e1e8377950e52713f8f4966">a key path to winning undecided voters</a>, especially women.Minority Republicans scoffed, saying the political messaging votes were unserious distractions from legislation they would like to vote on. “I expect we will see a lot more show votes this summer,” said South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Senate Republican, on Tuesday.Still, Wednesday’s vote on whether to move forward with the legislation could put some GOP senators in a tough spot. While most Republicans would oppose any restrictions on contraception, they are unlikely to back Democrats’ political push.Maine Sen. Susan Collins, one of the few Republican senators who supports abortion rights, said Monday that she is likely to vote to move forward on the legislation but that she would want the bill to be amended to include more religious liberty protections. “It is clearly a messaging attempt and not a serious attempt in itself,” she said.The Senate push on reproductive access this year differs from bipartisan legislation passed in 2022 that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-wisconsin-rob-portman-marriage-tammy-baldwin-91b12650871afaa87a479d3018a4fded">protect same-sex marriage</a>&nbsp;amid concerns that the court could go after the Obergefell v. Hodges decision that legalized gay marriage nationwide. A vote on that bill was delayed until after that year’s midterm elections to try and avoid political complications, and 12 Republicans eventually supported it, sending it to Biden's desk.Since Republicans took the House majority last year, though, Congress has moved on few legislative items that were not immediately urgent or that did not face deadlines for expiration. Schumer has said repeatedly that he would like to move on bills to improve rail safety, lower the cost of prescription drugs and improve online safety for children, among other bipartisan legislation. But most of those bills have stalled in the divided Congress as some Republicans and Democrats have been less willing to work together in an election year.Instead, Schumer has focused the Senate on judicial nominations and political messaging bills, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-immigration-senate-vote-924f48912eecf1dc544dc648d757c3fe">repeat vote last month on a border security bill</a>&nbsp;that Republicans had already rejected in February after months of bipartisan negotiations. Democrats who have faced intense criticism over the border issue have hoped that they can blunt that issue somewhat by highlighting that legislation. But Republicans have said it did not go far enough.Democrats seized on the contraception issue after former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, the presumptive GOP nominee, said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-contraception-birth-control-abortion-2024-8f73bb1b3a5864b24157f15eb272a3e6">in an interview</a>&nbsp;last month that he was open to supporting restrictions on birth control. He quickly reversed course and said that he “has never and never will” advocate to restrict that access.Contraception has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-contraception-access-gop-protections-birth-control-d376b5c489298e3035f7f433fe579b1e">increasingly entangled</a>&nbsp;in the abortion debate in some conservative states, however. In Missouri, a women’s health care bill was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/08/missouri-womens-health-bill-birth-control/">stalled for months</a>&nbsp;over concerns about expanding insurance coverage for birth control after some lawmakers falsely conflated birth control with medication abortion. In Arizona, Republicans unanimously blocked a Democratic effort to protect the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-birth-control-contraception-right-46662839c7c0baec0cb8088106f261de">right to contraception</a>&nbsp;access. Tennessee Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://tennesseelookout.com/2024/03/05/bill-to-protect-ivf-treatment-access-to-contraceptives-dies-in-tennessee-house/">blocked a bill</a>&nbsp;that would have clarified that the state’s abortion ban would not affect contraceptive care or fertility treatments.And in Virginia, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/youngkin-virginia-general-assembly-vetoes-skill-games-771aaae0d34b31bbd7008d8e396c71b6">vetoed</a>&nbsp;bills from the Democratic-controlled Legislature that would have protected the right to contraception earlier this year. He said he supports the right to birth control but that “we cannot trample on the religious freedoms of Virginians.”The Senate bill would make it federal law that an individual has the right to obtain contraceptives and to “engage in contraception,” and that health providers can provide them.The legislation designed to protect in vitro fertilization comes after Alabama’s Supreme Court ruled frozen embryos can be considered children under state law earlier this year, causing several clinics to suspend IVF treatments. The state later enacted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-ivf-clinic-lawsuit-immunity-things-know-0d16d3be139f42c96bc3ab35c4467f55">law providing legal protections</a>&nbsp;for IVF clinics, but Democrats have argued that Congress should act to guarantee nationwide access to reproductive care to try and prevent courts from making those decisions.Washington Sen. Patty Murray, the Democratic chairwoman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said that she believes Americans “will be watching closely” as Democrats force Republicans to vote on contraception Wednesday.

Moran misses vote as GOP blocks bill on the right to contraception 

COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France (AP) — U.S. President Joe Biden has reaffirmed America’s commitment to the defense of Ukraine, saying in his D-Day anniversary speech that “we will not walk away” and give into bullies.

Biden’s comment about bullies was a reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who sent his military across the border into Ukraine more than two years ago in an attempted takeover. The U.S. and other countries have been aiding Ukraine by sending weapons, money and other support.

Biden used his speech Thursday to connect what happened during World War II to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The president praised the power of alliances and said Russia’s advance will not stop with Ukraine if the world walks away. Biden said “Ukraine’s neighbors will be threatened” and “all of Europe will be threatened.”

He argued for holding strong against Putin, saying “to surrender to bullies, to bow down to dictators is simply unthinkable” and that to give in “means we’d forget what happened here” on the beaches of Normandy.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron awarded 11 U.S. WWII veterans with the Legion of Honor, France’s highest distinction, during commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

“You came here because the free world needed each and every one of you, and you answered the call,” Macron told them. “You came here to make France a free nation. You’re back here today at home, if I may say.”

Macron kissed each veteran on both cheeks and greeted them warmly as he pinned medals on their lapels.

Among the men was Hilbert Margol, who joined an artillery battalion that operated in eastern France. He is part of American forces that liberated the Dachau concentration camp. Another, Ray Tweedel, landed by sea in Normandy on the night of June 8, 1944, and took part in the war as an oil tanker and ambulance driver.

French President Emmanuel Macron also bestowed a Legion of Honor award on a 103-year-old female British veteran officer who created detailed maps that guided the crews of landing craft on D-Day.

Christian Lamb sat in a wheelchair as Macron bent down to pin the medal on her and kissed her on both cheeks.

He told her she was one of the “heroes in the shadows” as he described how she was studying in Normandy in 1939 when her father, a Royal Navy admiral, called her back to London on the eve of World War II.

In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Lamb recalled creating maps that “showed railways, roads, churches, castles, every possible feature that could be visible to an incoming invader and from every angle,” Lamb.

“It was intense and exciting work, and obviously detail was vital. It was crucial that the maps were 100% accurate," she said.

UTAH BEACH, France (AP) — As the sun sets on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/veterans-united-kingdom-france-canada-4816383ae94f45219ef106954d4be784">the D-Day generation</a>, it rose again over Normandy beaches where soldiers fought and died exactly 80 years ago Thursday, kicking off intense anniversary commemorations against the backdrop of renewed war in Europe,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">in Ukraine</a>.

Ever-dwindling numbers of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dday-normandy-wwii-veterans-france-110e5361cca01f9ff1d3db8b74a09c67">World War II veterans</a>&nbsp;who have pilgrimaged back to France, and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine that has dashed hopes that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vovchansk-drone-379f45ac9ced064f820254466a318fa1">lives and cities</a>&nbsp;wouldn't again be laid to waste in Europe, are making the poignant anniversary of the June 6, 1944, Allied landings even more so 80 years on.

As now-centenarian veterans revisit old memories and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/france-music-36bf556ac946418888873488bce92500">fallen comrades buried in Normandy graves</a>, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's presence at D-Day commemorations with world leaders who are supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-france-ukraine-896f00db3dcb40e2f165bd7ddecd1347">including United States President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;— will inevitably fuse together World War II's awful past with the fraught present on Thursday.

The break of dawn almost eight decades exactly after Allied troops waded ashore under hails of gunfire on five code-named beaches — Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword — kicked off a day of remembrance by Allied nations now standing together again behind Ukraine — and with World War II ally Russia not invited by host France. It cited Russia's “war of aggression against Ukraine that has intensified in recent weeks" for the snub.

With the dead and wounded on both sides in Ukraine estimated in the hundreds of thousands, commemorations for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dday-wwii-france-invasion-military-b02d03fa11f66767a521a3b01357a89a">more than 4,400 Allied dead</a>&nbsp;on D-Day and many tens of thousands more,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dday-wwii-civilians-france-germany-military-normandy-72c0afc51a8a76222e510771a2474563">including French civilians</a>, killed in the ensuing Battle of Normandy are tinged with concerns that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dday-children-legacy-normandy-anniversary-de932d14b4ed2ab1a8880520415d24c5">World War II lessons are being lost</a>.

French President Emmanuel Macron told D-Day veterans on Thursday that ″France will never forget″ their battle to liberate Europe from the Nazis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717674789344.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France (AP) — U.S. President Joe Biden has reaffirmed America’s commitment to the defense of Ukraine, saying in his D-Day anniversary speech that “we will not walk away” and give into bullies.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IoXxto2ZLS4?si=vKbORkvJUdpuM3XB&amp;start=2743" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Biden’s comment about bullies was a reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who sent his military across the border into Ukraine more than two years ago in an attempted takeover. The U.S. and other countries have been aiding Ukraine by sending weapons, money and other support.Biden used his speech Thursday to connect what happened during World War II to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.The president praised the power of alliances and said Russia’s advance will not stop with Ukraine if the world walks away. Biden said “Ukraine’s neighbors will be threatened” and “all of Europe will be threatened.”He argued for holding strong against Putin, saying “to surrender to bullies, to bow down to dictators is simply unthinkable” and that to give in “means we’d forget what happened here” on the beaches of Normandy.Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron awarded 11 U.S. WWII veterans with the Legion of Honor, France’s highest distinction, during commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.“You came here because the free world needed each and every one of you, and you answered the call,” Macron told them. “You came here to make France a free nation. You’re back here today at home, if I may say.”The men are now 98 to 104 years old.Macron kissed each veteran on both cheeks and greeted them warmly as he pinned medals on their lapels.Among the men was Hilbert Margol, who joined an artillery battalion that operated in eastern France. He is part of American forces that liberated the Dachau concentration camp. Another, Ray Tweedel, landed by sea in Normandy on the night of June 8, 1944, and took part in the war as an oil tanker and ambulance driver.French President Emmanuel Macron also bestowed a Legion of Honor award on a 103-year-old female British veteran officer who created detailed maps that guided the crews of landing craft on D-Day.Christian Lamb sat in a wheelchair as Macron bent down to pin the medal on her and kissed her on both cheeks.He told her she was one of the “heroes in the shadows” as he described how she was studying in Normandy in 1939 when her father, a Royal Navy admiral, called her back to London on the eve of World War II.In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Lamb recalled creating maps that “showed railways, roads, churches, castles, every possible feature that could be visible to an incoming invader and from every angle,” Lamb.“It was intense and exciting work, and obviously detail was vital. It was crucial that the maps were 100% accurate," she said.--------------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717670894905.png" alt="Images courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Images courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>UTAH BEACH, France (AP) — As the sun sets on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/veterans-united-kingdom-france-canada-4816383ae94f45219ef106954d4be784">the D-Day generation</a>, it rose again over Normandy beaches where soldiers fought and died exactly 80 years ago Thursday, kicking off intense anniversary commemorations against the backdrop of renewed war in Europe,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">in Ukraine</a>.Ever-dwindling numbers of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dday-normandy-wwii-veterans-france-110e5361cca01f9ff1d3db8b74a09c67">World War II veterans</a>&nbsp;who have pilgrimaged back to France, and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine that has dashed hopes that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vovchansk-drone-379f45ac9ced064f820254466a318fa1">lives and cities</a>&nbsp;wouldn't again be laid to waste in Europe, are making the poignant anniversary of the June 6, 1944, Allied landings even more so 80 years on.As now-centenarian veterans revisit old memories and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/france-music-36bf556ac946418888873488bce92500">fallen comrades buried in Normandy graves</a>, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's presence at D-Day commemorations with world leaders who are supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-france-ukraine-896f00db3dcb40e2f165bd7ddecd1347">including United States President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;— will inevitably fuse together World War II's awful past with the fraught present on Thursday.<figure>
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 </figure>The break of dawn almost eight decades exactly after Allied troops waded ashore under hails of gunfire on five code-named beaches — Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword — kicked off a day of remembrance by Allied nations now standing together again behind Ukraine — and with World War II ally Russia not invited by host France. It cited Russia's “war of aggression against Ukraine that has intensified in recent weeks" for the snub.With the dead and wounded on both sides in Ukraine estimated in the hundreds of thousands, commemorations for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dday-wwii-france-invasion-military-b02d03fa11f66767a521a3b01357a89a">more than 4,400 Allied dead</a>&nbsp;on D-Day and many tens of thousands more,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dday-wwii-civilians-france-germany-military-normandy-72c0afc51a8a76222e510771a2474563">including French civilians</a>, killed in the ensuing Battle of Normandy are tinged with concerns that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dday-children-legacy-normandy-anniversary-de932d14b4ed2ab1a8880520415d24c5">World War II lessons are being lost</a>.French President Emmanuel Macron told D-Day veterans on Thursday that ″France will never forget″ their battle to liberate Europe from the Nazis.“There are things worth fighting for," said World War II veteran Walter Stitt, who fought in tanks and turns 100 in July, as he visited Omaha Beach this week. "Although I wish there was another way to do it than to try to kill each other.”“We’ll learn one of these days, but I won’t be around for that,” he said.Conscious of the inevitability that major D-Day anniversaries will soon take place without World War II veterans, huge throngs of aficionados in uniforms and riding vehicles of the time, and tourists soaking up the spectacle, have flooded Normandy for the 80th anniversary.“It’s so historic and we just have to remember the sacrifices of everybody who gave us our freedom,” said Becky Kraubetz, a Briton now living in Florida whose grandfather served with the British Army during World War II and was captured in Malta.“It gives you goosebumps, everything that happened here. Imagine just jumping into the water, freezing cold,” the 54-year-old said as she gazed across the English Channel, tears in her eyes. “The bravery, the courage, for people to face that is just unbelievable — very, very humbled to be here.”She was among a crowd of thousands of people that stretched for several kilometers (miles) along Utah Beach, the westernmost of the D-Day beaches.In a quiet spot away from the official ceremonies, France's Christophe Receveur performed his own tribute, unfurling an American flag he had bought on a trip to Pennsylvania to honor those who died on D-Day.“To forget them is to let them die all over again,” the 57-year-old said as he and his daughter, Julie, then carefully refolded the flag into a tight triangle, adding that those now dying in Ukraine fighting the invading Russian army were also on his mind.“All these troops came to liberate a country that they didn't know for an ideology — democracy, freedom — that is under severe strain now,” he said.The fair-like atmosphere fueled by World War II-era jeeps and trucks tearing down hedge-rowed lanes so deadly for Allied troops who fought dug-in German defenders, and of reenactors playing at war on sands where D-Day soldiers fell, leave open the question of what meaning anniversaries will have once the veterans are gone.But at the 80th, they're the VIPs of commemorations across the Normandy coast where the largest-ever land, sea and air armada punctured Hitler’s defenses in Western Europe and helped precipitate his downfall 11 months later.“They really were the golden generation, those 17-, 18-year-old guys doing something so brave,” said James Baker, a 56-year-old from the Netherlands, reflecting as dawn broke on Utah Beach.Farther up the coast on Gold Beach, a military bagpiper played at precisely the time that British troops landed there 80 years ago.The United Kingdom's King Charles III and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak were among those at a ceremony later in the day to honor the troops who landed there and on Sword Beach, while Prince William and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined others at ceremony for the Canadian troops who landed on Juno Beach.In his address, the king told the crowd that the world was fortunate that a generation “did not flinch" when they were called upon.“Our obligation to remember what they stood for and what they achieved for us all can never diminish,” he said.Speaking in French, Charles also paid tribute to the “unimaginable number” of French civilians killed in the battle for Normandy, and the bravery and sacrifice of the French Resistance.Biden was to take part in a ceremony later at the American cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach.Those who traveled to Normandy include&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-war-ii-international-news-france-europe-bd08bfc199e34d7bb1cfb6addb0cd16d">women who were among the millions</a>&nbsp;who built bombers, tanks and other weaponry and played other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dday-normandy-80th-anniversary-women-368259471e91c906309abb21b915086f">vital World War II roles</a>&nbsp;that were long overshadowed by the combat exploits of men.“We weren’t doing it for honors and awards. We were doing it to save our country. And we ended up helping save the world,” said 98-year-old Anna Mae Krier, who worked as a riveter building B-17 and B-29 bombers.Feted wherever they go in wheelchairs and walking with canes, veterans are using their voices to repeat their message they hope will live eternal: Never forget.“To know the amount of people who were killed here, just amazing,” 98-year-old Allan Chatwin, who served with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific, said as he visited Omaha, the deadliest of the Allied beaches on D-Day.He quickly added: “I don't know that amazing is the word.”