SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman after an alleged violent incident at a Salina motel.

Just after 8p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a disturbance at the Marifah Inn, 1846 N 9th Street in Salina, according to Police Captain James Feldman.&nbsp; A caller told police a woman was allegedly swinging a baseball bat at another hotel guest.

Officers spoke with a 33-year-old woman who said 37-year-old Amanda Myers allegedly verbally assaulted her before threatening her later in the hotel lobby.

When the victim went to the lobby to report the issue, Myers walked into the lobby with a bat and swung at the victim, according to Feldman. 

The victim was scared for her safety, and several other people and workers there kept Myers away from the victim.

After officers took the victim's report,&nbsp; they visited Myers' room to question her.

Feldman said that after officers met Myers at the door to her room, she attempted to flee back into the room away from officers and gave some resistance. She was taken&nbsp;into custody on requested charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715774424910.jpeg" alt=" Myers photo Saline Co." />
                        <figcaption> Myers photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman after an alleged violent incident at a Salina motel.</p><p>Just after 8p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a disturbance at the Marifah Inn, 1846 N 9th Street in Salina, according to Police Captain James Feldman.&nbsp; A caller told police a woman was allegedly swinging a baseball bat at another hotel guest.</p><p>Officers spoke with a 33-year-old woman who said 37-year-old Amanda Myers allegedly verbally assaulted her before threatening her later in the hotel lobby.</p><p>When the victim went to the lobby to report the issue, Myers walked into the lobby with a bat and swung at the victim, according to Feldman. </p><p>The victim was scared for her safety, and several other people and workers there kept Myers away from the victim.</p><p>After officers took the victim's report,&nbsp; they visited Myers' room to question her.</p><p>Feldman said that after officers met Myers at the door to her room, she attempted to flee back into the room away from officers and gave some resistance. She was taken&nbsp;into custody on requested charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and interference with law enforcement.</p>

Kan. woman accused of threatening woman with baseball bat

KANSAS CITY —Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is getting attention for last weekends commencement address where he said&nbsp; most of the women graduates were probably more excited about getting married and having children.&nbsp; He also&nbsp;railed against Pride month along with President Biden’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his stance on abortion.

The wife of Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt, Tavia Hunt, while not mentioning Butker, she did use her social media account to share her thoughts on some of what Butker had to say.

During his commencement address at Benedictine College, Butker said, “I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you." "Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world. I can tell you that my beautiful wife Isabelle would be the first to say that her life truly started when she started living her vocation as a wife and as a mother,” he said.

Butker said that his wife embraced “one of the most important titles of all. Homemaker.“

“Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity,” NFL senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer Jonathan Beane said in a statement. “His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”

Butker also criticized as disparaging to the Catholic Church an article by The Associated Press highlighting a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-church-shift-orthodoxy-tradition-7638fa2013a593f8cb07483ffc8ed487">shift toward conservativism</a>&nbsp;in some parts of the church.

The three-time Super Bowl champion delivered his roughly 20-minute address Saturday at the Catholic private liberal arts school in Atchison, Kansas, which is located about 60 miles (97 kilometers) miles north of Kansas City. He received a standing ovation from graduates and other attendees.

Butker, 28, referred to a “deadly sin sort of pride that has a month dedicated to it” in an oblique reference to Pride month. Butker also took aim at Biden's policies, including his condemnation of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court's reversal</a>&nbsp;of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision and advocacy for freedom of choice — a key campaign issue in the 2024 presidential race.

Biden, who is Catholic, has a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-2024-reproductive-rights-harris-494af752992ba88fa6e3d53fbd54f716">fraught history</a>&nbsp;on the issue. He initially opposed the Roe v. Wade decision, saying it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonian.com/1974/06/01/joe-biden-kitty-kelley-1974-profile-death-and-the-all-american-boy/">went too far</a>. He also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6127591-biden77letter.html">opposed federal funding</a>&nbsp;for abortions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2023-abortion-amendment-ohio-strategy-610e427f753a6803e4a59b7af8aa744f">supported restrictions on abortions</a>&nbsp;later in pregnancy.

Butker also tackled Biden's response to COVID-19, which has killed nearly 1.2 million people in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“While COVID might have played a large role throughout your formative years, it is not unique,” he said. “Bad policies and poor leadership have negatively impacted major life issues. Things like abortion, IVF, surrogacy, euthanasia, as well as a growing support for degenerate cultural values and media all stem from pervasiveness of disorder.”

<p>KANSAS CITY —Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is getting attention for last weekends commencement address where he said&nbsp; most of the women graduates were probably more excited about getting married and having children.&nbsp; He also&nbsp;railed against Pride month along with President Biden’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his stance on abortion.</p><p>The wife of Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt, Tavia Hunt, while not mentioning Butker, she did use her social media account to share her thoughts on some of what Butker had to say.</p><div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C7DKl6oLLmG/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C7DKl6oLLmG/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C7DKl6oLLmG/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Tavia Hunt (@taviahunt)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div><p>During his commencement address at Benedictine College, Butker said, “I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you." "Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world. I can tell you that my beautiful wife Isabelle would be the first to say that her life truly started when she started living her vocation as a wife and as a mother,” he said.</p><p>Butker said that his wife embraced “one of the most important titles of all. Homemaker.“</p><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-JS7RIKSaCc?si=vqFrASyfcwHTlMo6" 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><p>“Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity,” NFL senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer Jonathan Beane said in a statement. “His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”</p><p>Butker also criticized as disparaging to the Catholic Church an article by The Associated Press highlighting a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-church-shift-orthodoxy-tradition-7638fa2013a593f8cb07483ffc8ed487">shift toward conservativism</a>&nbsp;in some parts of the church.</p><p>The three-time Super Bowl champion delivered his roughly 20-minute address Saturday at the Catholic private liberal arts school in Atchison, Kansas, which is located about 60 miles (97 kilometers) miles north of Kansas City. He received a standing ovation from graduates and other attendees.</p><p>Butker, 28, referred to a “deadly sin sort of pride that has a month dedicated to it” in an oblique reference to Pride month. Butker also took aim at Biden's policies, including his condemnation of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court's reversal</a>&nbsp;of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision and advocacy for freedom of choice — a key campaign issue in the 2024 presidential race.</p><p>Biden, who is Catholic, has a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-2024-reproductive-rights-harris-494af752992ba88fa6e3d53fbd54f716">fraught history</a>&nbsp;on the issue. He initially opposed the Roe v. Wade decision, saying it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonian.com/1974/06/01/joe-biden-kitty-kelley-1974-profile-death-and-the-all-american-boy/">went too far</a>. He also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6127591-biden77letter.html">opposed federal funding</a>&nbsp;for abortions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2023-abortion-amendment-ohio-strategy-610e427f753a6803e4a59b7af8aa744f">supported restrictions on abortions</a>&nbsp;later in pregnancy.</p><p>Butker also tackled Biden's response to COVID-19, which has killed nearly 1.2 million people in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.</p><p>“While COVID might have played a large role throughout your formative years, it is not unique,” he said. “Bad policies and poor leadership have negatively impacted major life issues. Things like abortion, IVF, surrogacy, euthanasia, as well as a growing support for degenerate cultural values and media all stem from pervasiveness of disorder.”</p>

Wife of Chiefs owner shares thoughts following Harrison Butker's remarks

WASHINGTON (AP) — Trucks carrying badly needed aid for the Gaza Strip rolled across a newly built U.S. pier and into the besieged enclave for the first time Friday as Israeli restrictions on border crossings and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">heavy fighting</a>&nbsp;hindered the delivery of food and other supplies.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-humanitarian-aid-pier-israel-us-7fd8cf63c60e4155479e761f3c79914d">shipment is the first in an operation</a>&nbsp;that American military officials anticipate could scale up to 150 truckloads a day, all while Israel presses in on the southern city of Rafah in its seven-month offensive against Hamas.

But the U.S. and aid groups warn that the floating pier project is not a substitute for land deliveries that could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aid-gaza-pier-us-military-israel-famine-664f28efb9f4dc7a8629e79102e1175c">bring in all the food, water and fuel needed</a>&nbsp;in Gaza. Before the war, more than 500 truckloads entered the territory on an average day.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-aid-deliveries-us-pier-dangers-israel-f7b351934c22d58d94a48eb6ca5d60ff">operation's success also remains tenuous</a>&nbsp;because of the risk of militant attack, logistical hurdles and a growing shortage of fuel for the aid trucks due to the Israeli blockade of Gaza since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack. Militants killed 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage in that assault on southern Israel. The Israeli offensive since has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians in Gaza, local health officials say, while hundreds more have been killed in the West Bank.

Aid agencies say they are running out of food in southern Gaza and fuel is dwindling, while the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.N. World Food Program say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-famine-world-food-program-israel-hamas-war-476941bf2dc259f85a706408b2a665ff">famine has already taken hold</a>&nbsp;in Gaza’s north.

Troops finished installing the floating pier on Thursday, and the U.S. military's Central Command said the first aid crossed into Gaza at 9 a.m. Friday. It said no American troops went ashore in the operation.

The Pentagon said no backups were expected in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-crossings-aid-gaza-f654871ba67c42e6345b6f709427b664">distribution process</a>. The U.S. plan is for the United Nations, through its World Food Program, to take charge of the aid once it leaves the pier. This will involve coordinating the arrival of empty trucks and their registration, overseeing the transfer of goods coming through the floating dock to the trucks and their dispatch to warehouses across Gaza, and, finally, handing over the supplies to aid groups for delivery.

The U.K. said some of its aid for Gaza was in the first shipment that went ashore, including the first of 8,400 kits to provide temporary shelter made of plastic sheeting. And it said more aid, including 2,000 additional shelter kits, 900 tents, five forklift trucks and 9,200 hygiene kits, will follow in the coming weeks.

“This is the culmination of a Herculean joint international effort," said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. “We know the maritime route is not the only answer. We need to see more land routes open, including via the Rafah crossing, to ensure much more aid gets safely to civilians in desperate need of help.”

Aid distribution had not yet begun as of Friday afternoon, said a U.N. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. The official said the process of unloading and reloading cargo was still ongoing.

The U.N. humanitarian aid coordinating agency said the start of the operation was welcome but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-war-hamas-aid-trucks-unrwa-30173642b5c298c829f1457db357071e">not a replacement for deliveries by land</a>.

“I think everyone in the operation has said it: Any and all aid into Gaza is welcome by any route,” Jens Laerke, spokesman of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, told journalists in Geneva on Friday. Getting aid to people in Gaza “cannot and should not depend on a floating dock far from where needs are most acute.”

The U.N. earlier said fuel deliveries brought through land routes have all but stopped and that would make it extremely difficult to bring the aid to Gaza’s people.

“It doesn’t matter how the aid comes, whether it’s by sea or whether by land, without fuel, aid won’t get to the people,” U.N. deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said Thursday.

Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said the issue of fuel deliveries comes up in all U.S. conversations with the Israelis. She also said the plan is to begin slowly with the sea route and ramp up the truck deliveries over time as they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-aid-port-eb8a701b3a7dc8f946422c04323ff913">work the kinks out of the system</a>.

Israel fears Hamas will use fuel in the war, but it asserts it places no limits on the entry of humanitarian aid and blames the U.N. for delays in distributing goods entering Gaza. Under pressure from the U.S., Israel has opened a pair of crossings to deliver aid into the territory’s hard-hit north in recent weeks.

It has said that a series of Hamas attacks on the main crossing, Kerem Shalom, have disrupted the flow of goods. The U.N. says fighting, Israeli fire and chaotic security conditions have hindered delivery. There have also been violent protests by Israelis that disrupted aid shipments.

Israel recently seized the Rafah border crossing in its push against Hamas around that city on the Egyptian border, raising fears about civilians' safety while also cutting off the main entry for aid into the Gaza Strip.

U.S. President Joe Biden ordered the pier project, expected to cost&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-aid-gaza-us-port-pier-d4d9ea94550aed2d24a258dfd98d866e">$320 million</a>. The boatloads of aid will be deposited at a port facility built by the Israelis just southwest of Gaza City and then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-aid-pier-us-military-e988256270fc0067d2f5524fd542a475">distributed by aid groups</a>.

U.S. officials said the initial shipment totaled as much as 500 tons of aid. The U.S. has closely coordinated with Israel on how to protect the ships and personnel working on the beach.

But there are still questions about the safety of aid workers who distribute the food, said Sonali Korde, assistant to the administrator of USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, which is helping with logistics.

“There is a very insecure operating environment,” and aid groups are still struggling to get clearance for their planned movements in Gaza, Korde said.

That concern was highlighted last month when an Israeli strike&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-central-kitchen-jose-andres-gaza-israel-a21b62edbfa1150d0eb78ed5597a03c8">killed seven relief workers from World Central Kitchen</a>&nbsp;whose trip had been coordinated with Israeli officials. The group had also brought aid in by sea.

Pentagon officials have made it clear that security conditions will be monitored closely and could prompt a shutdown of the maritime route, even if just temporarily. Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, a deputy commander at the U.S. military’s Central Command, told reporters Thursday that “we are confident in the ability of this security arrangement to protect those involved.”

Already, the site has been targeted by mortar fire during its construction, and Hamas has threatened to target any foreign forces who “occupy” the Gaza Strip.

Biden has made it clear that there will be no U.S. forces on the ground in Gaza, so third-country contractors will drive the trucks onto the shore.

Israeli forces are in charge of security on shore, but there are also two U.S. Navy warships nearby that can protect U.S. troops and others.

The aid for the sea route is collected and inspected in Cyprus, then loaded onto ships and taken about 200 miles (320 kilometers) to the large floating pier off the Gaza coast. There, the pallets are transferred onto the trucks that then drive onto the Army boats, which will shuttle the trucks from the pier to a floating causeway anchored to the beach. Once the trucks drop off the aid, they return to the boats.

The shipment is the first in an operation that American military officials anticipate could scale up to 150 truckloads a day, all while Israel presses in on the southern city of Rafah in its 7-month offensive against Hamas.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-aid-deliveries-us-pier-dangers-israel-f7b351934c22d58d94a48eb6ca5d60ff">operation's success also remains tenuous</a>&nbsp;because of the risk of militant attack, logistical hurdles and a growing shortage of fuel for the trucks to run due to the Israeli blockade of Gaza since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack. Militants killed 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage in that assault on southern Israel. The Israeli offensive since has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians in Gaza, local health officials say, while hundreds more have been killed in the West Bank.

Aid agencies say they are running out of food in southern Gaza and fuel is dwindling, while the U.S. Agency for International Development and the World Food Program say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-famine-world-food-program-israel-hamas-war-476941bf2dc259f85a706408b2a665ff">famine has already taken hold</a>&nbsp;in Gaza’s north.

“This is an ongoing, multinational effort to deliver additional aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza via a maritime corridor that is entirely humanitarian in nature, and will involve aid commodities donated by a number of countries and humanitarian organizations,” the command said.

The Pentagon said no backups were expected in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-crossings-aid-gaza-f654871ba67c42e6345b6f709427b664">distribution process</a>, which is being coordinated by the United Nations.

The U.N. humanitarian aid coordinating agency said the start of the operation was welcome but not a replacement for deliveries by land.

“I think everyone in the operation has said it: Any and all aid into Gaza is welcome by any route,” spokesperson Jens Laerke, of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, told journalists in Geneva on Friday. Getting aid to people in Gaza “cannot and should not depend on a floating dock far from where needs are most acute.”

“It doesn’t matter how the aid comes, whether it’s by sea or whether by land, without fuel, aid won’t get to the people,” U.N. deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said.

Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said the issue of fuel deliveries comes up in all U.S. conversations with the Israelis. She also said the plan is to begin slowly with the sea route and ramp up the truck deliveries over time as they work the kinks out of the system.

Israel recently seized the key Rafah border crossing in its push against Hamas around that city on the Egyptian border, raising fears about civilians' safety while also cutting off the main entry for aid into the Gaza Strip.

That concern was highlighted last month when Israeli strike&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-central-kitchen-jose-andres-gaza-israel-a21b62edbfa1150d0eb78ed5597a03c8">killed seven relief workers from World Central Kitchen</a>&nbsp;whose trip had been coordinated with Israeli officials. The group had also brought aid in by sea.

The aid for the sea route is collected and inspected in Cyprus, then loaded onto ships and taken about 200 miles (320 kilometers) to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-humanitarian-aid-pier-israel-us-7fd8cf63c60e4155479e761f3c79914d">large floating pier</a>&nbsp;off the Gaza coast. There, the pallets are transferred onto the trucks that then drive onto the Army boats, which will shuttle the trucks from the pier to a floating causeway anchored to the beach. Once the trucks drop off the aid, they return to the boats.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715970334608.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
                        <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON (AP) — Trucks carrying badly needed aid for the Gaza Strip rolled across a newly built U.S. pier and into the besieged enclave for the first time Friday as Israeli restrictions on border crossings and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">heavy fighting</a>&nbsp;hindered the delivery of food and other supplies.</p><p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-humanitarian-aid-pier-israel-us-7fd8cf63c60e4155479e761f3c79914d">shipment is the first in an operation</a>&nbsp;that American military officials anticipate could scale up to 150 truckloads a day, all while Israel presses in on the southern city of Rafah in its seven-month offensive against Hamas.</p><p>But the U.S. and aid groups warn that the floating pier project is not a substitute for land deliveries that could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aid-gaza-pier-us-military-israel-famine-664f28efb9f4dc7a8629e79102e1175c">bring in all the food, water and fuel needed</a>&nbsp;in Gaza. Before the war, more than 500 truckloads entered the territory on an average day.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715970463118.png" alt="photo U.S. Central Command" />
                        <figcaption>photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-aid-deliveries-us-pier-dangers-israel-f7b351934c22d58d94a48eb6ca5d60ff">operation's success also remains tenuous</a>&nbsp;because of the risk of militant attack, logistical hurdles and a growing shortage of fuel for the aid trucks due to the Israeli blockade of Gaza since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack. Militants killed 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage in that assault on southern Israel. The Israeli offensive since has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians in Gaza, local health officials say, while hundreds more have been killed in the West Bank.</p><p>Aid agencies say they are running out of food in southern Gaza and fuel is dwindling, while the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.N. World Food Program say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-famine-world-food-program-israel-hamas-war-476941bf2dc259f85a706408b2a665ff">famine has already taken hold</a>&nbsp;in Gaza’s north.</p><p>Troops finished installing the floating pier on Thursday, and the U.S. military's Central Command said the first aid crossed into Gaza at 9 a.m. Friday. It said no American troops went ashore in the operation.</p><p>The Pentagon said no backups were expected in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-crossings-aid-gaza-f654871ba67c42e6345b6f709427b664">distribution process</a>. The U.S. plan is for the United Nations, through its World Food Program, to take charge of the aid once it leaves the pier. This will involve coordinating the arrival of empty trucks and their registration, overseeing the transfer of goods coming through the floating dock to the trucks and their dispatch to warehouses across Gaza, and, finally, handing over the supplies to aid groups for delivery.</p><p>The U.K. said some of its aid for Gaza was in the first shipment that went ashore, including the first of 8,400 kits to provide temporary shelter made of plastic sheeting. And it said more aid, including 2,000 additional shelter kits, 900 tents, five forklift trucks and 9,200 hygiene kits, will follow in the coming weeks.</p><p>“This is the culmination of a Herculean joint international effort," said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. “We know the maritime route is not the only answer. We need to see more land routes open, including via the Rafah crossing, to ensure much more aid gets safely to civilians in desperate need of help.”</p><p>Aid distribution had not yet begun as of Friday afternoon, said a U.N. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. The official said the process of unloading and reloading cargo was still ongoing.</p><p>The U.N. humanitarian aid coordinating agency said the start of the operation was welcome but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-war-hamas-aid-trucks-unrwa-30173642b5c298c829f1457db357071e">not a replacement for deliveries by land</a>.</p><p>“I think everyone in the operation has said it: Any and all aid into Gaza is welcome by any route,” Jens Laerke, spokesman of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, told journalists in Geneva on Friday. Getting aid to people in Gaza “cannot and should not depend on a floating dock far from where needs are most acute.”</p><p>The U.N. earlier said fuel deliveries brought through land routes have all but stopped and that would make it extremely difficult to bring the aid to Gaza’s people.</p><p>“It doesn’t matter how the aid comes, whether it’s by sea or whether by land, without fuel, aid won’t get to the people,” U.N. deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said Thursday.</p><p>Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said the issue of fuel deliveries comes up in all U.S. conversations with the Israelis. She also said the plan is to begin slowly with the sea route and ramp up the truck deliveries over time as they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-aid-port-eb8a701b3a7dc8f946422c04323ff913">work the kinks out of the system</a>.</p><p>Israel fears Hamas will use fuel in the war, but it asserts it places no limits on the entry of humanitarian aid and blames the U.N. for delays in distributing goods entering Gaza. Under pressure from the U.S., Israel has opened a pair of crossings to deliver aid into the territory’s hard-hit north in recent weeks.</p><p>It has said that a series of Hamas attacks on the main crossing, Kerem Shalom, have disrupted the flow of goods. The U.N. says fighting, Israeli fire and chaotic security conditions have hindered delivery. There have also been violent protests by Israelis that disrupted aid shipments.</p><p>Israel recently seized the Rafah border crossing in its push against Hamas around that city on the Egyptian border, raising fears about civilians' safety while also cutting off the main entry for aid into the Gaza Strip.</p><p>U.S. President Joe Biden ordered the pier project, expected to cost&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-aid-gaza-us-port-pier-d4d9ea94550aed2d24a258dfd98d866e">$320 million</a>. The boatloads of aid will be deposited at a port facility built by the Israelis just southwest of Gaza City and then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-aid-pier-us-military-e988256270fc0067d2f5524fd542a475">distributed by aid groups</a>.</p><p>U.S. officials said the initial shipment totaled as much as 500 tons of aid. The U.S. has closely coordinated with Israel on how to protect the ships and personnel working on the beach.</p><p>But there are still questions about the safety of aid workers who distribute the food, said Sonali Korde, assistant to the administrator of USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, which is helping with logistics.</p><p>“There is a very insecure operating environment,” and aid groups are still struggling to get clearance for their planned movements in Gaza, Korde said.</p><p>That concern was highlighted last month when an Israeli strike&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-central-kitchen-jose-andres-gaza-israel-a21b62edbfa1150d0eb78ed5597a03c8">killed seven relief workers from World Central Kitchen</a>&nbsp;whose trip had been coordinated with Israeli officials. The group had also brought aid in by sea.</p><p>Pentagon officials have made it clear that security conditions will be monitored closely and could prompt a shutdown of the maritime route, even if just temporarily. Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, a deputy commander at the U.S. military’s Central Command, told reporters Thursday that “we are confident in the ability of this security arrangement to protect those involved.”</p><p>Already, the site has been targeted by mortar fire during its construction, and Hamas has threatened to target any foreign forces who “occupy” the Gaza Strip.</p><p>Biden has made it clear that there will be no U.S. forces on the ground in Gaza, so third-country contractors will drive the trucks onto the shore.</p><p>Israeli forces are in charge of security on shore, but there are also two U.S. Navy warships nearby that can protect U.S. troops and others.</p><p>The aid for the sea route is collected and inspected in Cyprus, then loaded onto ships and taken about 200 miles (320 kilometers) to the large floating pier off the Gaza coast. There, the pallets are transferred onto the trucks that then drive onto the Army boats, which will shuttle the trucks from the pier to a floating causeway anchored to the beach. Once the trucks drop off the aid, they return to the boats.</p><p>-------------</p><p>WASHINGTON (AP) — Trucks carrying badly needed aid for the Gaza Strip rolled across a newly built U.S. pier and into the besieged enclave for the first time Friday as Israeli restrictions on border crossings and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">heavy fighting</a>&nbsp;hindered the delivery of food and other supplies.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715940291761.png" alt="U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) use a rope to stabilize humanitarian aid while it is lifted by a crane aboard the MV Roy P. Benavidez to support the Joint Logistics Over-the-shore (JLOTS) operation, in the Port of Ashdod, Israel, May 13, 2024. (Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley/U.S. Army&nbsp;" />
                        <figcaption>U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) use a rope to stabilize humanitarian aid while it is lifted by a crane aboard the MV Roy P. Benavidez to support the Joint Logistics Over-the-shore (JLOTS) operation, in the Port of Ashdod, Israel, May 13, 2024. (Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley/U.S. Army&nbsp;</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The shipment is the first in an operation that American military officials anticipate could scale up to 150 truckloads a day, all while Israel presses in on the southern city of Rafah in its 7-month offensive against Hamas.</p><p>But the U.S. and aid groups warn that the floating pier project is not a substitute for land deliveries that could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aid-gaza-pier-us-military-israel-famine-664f28efb9f4dc7a8629e79102e1175c">bring in all the food, water and fuel needed</a>&nbsp;in Gaza. Before the war, more than 500 truckloads entered the territory on an average day.</p><p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-aid-deliveries-us-pier-dangers-israel-f7b351934c22d58d94a48eb6ca5d60ff">operation's success also remains tenuous</a>&nbsp;because of the risk of militant attack, logistical hurdles and a growing shortage of fuel for the trucks to run due to the Israeli blockade of Gaza since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack. Militants killed 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage in that assault on southern Israel. The Israeli offensive since has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians in Gaza, local health officials say, while hundreds more have been killed in the West Bank.</p><p>Aid agencies say they are running out of food in southern Gaza and fuel is dwindling, while the U.S. Agency for International Development and the World Food Program say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-famine-world-food-program-israel-hamas-war-476941bf2dc259f85a706408b2a665ff">famine has already taken hold</a>&nbsp;in Gaza’s north.</p><p>Troops finished installing the floating pier on Thursday, and the U.S. military's Central Command said the first aid crossed into Gaza at 9 a.m. Friday. It said no American troops went ashore in the operation.</p><p>“This is an ongoing, multinational effort to deliver additional aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza via a maritime corridor that is entirely humanitarian in nature, and will involve aid commodities donated by a number of countries and humanitarian organizations,” the command said.</p><p>The Pentagon said no backups were expected in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-crossings-aid-gaza-f654871ba67c42e6345b6f709427b664">distribution process</a>, which is being coordinated by the United Nations.</p><p>The U.N. humanitarian aid coordinating agency said the start of the operation was welcome but not a replacement for deliveries by land.</p><p>“I think everyone in the operation has said it: Any and all aid into Gaza is welcome by any route,” spokesperson Jens Laerke, of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, told journalists in Geneva on Friday. Getting aid to people in Gaza “cannot and should not depend on a floating dock far from where needs are most acute.”</p><p>The U.N. earlier said fuel deliveries brought through land routes have all but stopped and that would make it extremely difficult to bring the aid to Gaza’s people.</p><p>“It doesn’t matter how the aid comes, whether it’s by sea or whether by land, without fuel, aid won’t get to the people,” U.N. deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said.</p><p>Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said the issue of fuel deliveries comes up in all U.S. conversations with the Israelis. She also said the plan is to begin slowly with the sea route and ramp up the truck deliveries over time as they work the kinks out of the system.</p><p>Israel fears Hamas will use fuel in the war, but it asserts it places no limits on the entry of humanitarian aid and blames the U.N. for delays in distributing goods entering Gaza. Under pressure from the U.S., Israel has opened a pair of crossings to deliver aid into the territory’s hard-hit north in recent weeks.</p><p>It has said that a series of Hamas attacks on the main crossing, Kerem Shalom, have disrupted the flow of goods. The U.N. says fighting, Israeli fire and chaotic security conditions have hindered delivery. There have also been violent protests by Israelis that disrupted aid shipments.</p><p>Israel recently seized the key Rafah border crossing in its push against Hamas around that city on the Egyptian border, raising fears about civilians' safety while also cutting off the main entry for aid into the Gaza Strip.</p><p>U.S. President Joe Biden ordered the pier project, expected to cost&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-aid-gaza-us-port-pier-d4d9ea94550aed2d24a258dfd98d866e">$320 million</a>. The boatloads of aid will be deposited at a port facility built by the Israelis just southwest of Gaza City and then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-aid-pier-us-military-e988256270fc0067d2f5524fd542a475">distributed by aid groups</a>.</p><p>U.S. officials said the initial shipment totaled as much as 500 tons of aid. The U.S. has closely coordinated with Israel on how to protect the ships and personnel working on the beach.</p><p>But there are still questions about the safety of aid workers who distribute the food, said Sonali Korde, assistant to the administrator of USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, which is helping with logistics.</p><p>“There is a very insecure operating environment,” and aid groups are still struggling to get clearance for their planned movements in Gaza, Korde said.</p><p>That concern was highlighted last month when Israeli strike&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-central-kitchen-jose-andres-gaza-israel-a21b62edbfa1150d0eb78ed5597a03c8">killed seven relief workers from World Central Kitchen</a>&nbsp;whose trip had been coordinated with Israeli officials. The group had also brought aid in by sea.</p><p>Pentagon officials have made it clear that security conditions will be monitored closely and could prompt a shutdown of the maritime route, even if just temporarily. Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, a deputy commander at the U.S. military’s Central Command, told reporters Thursday that “we are confident in the ability of this security arrangement to protect those involved.”</p><p>Already, the site has been targeted by mortar fire during its construction, and Hamas has threatened to target any foreign forces who “occupy” the Gaza Strip.</p><p>Biden has made it clear that there will be no U.S. forces on the ground in Gaza, so third-country contractors will drive the trucks onto the shore.</p><p>Israeli forces are in charge of security on shore, but there are also two U.S. Navy warships nearby that can protect U.S. troops and others.</p><p>The aid for the sea route is collected and inspected in Cyprus, then loaded onto ships and taken about 200 miles (320 kilometers) to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-humanitarian-aid-pier-israel-us-7fd8cf63c60e4155479e761f3c79914d">large floating pier</a>&nbsp;off the Gaza coast. There, the pallets are transferred onto the trucks that then drive onto the Army boats, which will shuttle the trucks from the pier to a floating causeway anchored to the beach. Once the trucks drop off the aid, they return to the boats.</p>

Trucks are rolling across a new US pier into Gaza

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting&nbsp;that took place outside the Dollar General store in the 6000 block of Leavenworth Road in Kansas City, Kan. have captured a suspect.

The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Apprehension Task Force took a 17 year-old boy into custody Wednesday in Kansas City, Missouri, according to a media release. The suspect has been charged by the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office with first-degree felony murder in the shooting death of 22-year-old Gerald Jones, II, and aggravated robbery. 

The boy is currently being held in the Jackson County Juvenile Detention Center as he awaits extradition to Wyandotte County.

Just before 7:30 p.m. April 22, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 6000 block of Leavenworth Road, according to a media release.

First responders discovered Jones in the parking lot of a business. He was pronounced deceased on scene.

<p>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting&nbsp;that took place outside the Dollar General store in the 6000 block of Leavenworth Road in Kansas City, Kan. have captured a suspect.</p><p>The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Apprehension Task Force took a 17 year-old boy into custody Wednesday in Kansas City, Missouri, according to a media release. The suspect has been charged by the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office with first-degree felony murder in the shooting death of 22-year-old Gerald Jones, II, and aggravated robbery. </p><p>The boy is currently being held in the Jackson County Juvenile Detention Center as he awaits extradition to Wyandotte County.</p><p>Just before 7:30 p.m. April 22, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 6000 block of Leavenworth Road, according to a media release.</p><p>First responders discovered Jones in the parking lot of a business. He was pronounced deceased on scene.</p>

U.S. Marshals capture 17-year-old wanted for Kan. man's murder

MIAMI COUNTY, Kansas—Authorities are investigating the cause of a deadly rural Kansas house fire. Just after 11 a.m. on Thursday,&nbsp; crews responded to a house fire in the 600 block of N. Fifth Street in Louisburg, according to a media release.

First responders&nbsp;found a child and an adult deceased as a result of the fire.

Crews from Paola, Miami County and Overland Park all arrived at the scene to assist. The State Fire Marshal is in charge of the investigation. Authorities have not released the names or ages of the victims.&nbsp; Louisburg is located approximately 40 miles south of Kansas City.

<p>MIAMI COUNTY, Kansas—Authorities are investigating the cause of a deadly rural Kansas house fire. Just after 11 a.m. on Thursday,&nbsp; crews responded to a house fire in the 600 block of N. Fifth Street in Louisburg, according to a media release.</p><p>First responders&nbsp;found a child and an adult deceased as a result of the fire.</p><p>Crews from Paola, Miami County and Overland Park all arrived at the scene to assist. The State Fire Marshal is in charge of the investigation. Authorities have not released the names or ages of the victims.&nbsp; Louisburg is located approximately 40 miles south of Kansas City.</p>

Child and adult found dead in rural Kansas house fire

&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is getting attention for comments he made during a commencement address at Benedictine College last weekend in which he railed against Pride month along with President Biden’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his stance on abortion.

The Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica responded to what they heard from the Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro kicker.&nbsp; On their facebook page the sisters wrote:

"The sisters of Mount St. Scholastica do not believe that Harrison Butker’s comments in his 2024 Benedictine College commencement address represent the Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts college that our founders envisioned and in which we have been so invested."

"Instead of promoting unity in our church, our nation, and the world, his comments seem to have fostered division. One of our concerns was the assertion that being a homemaker is the highest calling for a woman. We sisters have dedicated our lives to God and God’s people, including the many women whom we have taught and influenced during the past 160 years. These women have made a tremendous difference in the world in their roles as wives and mothers and through their God-given gifts in leadership, scholarship, and their careers."

(Click below to watch Butker's commencement address)

"Our community has taught young women and men not just how to be “homemakers” in a limited sense, but rather how to make a Gospel-centered, compassionate home within themselves where they can welcome others as Christ, empowering them to be the best versions of themselves. We reject a narrow definition of what it means to be Catholic. We are faithful members of the Catholic Church who embrace and promote the values of the Gospel, St. Benedict, and Vatican II and the teachings of Pope Francis."

"We want to be known as an inclusive, welcoming community, embracing Benedictine values that have endured for more than 1500 years and have spread through every continent and nation. We believe those values are the core of Benedictine College."

"We thank all who are supportive of our Mount community and the values we hold. With St. Benedict, we pray, “Let us prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may he lead us all together to life everlasting.”

<p>&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is getting attention for comments he made during a commencement address at Benedictine College last weekend in which he railed against Pride month along with President Biden’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his stance on abortion.</p><p>The Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica responded to what they heard from the Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro kicker.&nbsp; On their facebook page the sisters wrote:</p><p>"The sisters of Mount St. Scholastica do not believe that Harrison Butker’s comments in his 2024 Benedictine College commencement address represent the Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts college that our founders envisioned and in which we have been so invested."</p><p>"Instead of promoting unity in our church, our nation, and the world, his comments seem to have fostered division. One of our concerns was the assertion that being a homemaker is the highest calling for a woman. We sisters have dedicated our lives to God and God’s people, including the many women whom we have taught and influenced during the past 160 years. These women have made a tremendous difference in the world in their roles as wives and mothers and through their God-given gifts in leadership, scholarship, and their careers."</p><p>(Click below to watch Butker's commencement address)</p><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-JS7RIKSaCc?si=tD9Xdp0euYzGBc2_" 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><p>"Our community has taught young women and men not just how to be “homemakers” in a limited sense, but rather how to make a Gospel-centered, compassionate home within themselves where they can welcome others as Christ, empowering them to be the best versions of themselves. We reject a narrow definition of what it means to be Catholic. We are faithful members of the Catholic Church who embrace and promote the values of the Gospel, St. Benedict, and Vatican II and the teachings of Pope Francis."</p><p>"We want to be known as an inclusive, welcoming community, embracing Benedictine values that have endured for more than 1500 years and have spread through every continent and nation. We believe those values are the core of Benedictine College."</p><p>"We thank all who are supportive of our Mount community and the values we hold. With St. Benedict, we pray, “Let us prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may he lead us all together to life everlasting.”</p>

Benedictine Sisters respond to remarks of Harrison Butker

KANSAS CITY—A man injured in a Tuesday shooting in Kansas City has died.

Just before 10:30p.m. May 14,&nbsp; police responded to a reported shooting in the 6500 Block of Northwest Barry Road,,  according to Sheriff Daryl&nbsp; Forte. This is near the Barrywoods Crossing and Shops at Boardwalk shopping malls.

First responders found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported a local hospital in critical condition.&nbsp; Police have not released his name or reported an arrest.

<p>KANSAS CITY—A man injured in a Tuesday shooting in Kansas City has died.</p><p>Just before 10:30p.m. May 14,&nbsp; police responded to a reported shooting in the 6500 Block of Northwest Barry Road,,  according to Sheriff Daryl&nbsp; Forte. This is near the Barrywoods Crossing and Shops at Boardwalk shopping malls.</p><p>First responders found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported a local hospital in critical condition.&nbsp; Police have not released his name or reported an arrest.</p>

Man injured in Kansas City shooting has died

JOHNSON COUNTY —Police in Overland Park are asking the public for assistance in identifying the six individuals involved in a felony theft and battery from a hardware store located on Antioch at College Blvd. on May 10.

The individuals made off with numerous Yeti merchandise and are believed to have impacted other retailers throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area.

 The woman wearing the red colored shorts pushed an employee to the ground as she was fleeing with merchandise in her hands. The individuals arrived at the business in two separate vehicles and were last seen leaving in a silver/gray Volkswagen Jetta with Missouri temporary license plate and a maroon colored Kia Optima with a Kansas temporary license plate. 

 If you have any information, please contact the lead Detective at 913-344-8729 or the TIPS HOTLINE at 816-474-TIPS.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715870004487.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>JOHNSON COUNTY —Police in Overland Park are asking the public for assistance in identifying the six individuals involved in a felony theft and battery from a hardware store located on Antioch at College Blvd. on May 10.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=417&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FOverlandParkPoliceDepartment%2Fvideos%2F1546645205898312%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="417" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><p>The individuals made off with numerous Yeti merchandise and are believed to have impacted other retailers throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area.</p><p> The woman wearing the red colored shorts pushed an employee to the ground as she was fleeing with merchandise in her hands. The individuals arrived at the business in two separate vehicles and were last seen leaving in a silver/gray Volkswagen Jetta with Missouri temporary license plate and a maroon colored Kia Optima with a Kansas temporary license plate. </p><p> If you have any information, please contact the lead Detective at 913-344-8729 or the TIPS HOTLINE at 816-474-TIPS.</p>

🎥Police release video of Kan. hardware store theft and battery

WICHITA (AP) —A key Boeing supplier that makes the fuselages for its popular 737 Max airplanes is laying off about 450 workers because production has slowed down ever since a panel flew off one of those airplanes operated by Alaska Airlines in midair in January.

A spokesman for Spirit AeroSystems confirmed the layoffs at its Wichita, Kansas, plant on Thursday that would trim its workforce of just over 13,000 people. Spirit is Boeing's most important supplier on the 737s because it makes fuselages and installs door plugs like the one that flew off the plane. But it's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ntsb-chair-boeing-accident-investigation-52cab375dbdefe343421ff8b9cd38206">not clear</a>&nbsp;whether Spirit or Boeing employees were the last ones to touch that panel.

“The recent slowdown in the delivery rate on commercial programs compels a reduction to our workforce in Wichita," Spirit spokesman Joe Buccino said.

Boeing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-spirit-aerosystems-negotiations-outsourcing-75471aeaecf3144842ecdcbe2ed6f76f">confirmed</a>&nbsp;this spring that it is in talks to buy Spirit, which was once a part of the plane-maker before it was spun off. Buying Spirit back would reverse a longtime Boeing strategy of outsourcing key work on its passenger planes. That approach has been criticized after problems at Spirit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-supplier-slow-production-737-max-2525b4c5a27a7332b80b3016645918db">disrupted production</a>&nbsp;and delivery of popular Boeing jetliners, including 737s and 787s.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union expressed concern about the layoffs and said it would try to help workers who lose their jobs in the coming weeks.

“Together, we will continue to work to protect the strength of the aerospace industry in Wichita and ensure our members receive the assistance and resources they need to overcome this challenge and emerge stronger,” the union said.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580497975886.jpeg" alt="Fie photo Elaine Thompson/AP/NPR" />
                        <figcaption>Fie photo Elaine Thompson/AP/NPR</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WICHITA (AP) —A key Boeing supplier that makes the fuselages for its popular 737 Max airplanes is laying off about 450 workers because production has slowed down ever since a panel flew off one of those airplanes operated by Alaska Airlines in midair in January.</p><p>A spokesman for Spirit AeroSystems confirmed the layoffs at its Wichita, Kansas, plant on Thursday that would trim its workforce of just over 13,000 people. Spirit is Boeing's most important supplier on the 737s because it makes fuselages and installs door plugs like the one that flew off the plane. But it's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ntsb-chair-boeing-accident-investigation-52cab375dbdefe343421ff8b9cd38206">not clear</a>&nbsp;whether Spirit or Boeing employees were the last ones to touch that panel.</p><p>“The recent slowdown in the delivery rate on commercial programs compels a reduction to our workforce in Wichita," Spirit spokesman Joe Buccino said.</p><p>Boeing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-spirit-aerosystems-negotiations-outsourcing-75471aeaecf3144842ecdcbe2ed6f76f">confirmed</a>&nbsp;this spring that it is in talks to buy Spirit, which was once a part of the plane-maker before it was spun off. Buying Spirit back would reverse a longtime Boeing strategy of outsourcing key work on its passenger planes. That approach has been criticized after problems at Spirit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-supplier-slow-production-737-max-2525b4c5a27a7332b80b3016645918db">disrupted production</a>&nbsp;and delivery of popular Boeing jetliners, including 737s and 787s.</p><p>The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union expressed concern about the layoffs and said it would try to help workers who lose their jobs in the coming weeks.</p><p>“Together, we will continue to work to protect the strength of the aerospace industry in Wichita and ensure our members receive the assistance and resources they need to overcome this challenge and emerge stronger,” the union said.</p>

Layoffs at Kan. aircraft parts maker after production of troubled 737s slows

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.— Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations

Just before 8:30 p.m., a Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a grey 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 truck near 182nd&nbsp;and S. Road due to the tag on the vehicle being registered to a different vehicle. 

The vehicle had been reported stolen out of Miami County, Kansas. The driver of the vehicle, Chellcie Sparks, 35, of Mayetta, was arrested on requested charges that include possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, interference with law enforcement and battery on a law enforcement officer.

Just after 7a.m. the next morning, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspicious person and vehicle with Iowa tags near the residence of Chellcie Sparks at 182nd&nbsp;and S. Roads. 

Deputies arrived on scene and found that a fugitive identified as 41-year-old Justin Lane Stephens had barricaded himself inside the residence.&nbsp; Stephens of Springfield, Missouri, had outstanding warrants through Jackson County for burglary, theft, criminal damage, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia. Stephens was to be considered armed and dangerous.

Stephens was also wanted out of Springfield, Missouri for forgery, and he had an outstanding warrant out of Christian County, Missouri for larceny. 

Jackson County deputies served a search warrant on the residence Wednesday, Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers also assisted. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team breached the residence after the suspect failed to surrender. Fugitive Justin Lane Stephens was found hiding behind furniture in a bedroom and was taken into custody by deputies.

In addition to the previous charges, Stephens was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of felon in possession of a firearm, identity theft, possession of counterfeit currency, and felony interference with law enforcement.

An additional person was arrested on the premises, Evin Daniele Crome, 40, of Waterville, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for forgery out of Marshall County.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715890283785.png" alt="Stephens-photo Jackson Co." />
                        <figcaption>Stephens-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.— Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations</p><p>Just before 8:30 p.m., a Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a grey 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 truck near 182nd&nbsp;and S. Road due to the tag on the vehicle being registered to a different vehicle. </p><p>The vehicle had been reported stolen out of Miami County, Kansas. The driver of the vehicle, Chellcie Sparks, 35, of Mayetta, was arrested on requested charges that include possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, interference with law enforcement and battery on a law enforcement officer.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715890241909.png" alt="Sparks-photo Jackson Co." />
                        <figcaption>Sparks-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Just after 7a.m. the next morning, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspicious person and vehicle with Iowa tags near the residence of Chellcie Sparks at 182nd&nbsp;and S. Roads. </p><p>Deputies arrived on scene and found that a fugitive identified as 41-year-old Justin Lane Stephens had barricaded himself inside the residence.&nbsp; Stephens of Springfield, Missouri, had outstanding warrants through Jackson County for burglary, theft, criminal damage, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia. Stephens was to be considered armed and dangerous.</p><p>Stephens was also wanted out of Springfield, Missouri for forgery, and he had an outstanding warrant out of Christian County, Missouri for larceny. </p><p>Jackson County deputies served a search warrant on the residence Wednesday, Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers also assisted. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team breached the residence after the suspect failed to surrender. Fugitive Justin Lane Stephens was found hiding behind furniture in a bedroom and was taken into custody by deputies.</p><p>In addition to the previous charges, Stephens was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of felon in possession of a firearm, identity theft, possession of counterfeit currency, and felony interference with law enforcement.</p><p>An additional person was arrested on the premises, Evin Daniele Crome, 40, of Waterville, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for forgery out of Marshall County.</p>

Suspect wanted in Kan., Mo. caught hiding in bedroom 

KANSAS CITY –On Thursday, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey demanded Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas turn over all documents, records, and communications relating to his office’s X (formerly Twitter) post retaliating against Kansas City Chief’s kicker Harrison Butker for comments he made in a commencement speech at Benedictine College in which he openly discussed his Catholic faith.

<a href="https://ago.mo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024.05.16-Letter-to-Mayor-Lucas.pdf">Click here to</a>&nbsp; read the full letter to Mayor Lucas&nbsp;

“Missourians of faith deserve to know why Kansas City officials decided to attack Mr. Butker for his deeply held religious beliefs,”&nbsp;said Attorney General Bailey.&nbsp;

“My office will not tolerate religious discrimination from City officials. I will enforce&nbsp;the Missouri Human Rights Act to ensure Missourians are not targeted for their free exercise of religion. The mayor needs to immediately turn over his office’s communications relating to this post.”

In his letter, Attorney General&nbsp;Bailey asserted,&nbsp;“Our nation is founded on a bedrock commitment to the free exercise of religion.&nbsp; In addition, Missouri law specifically prohibits faith-based discrimination against Missouri residents. Yet, your office apparently believes it is appropriate to denigrate a devout Catholic for comments he made about his own faith at a religious college.”

General Bailey continued,&nbsp;“Missouri’s Human Rights Act prohibits government actors from discriminating against citizens because of their sincerely held religious beliefs. . . To any employer or government official considering such a move, I assure you that I am prepared to use the authority provided in statute to defend the principle of free religious expression.”

Bailey concluded by stating,&nbsp;“Missourians deserve better from our elected leaders. Mr. Butker was well within his rights to discuss his religious views—views which are shared by millions of members of his faith tradition.&nbsp; Sadly, history is filled with examples of people of religious faith being targeted for their beliefs by government officials.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715857000440.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY –On Thursday, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey demanded Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas turn over all documents, records, and communications relating to his office’s X (formerly Twitter) post retaliating against Kansas City Chief’s kicker Harrison Butker for comments he made in a commencement speech at Benedictine College in which he openly discussed his Catholic faith.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715910157650.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><a href="https://ago.mo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024.05.16-Letter-to-Mayor-Lucas.pdf">Click here to</a>&nbsp; read the full letter to Mayor Lucas&nbsp;</p><p>“Missourians of faith deserve to know why Kansas City officials decided to attack Mr. Butker for his deeply held religious beliefs,”&nbsp;said Attorney General Bailey.&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A message appeared earlier this evening from a City public account. <br><br>The message was clearly inappropriate for a public account. The City has correctly apologized for the error, will review account access, and ensure nothing like it is shared in the future from public channels.</p>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1790920537511805434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>“My office will not tolerate religious discrimination from City officials. I will enforce&nbsp;the Missouri Human Rights Act to ensure Missourians are not targeted for their free exercise of religion. The mayor needs to immediately turn over his office’s communications relating to this post.”</p><p>In his letter, Attorney General&nbsp;Bailey asserted,&nbsp;“Our nation is founded on a bedrock commitment to the free exercise of religion.&nbsp; In addition, Missouri law specifically prohibits faith-based discrimination against Missouri residents. Yet, your office apparently believes it is appropriate to denigrate a devout Catholic for comments he made about his own faith at a religious college.”</p><p>General Bailey continued,&nbsp;“Missouri’s Human Rights Act prohibits government actors from discriminating against citizens because of their sincerely held religious beliefs. . . To any employer or government official considering such a move, I assure you that I am prepared to use the authority provided in statute to defend the principle of free religious expression.”</p><p>Bailey concluded by stating,&nbsp;“Missourians deserve better from our elected leaders. Mr. Butker was well within his rights to discuss his religious views—views which are shared by millions of members of his faith tradition.&nbsp; Sadly, history is filled with examples of people of religious faith being targeted for their beliefs by government officials.”</p>

Mo. AG demands accountability after tweet about Chiefs Harrison Butker

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a possible road rage incident.

Just before 8pm on May 11, Montgomery County Dispatch received a call regarding a shooting and a vehicle chasing another vehicle near Coffeyville, Kansas, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

Responding, law enforcement agencies worked together to ensure public safety and bring the situation to a resolution.The incident, which transpired on U.S 166 and County Road 3500 outside Coffeyville, Kansas, prompted immediate action from dispatch and deputies, who relayed crucial information including a detailed description of the suspect vehicle reportedly heading towards Caney, Kansas.

Deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office arrived at the scene and made contact with the reporting individual identified as Christopher Flack of Skiatook, Oklahoma. Flack told deputies he was pursued by a black Dodge Challenger from Caney, Kansas. 

Despite shots being fired at Flack's vehicle, fortunately, there were no injuries, according to Sheriff Wade.

Deputies located the suspect vehicle at the residence of 54-year-old Shawn Timmerman in Caney, Kansas.  During the investigation, Timmerman was subsequently apprehended without further incident.&nbsp;  Timmerman remains jailed on requested charge of attempted murder in the second degree.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715721883399.png" alt="Timmerman-photo Montgomery Co." />
                        <figcaption>Timmerman-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a possible road rage incident.</p><p>Just before 8pm on May 11, Montgomery County Dispatch received a call regarding a shooting and a vehicle chasing another vehicle near Coffeyville, Kansas, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.</p><p>Responding, law enforcement agencies worked together to ensure public safety and bring the situation to a resolution.The incident, which transpired on U.S 166 and County Road 3500 outside Coffeyville, Kansas, prompted immediate action from dispatch and deputies, who relayed crucial information including a detailed description of the suspect vehicle reportedly heading towards Caney, Kansas.</p><p>Deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office arrived at the scene and made contact with the reporting individual identified as Christopher Flack of Skiatook, Oklahoma. Flack told deputies he was pursued by a black Dodge Challenger from Caney, Kansas. </p><p>Despite shots being fired at Flack's vehicle, fortunately, there were no injuries, according to Sheriff Wade.</p><p>Deputies located the suspect vehicle at the residence of 54-year-old Shawn Timmerman in Caney, Kansas.  During the investigation, Timmerman was subsequently apprehended without further incident.&nbsp;  Timmerman remains jailed on requested charge of attempted murder in the second degree.</p>

Road rage: Kansas man accused of shooting at vehicle

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday vetoed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tax-cuts-kansas-special-session-veto-budget-339faf3ca10448ca7b8ef36a7b2845ac">a proposal for broad tax cuts,</a>&nbsp;setting up a high-stakes election-year tussle with the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature that one GOP leader called “spiteful.”

It was the third time this year Kelly has vetoed a plan for cutting income, sales and property taxes by a total of $1.45 billion or more over the next three years. GOP leaders have grown increasingly frustrated as they've made what they see as major concessions, including giving up on moving Kansas from three personal income tax rates to just one.

The Legislature adjourned its annual session May 1 and therefore cannot try to override her latest veto. Kelly promised to call a special legislative session to try to get a tax plan more to her liking and said she'll announce next week when it will start.

“Kansas is being noticed for its sense of responsibility. Don’t toss all that,” Kelly said in her message. “The Legislature cannot overpromise tax cuts without considering the overall cost to the state for future years."

All 40 Senate seats and 125 House seats are on the ballot in this year’s elections, and Democrats hope to break the Republican supermajorities in both chambers. Both parties believe voters will be upset if there is no broad tax relief after surplus funds piled up in the state’s coffers.

GOP leaders have accused Kelly of shifting on what's acceptable to her in a tax plan, and even before Kelly's veto, Republicans were criticizing her over the extra session’s potential cost, more than $200,000 for just three days.

"It seems her laser focus has shifted solely to wasting your money on a needless and spiteful special session,” House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said in a statement addressing taxpayers.

Republicans were unable to override Kelly's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/income-tax-cuts-kansas-state-budget-immigration-44e6e4a592c8483d3b102664611a97fd">previous vetoes</a>&nbsp;of big tax bills because three GOP dissidents formed a solid bloc in the Senate with its 11 Democrats to leave GOP leaders one vote short of the 27 votes required.

And so Republicans have trimmed back both the total cost of their tax cuts and given up on enacting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-income-tax-cuts-budget-8fbaf4d7aa99b0b23f38daddd7dc2c28">a “flat,” single-rate personal income tax</a>&nbsp;that they view as fair but Kelly argued would benefit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-income-tax-cuts-budget-veto-kelly-1c321169e87d69480efe91db0ef55f28">the “super wealthy.”</a>

Kelly and Republican leaders have agreed on eliminating state income taxes on retirees’ Social Security benefits, which kick in when they earn $75,000 a year. They also agree on reducing a state property tax for schools and eliminating the state’s already set-to-expire 2% sales tax on groceries six months early, on July 1.

But almost half of the cuts in the latest bill were tied to changes in the personal income tax. The state's highest tax rate would have been 5.57%, instead of the current 5.7%.

Kelly's veto message focused mostly on her belief that the latest plan still would cause future budget problems even though the state expects to end June with $2.6 billion in unspent, surplus funds in its main bank account.

Before lawmakers adjourned their annual session, Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes, of Lenexa, circulated projections showing that those surplus funds would dwindle to nothing by July 2028 under the bill Kelly vetoed, as spending outpaced the state's reduced tax collections.

“In the next couple of years, we’re going to have to go back and the very people that we’re trying to help are going to have the rug pulled out from under them,” Sykes said in an interview Thursday.

However, if tax collections were to grow a little more or spending, a little bit less — or both at the same time — than Sykes projected, the picture in July 2028 looks significantly better.

Nor is the $2.6 billion in surplus funds in the state's main bank account the only fiscal cushion. Kansas has another $1.7 billion socked away in a separate rainy day fund, and Republicans argued that the extra stockpile is another reason for Kelly to have accepted the last tax plan.

“Her shifting reasons for vetoing tax relief have now morphed into the absurd," Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, said in a statement.

TOPEKA—&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday vetoed House Substitute for Senate Bill 37, House Bill 2096, and House Bill 2097, according to a statement from her office.

“I recognize that Kansans desperately need tax relief. I will be working with legislative leaders to come to a compromise, forging a bipartisan tax cuts plan that will responsibly provide tax relief for all Kansans without threatening our state’s future fiscal stability,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;

“Next week, I will be announcing the date of a special legislative session so we can deliver comprehensive, sustainable tax cuts. If we all work together, an affordable, bipartisan tax plan can be passed in less than a day.”

<b>The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Substitute for Senate Bill 37, House Bill 2096, and House Bill 2097:</b>

“Kansans need responsible, comprehensive tax relief. As I said in my last veto statement of the Legislature’s nearly identical tax bill, ‘I cannot sign into law a bill that jeopardizes our state's future fiscal stability.’

“I have given the Legislature several roadmaps to fiscally responsible tax cuts since January. Instead, they played political games with reckless tax policies, and I vetoed them. I said irresponsible tax policies would lead to a special session.

“So here we are. While I applaud the spirit of bipartisanship, this tax cut package, passed at the 11th&nbsp;hour of the last day of the Legislative session, misses the mark. Its proposed cuts and the excessive spending by the Legislature endanger all the progress we’ve made in restoring services for Kansans, funding our public schools, and investing in our infrastructure.

“Additionally, to favor a specific business, a tax abatement scheme was floated to put taxpayer dollars into that business’ pocket at the expense of local government services. That’s wrong. Taxpayer dollars should not be diverted to political donors under the guise of tax cuts.

“Kansans expect us to map a responsible future because we have come a long way, together. Our financial ratings have been upgraded. We have paid down debt. We paid $224 million for new projects in cash, saving Kansans $90 million in interest that would have otherwise accumulated through bonds. Education is being funded. We went from zero to a reasonable rainy-day fund for the inevitable emergencies we will face. Kansas is being noticed for its sense of responsibility. Don’t toss all that.

“The lack of a fiscally responsible tax cut bill jeopardizes other tax policy passed before adjournment, such as legislation to support Kansas’ film and digital media industry. The Legislature cannot overpromise tax cuts without considering the overall cost to the state for future years. We cannot start with our expenses and then look at our income. Families and businesses do not budget like that; neither should Kansas.

“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Kansas Constitution, I hereby veto House Substitute for Senate Bill 37, House Bill 2096, and House Bill 2097.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713015977836.png" alt="File photo&nbsp; by Sherman Smith" />
                        <figcaption>File photo&nbsp; by Sherman Smith</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;</p><p>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday vetoed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tax-cuts-kansas-special-session-veto-budget-339faf3ca10448ca7b8ef36a7b2845ac">a proposal for broad tax cuts,</a>&nbsp;setting up a high-stakes election-year tussle with the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature that one GOP leader called “spiteful.”</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Governor Kelly&#39;s Special Session of Spite- She&#39;s Laser- Focused on Wasting Your Money and Denying You Bi-Partisan Tax Relief<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://t.co/WhXEfK2scZ">pic.twitter.com/WhXEfK2scZ</a></p>&mdash; Dan Hawkins (@DanHawkinsKS) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanHawkinsKS/status/1791224590376517971?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>It was the third time this year Kelly has vetoed a plan for cutting income, sales and property taxes by a total of $1.45 billion or more over the next three years. GOP leaders have grown increasingly frustrated as they've made what they see as major concessions, including giving up on moving Kansas from three personal income tax rates to just one.</p><p>The Legislature adjourned its annual session May 1 and therefore cannot try to override her latest veto. Kelly promised to call a special legislative session to try to get a tax plan more to her liking and said she'll announce next week when it will start.</p><p>“Kansas is being noticed for its sense of responsibility. Don’t toss all that,” Kelly said in her message. “The Legislature cannot overpromise tax cuts without considering the overall cost to the state for future years."</p><p>All 40 Senate seats and 125 House seats are on the ballot in this year’s elections, and Democrats hope to break the Republican supermajorities in both chambers. Both parties believe voters will be upset if there is no broad tax relief after surplus funds piled up in the state’s coffers.</p><p>GOP leaders have accused Kelly of shifting on what's acceptable to her in a tax plan, and even before Kelly's veto, Republicans were criticizing her over the extra session’s potential cost, more than $200,000 for just three days.</p><p>"It seems her laser focus has shifted solely to wasting your money on a needless and spiteful special session,” House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said in a statement addressing taxpayers.</p><p>Republicans were unable to override Kelly's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/income-tax-cuts-kansas-state-budget-immigration-44e6e4a592c8483d3b102664611a97fd">previous vetoes</a>&nbsp;of big tax bills because three GOP dissidents formed a solid bloc in the Senate with its 11 Democrats to leave GOP leaders one vote short of the 27 votes required.</p><p>And so Republicans have trimmed back both the total cost of their tax cuts and given up on enacting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-income-tax-cuts-budget-8fbaf4d7aa99b0b23f38daddd7dc2c28">a “flat,” single-rate personal income tax</a>&nbsp;that they view as fair but Kelly argued would benefit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-income-tax-cuts-budget-veto-kelly-1c321169e87d69480efe91db0ef55f28">the “super wealthy.”</a></p><p>Kelly and Republican leaders have agreed on eliminating state income taxes on retirees’ Social Security benefits, which kick in when they earn $75,000 a year. They also agree on reducing a state property tax for schools and eliminating the state’s already set-to-expire 2% sales tax on groceries six months early, on July 1.</p><p>But almost half of the cuts in the latest bill were tied to changes in the personal income tax. The state's highest tax rate would have been 5.57%, instead of the current 5.7%.</p><p>Kelly's veto message focused mostly on her belief that the latest plan still would cause future budget problems even though the state expects to end June with $2.6 billion in unspent, surplus funds in its main bank account.</p><p>Before lawmakers adjourned their annual session, Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes, of Lenexa, circulated projections showing that those surplus funds would dwindle to nothing by July 2028 under the bill Kelly vetoed, as spending outpaced the state's reduced tax collections.</p><p>“In the next couple of years, we’re going to have to go back and the very people that we’re trying to help are going to have the rug pulled out from under them,” Sykes said in an interview Thursday.</p><p>However, if tax collections were to grow a little more or spending, a little bit less — or both at the same time — than Sykes projected, the picture in July 2028 looks significantly better.</p><p>Nor is the $2.6 billion in surplus funds in the state's main bank account the only fiscal cushion. Kansas has another $1.7 billion socked away in a separate rainy day fund, and Republicans argued that the extra stockpile is another reason for Kelly to have accepted the last tax plan.</p><p>“Her shifting reasons for vetoing tax relief have now morphed into the absurd," Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, said in a statement.</p><p>TOPEKA—&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday vetoed House Substitute for Senate Bill 37, House Bill 2096, and House Bill 2097, according to a statement from her office.</p><p>“I recognize that Kansans desperately need tax relief. I will be working with legislative leaders to come to a compromise, forging a bipartisan tax cuts plan that will responsibly provide tax relief for all Kansans without threatening our state’s future fiscal stability,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;</p><p>“Next week, I will be announcing the date of a special legislative session so we can deliver comprehensive, sustainable tax cuts. If we all work together, an affordable, bipartisan tax plan can be passed in less than a day.”</p><p><b>The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Substitute for Senate Bill 37, House Bill 2096, and House Bill 2097:</b></p><p>“Kansans need responsible, comprehensive tax relief. As I said in my last veto statement of the Legislature’s nearly identical tax bill, ‘I cannot sign into law a bill that jeopardizes our state's future fiscal stability.’</p><p>“I have given the Legislature several roadmaps to fiscally responsible tax cuts since January. Instead, they played political games with reckless tax policies, and I vetoed them. I said irresponsible tax policies would lead to a special session.</p><p>“So here we are. While I applaud the spirit of bipartisanship, this tax cut package, passed at the 11th&nbsp;hour of the last day of the Legislative session, misses the mark. Its proposed cuts and the excessive spending by the Legislature endanger all the progress we’ve made in restoring services for Kansans, funding our public schools, and investing in our infrastructure.</p><p>“Additionally, to favor a specific business, a tax abatement scheme was floated to put taxpayer dollars into that business’ pocket at the expense of local government services. That’s wrong. Taxpayer dollars should not be diverted to political donors under the guise of tax cuts.</p><p>“Kansans expect us to map a responsible future because we have come a long way, together. Our financial ratings have been upgraded. We have paid down debt. We paid $224 million for new projects in cash, saving Kansans $90 million in interest that would have otherwise accumulated through bonds. Education is being funded. We went from zero to a reasonable rainy-day fund for the inevitable emergencies we will face. Kansas is being noticed for its sense of responsibility. Don’t toss all that.</p><p>“The lack of a fiscally responsible tax cut bill jeopardizes other tax policy passed before adjournment, such as legislation to support Kansas’ film and digital media industry. The Legislature cannot overpromise tax cuts without considering the overall cost to the state for future years. We cannot start with our expenses and then look at our income. Families and businesses do not budget like that; neither should Kansas.</p><p>“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Kansas Constitution, I hereby veto House Substitute for Senate Bill 37, House Bill 2096, and House Bill 2097.”</p>

Kan. governor vetoes third plan for cutting taxes. One GOP leader calls it 'spiteful'

WASHINGTON (AP) —A bronze sculpture of the late Rev. Billy Graham&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/billy-graham-statue-capital-ceremony-ec14b84226662fb265ae9c721bcbf2f1">was unveiled</a>&nbsp;at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, with Christianity's most prolific evangelist once known as “America’s Pastor” immortalized in the halls of Congress on behalf of his native North Carolina.

Graham's likeness, depicting the Charlotte-born minister with his archetypal gesture toward an open Bible in his hand, was revealed inside National Statuary Hall during a gathering attended by House Speaker Mike Johnson, Gov. Roy Cooper, former Vice President Mike Pence, state congressional and legislative members and Graham's family.

The 7-foot (2.13-meter) tall statue is one of two that North Carolina and each state get to place on display inside the hall or elsewhere in the Capitol to honor notables in their history. The process for Graham's statue to replace one of North Carolina's began nine years ago.

“Billy Graham finally takes his rightful place on these hallowed grounds of American democracy,” Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana said at the dedication ceremony. As with other speakers, Johnson recalled the personal importance that Graham’s ministry of preaching the Christian gospel had on them and their families: “Billy Graham is such a towering figure in my life, and he is in all of our lives.”

Graham, who lived most of his adult life in the mountain community of Montreat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0a4d7954c8d34c3291cb93c995789913">died in 2018 at age 99.</a>&nbsp;Graham was the most widely heard Christian evangelist in history, preaching in person to nearly 215 million people worldwide, according to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. His last large-scale meetings, known as crusades, were held in New York in 2005.

An adviser of presidents from Dwight Eisenhower to George W. Bush, Graham influenced both the political and spiritual realm during his ministry career. As a symbol of that nexus,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9aa8f2523bdd4bba8ce7f7b0b679b4f1">Graham’s body had lied in honor</a>&nbsp;in the Capitol Rotunda after his death, marking just the fourth private citizen at that time to receive the distinction.

The North Carolina General Assembly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5218c8c2b8ce44edb18b4ad7a0575d8f">approved legislation in 2015</a>&nbsp;asking a congressional committee to eventually approve a likeness of Graham for display in the hall. Rules say a person’s statue can only be installed posthumously.

Ceremony speakers focused on Graham’s commitment to preaching the Christian message, his humility and integrity, and a legacy of service for future generations.

The Rev. Franklin Graham, the evangelist's son, said his father would have been a little uncomfortable with all of the attention had he been there Thursday "because he would want the focus to be on the one that he preached. He’d want the focus to be on the Lord Jesus Christ."

The Graham statue replaces one of early 20th-century North Carolina Gov. Charles Aycock, who, while known as an education advocate, has fallen from favor because of his ties to the white supremacy movement at the time.

While not a social activist, Graham integrated his Southern crusades in 1953, a year before the Supreme Court’s school integration ruling. And he long refused to visit South Africa while its white regime insisted on racially segregated meetings. Graham said later in life that he regretted that he didn’t battle for civil rights more forcefully.

“We acknowledge that he is a better representation of our state than the statue it replaces, which brought memories of a painful history of racism,” said Cooper, a Democrat, who recalled hearing Graham as a youth at a Raleigh stadium. “Not that Rev. Graham was perfect. He would have been the first to tell us that ... but he believed, as many of us do, that there is redemption."

The Graham sculpture was created by Charlotte-based artist Chas Fagan and bronzed in the state. The base, also created from local granite, is inscribed with two verses from the Book of John that highlight Graham's evangelistic ministry.

The other North Carolina statue commissioned for the National Statuary Hall is a likeness of Civil War-era Gov. Zebulon Vance, who was also a Confederate military officer and U.S. senator.

Graham helped build evangelicalism into a force in American life during the 20th century while forging powerful connections to Christian believers worldwide, including those in communist countries. His ministry was marked by the use of mass media, including a daily newspaper column, network radio and prime-time telecasts of his crusades.

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, said that he hopes that Graham's ability to bridge differences will filter down today to elected officials.

“I hope when members of Congress walk by his statue, they reflect on the standards of faith, ethics and decency that he exemplified throughout his extraordinary life,” Tillis said. “I believe that his presence here in the Capitol can help us find opportunities to unite around what makes our nation great.”

<p>WASHINGTON (AP) —A bronze sculpture of the late Rev. Billy Graham&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/billy-graham-statue-capital-ceremony-ec14b84226662fb265ae9c721bcbf2f1">was unveiled</a>&nbsp;at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, with Christianity's most prolific evangelist once known as “America’s Pastor” immortalized in the halls of Congress on behalf of his native North Carolina.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerJohnson</a> and others unveil the statue of Rev. Billy Graham, representing the state of North Carolina in U.S. Capitol Statuary Hall. <a href="https://t.co/Ukm8lZ04Ln">pic.twitter.com/Ukm8lZ04Ln</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1791128804800319512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Graham's likeness, depicting the Charlotte-born minister with his archetypal gesture toward an open Bible in his hand, was revealed inside National Statuary Hall during a gathering attended by House Speaker Mike Johnson, Gov. Roy Cooper, former Vice President Mike Pence, state congressional and legislative members and Graham's family.</p><p>The 7-foot (2.13-meter) tall statue is one of two that North Carolina and each state get to place on display inside the hall or elsewhere in the Capitol to honor notables in their history. The process for Graham's statue to replace one of North Carolina's began nine years ago.</p><p>“Billy Graham finally takes his rightful place on these hallowed grounds of American democracy,” Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana said at the dedication ceremony. As with other speakers, Johnson recalled the personal importance that Graham’s ministry of preaching the Christian gospel had on them and their families: “Billy Graham is such a towering figure in my life, and he is in all of our lives.”</p><p>Graham, who lived most of his adult life in the mountain community of Montreat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0a4d7954c8d34c3291cb93c995789913">died in 2018 at age 99.</a>&nbsp;Graham was the most widely heard Christian evangelist in history, preaching in person to nearly 215 million people worldwide, according to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. His last large-scale meetings, known as crusades, were held in New York in 2005.</p><p>An adviser of presidents from Dwight Eisenhower to George W. Bush, Graham influenced both the political and spiritual realm during his ministry career. As a symbol of that nexus,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9aa8f2523bdd4bba8ce7f7b0b679b4f1">Graham’s body had lied in honor</a>&nbsp;in the Capitol Rotunda after his death, marking just the fourth private citizen at that time to receive the distinction.</p><p>The North Carolina General Assembly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5218c8c2b8ce44edb18b4ad7a0575d8f">approved legislation in 2015</a>&nbsp;asking a congressional committee to eventually approve a likeness of Graham for display in the hall. Rules say a person’s statue can only be installed posthumously.</p><p>Ceremony speakers focused on Graham’s commitment to preaching the Christian message, his humility and integrity, and a legacy of service for future generations.</p><p>The Rev. Franklin Graham, the evangelist's son, said his father would have been a little uncomfortable with all of the attention had he been there Thursday "because he would want the focus to be on the one that he preached. He’d want the focus to be on the Lord Jesus Christ."</p><p>The Graham statue replaces one of early 20th-century North Carolina Gov. Charles Aycock, who, while known as an education advocate, has fallen from favor because of his ties to the white supremacy movement at the time.</p><p>While not a social activist, Graham integrated his Southern crusades in 1953, a year before the Supreme Court’s school integration ruling. And he long refused to visit South Africa while its white regime insisted on racially segregated meetings. Graham said later in life that he regretted that he didn’t battle for civil rights more forcefully.</p><p>“We acknowledge that he is a better representation of our state than the statue it replaces, which brought memories of a painful history of racism,” said Cooper, a Democrat, who recalled hearing Graham as a youth at a Raleigh stadium. “Not that Rev. Graham was perfect. He would have been the first to tell us that ... but he believed, as many of us do, that there is redemption."</p><p>The Graham sculpture was created by Charlotte-based artist Chas Fagan and bronzed in the state. The base, also created from local granite, is inscribed with two verses from the Book of John that highlight Graham's evangelistic ministry.</p><p>The other North Carolina statue commissioned for the National Statuary Hall is a likeness of Civil War-era Gov. Zebulon Vance, who was also a Confederate military officer and U.S. senator.</p><p>Graham helped build evangelicalism into a force in American life during the 20th century while forging powerful connections to Christian believers worldwide, including those in communist countries. His ministry was marked by the use of mass media, including a daily newspaper column, network radio and prime-time telecasts of his crusades.</p><p>U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, said that he hopes that Graham's ability to bridge differences will filter down today to elected officials.</p><p>“I hope when members of Congress walk by his statue, they reflect on the standards of faith, ethics and decency that he exemplified throughout his extraordinary life,” Tillis said. “I believe that his presence here in the Capitol can help us find opportunities to unite around what makes our nation great.”</p>

🎥Rev. Billy Graham immortalized in a statue unveiled at the US Capitol

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks edged back from their record heights Thursday after the Dow Jones Industrial Average briefly topped the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dow-jones-industrial-average-record-rally-22aaf53da73b4550af35e7c40cf30214">40,000 level</a>&nbsp;for the first time.

The Dow slipped 38.62 points, or 0.1%, to 39,869.38. The S&amp;P 500 index, which is much more widely followed on Wall Street, dipped 11.05, or 0.2%, to 5,297.10, and the Nasdaq composite fell 44.07, or 0.3%, to 16,698.32. All three indexes had rallied on Wednesday to all-time highs.

Deere weighed on the market and sank 4.7% despite reporting stronger profit for its latest quarter than expected. It&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/deere-farmer-inflation-7cf9c7adf1d4f2f05b995fced9eeef7b">cut its forecast for upcoming profit</a>&nbsp;this fiscal year, below analysts’ estimates, as farmers buy fewer tractors and other equipment.

Homebuilders also helped drag the market lower following a weaker-than-expected report on the housing industry. They gave back some of their big gains from the day before, when hopes for lower mortgage rates had sent them sharply higher. D.R. Horton sank 4.2%, Lennar fell 3.3% and PulteGroup dropped 2.8%.

Also sinking were GameStop and AMC Entertainment, which slid for a second straight day following their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meme-stocks-wall-street-gamestop-amc-f56af9d8853d77180548028a1a7f3f0f">jaw-dropping starts to the week</a>. They’ve been moving more on excitement drummed up by investors than any changes to their financial prospects.

GameStop fell 30%, though it’s still up nearly 59% for the week so far. AMC Entertainment lost 15.3%.

Such drops helped offset a 7% jump for Walmart, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-firstquarter-earnings-inflation-economy-2dc446f6df16aa8c1cfc76df81a9ae1f">reported stronger profit</a>&nbsp;for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The retailer also said its revenue for the year could top the forecasted range it had earlier given.

Walmart's strength could be an encouraging signal for the broader economy. Worries have been rising about whether U.S. households can keep up with still-high inflation and more expensive credit-card payments, particularly households at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-low-income-squeeze-profits-93d0614a3a0d0a93cf9e15e0985a7271">the lower end of the income spectrum</a>.

Target, which reports its quarterly results next week, climbed following Walmart's report, along with other retailers like Dollar General and Dollar Tree. Each added at least 2%.

Chubb rose 4.7% after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/berkshire-hathaway-warren-buffett-chubb-stock-c84b893df510c5655a02272f1a41c913">Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway disclosed</a>&nbsp;it had built an ownership stake in the insurer.

Under Armour swung between losses and gains after it warned that its revenue will be likely down by “a low double-digit percentage rate” this upcoming fiscal year, citing weaker demand from wholesalers and “inconsistent execution across our business.”

The company announced a restructuring plan to cut costs and also announced a program to buy back up to $500 million of its stock. It dropped 1.3%.

Stronger-than-expected profit reports have been one of the main reasons U.S. stock indexes have broadly jumped through May to records following a tough April. Another has been revived hopes that the Federal Reserve will be able to cut its main interest rate at least once this year. The Fed has been keeping its federal funds rate at the highest level in more than two decades.

A string of worse-than-expected&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-election-federal-reserve-rates-economy-f54d6af95e3eef434bddb72d25e3decf">reports on inflation</a>&nbsp;at the start of the year had put the potential for such cuts in jeopardy, but some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-rates-economy-federal-reserve-biden-d86c5a3a91a61687496f4a985e6bf362">more encouraging data</a>&nbsp;has since arrived.

Treasury yields have largely eased in May as hopes rose that the economy could hit the hoped-for sweet spot, where it cools enough because of high interest rates to stifle inflation but not so much that it causes a bad recession.

Yields rose Thursday following some mixed data on the economy, including the report that hurt homebuilder stocks, which showed the industry broke ground on fewer projects than expected.

One report showed slightly more&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unemployment-benefits-jobless-claims-layoffs-labor-9622d319ed92d48634e87e2ecf12de15">workers applied for unemployment</a>&nbsp;benefits last week than economists expected, though the number remains low compared with history. Others said manufacturing growth in the mid-Atlantic region was weaker than hoped and import prices rose more than forecast.

“Today’s numbers were in line with the overall theme of the week — nothing dramatic, but showing signs of a steady-to-cooling economy,” said Chris Larkin, managing director, trading and investing, at E-Trade from Morgan Stanley.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed to 4.37% from 4.35% late Wednesday. The two-year yield, which moves more closely with expectations for action by the Fed, rose to 4.79% from 4.72%.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678480429519.jpg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks edged back from their record heights Thursday after the Dow Jones Industrial Average briefly topped the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dow-jones-industrial-average-record-rally-22aaf53da73b4550af35e7c40cf30214">40,000 level</a>&nbsp;for the first time.</p><p>The Dow slipped 38.62 points, or 0.1%, to 39,869.38. The S&amp;P 500 index, which is much more widely followed on Wall Street, dipped 11.05, or 0.2%, to 5,297.10, and the Nasdaq composite fell 44.07, or 0.3%, to 16,698.32. All three indexes had rallied on Wednesday to all-time highs.</p><p>Deere weighed on the market and sank 4.7% despite reporting stronger profit for its latest quarter than expected. It&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/deere-farmer-inflation-7cf9c7adf1d4f2f05b995fced9eeef7b">cut its forecast for upcoming profit</a>&nbsp;this fiscal year, below analysts’ estimates, as farmers buy fewer tractors and other equipment.</p><p>Homebuilders also helped drag the market lower following a weaker-than-expected report on the housing industry. They gave back some of their big gains from the day before, when hopes for lower mortgage rates had sent them sharply higher. D.R. Horton sank 4.2%, Lennar fell 3.3% and PulteGroup dropped 2.8%.</p><p>Also sinking were GameStop and AMC Entertainment, which slid for a second straight day following their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meme-stocks-wall-street-gamestop-amc-f56af9d8853d77180548028a1a7f3f0f">jaw-dropping starts to the week</a>. They’ve been moving more on excitement drummed up by investors than any changes to their financial prospects.</p><p>GameStop fell 30%, though it’s still up nearly 59% for the week so far. AMC Entertainment lost 15.3%.</p><p>Such drops helped offset a 7% jump for Walmart, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-firstquarter-earnings-inflation-economy-2dc446f6df16aa8c1cfc76df81a9ae1f">reported stronger profit</a>&nbsp;for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The retailer also said its revenue for the year could top the forecasted range it had earlier given.</p><p>Walmart's strength could be an encouraging signal for the broader economy. Worries have been rising about whether U.S. households can keep up with still-high inflation and more expensive credit-card payments, particularly households at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-low-income-squeeze-profits-93d0614a3a0d0a93cf9e15e0985a7271">the lower end of the income spectrum</a>.</p><p>Target, which reports its quarterly results next week, climbed following Walmart's report, along with other retailers like Dollar General and Dollar Tree. Each added at least 2%.</p><p>Chubb rose 4.7% after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/berkshire-hathaway-warren-buffett-chubb-stock-c84b893df510c5655a02272f1a41c913">Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway disclosed</a>&nbsp;it had built an ownership stake in the insurer.</p><p>Under Armour swung between losses and gains after it warned that its revenue will be likely down by “a low double-digit percentage rate” this upcoming fiscal year, citing weaker demand from wholesalers and “inconsistent execution across our business.”</p><p>The company announced a restructuring plan to cut costs and also announced a program to buy back up to $500 million of its stock. It dropped 1.3%.</p><p>Stronger-than-expected profit reports have been one of the main reasons U.S. stock indexes have broadly jumped through May to records following a tough April. Another has been revived hopes that the Federal Reserve will be able to cut its main interest rate at least once this year. The Fed has been keeping its federal funds rate at the highest level in more than two decades.</p><p>A string of worse-than-expected&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-election-federal-reserve-rates-economy-f54d6af95e3eef434bddb72d25e3decf">reports on inflation</a>&nbsp;at the start of the year had put the potential for such cuts in jeopardy, but some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-rates-economy-federal-reserve-biden-d86c5a3a91a61687496f4a985e6bf362">more encouraging data</a>&nbsp;has since arrived.</p><p>Treasury yields have largely eased in May as hopes rose that the economy could hit the hoped-for sweet spot, where it cools enough because of high interest rates to stifle inflation but not so much that it causes a bad recession.</p><p>Yields rose Thursday following some mixed data on the economy, including the report that hurt homebuilder stocks, which showed the industry broke ground on fewer projects than expected.</p><p>One report showed slightly more&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unemployment-benefits-jobless-claims-layoffs-labor-9622d319ed92d48634e87e2ecf12de15">workers applied for unemployment</a>&nbsp;benefits last week than economists expected, though the number remains low compared with history. Others said manufacturing growth in the mid-Atlantic region was weaker than hoped and import prices rose more than forecast.</p><p>“Today’s numbers were in line with the overall theme of the week — nothing dramatic, but showing signs of a steady-to-cooling economy,” said Chris Larkin, managing director, trading and investing, at E-Trade from Morgan Stanley.</p><p>The yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed to 4.37% from 4.35% late Wednesday. The two-year yield, which moves more closely with expectations for action by the Fed, rose to 4.79% from 4.72%.</p><p>In stock markets abroad, indexes were modestly lower in much of Europe after mostly rising in Asia. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng jumped 1.6% after reopening following a holiday, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.4%.</p>