KANSAS CITY– A Kansas man popularly known as Kansas City Chiefs superfan “ChiefsAholic,” who has been a fugitive from justice for the past four months, has been charged in federal court with bank theft for one of a string of robberies he is suspected of committing, according to a media release from the department of Justice.

Xaviar Michael Babudar, 28, was charged with one count of bank theft and one count of transporting stolen property across state lines in a criminal complaint filed under seal in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., on May 24, 2023. The federal criminal complaint was unsealed and made public Monday following Babudar’s arrest in Lincoln, California, on July 7. Babudar will have his initial court appearance this afternoon in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California in Sacramento, Calif.

This case will be presented to a federal grand jury to determine whether to return an indictment on these or any additional charges.

Babudar enjoyed a robust social media presence as Kansas City Chiefs superfan Twitter user @ChiefsAholic. He was charged in Tulsa County, Okla., with the robbery of the Tulsa Teachers Federal Credit Union on Dec. 16, 2022. Babudar was released on bond in February 2023, and in late March 2023 removed his ankle monitor and fled prosecution. Investigators recently located Babudar near Sacramento and a federal warrant was issued for his arrest on this complaint.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, Babudar traveled throughout the Midwest to perpetrate a string of robberies at various banks and credit unions. He allegedly laundered the robbery proceeds through area casinos and bank accounts.

Following Babudar’s arrest in Oklahoma last December, FBI investigators began reviewing bank records, casino transaction records, and sensitive financial reporting to determine the breadth and scope of additional potential criminal activities. Babudar purchased and redeemed more than $1 million in chips from various casinos in Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois between April and December 2022, the affidavit says.

Investigators also reviewed unsolved bank robberies throughout the Midwest during that time frame. Babudar’s cell phone was placed in the same cities and locations for these previously unsolved bank robberies and attempted robberies, the affidavit says. In addition to the bank theft with which Babudar is charged in this complaint and the bank robbery charged in Oklahoma, the affidavit specifically refers to four bank robberies in Nebraska, Iowa, Tennessee and Oklahoma, and to the attempted robberies of two credit unions in Minnesota.

The complaint charges Babudar with stealing $70,000 from Great Western Bank in Clive, Iowa, on March 2, 2022, then transporting the stolen money across state lines from Iowa to Missouri.

According to the affidavit, he entered the bank wearing a ski mask and handed a teller a note demanding money and indicating he had a firearm. The teller handed Babudar $70,000; law enforcement officers later found $1,460 in $20 bills in the nearby woods along with a glove worn by Babudar during the bank robbery.

Over the next six weeks, Babudar deposited the same approximate amount of money that was stolen from Great Western Bank into his money market savings account, the affidavit says, and engaged in multiple casino chip purchases and redemptions at the Argosy Casino in Riverside, Mo.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick D. Daly and Stephanie C. Bradshaw. It was investigated by the FBI. The Placer County, Calif., Sheriff’s Department and the Lincoln, Calif., Police Department assisted in the arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689010403536.png" alt="Babudar-from an earlier arrest in Tulsa County" />
 <figcaption>Babudar-from an earlier arrest in Tulsa County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY– A Kansas man popularly known as Kansas City Chiefs superfan “ChiefsAholic,” who has been a fugitive from justice for the past four months, has been charged in federal court with bank theft for one of a string of robberies he is suspected of committing, according to a media release from the department of Justice.Xaviar Michael Babudar, 28, was charged with one count of bank theft and one count of transporting stolen property across state lines in a criminal complaint filed under seal in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., on May 24, 2023. The federal criminal complaint was unsealed and made public Monday following Babudar’s arrest in Lincoln, California, on July 7. Babudar will have his initial court appearance this afternoon in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California in Sacramento, Calif.This case will be presented to a federal grand jury to determine whether to return an indictment on these or any additional charges.Babudar enjoyed a robust social media presence as Kansas City Chiefs superfan Twitter user @ChiefsAholic. He was charged in Tulsa County, Okla., with the robbery of the Tulsa Teachers Federal Credit Union on Dec. 16, 2022. Babudar was released on bond in February 2023, and in late March 2023 removed his ankle monitor and fled prosecution. Investigators recently located Babudar near Sacramento and a federal warrant was issued for his arrest on this complaint.According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, Babudar traveled throughout the Midwest to perpetrate a string of robberies at various banks and credit unions. He allegedly laundered the robbery proceeds through area casinos and bank accounts.Following Babudar’s arrest in Oklahoma last December, FBI investigators began reviewing bank records, casino transaction records, and sensitive financial reporting to determine the breadth and scope of additional potential criminal activities. Babudar purchased and redeemed more than $1 million in chips from various casinos in Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois between April and December 2022, the affidavit says.Investigators also reviewed unsolved bank robberies throughout the Midwest during that time frame. Babudar’s cell phone was placed in the same cities and locations for these previously unsolved bank robberies and attempted robberies, the affidavit says. In addition to the bank theft with which Babudar is charged in this complaint and the bank robbery charged in Oklahoma, the affidavit specifically refers to four bank robberies in Nebraska, Iowa, Tennessee and Oklahoma, and to the attempted robberies of two credit unions in Minnesota.The complaint charges Babudar with stealing $70,000 from Great Western Bank in Clive, Iowa, on March 2, 2022, then transporting the stolen money across state lines from Iowa to Missouri.According to the affidavit, he entered the bank wearing a ski mask and handed a teller a note demanding money and indicating he had a firearm. The teller handed Babudar $70,000; law enforcement officers later found $1,460 in $20 bills in the nearby woods along with a glove worn by Babudar during the bank robbery.Over the next six weeks, Babudar deposited the same approximate amount of money that was stolen from Great Western Bank into his money market savings account, the affidavit says, and engaged in multiple casino chip purchases and redemptions at the Argosy Casino in Riverside, Mo.The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick D. Daly and Stephanie C. Bradshaw. It was investigated by the FBI. The Placer County, Calif., Sheriff’s Department and the Lincoln, Calif., Police Department assisted in the arrest.

KC Chiefs ‘Superfan’ captured in California, charged with bank theft

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the July 2, mass shooting at the City Nightz club in Wichita's Old Town have made another arrest, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Just before noon Monday police booked 27-year-old John D. Houze on requested charges of of aggravated battery and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, as well as a Kansas Department of Corrections warrant stemming from the shooting.

On Friday police booked 19-year-old Ameir King-Ingram in the case on requested charges that include two counts of aggravated battery and one count of criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, according to Rebolledo.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A 31-year-old Missouri man arrested in the case on July 3, was released when the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office determined he fired a weapon in self defense.

Police continue&nbsp;&nbsp;asking the public for help to locate&nbsp;23-year-old Jaylen Thomas of Wichita for questioning in connection to the incident.

Just before 1a.m. July 2, police responded to the club in the 200 Block of North Washington, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.

There were nine people with gunshot wounds and two people were trampled during the mass exodus out of the club.&nbsp;&nbsp;No one was killed but one person was critically injured.&nbsp; Police originally arrested a Missouri man as a suspect.&nbsp;He was released from jail after the Sedgwick County District Attorney determined he was acting in self defense.

The investigation indicates there were at least four firearms discharged inside the club. Police&nbsp; also seized an additional four firearms as part of the investigation.

The shooting victims included a 21-year-old man, 26-year-old man, 24-year-old woman, 34-year-old man, 21-year-old woman, 30-year-old man, 24-year-old man. The traumatic injury victims were a 31-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man, according to Moses. Two additional gunshot victims checked into the hospital later Sunday.

King-Ingram is being held on requested charges that include two counts of aggravated battery and one count of criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689015131240.png" alt="Houze has previous convictions for aggravated battery, criminal possession of a weapon, fleeing police and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. -photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Houze has previous convictions for aggravated battery, criminal possession of a weapon, fleeing police and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. -photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the July 2, mass shooting at the City Nightz club in Wichita's Old Town have made another arrest, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.Just before noon Monday police booked 27-year-old John D. Houze on requested charges of of aggravated battery and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, as well as a Kansas Department of Corrections warrant stemming from the shooting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688816302231.png" alt="King-Ingram-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>King-Ingram-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday police booked 19-year-old Ameir King-Ingram in the case on requested charges that include two counts of aggravated battery and one count of criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, according to Rebolledo.&nbsp;&nbsp;A 31-year-old Missouri man arrested in the case on July 3, was released when the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office determined he fired a weapon in self defense.Police continue&nbsp;&nbsp;asking the public for help to locate&nbsp;23-year-old Jaylen Thomas of Wichita for questioning in connection to the incident.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688849063007.png" alt="Thomas-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Thomas-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 1a.m. July 2, police responded to the club in the 200 Block of North Washington, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688300318332.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation July 2, -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation July 2, -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>There were nine people with gunshot wounds and two people were trampled during the mass exodus out of the club.&nbsp;&nbsp;No one was killed but one person was critically injured.&nbsp; Police originally arrested a Missouri man as a suspect.&nbsp;He was released from jail after the Sedgwick County District Attorney determined he was acting in self defense.The investigation indicates there were at least four firearms discharged inside the club. Police&nbsp; also seized an additional four firearms as part of the investigation.The shooting victims included a 21-year-old man, 26-year-old man, 24-year-old woman, 34-year-old man, 21-year-old woman, 30-year-old man, 24-year-old man. The traumatic injury victims were a 31-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man, according to Moses. Two additional gunshot victims checked into the hospital later Sunday.King-Ingram is being held on requested charges that include two counts of aggravated battery and one count of criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Kansas felon accused in Wichita mass shooting is in custody

By JENNIFER SHUTT&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration announced new initiatives Friday that could reduce health care costs, though none will take effect immediately.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/07/07/fact-sheetpresident-biden-announces-new-actions-to-lower-health-care-costs-and-protect-consumers-from-scam-insurance-plans-and-junk-fees-as-part-of-bidenomics-push/">The changes</a>&nbsp;include a proposed rule that would reduce the amount of time short-term health insurance plans can last and require companies that offer the plans to be more transparent about what is covered and what isn’t.

The administration is providing guidance to hospitals that patients are either in-network, with the costs for their health care falling under billing limitations in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-aca/index.html">the Affordable Care Act,</a>&nbsp;or it is out-of-network care and billing costs are covered by a federal law known as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises">the No Surprises Act.&nbsp;</a>

The White House is also requesting information about credit cards with especially high interest rates that can be offered within doctors’ offices to help people pay for their health care.

White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden said during a call with reporters on Thursday the proposed rule, which could be finalized later this year, would help Americans to understand the difference between health insurance plans offered under the Affordable Care Act and so-called “junk insurance.”

Those short-term health insurance plans, Tanden said, “are intended to provide temporary coverage as people transition from one source of coverage to another, like when we’re between jobs.”

During the Trump administration, those short-term plans, which don’t have to provide the same type of health care coverage as other insurance plans, were allowed to last as long as three years, she said.

“The ACA has helped tens of millions of Americans access high-quality, affordable health insurance that protects Americans from being discriminated against because of pre-existing conditions,” Tanden said. “Unfortunately, some types of insurance plans, like short-term limited duration insurance, don’t provide comprehensive coverage. Importantly, they don’t have to comply with the critical ACA protections.”

The short-term plans have left some people with thousands of dollars in medical debt, including a man in Montana who had $43,000 in medical bills after the short-term plan denied cancer coverage by claiming it was a pre-existing condition, she said.

In addition to limiting those short-term health insurance plans to three months with a one-month renewal option, the proposed rule would “require plans that discriminate based on pre-existing conditions and don’t offer comprehensive benefits to disclose their limits clearly to consumers,” Tanden said.

Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin celebrated the move in a written statement, saying the short-term insurance plans often show up with a lower price than other plans, though that comes with pitfalls.

“The lower sticker price misleads Americans into buying health insurance that does not have to cover pre-existing conditions, prescription drugs, maternity care, and a host of other basic needs, all while sticking patients with a huge bill to pay out of pocket when they do need health care,” Baldwin said.

On surprise medical billing, the Department of Health and Human Services is sending guidance to hospitals that Biden administration officials hope will reduce or eliminate people receiving thousands in medical bills they did not expect.

“Under this new guidance, we’re making it clear that plans and providers cannot evade surprise billing rules simply by changing the terms they use in their contracts,” Tanden said.

“For example, some health plans contract with hospitals, then try to claim that they are not technically ‘in network,’” she added. “Frankly, what they are doing is gaming the system. This is not allowed and, as our guidance will describe, it must end.”

A senior administration official, speaking on background to describe details of the guidance, said it should clarify that there is no space between the protections for out-of-network costs covered under the federal law known as the No Surprises Act, or protections in the Affordable Care Act for in-network costs.

“We are saying there is no gray area here,” the official said. “It is either the protections of the No Surprises Act, or the protections for out-of-pocket costs.”

The third initiative from the administration unveiled Friday requests information from the public about credit cards and certain types of loans that are often offered to people to help them pay for health care.

Tanden said people signing up for that type of medical credit card may not understand how they work because they “often include teaser rates and deferred interest features that lead to higher costs for consumers.”

A second senior administration official, also speaking on background to discuss details of the plan, said those credit cards often come with interest rates that are much higher than a regular credit card. They are sometimes offered to patients in a health care provider’s office.

“So people are signing up for these things at the same time that they’re deciding on their medical care — those are certainly not going to be optimal conditions for anybody to be making financial decisions,” the official said, noting that many of the cards have “surprise tricks and straps built into them.”

Virginia Democratic Rep. Bobby Scott, ranking member on the Committee on Education and the Workforce, cheered the moves in a written statement.

“With today’s announcement, President Biden is delivering on his promise to promote access to affordable health care and lower families’ everyday costs,” Scott said. “In Congress, Democrats will continue to advance proposals that build on our progress and fiercely defend the ACA from Republican politicians’ persistent attacks.”

By JENNIFER SHUTT&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — The Biden administration announced new initiatives Friday that could reduce health care costs, though none will take effect immediately.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/07/07/fact-sheetpresident-biden-announces-new-actions-to-lower-health-care-costs-and-protect-consumers-from-scam-insurance-plans-and-junk-fees-as-part-of-bidenomics-push/">The changes</a>&nbsp;include a proposed rule that would reduce the amount of time short-term health insurance plans can last and require companies that offer the plans to be more transparent about what is covered and what isn’t.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Imagine you choose an &quot;in-network&quot; hospital to receive care but are charged for an “out-of-network” doctor that you did not choose – or even know was consulted. We&#39;re closing these surprise billing loopholes. Evading the law to charge patients outrageous prices must end. <a href="https://t.co/SoIfO3aZyR">pic.twitter.com/SoIfO3aZyR</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1677663837246431233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The administration is providing guidance to hospitals that patients are either in-network, with the costs for their health care falling under billing limitations in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-aca/index.html">the Affordable Care Act,</a>&nbsp;or it is out-of-network care and billing costs are covered by a federal law known as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises">the No Surprises Act.&nbsp;</a>The White House is also requesting information about credit cards with especially high interest rates that can be offered within doctors’ offices to help people pay for their health care.White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden said during a call with reporters on Thursday the proposed rule, which could be finalized later this year, would help Americans to understand the difference between health insurance plans offered under the Affordable Care Act and so-called “junk insurance.”Those short-term health insurance plans, Tanden said, “are intended to provide temporary coverage as people transition from one source of coverage to another, like when we’re between jobs.”During the Trump administration, those short-term plans, which don’t have to provide the same type of health care coverage as other insurance plans, were allowed to last as long as three years, she said.“The ACA has helped tens of millions of Americans access high-quality, affordable health insurance that protects Americans from being discriminated against because of pre-existing conditions,” Tanden said. “Unfortunately, some types of insurance plans, like short-term limited duration insurance, don’t provide comprehensive coverage. Importantly, they don’t have to comply with the critical ACA protections.”The short-term plans have left some people with thousands of dollars in medical debt, including a man in Montana who had $43,000 in medical bills after the short-term plan denied cancer coverage by claiming it was a pre-existing condition, she said.In addition to limiting those short-term health insurance plans to three months with a one-month renewal option, the proposed rule would “require plans that discriminate based on pre-existing conditions and don’t offer comprehensive benefits to disclose their limits clearly to consumers,” Tanden said.Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin celebrated the move in a written statement, saying the short-term insurance plans often show up with a lower price than other plans, though that comes with pitfalls.“The lower sticker price misleads Americans into buying health insurance that does not have to cover pre-existing conditions, prescription drugs, maternity care, and a host of other basic needs, all while sticking patients with a huge bill to pay out of pocket when they do need health care,” Baldwin said.<h2>Unexpected medical bills</h2>On surprise medical billing, the Department of Health and Human Services is sending guidance to hospitals that Biden administration officials hope will reduce or eliminate people receiving thousands in medical bills they did not expect.“Under this new guidance, we’re making it clear that plans and providers cannot evade surprise billing rules simply by changing the terms they use in their contracts,” Tanden said.“For example, some health plans contract with hospitals, then try to claim that they are not technically ‘in network,’” she added. “Frankly, what they are doing is gaming the system. This is not allowed and, as our guidance will describe, it must end.”A senior administration official, speaking on background to describe details of the guidance, said it should clarify that there is no space between the protections for out-of-network costs covered under the federal law known as the No Surprises Act, or protections in the Affordable Care Act for in-network costs.“We are saying there is no gray area here,” the official said. “It is either the protections of the No Surprises Act, or the protections for out-of-pocket costs.”The third initiative from the administration unveiled Friday requests information from the public about credit cards and certain types of loans that are often offered to people to help them pay for health care.Tanden said people signing up for that type of medical credit card may not understand how they work because they “often include teaser rates and deferred interest features that lead to higher costs for consumers.”A second senior administration official, also speaking on background to discuss details of the plan, said those credit cards often come with interest rates that are much higher than a regular credit card. They are sometimes offered to patients in a health care provider’s office.“So people are signing up for these things at the same time that they’re deciding on their medical care — those are certainly not going to be optimal conditions for anybody to be making financial decisions,” the official said, noting that many of the cards have “surprise tricks and straps built into them.”Virginia Democratic Rep. Bobby Scott, ranking member on the Committee on Education and the Workforce, cheered the moves in a written statement.“With today’s announcement, President Biden is delivering on his promise to promote access to affordable health care and lower families’ everyday costs,” Scott said. “In Congress, Democrats will continue to advance proposals that build on our progress and fiercely defend the ACA from Republican politicians’ persistent attacks.”

Biden administration to crack down on ‘junk’ health insurance plans, surprise billing

CHEROKEE COUNTY —The manhunt for a suspect who allegedly fired a shotgun and stole a pickup in southeast Kansas is over.

Charles L. Amos, 61, was captured just before midnight in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff's office.

Just before 8:00 a.m. on Sunday,&nbsp; Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched after a resident discovered a farm truck had been stolen. The owner located the stolen truck and Amos nearby, after Amos stopped to siphon fuel out of the stolen farm truck to put into a van, which had been previously stolen in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

When the owner of the stolen farm truck - and family members of the owner - confronted the suspect, he discharged rounds from a shotgun at one of them, then fled in one of the family members' white 2015 Chevy 4 door truck.

During the day-long manhunt, Cherokee County Investigators coordinated with law enforcement partners in Southeast Kansas, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshal's Service and the Oklahoma City Violent Crimes Apprehension Team in efforts to locate and apprehend Amos.

Amos is currently in custody in Oklahoma City, pending extradition back to Kansas.

Cherokee County Authorities anticipate the filing of formal charges Monday to include Attempted Murder, Aggravated Robbery, Theft, Criminal Damage to Property and being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689006737418.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CHEROKEE COUNTY —The manhunt for a suspect who allegedly fired a shotgun and stole a pickup in southeast Kansas is over.Charles L. Amos, 61, was captured just before midnight in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff's office.Just before 8:00 a.m. on Sunday,&nbsp; Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched after a resident discovered a farm truck had been stolen. The owner located the stolen truck and Amos nearby, after Amos stopped to siphon fuel out of the stolen farm truck to put into a van, which had been previously stolen in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.When the owner of the stolen farm truck - and family members of the owner - confronted the suspect, he discharged rounds from a shotgun at one of them, then fled in one of the family members' white 2015 Chevy 4 door truck.During the day-long manhunt, Cherokee County Investigators coordinated with law enforcement partners in Southeast Kansas, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshal's Service and the Oklahoma City Violent Crimes Apprehension Team in efforts to locate and apprehend Amos.Amos is currently in custody in Oklahoma City, pending extradition back to Kansas.Cherokee County Authorities anticipate the filing of formal charges Monday to include Attempted Murder, Aggravated Robbery, Theft, Criminal Damage to Property and being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Man wanted for alleged attempted murder in Kan. is captured

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A state-court judge on Monday ordered Kansas to stop allowing transgender people to change the listing for their sex on their driver's licenses, ahead of the first hearing in a lawsuit filed by state's Republican attorney general against the practice.

District Judge Teresa Watson issued the order three days after Attorney General Kris Kobach sued two officials in Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's administration over her announcement that the state's motor vehicles division would continue changing driver's licenses for transgender people so that the sex listing matches their gender identities. Kobach contends that a law, which took effect on July 1, prevents such changes and requires the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-rights-birth-certificates-kansas-df1e4120921749561ded2535263be223">to reverse any previous changes</a>&nbsp;in its records.

The order will stay in effect for up two weeks, although Watson can extend it. But the judge's move is significant because transgender people have been able to change their driver's licenses for four years, and almost 400 people have done so.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/sb180_enrolled.pdf">That new Kansas law</a>&nbsp;defines a person’s sex as male or female, based on the “biological reproductive system” identified at birth, applying that definition to any state law or regulation. It also says that “important governmental objectives” of protecting people’s privacy, health and safety justify single-sex spaces such as bathrooms and locker rooms.

Kelly's office has said attorneys for the motor vehicles division's parent agency, the Kansas Department of Revenue, concluded that their practice of allowing changes by transgender people did not violate the law.

Watson, a judge in Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, said allowing the motor vehicles division to keep making changes for transgender people would case “immediate and irreparable injury.”

“Compliance with state legal requirements for identifying license holders is a public safety concern,” Watson wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623429479600.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A state-court judge on Monday ordered Kansas to stop allowing transgender people to change the listing for their sex on their driver's licenses, ahead of the first hearing in a lawsuit filed by state's Republican attorney general against the practice.District Judge Teresa Watson issued the order three days after Attorney General Kris Kobach sued two officials in Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's administration over her announcement that the state's motor vehicles division would continue changing driver's licenses for transgender people so that the sex listing matches their gender identities. Kobach contends that a law, which took effect on July 1, prevents such changes and requires the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-rights-birth-certificates-kansas-df1e4120921749561ded2535263be223">to reverse any previous changes</a>&nbsp;in its records.The order will stay in effect for up two weeks, although Watson can extend it. But the judge's move is significant because transgender people have been able to change their driver's licenses for four years, and almost 400 people have done so.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/sb180_enrolled.pdf">That new Kansas law</a>&nbsp;defines a person’s sex as male or female, based on the “biological reproductive system” identified at birth, applying that definition to any state law or regulation. It also says that “important governmental objectives” of protecting people’s privacy, health and safety justify single-sex spaces such as bathrooms and locker rooms.Kelly's office has said attorneys for the motor vehicles division's parent agency, the Kansas Department of Revenue, concluded that their practice of allowing changes by transgender people did not violate the law.Watson, a judge in Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, said allowing the motor vehicles division to keep making changes for transgender people would case “immediate and irreparable injury.”“Compliance with state legal requirements for identifying license holders is a public safety concern,” Watson wrote.

Judge: Kan. must stop transgender people from changing gender on driver's license

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting that fatally injured 16-year-old Elrecus Nolan from Wichita have a third suspect in custody. On Saturday, police reported the arrest of&nbsp;24-year-old Rico Brown from Valley Center.

Just before 10:30pm. Monday, police were dispatched to shots fired call at the intersection of Mt. Vernon and Ellis Street in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Police learned that a witness heard several gunshots before he noticed a silver 2002 Ford Taurus slowly rolling westbound on Mt. Vernon, hitting the curb before stopping on the sidewalk.

First responders located Nolan unconscious and not breathing with a gunshot wound to his upper body. Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. Nolan was pronounced deceased at the scene.

On Thursday, police arrested 21-year-old Dougqualynn Patterson and 21-year-old Kameron Solomon both from Wichita.&nbsp; All three suspects are being held on requested charges of 1st Degree Murder.&nbsp;

The investigators are still working to fully determine what led up to the shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688845147553.png" alt="Brown-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Brown-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting that fatally injured 16-year-old Elrecus Nolan from Wichita have a third suspect in custody. On Saturday, police reported the arrest of&nbsp;24-year-old Rico Brown from Valley Center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688508501373.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation late Monday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation late Monday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 10:30pm. Monday, police were dispatched to shots fired call at the intersection of Mt. Vernon and Ellis Street in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688743977576.png" alt="Patterson-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Patterson-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police learned that a witness heard several gunshots before he noticed a silver 2002 Ford Taurus slowly rolling westbound on Mt. Vernon, hitting the curb before stopping on the sidewalk.First responders located Nolan unconscious and not breathing with a gunshot wound to his upper body. Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. Nolan was pronounced deceased at the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688745199407.png" alt="Solomon-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Solomon-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday, police arrested 21-year-old Dougqualynn Patterson and 21-year-old Kameron Solomon both from Wichita.&nbsp; All three suspects are being held on requested charges of 1st Degree Murder.&nbsp;The investigators are still working to fully determine what led up to the shooting.

Three accused in death of 16-year-old Kansas boy

SALINE COUNTY— In a trench 9 feet below the surface, a worker employed by Precision Plumbing LLC was connecting a plumbing line to the municipal sewer in Salina in January when he was buried under dirt and rocks after a trench wall collapsed, according to a report from OSHA.

The company’s foreman entered the trench and tried to dig the worker out. Soon after, he then became buried up to his knees when the trench wall collapsed further. For more than an hour, first responders worked to rescue the two workers. Both survived one of the construction industry’s most serious hazards.

In an investigation by the&nbsp;U.S. Department of Labor’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.osha.gov/" target="_blank">Occupational Safety and Health Administration</a>,&nbsp;inspectors determined the trench had no protection against cave-ins and the employer allowed soil piles and equipment within 2 feet of the excavation’s edge. OSHA found Precision Plumbing’s violations of these federal trench safety regulations willful.

Inspectors learned that a superintendent with the site’s general contractor, Multicon Inc. — a Wichita-based construction company — had identified the trench collapse hazards to the Precision Plumbing foreman but left the site before making certain the subcontractor corrected the hazard.

“Fortunately, first responders rescued two workers when a 9-foot trench collapsed. This incident is a stark reminder of how soil can shift suddenly and bury a person within seconds,” explained OSHA Area Director Todd Underwood in Wichita, Kansas.&nbsp;“Many other workers are less fortunate. In fact, OSHA investigated the deaths of 39 workers in trench collapses in 2022 alone.”

<a href="https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OPA/newsreleases/2023/07/OSHA2023149.pdf" target="_blank">OSHA’s investigation led the agency to issue Precision Plumbing, located in Cheney, two willful and six serious violations with proposed penalties of $333,949.</a>&nbsp;In addition to the willful violations related to the trench collapse, investigators found the company failed to do the following:

OSHA also cited Multicon Inc., the general contractor, for one serious violation for failing to protect employees from cave-in and engulfment hazards. The agency proposed penalties of $14,063.

OSHA has a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/enforcement/directives/CPL-02-00-161_0.pdf" target="_blank">national emphasis program on trenching and excavations</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/trench_safety_tips_card.pdf" target="_blank">Trenching standards require protective systems in trenches deeper than 5 feet</a>, and soil and other materials kept at least 2 feet from the edge of a trench. Additionally, trenches must be inspected by a competent person, be&nbsp;free of standing water and atmospheric hazards and have a safe means of entering and exiting prior to allowing a worker to enter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673053595660.jpeg" alt="Emergency responders at the scene of the accident in January&nbsp;Photos by Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>Emergency responders at the scene of the accident in January&nbsp;Photos by Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY— In a trench 9 feet below the surface, a worker employed by Precision Plumbing LLC was connecting a plumbing line to the municipal sewer in Salina in January when he was buried under dirt and rocks after a trench wall collapsed, according to a report from OSHA.The company’s foreman entered the trench and tried to dig the worker out. Soon after, he then became buried up to his knees when the trench wall collapsed further. For more than an hour, first responders worked to rescue the two workers. Both survived one of the construction industry’s most serious hazards.In an investigation by the&nbsp;U.S. Department of Labor’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.osha.gov/" target="_blank">Occupational Safety and Health Administration</a>,&nbsp;inspectors determined the trench had no protection against cave-ins and the employer allowed soil piles and equipment within 2 feet of the excavation’s edge. OSHA found Precision Plumbing’s violations of these federal trench safety regulations willful.Inspectors learned that a superintendent with the site’s general contractor, Multicon Inc. — a Wichita-based construction company — had identified the trench collapse hazards to the Precision Plumbing foreman but left the site before making certain the subcontractor corrected the hazard.“Fortunately, first responders rescued two workers when a 9-foot trench collapsed. This incident is a stark reminder of how soil can shift suddenly and bury a person within seconds,” explained OSHA Area Director Todd Underwood in Wichita, Kansas.&nbsp;“Many other workers are less fortunate. In fact, OSHA investigated the deaths of 39 workers in trench collapses in 2022 alone.”<a href="https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OPA/newsreleases/2023/07/OSHA2023149.pdf" target="_blank">OSHA’s investigation led the agency to issue Precision Plumbing, located in Cheney, two willful and six serious violations with proposed penalties of $333,949.</a>&nbsp;In addition to the willful violations related to the trench collapse, investigators found the company failed to do the following:<ol>
 <li>Make sure workers wore hard hats when exposed to overhead struck-by hazards.</li><li>Protect workers from drowning hazards due to an unsupported water pipe in the trench.</li><li>Provide workers with eye protection when workers were using chemicals.</li><li>Develop a program on chemical hazards and train workers on how to use chemicals safely.</li>
 </ol>OSHA also cited Multicon Inc., the general contractor, for one serious violation for failing to protect employees from cave-in and engulfment hazards. The agency proposed penalties of $14,063.OSHA has a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/enforcement/directives/CPL-02-00-161_0.pdf" target="_blank">national emphasis program on trenching and excavations</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/trench_safety_tips_card.pdf" target="_blank">Trenching standards require protective systems in trenches deeper than 5 feet</a>, and soil and other materials kept at least 2 feet from the edge of a trench. Additionally, trenches must be inspected by a competent person, be&nbsp;free of standing water and atmospheric hazards and have a safe means of entering and exiting prior to allowing a worker to enter.

Report: Kan. contractor exposed employees to potentially fatal hazard 

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly and a bipartisan group of Kansas legislative leaders agreed Friday to designate $170,000 to cover the cost of deploying hazmat teams in Kansas after an anonymous person mailed letters contained white powder and hostile text to about 100 politicians in the state.

(click below to watch a replay of the meeting)

The State Finance Council, which includes Republicans and Democrats from the House and Senate, unanimously approved the expenditure sought by state fire marshal Doug Jorgensen. He said the request was necessary because he lacked authority to spend more than $25,000 per incident from the agency’s emergency response fund without consent of the State Finance Council.

“In the recent event,” Jorgensen said, “we had eight of those hazmat teams active.”

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation in mid-June began an inquiry of suspicious letters sent legislators and public officials in Kansas, including Attorney General Kris Kobach. The KBI had 60 special agents, forensic scientists and colleagues working to collect, screen, manage and track evidence.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said preliminary testing showed the white substance was presumptively negative for dangerous biological agents.

Delivery of similar letters in Tennessee and Montana prompted the Federal Bureau of Investigation to take the lead role in the inquiry on June 20. So far, more than 120 Republicans in the three states have received the bizarre letters.

Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican who received one of the letters, said after the State Finance Council’s vote that he was pleased Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa, denounced individuals responsible for mailing the letters.

“I appreciate what she did,” Hawkins said. “I sure wished I would have heard from our governor about that.”

Kelly said she appreciated the House speaker’s point of view and promised to issue a formal statement when the federal and state investigation concluded.

“You can rest assured that there is no way in the world that I would approve or condone this kind of action,” the Democratic governor said. “I am waiting for the KBI and FBI to complete their investigation so we can know all the facts in the case.”

After inviting the governor to comment and listening to her remarks during the State Finance Council meeting, Hawkins issued a statement faulting Kelly’s approach to an investigation that hadn’t produced an arrest in Kansas or elsewhere. Hawkins said the governor’s decision to await outcome of the investigation was an “excuse” to sidestep talking about what he considered an “act of terror.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688838952944.png" alt="The State Finance Council approved expenditure of $170,000 by state fire marshal Doug Jorgensen in response to about 100 letters containing a white powder sent to Kansas political figures in June. House Speaker Dan Hawkins criticized Gov. Laura Kelly for not publicly denouncing the letters. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from State Finance Council’s YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption>The State Finance Council approved expenditure of $170,000 by state fire marshal Doug Jorgensen in response to about 100 letters containing a white powder sent to Kansas political figures in June. House Speaker Dan Hawkins criticized Gov. Laura Kelly for not publicly denouncing the letters. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from State Finance Council’s YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly and a bipartisan group of Kansas legislative leaders agreed Friday to designate $170,000 to cover the cost of deploying hazmat teams in Kansas after an anonymous person mailed letters contained white powder and hostile text to about 100 politicians in the state.(click below to watch a replay of the meeting)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UTtYD21s7i4?start=3" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The State Finance Council, which includes Republicans and Democrats from the House and Senate, unanimously approved the expenditure sought by state fire marshal Doug Jorgensen. He said the request was necessary because he lacked authority to spend more than $25,000 per incident from the agency’s emergency response fund without consent of the State Finance Council.“In the recent event,” Jorgensen said, “we had eight of those hazmat teams active.”The Kansas Bureau of Investigation in mid-June began an inquiry of suspicious letters sent legislators and public officials in Kansas, including Attorney General Kris Kobach. The KBI had 60 special agents, forensic scientists and colleagues working to collect, screen, manage and track evidence.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said preliminary testing showed the white substance was presumptively negative for dangerous biological agents.Delivery of similar letters in Tennessee and Montana prompted the Federal Bureau of Investigation to take the lead role in the inquiry on June 20. So far, more than 120 Republicans in the three states have received the bizarre letters.Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican who received one of the letters, said after the State Finance Council’s vote that he was pleased Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa, denounced individuals responsible for mailing the letters.“I appreciate what she did,” Hawkins said. “I sure wished I would have heard from our governor about that.”Kelly said she appreciated the House speaker’s point of view and promised to issue a formal statement when the federal and state investigation concluded.“You can rest assured that there is no way in the world that I would approve or condone this kind of action,” the Democratic governor said. “I am waiting for the KBI and FBI to complete their investigation so we can know all the facts in the case.”After inviting the governor to comment and listening to her remarks during the State Finance Council meeting, Hawkins issued a statement faulting Kelly’s approach to an investigation that hadn’t produced an arrest in Kansas or elsewhere. Hawkins said the governor’s decision to await outcome of the investigation was an “excuse” to sidestep talking about what he considered an “act of terror.”

🎥Kan. House Speaker critical of governor for not speaking out on ‘white powder’ letters

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the July 2, mass shooting at the City Nightz club in Wichita's Old Town are asking the public for help to locate&nbsp;23-year-old Jaylen Thomas of Wichita for questioning in connection to the incident.

On Friday police arrested 19-year-old Ameir King-Ingram and booked him into the Sedgwick County jail for his role in the shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688849063007.png" alt="Thomas-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Thomas-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the July 2, mass shooting at the City Nightz club in Wichita's Old Town are asking the public for help to locate&nbsp;23-year-old Jaylen Thomas of Wichita for questioning in connection to the incident.On Friday police arrested 19-year-old Ameir King-Ingram and booked him into the Sedgwick County jail for his role in the shooting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688300318332.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation July 2, -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation July 2, -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 1a.m. July 2, police responded to the club in the 200 Block of North Washington, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.There were nine people with gunshot wounds and two people were trampled during the mass exodus out of the club.&nbsp;&nbsp;No one was killed but one person was critically injured.&nbsp; Police originally arrested a Missouri man as a suspect.&nbsp;He was released from jail after the Sedgwick County District Attorney determined he was acting in self defense.The investigation indicates there were at least four firearms discharged inside the club. Police&nbsp; also seized an additional four firearms as part of the investigation.The shooting victims included a 21-year-old man, 26-year-old man, 24-year-old woman, 34-year-old man, 21-year-old woman, 30-year-old man, 24-year-old man. The traumatic injury victims were a 31-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man, according to Moses. Two additional gunshot victims checked into the hospital later Sunday.King-Ingram is being held on requested charges that include two counts of aggravated battery and one count of criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Suspect in Wichita mass shooting is still at large

TAMPA, Fla.&nbsp;– On Saturday, the U.S. Central Command conducted a strike in Syria that resulted in the death of Usamah al-Muhajir, an ISIS leader in eastern Syria, according to a media release from the agency.

“We have made it clear that we remain committed to the defeat of ISIS throughout the region,” said Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command. “ISIS remains a threat, not only to the region but well beyond.”

There are no indications that any civilians were killed in this strike, and the coalition is assessing reports of a civilian injury.

This will disrupt and degrade ISIS’s ability to plan and conduct terror attacks. However, CENTCOM’s operations against ISIS, alongside partner forces in Iraq and Syria, will continue in order to achieve the group’s enduring defeat.

The strike on Friday was conducted by the same MQ-9s that had, earlier in the day, been harassed by Russian aircraft in an encounter that had lasted almost two hours.

TAMPA, Fla.&nbsp;– On Saturday, the U.S. Central Command conducted a strike in Syria that resulted in the death of Usamah al-Muhajir, an ISIS leader in eastern Syria, according to a media release from the agency.“We have made it clear that we remain committed to the defeat of ISIS throughout the region,” said Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command. “ISIS remains a threat, not only to the region but well beyond.”There are no indications that any civilians were killed in this strike, and the coalition is assessing reports of a civilian injury.This will disrupt and degrade ISIS’s ability to plan and conduct terror attacks. However, CENTCOM’s operations against ISIS, alongside partner forces in Iraq and Syria, will continue in order to achieve the group’s enduring defeat.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Regarding Russia&#39;s unprofessional behavior while reacting with U.S. aircraft over Syria, please see the video of today&#39;s encounter. For the full statement by Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, Commander, 9th AF (AFCENT) visit<a href="https://t.co/WKDYPiPT96">https://t.co/WKDYPiPT96</a><a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CENTCOM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofDefense?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeptofDefense</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/usairforce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usairforce</a> <a href="https://t.co/nmSSBxUojO">pic.twitter.com/nmSSBxUojO</a>&mdash; US AFCENT (@USAFCENT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAFCENT/status/1676712564686831619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The strike on Friday was conducted by the same MQ-9s that had, earlier in the day, been harassed by Russian aircraft in an encounter that had lasted almost two hours.

🎥US drones 'harassed' by Russian jets kill Islamic State leader 

FORD COUNTY—Authorities are working on a minor train derailment in Dodge City.

West Trail and Park Street in Dodge City were closed&nbsp; due to Burlington Northern Santa Fe train derailment Sunday, according to the Dodge City Fire Department.

Railroad officials were on scene and had equipment on the way.  All other rail crossings were open.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There were no reports of injury and no hazmat issues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688955321146.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY—Authorities are working on a minor train derailment in Dodge City.West Trail and Park Street in Dodge City were closed&nbsp; due to Burlington Northern Santa Fe train derailment Sunday, according to the Dodge City Fire Department.Railroad officials were on scene and had equipment on the way. All other rail crossings were open.&nbsp;&nbsp;There were no reports of injury and no hazmat issues.

No injuries, hazmat issues from train derailment in Dodge City

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug and weapons allegations.

On Thursday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 1500 Block of SE Quincy Avenue in Topeka related to an ongoing investigation, according to Lt. Ronnie Connell.

While conducting the search warrant, officers located LSD, marijuana, methamphetamine, firearms, stolen property and drug paraphernalia.

Officers arrested 29-year-old Autumn Eastman on requested charges of&nbsp; Aggravated child endangerment, Distribution of methamphetamine within 1000’ of a school, Distribution of marijuana within 1000’ of a school,&nbsp;Possession of hallucinogenic drug, Criminal use of a weapon by a felon, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688726524597.png" alt="Eastman-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Eastman-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug and weapons allegations.On Thursday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 1500 Block of SE Quincy Avenue in Topeka related to an ongoing investigation, according to Lt. Ronnie Connell.While conducting the search warrant, officers located LSD, marijuana, methamphetamine, firearms, stolen property and drug paraphernalia.Officers arrested 29-year-old Autumn Eastman on requested charges of&nbsp; Aggravated child endangerment, Distribution of methamphetamine within 1000’ of a school, Distribution of marijuana within 1000’ of a school,&nbsp;Possession of hallucinogenic drug, Criminal use of a weapon by a felon, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute

Police found LSD, meth, guns and kids at Kan. home

GOVE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 10a.m. Sunday in Gove County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Chevy Impala driven by James D. Ashbaugh, 68, Park,&nbsp;was eastbound on Interstate 70 three miles east of Kansas 23.

The car crossed the median and began to travel eastbound in the westbound lanes. It crossed both the driving and passing lanes and struck a 2023 BMW X series driven by  Danker, Jennifer L. Danker, 51, Mission HIlls, who was exiting at the rest area. 

Both vehicles came to rest in the field north of the interstate 70 and east of the the rest area.

Ashbaugh was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Schmidt Funeral Home. EMS transported Danker to the Gove County Medical Center. Three juveniles were present in the vehicle at the time of the accident; juvenile records are protected data. Ashbaugh was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

GOVE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 10a.m. Sunday in Gove County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Chevy Impala driven by James D. Ashbaugh, 68, Park,&nbsp;was eastbound on Interstate 70 three miles east of Kansas 23. The car crossed the median and began to travel eastbound in the westbound lanes. It crossed both the driving and passing lanes and struck a 2023 BMW X series driven by Danker, Jennifer L. Danker, 51, Mission HIlls, who was exiting at the rest area. Both vehicles came to rest in the field north of the interstate 70 and east of the the rest area.Ashbaugh was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Schmidt Funeral Home. EMS transported Danker to the Gove County Medical Center. Three juveniles were present in the vehicle at the time of the accident; juvenile records are protected data. Ashbaugh was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies in wrong-way I-70 crash

CHEROKEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating report of a stolen vehicle and continue a search for&nbsp; 61-year-old Charles L. "Larry" Amos, according to&nbsp; Cherokee County Kansas Sheriff David Groves.

Just before 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to an area northwest of Columbus, near the Labette County, Kansas line after a man discovered his farm truck had been stolen. 

The owner located the stolen truck and Amos nearby.&nbsp; Amos stopped to siphon fuel from the truck into a nearby van, which had been previously stolen in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

When the owner of the stolen farm truck and family members of the owner confronted Amos, he allegedly discharged rounds from a shotgun at them, then fled in one of the family members' white 2015 Chevy four-door truck.&nbsp; Amos and stolen vehicle were confirmed traveling westbound through Coffeyville on US 166 at 2:11pm on Sunday, according to the Sheriff's office.

Anyone with information as to Amos' whereabouts should consider him armed and dangerous and contact local law enforcement authorities.

Information can be provided to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office at 620-429-3992 or by texting 888777. Tipsters can just type 'tip cherokee' followed by whatever information they are able to provide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688948605655.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CHEROKEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating report of a stolen vehicle and continue a search for&nbsp; 61-year-old Charles L. "Larry" Amos, according to&nbsp; Cherokee County Kansas Sheriff David Groves.Just before 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to an area northwest of Columbus, near the Labette County, Kansas line after a man discovered his farm truck had been stolen. The owner located the stolen truck and Amos nearby.&nbsp; Amos stopped to siphon fuel from the truck into a nearby van, which had been previously stolen in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.When the owner of the stolen farm truck and family members of the owner confronted Amos, he allegedly discharged rounds from a shotgun at them, then fled in one of the family members' white 2015 Chevy four-door truck.&nbsp; Amos and stolen vehicle were confirmed traveling westbound through Coffeyville on US 166 at 2:11pm on Sunday, according to the Sheriff's office.Anyone with information as to Amos' whereabouts should consider him armed and dangerous and contact local law enforcement authorities.Information can be provided to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office at 620-429-3992 or by texting 888777. Tipsters can just type 'tip cherokee' followed by whatever information they are able to provide.

Sheriff: Kan. suspect fired shotgun at owner, stole pickup

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas CIty man was sentenced to prison for the kidnapping and murder in May 2021 of Gilberto Gutierrez, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

A Jackson County judge sentenced&nbsp; 33-year-old Ahmad R. Herring to life in prison or 30 years in prison for a Murder 2nd Degree conviction and 16 additional years in prison for convictions of Kidnapping 1st Degree, Robbery 1st Degree and two counts of Armed Criminal Action where Prosecutors had requested more than 60 years after a Jackson County jury convicted the defendant.

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched on May 11, 2021, on a reported missing person and the victim's family told them they had not heard from their father.&nbsp; But bloody clothing of the victim had been found. 

On May 17, 2021,&nbsp; Gutierrez's body was discovered.&nbsp; Tt was wrapped in a tarp and found near 56th and Elmwood. He died from several stab wounds and blunt force trauma.

 During a search of a vehicle associated with the defendant, police detectives found receipts for drop cloths and bleach. Several cellphones also were recovered. Tests for DNA showed Herring's DNA on a zip tie recovered near the victim. The victim died from several stab wounds and blunt force trauma.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647428374611.png" alt="Herring-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Herring-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas CIty man was sentenced to prison for the kidnapping and murder in May 2021 of Gilberto Gutierrez, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.A Jackson County judge sentenced&nbsp; 33-year-old Ahmad R. Herring to life in prison or 30 years in prison for a Murder 2nd Degree conviction and 16 additional years in prison for convictions of Kidnapping 1st Degree, Robbery 1st Degree and two counts of Armed Criminal Action where Prosecutors had requested more than 60 years after a Jackson County jury convicted the defendant.According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched on May 11, 2021, on a reported missing person and the victim's family told them they had not heard from their father.&nbsp; But bloody clothing of the victim had been found. On May 17, 2021,&nbsp; Gutierrez's body was discovered.&nbsp; Tt was wrapped in a tarp and found near 56th and Elmwood. He died from several stab wounds and blunt force trauma. During a search of a vehicle associated with the defendant, police detectives found receipts for drop cloths and bleach. Several cellphones also were recovered. Tests for DNA showed Herring's DNA on a zip tie recovered near the victim. The victim died from several stab wounds and blunt force trauma.

 Kansas City man sentenced for violent, deadly kidnapping

By Jared Strong <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/woman-who-shouted-shame-following-critical-gun-bill-passage-is-banned-from-nebraska-capitol/">States Newsroom&nbsp;</a>

COUNCIL BLUFFS — Former President Donald Trump claimed he is the “most pro-farmer president that you’ve ever had” during a campaign stop in Iowa and joked that his payments to them during a trade war with China should guarantee he will win the state’s caucuses.

“How the hell can I not? I gave the farmers $28 billion,” he said Friday in a ballroom of the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs.

Trump was referring to bailout money paid to farmers in 2019 amid his efforts to rework the country’s trade policies, which included imposing tariffs on Chinese products. The country retaliated, in part, by imposing its own tariffs on soybeans, crippling an important export market for Iowa farmers.

Last year, the United States exported about $154 billion of goods to China, up about 19% from 2017, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Exports dropped to about $107 billion during the trade war in 2019.

Trump said farmers benefited from the dispute and his trade renegotiations with other countries such as Canada and Mexico. He said farmers also benefited from tax cuts implemented by Congress during his administration, along with a temporary increase in the exemption to the federal tax that is levied on the estates of wealthy people after they die.

“A lot of times they lose the farm,” he said of children of farmers who can’t afford to pay.

Further, Trump said his administration supported the ethanol industry by allowing summertime sales of E15 — a gasoline blend with 15% ethanol. A&nbsp;federal judge later reversed that action, saying the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency did not have the authority to lift restrictions on its sales without approval from Congress.

Trump said he would continue to negotiate better trade deals for farmers if reelected and would prevent Chinese ownership of American farmland.

State Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, a Wilton Republican who is a senior adviser to Trump’s campaign in Iowa, launched the Friday event with a panel discussion about agriculture that included talks about water quality restrictions, farm subsidies and other issues.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Donald Trump has been the single best president in United States history for Iowa agriculture and farmers in general,” Kaufmann said. “I mean, look, he brought the rain today.”

Rally attendees had long waits in sometimes heavy rain to get into the venue, which was considerably smaller than the large-scale rallies for which Trump is known. Staff at the Mid-America Center said the ballroom could accommodate about 2,000 people.

As they waited inside, there were periodic chants of “Trump! Trump! Trump!” and “Build the wall!” There was also an impromptu recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

It was the Republican frontrunner’s first appearance in Iowa since&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/06/09/the-indictment-is-unsealed-trump-faces-37-felony-counts-in-classified-documents-probe/">his 37-count federal indictment</a>&nbsp;last month that accuses Trump of scheming to keep classified documents from his time as president.

“It’s all bull—,” Trump said Friday. “I’m the only person who ever got indicted that got more popular.”

Trump, as a presidential candidate seven years ago, made repeated statements about the importance of protecting classified information, according to the indictment: “No one will be above the law,” he said in August 2016.

But he has pivoted to claim he is being unfairly targeted by the federal government for political reasons and that others — including President Joe Biden and his first presidential opponent Hillary Clinton — are guilty of similar offenses.

However, the accusations against Trump stand apart in that he allegedly took more than 100 classified documents from his former presidency to his resort and home in Florida, stored them haphazardly, and disclosed some of the information they contained to people without appropriate security clearances.

That doesn’t matter to Travis Humbert, of Underwood, who attended the rally with his 13-year-old son.

“It could be true,” said Humbert, who voted twice in presidential elections for Trump and plans to again. “But people are stuck in the past. Who cares? We all have a past. Let’s move on. He’s a businessman, not a politician, and he’s actually trying to work for the American people.”

The federal indictment is the second criminal allegation against him that has yielded formal charges this year. In April, a New York grand jury indicted Trump&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/03/30/trump-indicted-by-manhattan-grand-jury-according-to-reports/">for falsifying business records</a>. The state indictment targets Trump’s claims that certain payments to an attorney were for legal fees, while investigators allege they were reimbursements for a hush-money payment to an adult film actress.

And there are two pending investigations into whether Trump attempted to interfere with the 2020 election in Georgia — a state Biden narrowly won — and into Trump’s role in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack of the U.S. Capitol.

“It’s a joke — a total joke,” Patty Murray, of Omaha, said of the criminal inquiries into Trump.

Murray wants Trump to get a second term so that he can finish building a wall at the country’s southern border with Mexico, promote international peace and bolster the economy.

She said the investigations and indictments have done little to diminish Trump’s credibility with his supporters.

“It’s helped him,” Murray said. “Everybody says it’s a joke.”

Jeanne Greisen, a Lincoln, Nebraska,resident who volunteered at Friday’s rally, agreed: “People like to support somebody that’s being attacked and doing the right thing. They like to back the small guy.”

Trump pledged last month to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Biden and his family if he is elected president again. Greisen hesitated to express support for politically motivated investigations but said: “I think it just needs to be fair across the board. The same law needs to be applied to every person.”

Greisen said she will vote for Trump, hoping in a second term he can require public school children to learn more about the U.S. Constitution, lessen the prevalence of human trafficking and reduce the size and scope of government.

Greisen, Murray and Humbert also said that the economy has suffered under Biden’s leadership and that inflation is still a major problem.

“Gas prices need to come back down,” said Humbert, of Woodward.

<a target="_blank" href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/president-primary-r/2024/iowa/">Recent polls</a>&nbsp;of potential Republican caucus voters in Iowa show Trump with double-digit percentage point leads over his nearest competitor, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Nationally, pollsters show a wider margin of support for Trump, with Trump’s former vice president, Mike Pence, in a distant third.

Trump lobbed numerous personal attacks at DeSantis for being a “lousy candidate” for governor who was only elected because of Trump’s support in 2018.

Trump said that his status as the clear frontrunner is what made him a target for criminal investigations and that he is acting as a shield for the nation’s citizens.

“They want to take away my freedom because I sure as hell won’t let them take your freedom,” he said to rapturous applause. He later added: “In the end, they’re not after me. They’re after you, and I just happen to be standing in the way.”

He was not more specific about who was planning to take freedoms from citizens nor what specific freedoms they are.

Iowa Auditor Rob Sand, the state’s sole elected Democrat to currently hold a statewide office, criticized Trump at a news conference in Des Moines on Friday before the former president’s Council Bluffs event.

Sand said Trump is advocating for the same “extremist” policies that Iowa Republican lawmakers and Gov. Kim Reynolds advocate for. He pointed to Reynolds’&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/07/05/reynolds-announces-special-session-on-abortion-for-july-11/">call for a special session</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, July 11, to pass abortion legislation following the Iowa Supreme Court decision not allowing enforcement of the state’s 2018 six-week abortion ban.

“So as Donald Trump comes to Iowa today, it’s important to remember that he bragged about being the one to get Roe overturned,” Sand said. “It’s important to remember that they are paving the way for the legislative bans that Republicans are going to do right here in Iowa.”

Trump mentioned abortion briefly and said the Supreme Court decision gives abortion opponents more leverage to negotiate for regulations that are less extreme than what he said Democrats want. He said he supports exceptions for rape, incest and to protect the life of the mother.

Of the court decision to eliminate a right to abortion at the federal level: “Good things are going to come about it, and you move it back to the states where all the legal scholars said it should be,” Trump said.

This article first appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/07/07/trump-appeals-to-farmers-in-iowa-campaign-visit/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>,&nbsp;a sister&nbsp;site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688866742399.png" alt="Former President Donald Trump said he is a champion of farmers in a campaign visit to Council Bluffs on July 7, 2023. (Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch)" />
 <figcaption>Former President Donald Trump said he is a champion of farmers in a campaign visit to Council Bluffs on July 7, 2023. (Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Jared Strong <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/woman-who-shouted-shame-following-critical-gun-bill-passage-is-banned-from-nebraska-capitol/">States Newsroom&nbsp;</a>COUNCIL BLUFFS — Former President Donald Trump claimed he is the “most pro-farmer president that you’ve ever had” during a campaign stop in Iowa and joked that his payments to them during a trade war with China should guarantee he will win the state’s caucuses.“How the hell can I not? I gave the farmers $28 billion,” he said Friday in a ballroom of the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs.Trump was referring to bailout money paid to farmers in 2019 amid his efforts to rework the country’s trade policies, which included imposing tariffs on Chinese products. The country retaliated, in part, by imposing its own tariffs on soybeans, crippling an important export market for Iowa farmers.Last year, the United States exported about $154 billion of goods to China, up about 19% from 2017, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Exports dropped to about $107 billion during the trade war in 2019.Trump said farmers benefited from the dispute and his trade renegotiations with other countries such as Canada and Mexico. He said farmers also benefited from tax cuts implemented by Congress during his administration, along with a temporary increase in the exemption to the federal tax that is levied on the estates of wealthy people after they die.“A lot of times they lose the farm,” he said of children of farmers who can’t afford to pay.Further, Trump said his administration supported the ethanol industry by allowing summertime sales of E15 — a gasoline blend with 15% ethanol. A&nbsp;federal judge later reversed that action, saying the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency did not have the authority to lift restrictions on its sales without approval from Congress.Trump said he would continue to negotiate better trade deals for farmers if reelected and would prevent Chinese ownership of American farmland.State Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, a Wilton Republican who is a senior adviser to Trump’s campaign in Iowa, launched the Friday event with a panel discussion about agriculture that included talks about water quality restrictions, farm subsidies and other issues.“There is no doubt in my mind that Donald Trump has been the single best president in United States history for Iowa agriculture and farmers in general,” Kaufmann said. “I mean, look, he brought the rain today.”Rally attendees had long waits in sometimes heavy rain to get into the venue, which was considerably smaller than the large-scale rallies for which Trump is known. Staff at the Mid-America Center said the ballroom could accommodate about 2,000 people.As they waited inside, there were periodic chants of “Trump! Trump! Trump!” and “Build the wall!” There was also an impromptu recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.<h2>Shadow of indictments</h2>It was the Republican frontrunner’s first appearance in Iowa since&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/06/09/the-indictment-is-unsealed-trump-faces-37-felony-counts-in-classified-documents-probe/">his 37-count federal indictment</a>&nbsp;last month that accuses Trump of scheming to keep classified documents from his time as president.“It’s all bull—,” Trump said Friday. “I’m the only person who ever got indicted that got more popular.”Trump, as a presidential candidate seven years ago, made repeated statements about the importance of protecting classified information, according to the indictment: “No one will be above the law,” he said in August 2016.But he has pivoted to claim he is being unfairly targeted by the federal government for political reasons and that others — including President Joe Biden and his first presidential opponent Hillary Clinton — are guilty of similar offenses.However, the accusations against Trump stand apart in that he allegedly took more than 100 classified documents from his former presidency to his resort and home in Florida, stored them haphazardly, and disclosed some of the information they contained to people without appropriate security clearances.That doesn’t matter to Travis Humbert, of Underwood, who attended the rally with his 13-year-old son.“It could be true,” said Humbert, who voted twice in presidential elections for Trump and plans to again. “But people are stuck in the past. Who cares? We all have a past. Let’s move on. He’s a businessman, not a politician, and he’s actually trying to work for the American people.”The federal indictment is the second criminal allegation against him that has yielded formal charges this year. In April, a New York grand jury indicted Trump&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/03/30/trump-indicted-by-manhattan-grand-jury-according-to-reports/">for falsifying business records</a>. The state indictment targets Trump’s claims that certain payments to an attorney were for legal fees, while investigators allege they were reimbursements for a hush-money payment to an adult film actress.And there are two pending investigations into whether Trump attempted to interfere with the 2020 election in Georgia — a state Biden narrowly won — and into Trump’s role in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack of the U.S. Capitol.“It’s a joke — a total joke,” Patty Murray, of Omaha, said of the criminal inquiries into Trump.Murray wants Trump to get a second term so that he can finish building a wall at the country’s southern border with Mexico, promote international peace and bolster the economy.She said the investigations and indictments have done little to diminish Trump’s credibility with his supporters.“It’s helped him,” Murray said. “Everybody says it’s a joke.”Jeanne Greisen, a Lincoln, Nebraska,resident who volunteered at Friday’s rally, agreed: “People like to support somebody that’s being attacked and doing the right thing. They like to back the small guy.”Trump pledged last month to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Biden and his family if he is elected president again. Greisen hesitated to express support for politically motivated investigations but said: “I think it just needs to be fair across the board. The same law needs to be applied to every person.”Greisen said she will vote for Trump, hoping in a second term he can require public school children to learn more about the U.S. Constitution, lessen the prevalence of human trafficking and reduce the size and scope of government.Greisen, Murray and Humbert also said that the economy has suffered under Biden’s leadership and that inflation is still a major problem.“Gas prices need to come back down,” said Humbert, of Woodward.<a target="_blank" href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/president-primary-r/2024/iowa/">Recent polls</a>&nbsp;of potential Republican caucus voters in Iowa show Trump with double-digit percentage point leads over his nearest competitor, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Nationally, pollsters show a wider margin of support for Trump, with Trump’s former vice president, Mike Pence, in a distant third.Trump lobbed numerous personal attacks at DeSantis for being a “lousy candidate” for governor who was only elected because of Trump’s support in 2018.Trump said that his status as the clear frontrunner is what made him a target for criminal investigations and that he is acting as a shield for the nation’s citizens.“They want to take away my freedom because I sure as hell won’t let them take your freedom,” he said to rapturous applause. He later added: “In the end, they’re not after me. They’re after you, and I just happen to be standing in the way.”He was not more specific about who was planning to take freedoms from citizens nor what specific freedoms they are.<h2>Democrats point to Roe</h2>Iowa Auditor Rob Sand, the state’s sole elected Democrat to currently hold a statewide office, criticized Trump at a news conference in Des Moines on Friday before the former president’s Council Bluffs event.Sand said Trump is advocating for the same “extremist” policies that Iowa Republican lawmakers and Gov. Kim Reynolds advocate for. He pointed to Reynolds’&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/07/05/reynolds-announces-special-session-on-abortion-for-july-11/">call for a special session</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, July 11, to pass abortion legislation following the Iowa Supreme Court decision not allowing enforcement of the state’s 2018 six-week abortion ban.“So as Donald Trump comes to Iowa today, it’s important to remember that he bragged about being the one to get Roe overturned,” Sand said. “It’s important to remember that they are paving the way for the legislative bans that Republicans are going to do right here in Iowa.”Trump mentioned abortion briefly and said the Supreme Court decision gives abortion opponents more leverage to negotiate for regulations that are less extreme than what he said Democrats want. He said he supports exceptions for rape, incest and to protect the life of the mother.Of the court decision to eliminate a right to abortion at the federal level: “Good things are going to come about it, and you move it back to the states where all the legal scholars said it should be,” Trump said.This article first appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/07/07/trump-appeals-to-farmers-in-iowa-campaign-visit/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>,&nbsp;a sister&nbsp;site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network.

Trump appeals to farmers in campaign appearance

More than 6,000 United Methodist congregations — a fifth of the U.S. total — have now received permission to leave the denomination&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-gay-rights-f3fc3ec9e1f39501495d227d5a0963f8">amid a schism</a>&nbsp;over theology and the role of LGBTQ people in the nation's second-largest Protestant denomination.

Those figures emerge following the close of regular meetings in June for the denomination's regional bodies, known as annual conferences. The departures began with a trickle in 2019 — when the church created a four-year window of opportunity for U.S. congregations to depart over LGBTQ-related issues — and cascaded to its highest level this year.

Church law forbids the marriage or ordination of “self-avowed, practicing homosexuals,” but many conservatives have chosen to leave amid a growing defiance of those bans in many U.S. churches and conferences.

Many of the departing congregations are joining the Global Methodist Church, a denomination created last year by conservatives breaking from the UMC, while others are going independent or joining different denominations.

Some 6,182 congregations have received approval to disaffiliate since 2019, according to an unofficial&nbsp;<a href="https://www.umnews.org/en/news/disaffiliations-approved-by-annual-conferences">tally by United Methodist News Service</a>, which has been tracking votes by annual conferences. That figure is 4,172 for this year alone, it reported.

Some annual conferences may approve more departures at special sessions later this year, according to the Rev. Jay Therrell, president of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, a conservative caucus that has advocated for the exiting churches. While most UMC congregations are remaining, many of the departing congregations are large, and denominational officials are bracing for significant budget cuts in 2024.

The numbers of exiting churches are higher than conservatives originally estimated, Therrell said.

Legal wrangles have largely been resolved over how much compensation the departing congregations must pay for their property and other financial obligations.

“For the most part, bishops and other annual conference leaders have been very gracious, and I deeply appreciate that,” Therrell said. “There have been some small exceptions to that, and those are unfortunate, but we’re grateful that cooler and calmer heads have prevailed.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688661428812.png" alt="Photo Asbury United Methodist Church in Prairie Village, Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Photo Asbury United Methodist Church in Prairie Village, Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>By PETER SMITH Associated PressMore than 6,000 United Methodist congregations — a fifth of the U.S. total — have now received permission to leave the denomination&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-gay-rights-f3fc3ec9e1f39501495d227d5a0963f8">amid a schism</a>&nbsp;over theology and the role of LGBTQ people in the nation's second-largest Protestant denomination.Those figures emerge following the close of regular meetings in June for the denomination's regional bodies, known as annual conferences. The departures began with a trickle in 2019 — when the church created a four-year window of opportunity for U.S. congregations to depart over LGBTQ-related issues — and cascaded to its highest level this year.Church law forbids the marriage or ordination of “self-avowed, practicing homosexuals,” but many conservatives have chosen to leave amid a growing defiance of those bans in many U.S. churches and conferences.Many of the departing congregations are joining the Global Methodist Church, a denomination created last year by conservatives breaking from the UMC, while others are going independent or joining different denominations.Some 6,182 congregations have received approval to disaffiliate since 2019, according to an unofficial&nbsp;<a href="https://www.umnews.org/en/news/disaffiliations-approved-by-annual-conferences">tally by United Methodist News Service</a>, which has been tracking votes by annual conferences. That figure is 4,172 for this year alone, it reported.Some annual conferences may approve more departures at special sessions later this year, according to the Rev. Jay Therrell, president of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, a conservative caucus that has advocated for the exiting churches. While most UMC congregations are remaining, many of the departing congregations are large, and denominational officials are bracing for significant budget cuts in 2024.The numbers of exiting churches are higher than conservatives originally estimated, Therrell said.Legal wrangles have largely been resolved over how much compensation the departing congregations must pay for their property and other financial obligations.“For the most part, bishops and other annual conference leaders have been very gracious, and I deeply appreciate that,” Therrell said. “There have been some small exceptions to that, and those are unfortunate, but we’re grateful that cooler and calmer heads have prevailed.”Bishop Thomas Bickerton, president of the UMC’s Council of Bishops, said the departures were disappointing.“I don’t think any of us want to see any of our churches leave,” he said. “We're called to be the body of Christ, we're called to be unified. There’s never been a time when the church has not been without conflict, but there’s been a way we’ve worked through that.”But for those who want “to go and live out their Christian faith in a new expression, we wish God’s blessings on them,” he said.The split has been long in the making, mirroring controversies that have led to splits in other mainline Protestant denominations. United Methodist legislative bodies, known as general conferences, have repeatedly reinforced bans on LGBTQ marriage and ordination, on the strength of coalitions of conservatives in U.S. and overseas churches.But amid increased defiance of those bans in many U.S. churches, many conservatives decided to launch the separate Global Methodist Church, saying they believed the sexuality issues reflected deeper theological differences.The departures have been particularly large in the South and Midwest, with states such as Texas, Alabama, Kentucky and Ohio each losing hundreds of congregations.In some areas, United Methodists have designated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-methodists-schism-disaffiliation-lgbtq-44fd14d471124d23e1fd5677a8f2b1d9">“lighthouse” or similarly named congregations,</a>&nbsp;with a mission for receiving members who wanted to stay United Methodists but whose churches were leaving. The GMC has begun planting new churches, including in areas where United Methodist congregations have remained in that denomination.With these departures, progressives are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-gay-rights-marriage-1ed8df15ecbb36700cbe638b29dc6617">expected to propose changing church law</a>&nbsp;at the next General Conference in 2024 to allow for same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ people.The United Methodist Church has about 6.5 million members in the United States and at least that many abroad, according to its website. The U.S. membership has been in steady decline, while the overseas membership has grown, particularly in Africa.Therrell said there will be efforts at the 2024 General Conference to provide overseas churches a legal way to disaffiliate, similar to what U.S. congregations have had.The GMC says about 3,000 churches so far have affiliated with the new denomination, with more expected.Bickerton said it's time for United Methodists remaining in the denomination to refocus their work.“Quite often, when you’re pressed, you begin to exhibit creativity,” he said. “We’re pivoting away from what we were into what our next expression is going to be." Budgets will be smaller, but "this is our opportunity to refashion the church for relevance in the 21st century and really focus on evangelism.”___