TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Leaders of Kansas' Republican-controlled Legislature backed off a threat to sue the state's Democratic governor for vetoing parts of a GOP education funding bill, saying Thursday that they still doubt the legality of her actions but now question whether a court challenge would be worth it.

Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-school-funding-kelly-veto-fd51c6022b6983f8758a836ac3be9e5e">nixed items</a>&nbsp;in a $6 billion measure that provides the bulk of the funding for public K-12 schools for the 2023-24 school year. The vetoes changed how state funds are distributed to protect rural schools, though the move helped a majority of the state's 286 local districts and took funds away from only 25 of them, according to State Department of Education data.

Kelly also didn't touch the only school choice initiative that divided Republicans were able to pass this year, expanding an existing program for private school scholarships of up to $8,000 a year for low-income public school students. While public education groups strongly opposed it, some GOP conservatives had hoped to pass the kind of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-vouchers-public-education-funding-kansas-88f7d2a5793c100e732d5ec38278da26">sweeping plan</a>&nbsp;to use state education dollars to help parents pay for private or home schooling that states such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-florida-nebraska-kim-reynolds-iowa-1fdab7c898730873b8c3b880223c5306">Iowa,</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-vouchers-south-carolina-bill-signing-cf089d5b3fc42bd74a54f93abb1bf131">South Carolina</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-state-government-arizona-iowa-south-carolina-kansas-091e6094fcea2852ec279fedf11759d8">Utah</a>&nbsp;enacted.

Republican leaders contend that Kelly exceeded the power granted to governors under the Kansas Constitution to veto individual spending items in budget bills. The education funding bill mixed spending with policy, and Kelly deleted six pages of language and also made a technical adjustment at the end of the bill.

Senate President Ty Masterson, a Wichita-area Republican, told reporters Thursday at the Statehouse that GOP leaders initially feared she would go after more parts of the bill.

“I don’t know that it’s worth the fight now,” Masterson said. “I don’t think we’re going to do anything with this one.”

When Kelly announced her vetoes last week, Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, called on GOP Attorney General Kris Kobach to review them, suggesting they were poised for a lawsuit.

Kelly's actions rejected a GOP-backed change for local school districts with declining student numbers — more than half of them. The state distributes its dollars with a per-student formula, so funding drops as enrollments decline, but the state phases in the decrease over several years.

The GOP change would have allowed less time for districts to adjust to a funding loss, and top Republicans contend the move would have helped growing districts. But Hawkins said in a statement that the issue “can probably be addressed in a more efficient way” than suing Kelly.

The governor told reporters Thursday after a Statehouse event that she believes the six pages she vetoed “clearly” represented a budget item.

She said she wasn't sure she could go after other parts of the bill, "and I didn’t want to test it out.”

Kelly's vetoes benefitted more than 150 districts, giving them more state funds than they would have received otherwise, according to State Department of Education data. More than 100 others saw no difference.

Kansas has boosted aid to public schools over the past decade, with an increase of about 3% coming for 2023-24. Even with fewer students across much of the state, only 10 districts will receive less aid overall than they did in 2022-23. All of those have fewer than 500 students, and four have fewer than 100.

Without Kelly's vetoes, 29 districts would have received less money overall than in 2022-23.

“If they continue to put really bad policy in appropriations bills, you know, I probably will continue to line-item (veto them),” the governor said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684436202687.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-school-funding-kelly-veto-fd51c6022b6983f8758a836ac3be9e5e">nixed items</a>&nbsp;in a $6 billion measure that provides the bulk of the funding for public K-12 schools for the 2023-24 school year.photo Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-school-funding-kelly-veto-fd51c6022b6983f8758a836ac3be9e5e">nixed items</a>&nbsp;in a $6 billion measure that provides the bulk of the funding for public K-12 schools for the 2023-24 school year.photo Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Leaders of Kansas' Republican-controlled Legislature backed off a threat to sue the state's Democratic governor for vetoing parts of a GOP education funding bill, saying Thursday that they still doubt the legality of her actions but now question whether a court challenge would be worth it.Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-school-funding-kelly-veto-fd51c6022b6983f8758a836ac3be9e5e">nixed items</a>&nbsp;in a $6 billion measure that provides the bulk of the funding for public K-12 schools for the 2023-24 school year. The vetoes changed how state funds are distributed to protect rural schools, though the move helped a majority of the state's 286 local districts and took funds away from only 25 of them, according to State Department of Education data.Kelly also didn't touch the only school choice initiative that divided Republicans were able to pass this year, expanding an existing program for private school scholarships of up to $8,000 a year for low-income public school students. While public education groups strongly opposed it, some GOP conservatives had hoped to pass the kind of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-vouchers-public-education-funding-kansas-88f7d2a5793c100e732d5ec38278da26">sweeping plan</a>&nbsp;to use state education dollars to help parents pay for private or home schooling that states such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-florida-nebraska-kim-reynolds-iowa-1fdab7c898730873b8c3b880223c5306">Iowa,</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/education-vouchers-south-carolina-bill-signing-cf089d5b3fc42bd74a54f93abb1bf131">South Carolina</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-state-government-arizona-iowa-south-carolina-kansas-091e6094fcea2852ec279fedf11759d8">Utah</a>&nbsp;enacted.Republican leaders contend that Kelly exceeded the power granted to governors under the Kansas Constitution to veto individual spending items in budget bills. The education funding bill mixed spending with policy, and Kelly deleted six pages of language and also made a technical adjustment at the end of the bill.Senate President Ty Masterson, a Wichita-area Republican, told reporters Thursday at the Statehouse that GOP leaders initially feared she would go after more parts of the bill.“I don’t know that it’s worth the fight now,” Masterson said. “I don’t think we’re going to do anything with this one.”When Kelly announced her vetoes last week, Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, called on GOP Attorney General Kris Kobach to review them, suggesting they were poised for a lawsuit.Kelly's actions rejected a GOP-backed change for local school districts with declining student numbers — more than half of them. The state distributes its dollars with a per-student formula, so funding drops as enrollments decline, but the state phases in the decrease over several years.The GOP change would have allowed less time for districts to adjust to a funding loss, and top Republicans contend the move would have helped growing districts. But Hawkins said in a statement that the issue “can probably be addressed in a more efficient way” than suing Kelly.The governor told reporters Thursday after a Statehouse event that she believes the six pages she vetoed “clearly” represented a budget item.She said she wasn't sure she could go after other parts of the bill, "and I didn’t want to test it out.”Kelly's vetoes benefitted more than 150 districts, giving them more state funds than they would have received otherwise, according to State Department of Education data. More than 100 others saw no difference.Kansas has boosted aid to public schools over the past decade, with an increase of about 3% coming for 2023-24. Even with fewer students across much of the state, only 10 districts will receive less aid overall than they did in 2022-23. All of those have fewer than 500 students, and four have fewer than 100.Without Kelly's vetoes, 29 districts would have received less money overall than in 2022-23.“If they continue to put really bad policy in appropriations bills, you know, I probably will continue to line-item (veto them),” the governor said.

GOP leaders in Kan. back off threat to sue governor over education funding

KANSAS CITY —The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a warning about a suspect now on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/topten" target="_blank">Top Ten Most Wanted list&nbsp;</a>who is believed to be in Missouri.

On Thursday, Donald Eugene Fields II, 58, wanted for the alleged sex trafficking of at least one child in Missouri, was added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, according to a statement from the agency.

The crimes occurred between 2013 and 2017. A federal arrest warrant was issued for Fields on December 8, 2022, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri after he was charged with sex trafficking of children.

According to a special agent in the FBI’s St. Louis Division, “Fields has allegedly demonstrated a pattern of abusing minor females in his circle that are entrusted to his care, manipulating them to earn their trust quickly and using their own resources to take advantage of them.”

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to Fields’ arrest. This amount reflects the FBI’s decision in May 2023 to increase the reward from up to $100,000 to up to $250,000 to aid in capturing individuals on the the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.

Fields is 58 years old and has brown hair and hazel eyes. He is between 6’0” and 6’4” tall and weighs about 235 pounds. He is a white male with scars on his chest, his groin, his left calf, both legs, and both knees. Fields has worked as a tree trimmer, a resale shop owner, and an independent used car dealer.&nbsp;

Fields was last known to reside in Missouri; he has family there and in Kentucky. He is known to visit casinos and has traveled to Florida in the past.

If you have any information concerning Fields, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, submit a tip online at&nbsp;<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/" target="_blank">tips.fbi.gov</a>, or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us">contact your&nbsp;local FBI office</a>. If you are outside of the United States, you can contact the&nbsp;nearest American Embassy or Consulate.

<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/" target="_blank">Submit an anonymous Tip online</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685097640185.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a warning about a suspect now on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/topten" target="_blank">Top Ten Most Wanted list&nbsp;</a>who is believed to be in Missouri.On Thursday, Donald Eugene Fields II, 58, wanted for the alleged sex trafficking of at least one child in Missouri, was added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, according to a statement from the agency.The crimes occurred between 2013 and 2017. A federal arrest warrant was issued for Fields on December 8, 2022, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri after he was charged with sex trafficking of children.According to a special agent in the FBI’s St. Louis Division, “Fields has allegedly demonstrated a pattern of abusing minor females in his circle that are entrusted to his care, manipulating them to earn their trust quickly and using their own resources to take advantage of them.”The FBI is offering a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to Fields’ arrest. This amount reflects the FBI’s decision in May 2023 to increase the reward from up to $100,000 to up to $250,000 to aid in capturing individuals on the the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685098186464.png" alt="Fields -photo FBI" />
 <figcaption>Fields -photo FBI</figcaption>
 </figure>Fields is 58 years old and has brown hair and hazel eyes. He is between 6’0” and 6’4” tall and weighs about 235 pounds. He is a white male with scars on his chest, his groin, his left calf, both legs, and both knees. Fields has worked as a tree trimmer, a resale shop owner, and an independent used car dealer.&nbsp;Fields was last known to reside in Missouri; he has family there and in Kentucky. He is known to visit casinos and has traveled to Florida in the past.If you have any information concerning Fields, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, submit a tip online at&nbsp;<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/" target="_blank">tips.fbi.gov</a>, or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us">contact your&nbsp;local FBI office</a>. If you are outside of the United States, you can contact the&nbsp;nearest American Embassy or Consulate.<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/" target="_blank">Submit an anonymous Tip online</a>

FBI warning: Top 10 most wanted fugitive believed to be in Missouri

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities and fire investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire that

Just after 2 p.m. Wednesday, the Douglas County Emergency Communications Center (911) received several calls reporting smoke and fire from a wooded area near the Kansas River levy, according to a media release.

 The initial call to 911 reported dogs fighting and shots fired in a wooded area near the levy. A short time later, Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical (LDCFM) was dispatched after black smoke was seen coming from the area. One of the Lawrence Kansas Police Department’s Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles was in the area with a training team and reported the smoke. 

Fire crews found a tent shelter that was consumed by fire.&nbsp; First responders used&nbsp; an off-road utility vehicle with a water tank and hose&nbsp; to extinguish the flames, which were ultimately found just south of the 700 block of Ash in the woods off the riverbank. 

Two dogs perished during the fire. A third dog escaped and was transported to a veterinary office for evaluation. No people were harmed. 

LDCFM is working this ongoing investigation to find the person or people responsible. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685047344069.png" alt="Photo Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical" />
 <figcaption>Photo Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities and fire investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire thatJust after 2 p.m. Wednesday, the Douglas County Emergency Communications Center (911) received several calls reporting smoke and fire from a wooded area near the Kansas River levy, according to a media release. The initial call to 911 reported dogs fighting and shots fired in a wooded area near the levy. A short time later, Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical (LDCFM) was dispatched after black smoke was seen coming from the area. One of the Lawrence Kansas Police Department’s Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles was in the area with a training team and reported the smoke. Fire crews found a tent shelter that was consumed by fire.&nbsp; First responders used&nbsp; an off-road utility vehicle with a water tank and hose&nbsp; to extinguish the flames, which were ultimately found just south of the 700 block of Ash in the woods off the riverbank. Two dogs perished during the fire. A third dog escaped and was transported to a veterinary office for evaluation. No people were harmed. LDCFM is working this ongoing investigation to find the person or people responsible.

Arson investigation: Dogs die in rural fire near Kansas River

WASHINGTON (AP) — Days from a deadline, President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-kevin-mccarthy-debt-limit-fac74a8804c619f8db69bf3a8a4a69b1">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy are narrowing in on a two-year budget deal aiming to curb federal deficits in exchange for lifting the nation's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-biden-mccarthy-default-negotiations-cb0646c6301f1df97211896897df3723">debt ceiling</a>&nbsp;and staving off an economically devastating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/default-yellen-biden-debt-ceiling-republicans-416a2fad74db0cb4535655ef26c9f845">government default</a>.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-kevin-mccarthy-debt-limit-fac74a8804c619f8db69bf3a8a4a69b1?utm_source=ForYou&amp;utm_medium=HomePage&amp;utm_id=Taboola">Democratic president and Republican speaker</a>&nbsp;hope to strike a budget compromise this weekend. With Republicans driving for steep cuts, the two sides have been unable to agree to spending levels for 2024 and 2025. Any deal would need to be a political compromise, with support from both Democrats and Republicans to pass the divided Congress.

But the budget flow isn't the only hang-up.

A person familiar with the talks said the two sides are “dug in” on whether or not to agree to Republican demands to impose stiffer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-work-requirements-snap-medicaid-biden-66270829cfc0009ddb5f59eb12a6ba7a">work requirements</a>&nbsp;on people who receive government food stamps, cash assistance and health care aid, some of the most vulnerable Americans.

Yet both Biden and McCarthy expressed optimism heading into the weekend that the gulf between their positions could be bridged. A two-year deal would raise the debt limit for that time, past the 2024 presidential election.

“We knew this would not be easy," McCarthy, R-Calif., said as he left the Capitol for the evening Thursday.

McCarthy said, "It’s hard, but we’re working and we’re going to continue to work until we get this done.”

House Republicans have pushed the issue to the brink, displaying risky political bravado in leaving town for the Memorial Day holiday. The U.S. could face an unprecedented default as soon as June 1, hurling the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-congress-world-economy-recession-biden-52df635e9b89f4b1677176fc8d59eff0">global economy into chaos</a>.

In remarks at the White House, Biden said, “It’s about competing versions of America.”

“The only way to move forward is with a bipartisan agreement,” Biden said Thursday. “And I believe we’ll come to an agreement that allows us to move forward and protects the hardworking Americans of this country.”

Lawmakers are tentatively not expected back at work until Tuesday, just two days from the early June deadline when Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has said the U.S. could start running out of cash to pay its bills and face a federal default.

Biden will also be away this weekend, departing Friday for the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland, and Sunday for his home in Wilmington, Delaware. The Senate is on recess and will be until after Memorial Day.

Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings agency placed the United States’ AAA credit on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-credit-rating-downgrade-warning-default-b906c014ed2b8124917f4a107a543964">“ratings watch negative,”</a>&nbsp;warning of a possible downgrade.

Weeks of negotiations between Republicans and the White House have failed to produce a deal — in part because the Biden administration resisted negotiating with McCarthy over the debt limit, arguing that the country's full faith and credit should not be used as leverage to extract other partisan priorities.

The White House has offered to freeze next year's 2024 spending at current levels and restrict 2025 spending, but the Republican leader says that's not enough.

“We have to spend less than we spent last year. That is the starting point,” said McCarthy.

One idea is to set those topline budget numbers but then add a “snap-back” provision that enforces the cuts if Congress is unable during its annual appropriations process to meet the new goals.

On work requirements for the aid recipients, the White House is particularly resisting measures that would drive Americans into poverty or take their health care, said the person familiar with the talks, who was granted anonymity to describe behind-closed-door discussions.

On the Republican demand to rescind money for the Internal Revenue Service, it's still an “open issue” whether the sides will compromise by allowing the funding to be pushed back into other domestic programs, the person said.

Pressure is bearing down on McCarthy from the House's right flank not to give in to any deal, even if it means blowing past the June 1 deadline.

“Let’s hold the line,” said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a Freedom Caucus member.

McCarthy said Donald Trump, the former president who is again running for office, told him, “Make sure you get a good agreement.”

Failure to raise the nation’s debt ceiling, now at $31 trillion, to pay America's already incurred bills would risk a potentially chaotic federal default. Anxious retirees and social service groups are among those already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/default-yellen-biden-debt-ceiling-republicans-416a2fad74db0cb4535655ef26c9f845">making default contingency</a>&nbsp;plans.

Even if negotiators strike a deal in coming days, McCarthy has promised lawmakers he will abide by the rule to post any bill for 72 hours before voting — now likely Tuesday or even Wednesday. The Democratic-held Senate has vowed to move quickly to send the package to Biden’s desk, right before next Thursday's possible deadline.

In one potential development, Republicans may be easing their demand to boost defense spending, instead offering to keep it at levels the Biden administration proposed, according to another person familiar with the talks.

The teams are also eyeing a proposal to boost energy transmission line development from Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., that would facilitate the buildout of an interregional power grid, according to a person familiar with that draft. Those two people were also granted anonymity to discuss the private negotiations.

The White House has continued to argue that deficits can be reduced by ending tax breaks for wealthier households and some corporations, but McCarthy said he told the president as early as their February meeting that raising revenue from tax hikes was off the table.

While Biden has ruled out, for now,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/14th-amendment-biden-debt-ceiling-explained-92ebc0db703d49eab2c91d4d4a354cdf">invoking the 14th Amendment</a>&nbsp;to raise the debt limit on his own, Democrats in the House announced they have all signed on to a legislative “discharge” process that would force a debt ceiling vote. But they need five Republicans to break with their party and tip the majority to set the plan forward.

They are all but certain to claw back some $30 billion in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-coronavirus-relief-funds-9c60de5ad51a922bae1c2cf2fa284be3">unspent COVID-19 funds</a>&nbsp;now that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-covid19-coronavirus-national-emergency-e3a52722b57a6b4f24187426c27b3b39">pandemic emergency has officially been lifted</a>.

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans pushed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-biden-mccarthy-default-negotiations-cb0646c6301f1df97211896897df3723">debt ceiling talks</a>&nbsp;to the brink Thursday, displaying risky political bravado in leaving town for the holiday weekend just days before the U.S. could face an unprecedented default hurling the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-congress-world-economy-recession-biden-52df635e9b89f4b1677176fc8d59eff0">global economy into chaos</a>.

At the Capitol, Speaker Kevin McCarthy said “every hour matters” in talks with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-kevin-mccarthy-debt-limit-fac74a8804c619f8db69bf3a8a4a69b1">President Joe Biden's</a>&nbsp;team as they try to work out a budget agreement. Republican are demanding spending cuts the Democrats oppose as their price for raising the legal debt limit.

“We’ve been taking to the White House all day,” McCarthy, R-Calif., told reporters as he left the Capitol for the evening, with his top negotiators soon to follow. “We're working hard to make it happen.”

In remarks at the White House, Biden said, “It’s about competing versions of America.” Yet both men expressed optimism that the gulf between their positions could be bridged.

The White House said discussions with the Republicans have been productive, including by video conference Thursday, though serious disagreements remained as the president fights for his priorities.

“The only way to move forward is with a bipartisan agreement,” Biden said. “And I believe we’ll come to an agreement that allows us to move forward and protects the hardworking Americans of this country.”

As the deadline nears, it's clear the Republican speaker — who leads a Donald Trump-aligned party whose hard-right flank lifted him to power, and who spoke to the former president this week — is now staring down a potential crisis.

Lawmakers are tentatively not expected back at work until Tuesday, just two days from June 1, when Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has said the U.S. could start running out of cash to pay its bills and face a federal default. Biden will also be away, departing Friday for the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland, and Sunday for his home in Wilmington, Delaware. The Senate is on recess and will be until after Memorial Day.

Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings agency placed the United States’ AAA credit on “ratings watch negative,” warning of a possible downgrade.

Democratic lawmakers lined up on the House floor as the workday ended to blame “extreme” Republicans for the risky potential default. “Republicans have chosen to get out of town before sundown,” said House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York.

Weeks of negotiations between Republicans and the White House have failed to produce a deal — in part because the Biden administration has resisted negotiating with McCarthy over the debt limit, arguing that the country's full faith and credit should not be used as leverage to extract other partisan priorities.

McCarthy is holding out for steep spending cuts that Republicans are demanding in exchange for their vote to raise the nation's borrowing limit. The White House has offered to freeze next year's 2024 spending at current levels and restrict 2025 spending, but the Republican leader says that's not enough.

“Don’t take an exit ramp five exits too early,” said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a Freedom Caucus member. “Let’s hold the line.”

Trump, the former president who is again running for office, has encouraged Republicans to “do a default” if they don’t get the deal they want from the White House.

McCarthy said Trump told him, “Make sure you get a good agreement.”

Pushing a debt ceiling increase to the last minute is not uncommon for Congress, but it leaves little room for error in a volatile political environment. Both Democrats and Republicans will be needed to pass the final package in the split Congress.

“We still have a ways to go,” said top Republican negotiator Rep. Garret Graves of Louisiana as he juggled leading a Capitol tour for players and supporters of the championship Louisiana State University women's basketball team.

The contours of a deal have been within reach for days, but Republicans are unsatisfied as they press the White House team for more.

In one potential development, Republicans may be easing their demand to boost defense spending, instead offering to keep it at levels the Biden administration proposed, according to one person familiar with the talks and granted anonymity to discuss them.

The Republicans may achieve their goal of of rolling back bolstered funding for the Internal Revenue Service if they agree to instead allow the White House to push that money into other domestic accounts, the person said.

The teams are also eyeing a proposal to boost energy transmission line development from Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., that would facilitate the buildout of an interregional power grid, according to a person familiar with the draft.

Other issues remain unresolved. Republicans also want to beef up work requirements for government aid to recipients of food stamps, cash assistance and the Medicaid health care program that Democrats say are a nonstarter. It remains an issue where both sides have "dug in,” according to another person familiar with the talks and granted anonymity to discuss them.

The White House has countered by proposing to keep defense and nondefense spending flat next year, which would save $90 billion in the 2024 budget year and $1 trillion over 10 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685061622873.png" alt="President Joe Biden during a Rose Garden event at the White House Thursday- White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden during a Rose Garden event at the White House Thursday- White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Days from a deadline, President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-kevin-mccarthy-debt-limit-fac74a8804c619f8db69bf3a8a4a69b1">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy are narrowing in on a two-year budget deal aiming to curb federal deficits in exchange for lifting the nation's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-biden-mccarthy-default-negotiations-cb0646c6301f1df97211896897df3723">debt ceiling</a>&nbsp;and staving off an economically devastating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/default-yellen-biden-debt-ceiling-republicans-416a2fad74db0cb4535655ef26c9f845">government default</a>.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-kevin-mccarthy-debt-limit-fac74a8804c619f8db69bf3a8a4a69b1?utm_source=ForYou&amp;utm_medium=HomePage&amp;utm_id=Taboola">Democratic president and Republican speaker</a>&nbsp;hope to strike a budget compromise this weekend. With Republicans driving for steep cuts, the two sides have been unable to agree to spending levels for 2024 and 2025. Any deal would need to be a political compromise, with support from both Democrats and Republicans to pass the divided Congress.But the budget flow isn't the only hang-up.A person familiar with the talks said the two sides are “dug in” on whether or not to agree to Republican demands to impose stiffer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-work-requirements-snap-medicaid-biden-66270829cfc0009ddb5f59eb12a6ba7a">work requirements</a>&nbsp;on people who receive government food stamps, cash assistance and health care aid, some of the most vulnerable Americans.Yet both Biden and McCarthy expressed optimism heading into the weekend that the gulf between their positions could be bridged. A two-year deal would raise the debt limit for that time, past the 2024 presidential election.“We knew this would not be easy," McCarthy, R-Calif., said as he left the Capitol for the evening Thursday.McCarthy said, "It’s hard, but we’re working and we’re going to continue to work until we get this done.”House Republicans have pushed the issue to the brink, displaying risky political bravado in leaving town for the Memorial Day holiday. The U.S. could face an unprecedented default as soon as June 1, hurling the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-congress-world-economy-recession-biden-52df635e9b89f4b1677176fc8d59eff0">global economy into chaos</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I’m staying in DC to fight for an agreement that’s worthy of the American people—for as long as it takes. I will continue the fight to curb inflation, stop reckless spending, make our economy stronger, and end our dependence on China.&mdash; Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerMcCarthy/status/1661896460839837697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In remarks at the White House, Biden said, “It’s about competing versions of America.”“The only way to move forward is with a bipartisan agreement,” Biden said Thursday. “And I believe we’ll come to an agreement that allows us to move forward and protects the hardworking Americans of this country.”Lawmakers are tentatively not expected back at work until Tuesday, just two days from the early June deadline when Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has said the U.S. could start running out of cash to pay its bills and face a federal default.Biden will also be away this weekend, departing Friday for the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland, and Sunday for his home in Wilmington, Delaware. The Senate is on recess and will be until after Memorial Day.Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings agency placed the United States’ AAA credit on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-credit-rating-downgrade-warning-default-b906c014ed2b8124917f4a107a543964">“ratings watch negative,”</a>&nbsp;warning of a possible downgrade.Weeks of negotiations between Republicans and the White House have failed to produce a deal — in part because the Biden administration resisted negotiating with McCarthy over the debt limit, arguing that the country's full faith and credit should not be used as leverage to extract other partisan priorities.The White House has offered to freeze next year's 2024 spending at current levels and restrict 2025 spending, but the Republican leader says that's not enough.“We have to spend less than we spent last year. That is the starting point,” said McCarthy.One idea is to set those topline budget numbers but then add a “snap-back” provision that enforces the cuts if Congress is unable during its annual appropriations process to meet the new goals.On work requirements for the aid recipients, the White House is particularly resisting measures that would drive Americans into poverty or take their health care, said the person familiar with the talks, who was granted anonymity to describe behind-closed-door discussions.On the Republican demand to rescind money for the Internal Revenue Service, it's still an “open issue” whether the sides will compromise by allowing the funding to be pushed back into other domestic programs, the person said.Pressure is bearing down on McCarthy from the House's right flank not to give in to any deal, even if it means blowing past the June 1 deadline.“Let’s hold the line,” said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a Freedom Caucus member.McCarthy said Donald Trump, the former president who is again running for office, told him, “Make sure you get a good agreement.”Failure to raise the nation’s debt ceiling, now at $31 trillion, to pay America's already incurred bills would risk a potentially chaotic federal default. Anxious retirees and social service groups are among those already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/default-yellen-biden-debt-ceiling-republicans-416a2fad74db0cb4535655ef26c9f845">making default contingency</a>&nbsp;plans.Even if negotiators strike a deal in coming days, McCarthy has promised lawmakers he will abide by the rule to post any bill for 72 hours before voting — now likely Tuesday or even Wednesday. The Democratic-held Senate has vowed to move quickly to send the package to Biden’s desk, right before next Thursday's possible deadline.In one potential development, Republicans may be easing their demand to boost defense spending, instead offering to keep it at levels the Biden administration proposed, according to another person familiar with the talks.The teams are also eyeing a proposal to boost energy transmission line development from Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., that would facilitate the buildout of an interregional power grid, according to a person familiar with that draft. Those two people were also granted anonymity to discuss the private negotiations.The White House has continued to argue that deficits can be reduced by ending tax breaks for wealthier households and some corporations, but McCarthy said he told the president as early as their February meeting that raising revenue from tax hikes was off the table.While Biden has ruled out, for now,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/14th-amendment-biden-debt-ceiling-explained-92ebc0db703d49eab2c91d4d4a354cdf">invoking the 14th Amendment</a>&nbsp;to raise the debt limit on his own, Democrats in the House announced they have all signed on to a legislative “discharge” process that would force a debt ceiling vote. But they need five Republicans to break with their party and tip the majority to set the plan forward.They are all but certain to claw back some $30 billion in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-coronavirus-relief-funds-9c60de5ad51a922bae1c2cf2fa284be3">unspent COVID-19 funds</a>&nbsp;now that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-covid19-coronavirus-national-emergency-e3a52722b57a6b4f24187426c27b3b39">pandemic emergency has officially been lifted</a>.___WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans pushed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-biden-mccarthy-default-negotiations-cb0646c6301f1df97211896897df3723">debt ceiling talks</a>&nbsp;to the brink Thursday, displaying risky political bravado in leaving town for the holiday weekend just days before the U.S. could face an unprecedented default hurling the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-congress-world-economy-recession-biden-52df635e9b89f4b1677176fc8d59eff0">global economy into chaos</a>.At the Capitol, Speaker Kevin McCarthy said “every hour matters” in talks with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-kevin-mccarthy-debt-limit-fac74a8804c619f8db69bf3a8a4a69b1">President Joe Biden's</a>&nbsp;team as they try to work out a budget agreement. Republican are demanding spending cuts the Democrats oppose as their price for raising the legal debt limit.“We’ve been taking to the White House all day,” McCarthy, R-Calif., told reporters as he left the Capitol for the evening, with his top negotiators soon to follow. “We're working hard to make it happen.”In remarks at the White House, Biden said, “It’s about competing versions of America.” Yet both men expressed optimism that the gulf between their positions could be bridged.The White House said discussions with the Republicans have been productive, including by video conference Thursday, though serious disagreements remained as the president fights for his priorities.“The only way to move forward is with a bipartisan agreement,” Biden said. “And I believe we’ll come to an agreement that allows us to move forward and protects the hardworking Americans of this country.”As the deadline nears, it's clear the Republican speaker — who leads a Donald Trump-aligned party whose hard-right flank lifted him to power, and who spoke to the former president this week — is now staring down a potential crisis.Lawmakers are tentatively not expected back at work until Tuesday, just two days from June 1, when Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has said the U.S. could start running out of cash to pay its bills and face a federal default. Biden will also be away, departing Friday for the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland, and Sunday for his home in Wilmington, Delaware. The Senate is on recess and will be until after Memorial Day.Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings agency placed the United States’ AAA credit on “ratings watch negative,” warning of a possible downgrade.Democratic lawmakers lined up on the House floor as the workday ended to blame “extreme” Republicans for the risky potential default. “Republicans have chosen to get out of town before sundown,” said House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York.Weeks of negotiations between Republicans and the White House have failed to produce a deal — in part because the Biden administration has resisted negotiating with McCarthy over the debt limit, arguing that the country's full faith and credit should not be used as leverage to extract other partisan priorities.McCarthy is holding out for steep spending cuts that Republicans are demanding in exchange for their vote to raise the nation's borrowing limit. The White House has offered to freeze next year's 2024 spending at current levels and restrict 2025 spending, but the Republican leader says that's not enough.One idea is to set those topline budget numbers but then add a “snap-back” provision that enforces the cuts if Congress is unable during its annual appropriations process to meet the new goals.“We have to spend less than we spent last year. That is the starting point,” said McCarthy.Pressure is bearing down on McCarthy from the House's right flank not to give in to any deal, even if it means blowing past the June 1 deadline.“Don’t take an exit ramp five exits too early,” said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a Freedom Caucus member. “Let’s hold the line.”Trump, the former president who is again running for office, has encouraged Republicans to “do a default” if they don’t get the deal they want from the White House.McCarthy said Trump told him, “Make sure you get a good agreement.”Failure to raise the nation’s debt ceiling, now at $31 trillion, to pay America's already incurred bills would risk a potentially chaotic federal default. Anxious retirees and social service groups are among those already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/default-yellen-biden-debt-ceiling-republicans-416a2fad74db0cb4535655ef26c9f845">making default contingency</a>&nbsp;plans.Even if negotiators strike a deal in coming days, McCarthy has promised lawmakers he will abide by the rule to post any bill for 72 hours before voting — now likely Tuesday or even Wednesday. The Democratic-held Senate has vowed to move quickly to send the package to Biden’s desk, right before next Thursday's possible deadline.Pushing a debt ceiling increase to the last minute is not uncommon for Congress, but it leaves little room for error in a volatile political environment. Both Democrats and Republicans will be needed to pass the final package in the split Congress.“We still have a ways to go,” said top Republican negotiator Rep. Garret Graves of Louisiana as he juggled leading a Capitol tour for players and supporters of the championship Louisiana State University women's basketball team.The contours of a deal have been within reach for days, but Republicans are unsatisfied as they press the White House team for more.In one potential development, Republicans may be easing their demand to boost defense spending, instead offering to keep it at levels the Biden administration proposed, according to one person familiar with the talks and granted anonymity to discuss them.The Republicans may achieve their goal of of rolling back bolstered funding for the Internal Revenue Service if they agree to instead allow the White House to push that money into other domestic accounts, the person said.The teams are also eyeing a proposal to boost energy transmission line development from Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., that would facilitate the buildout of an interregional power grid, according to a person familiar with the draft.The White House has continued to argue that deficits can be reduced by ending tax breaks for wealthier households and some corporations, but McCarthy said he told the president as early as their February meeting that raising revenue from tax hikes was off the table.While Biden has ruled out, for now,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/14th-amendment-biden-debt-ceiling-explained-92ebc0db703d49eab2c91d4d4a354cdf">invoking the 14th Amendment</a>&nbsp;to raise the debt limit on his own, Democrats in the House announced they have all signed on to a legislative “discharge” process that would force a debt ceiling vote. But they need five Republicans to break with their party and tip the majority to set the plan forward.Other issues remain unresolved. Republicans also want to beef up work requirements for government aid to recipients of food stamps, cash assistance and the Medicaid health care program that Democrats say are a nonstarter. It remains an issue where both sides have "dug in,” according to another person familiar with the talks and granted anonymity to discuss them.They are all but certain to claw back some $30 billion in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-limit-coronavirus-relief-funds-9c60de5ad51a922bae1c2cf2fa284be3">unspent COVID-19 funds</a>&nbsp;now that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-covid19-coronavirus-national-emergency-e3a52722b57a6b4f24187426c27b3b39">pandemic emergency has officially been lifted</a>.The White House has countered by proposing to keep defense and nondefense spending flat next year, which would save $90 billion in the 2024 budget year and $1 trillion over 10 years.

Debt ceiling talks drag on; lawmakers take holiday weekend break

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal 2-vehicle crash have identified the victim as&nbsp; 19-year-old Jonathan McPherson-Pickett from Wichita. 

Just before noon Monday, police responded to an injury accident in the 700 block of E Murdock Avenue in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

 On arrival, Officers located a white Kia Sorento that had rolled over after colliding with a blue Ford Escape driven by a 35-year-old woman.

EMS and Wichita Fire rendered emergency medical aid to both drivers and their passengers. All victims were transported to local hospitals with injuries ranging from critical to minor. 

A passenger in Kia identified as&nbsp; McPherson-Pickett did not regain consciousness after the impact and was later pronounced deceased by medical staff, according to Rebolledo.

Investigators learned that the driver of the Kia Sorento was eastbound on Murdock Ave when he lost control of his vehicle, crossed the center line and collided with the westbound Ford Escape.

Currently, speed is believed to be a contributing factor to the accident, according to Rebolledo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685050652494.png" alt="Currently, speed is believed to be a contributing factor to the accident, according to Rebolledo. photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Currently, speed is believed to be a contributing factor to the accident, according to Rebolledo. photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal 2-vehicle crash have identified the victim as&nbsp; 19-year-old Jonathan McPherson-Pickett from Wichita. Just before noon Monday, police responded to an injury accident in the 700 block of E Murdock Avenue in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo. On arrival, Officers located a white Kia Sorento that had rolled over after colliding with a blue Ford Escape driven by a 35-year-old woman.EMS and Wichita Fire rendered emergency medical aid to both drivers and their passengers. All victims were transported to local hospitals with injuries ranging from critical to minor. A passenger in Kia identified as&nbsp; McPherson-Pickett did not regain consciousness after the impact and was later pronounced deceased by medical staff, according to Rebolledo.Investigators learned that the driver of the Kia Sorento was eastbound on Murdock Ave when he lost control of his vehicle, crossed the center line and collided with the westbound Ford Escape.Currently, speed is believed to be a contributing factor to the accident, according to Rebolledo.

Police: Speed a factor in crash that killed Kansas teen

IOLA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas paramedic has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman while she was taking a cocktail of painkillers and sedatives.

Adam Ferguson, 42, of Iola, is free on a $20,000 bond after he was charged Monday with three counts of aggravated sexual battery. No attorney is listed for him in online court records.

The complaint alleged the assault happened on Dec. 21, 2022, while the woman was incapable of giving consent because of the effect of morphine; Tylenol; Toradol, an anti-inflammatory drug that frequently is used as a post-surgical painkiller; the sedative Ativan; the narcotic painkilling drug Dilaudid; and Versed, an anti-anxiety drug that causes drowsiness.

Ferguson was working as a paramedic with Iola EMS at the time of the reported assault, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said in a news release. Ferguson was put on administrative leave on Dec. 23, 2022, and terminated on Tuesday morning, according to city administrator Matt Rehder.

The KBI said the case remains under investigation and asked anyone with information to contact law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685034727134.png" alt="Ferguson-photo Allen County" />
 <figcaption>Ferguson-photo Allen County</figcaption>
 </figure>IOLA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas paramedic has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman while she was taking a cocktail of painkillers and sedatives.Adam Ferguson, 42, of Iola, is free on a $20,000 bond after he was charged Monday with three counts of aggravated sexual battery. No attorney is listed for him in online court records.The complaint alleged the assault happened on Dec. 21, 2022, while the woman was incapable of giving consent because of the effect of morphine; Tylenol; Toradol, an anti-inflammatory drug that frequently is used as a post-surgical painkiller; the sedative Ativan; the narcotic painkilling drug Dilaudid; and Versed, an anti-anxiety drug that causes drowsiness.Ferguson was working as a paramedic with Iola EMS at the time of the reported assault, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said in a news release. Ferguson was put on administrative leave on Dec. 23, 2022, and terminated on Tuesday morning, according to city administrator Matt Rehder.The KBI said the case remains under investigation and asked anyone with information to contact law enforcement.

KBI: Kan. paramedic sexually assaulted heavily drugged woman

SALINE COUNTY —Oskar, a new male African lion has completed his 30-day quarantine and is joining the pride’s nine-year-old female sisters, Zalika and Kamali at Rolling Hills Zoo.

 Initially the male and females will be kept separate as they get to know one another. During the first few days Oskar will be adjusting to his new home. 

 It may take time before he is comfortable leaving his sleeping quarters, so we ask our guests to be patient and kind with him. Once he is ready, you will find him in the day room while the females are outside, rotating daily to allow each time outside while they get to know each other. 

This “dating” process will take time, but once the keepers feel comfortable with putting them together, they will do so.  At birth Oskar was really shy, but once he came out of his shell he became very playful and confident. 

After making the move to Rolling Hills Zoo, Oskar is still a little hesitant of new things and is taking his time to check out his environment and warming up to new people. 

 Born at the Denver Zoo in 2020, Oskar was one of two in his litter. His mother, Kamara, and father, Tobias, along with his sister, Araali, still reside at the Denver Zoo. There, his pride consisted of seven lions, four females and three males. 

His half-brother, Tatu (both offspring of Tobias), recently made the move to the Topeka Zoo.       At three years of age, Oskar is just reaching sexual maturity and unlikely to breed until the age of four or five. His favorite enrichment items include phone books, zoo Kongs and scents. 

“Oskar really enjoys shredding paper and cardboard boxes, and loves rhino hay, rolling around in it and getting all stinky,” according to Siarra Abker, RHZ Vet Tech. “Motivated by food, Oskar is eager to train and happy to do anything his keepers ask.”“While still trying to prove he is a big tough lion to everyone, as well as himself, Oskar is a sweetheart and enjoys spending time with his keepers, but only on his terms,” shared Abker.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685058982325.jpeg" alt="Oskar, the new male African lion at Pride of the Prairie. Photo courtesy Rolling Hills Zoo" />
 <figcaption>Oskar, the new male African lion at Pride of the Prairie. Photo courtesy Rolling Hills Zoo</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Oskar, a new male African lion has completed his 30-day quarantine and is joining the pride’s nine-year-old female sisters, Zalika and Kamali at Rolling Hills Zoo. Initially the male and females will be kept separate as they get to know one another. During the first few days Oskar will be adjusting to his new home. It may take time before he is comfortable leaving his sleeping quarters, so we ask our guests to be patient and kind with him. Once he is ready, you will find him in the day room while the females are outside, rotating daily to allow each time outside while they get to know each other. This “dating” process will take time, but once the keepers feel comfortable with putting them together, they will do so. At birth Oskar was really shy, but once he came out of his shell he became very playful and confident. After making the move to Rolling Hills Zoo, Oskar is still a little hesitant of new things and is taking his time to check out his environment and warming up to new people. Born at the Denver Zoo in 2020, Oskar was one of two in his litter. His mother, Kamara, and father, Tobias, along with his sister, Araali, still reside at the Denver Zoo. There, his pride consisted of seven lions, four females and three males. His half-brother, Tatu (both offspring of Tobias), recently made the move to the Topeka Zoo. At three years of age, Oskar is just reaching sexual maturity and unlikely to breed until the age of four or five. His favorite enrichment items include phone books, zoo Kongs and scents. “Oskar really enjoys shredding paper and cardboard boxes, and loves rhino hay, rolling around in it and getting all stinky,” according to Siarra Abker, RHZ Vet Tech. “Motivated by food, Oskar is eager to train and happy to do anything his keepers ask.”“While still trying to prove he is a big tough lion to everyone, as well as himself, Oskar is a sweetheart and enjoys spending time with his keepers, but only on his terms,” shared Abker.

New male African lion arrives at Kansas zoo

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities continue investigating a gunfight near a bar early on Mother's Day that sent a victim to the hospital and have made an additional arresdt.

On Thursday the sheriff's office reported the arrest&nbsp; of 31-year-old Brandon M. Gehrke of Topeka.&nbsp; He is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Just after 2:15a.m. May 14, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office responded to a call of multiple gunshots in the parking lot of Victoria’s Bar, 5011 SW Topeka Boulevard.

When law enforcement arrived, it was discovered that a 41-year-old man&nbsp; had engaged in a verbal altercation in the parking lot with a group of individuals associated with the Hell’s Lovers Motorcycle Club. Several shots were fired.&nbsp;

During the shooting, a vehicle that was arriving at the business to pick up an employee of the business was also fired upon. The driver of the vehicle, a 35-year-old man, was struck multiple times by gunfire, but managed to flee the scene. The vehicle was located a short time later in the 4500 block of SW Topeka Boulevard. The driver was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released.

In addition, at the time of the shooting, a separate individual that had not been inside the bar and not involved in the original altercation, was sitting in his vehicle in the business parking lot when the shooting began. That individual then exited his vehicle with a firearm and also began shooting at the vehicle that was ultimately located by law enforcement in the 4500 block of SW Topeka Boulevard. That individual was also taken into custody on requested charges of aggravated assault, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal discharge of a firearm.

On Wednesday, the sheriff's office reported four arrests.

Leon D. Smith-Love I., 28, of Topeka, is being held for aggravated assault, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal discharge of a firearm.

Kathryn R. Hazelwood, 26, of Topeka is being held on requested charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Charles D. Wheat, 42, of Topeka, is in custody on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated assault and criminal discharge of a firearm.

Jason M. Blenden Sr., 49, of Topeka, was booked in on an arrest warrant and could face additional charges.

On Thursday the sheriff's office reported the arrest of Storm M. Morgan, 30, of Meriden, on requested charges of criminal discharge of a firearm.

Shawn M. Ray, 39, of Topeka, is in custody on requested charges of criminal discharge of a firearm, aggravated assault and interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685030687572.png" alt="Gehrke-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Gehrke-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities continue investigating a gunfight near a bar early on Mother's Day that sent a victim to the hospital and have made an additional arresdt.On Thursday the sheriff's office reported the arrest&nbsp; of 31-year-old Brandon M. Gehrke of Topeka.&nbsp; He is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684358381569.png" alt="Blenden-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Blenden-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 2:15a.m. May 14, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office responded to a call of multiple gunshots in the parking lot of Victoria’s Bar, 5011 SW Topeka Boulevard.When law enforcement arrived, it was discovered that a 41-year-old man&nbsp; had engaged in a verbal altercation in the parking lot with a group of individuals associated with the Hell’s Lovers Motorcycle Club. Several shots were fired.&nbsp;During the shooting, a vehicle that was arriving at the business to pick up an employee of the business was also fired upon. The driver of the vehicle, a 35-year-old man, was struck multiple times by gunfire, but managed to flee the scene. The vehicle was located a short time later in the 4500 block of SW Topeka Boulevard. The driver was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released.In addition, at the time of the shooting, a separate individual that had not been inside the bar and not involved in the original altercation, was sitting in his vehicle in the business parking lot when the shooting began. That individual then exited his vehicle with a firearm and also began shooting at the vehicle that was ultimately located by law enforcement in the 4500 block of SW Topeka Boulevard. That individual was also taken into custody on requested charges of aggravated assault, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal discharge of a firearm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684358461475.png" alt="Smith-Love-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Smith-Love-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday, the sheriff's office reported four arrests.Leon D. Smith-Love I., 28, of Topeka, is being held for aggravated assault, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal discharge of a firearm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684358501058.png" alt="Hazelwood-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hazelwood-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kathryn R. Hazelwood, 26, of Topeka is being held on requested charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684358303852.png" alt="Wheat-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Wheat-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Charles D. Wheat, 42, of Topeka, is in custody on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated assault and criminal discharge of a firearm.Jason M. Blenden Sr., 49, of Topeka, was booked in on an arrest warrant and could face additional charges.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684428008780.png" alt="Morgan-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Morgan-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday the sheriff's office reported the arrest of Storm M. Morgan, 30, of Meriden, on requested charges of criminal discharge of a firearm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684428093932.png" alt="Ray-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ray-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Shawn M. Ray, 39, of Topeka, is in custody on requested charges of criminal discharge of a firearm, aggravated assault and interference with law enforcement.

Another arrest in motorcycle club gun fight at Kansas bar

BOSTON (AP) — State-backed Chinese hackers have been targeting U.S. critical infrastructure and could be laying the technical groundwork for the potential disruption of critical communications between the U.S. and Asia during future crises, Microsoft said Wednesday.

The targets include sites in Guam, where the U.S. has a major military presence, the company said.

Hostile activity in cyberspace — from espionage to the advanced positioning of malware for potential future attacks — has become a hallmark of modern geopolitical rivalry.

Microsoft&nbsp;<a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2023/05/24/volt-typhoon-targets-us-critical-infrastructure-with-living-off-the-land-techniques/">said in a blog post</a>&nbsp;that the state-sponsored group of hackers, which it calls Volt Typhoon, has been active since mid-2021. It said organizations affected by the hacking — which seeks persistent access — are in the communications, manufacturing, utility, transportation, construction, maritime, information technology and education sectors.

Separately, the National Security Agency, the FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and their counterparts from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Britain&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa23-144a">published a joint advisory</a>&nbsp;sharing technical details on “the recently discovered cluster of activity.”

A Microsoft spokesman would not say why the software giant was making the announcement now or whether it had recently seen an uptick in targeting of critical infrastructure in Guam or at adjacent U.S. military facilities there, which include a major air base.

John Hultquist, chief analyst at Google's Mandiant cybersecurity intelligence operation, called Microsoft's announcement “potentially a really important finding."

“We don’t see a lot of this sort of probing from China. It’s rare,” Hultquist said. “We know a lot about Russian and North Korean and Iranian cyber-capabilities because they have regularly done this.” China has generally withheld use of the kinds of tools that could be used to seed, not just intelligence-gathering capabilities, but also malware for disruptive attacks in an armed conflict, he added.

Microsoft said the intrusion campaign placed a “strong emphasis on stealth” and sought to blend into normal network activity by hacking small-office network equipment, including routers. It said the intruders gained initial access through internet-facing Fortiguard devices, which are engineered to use machine-learning to detect malware.

The maker of Fortiguard devuces, Fortinet, did not immediately respond to an email seeking further details.

“For years, China has conducted aggressive cyber operations to steal intellectual property and sensitive data from organizations around the globe,” said CISA Director Jen Easterly, urging mitigation of affected networks to prevent possible disruption. Bryan Vorndran, the FBI cyber division assistant director, called the intrusions “unacceptable tactics” in the same statement.

Tensions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-taiwan-us-relations-ambassador-b599541d7af42fff9fa2783030c7c824">between Washington and Beijing</a>&nbsp;— which the U.S. national security establishment considers its main military, economic and strategic rival — have been on the rise in recent months.

Those tensions spiked last year after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-china-beijing-congress-8857910a1e44cefa70bc4dfd184ef880">visit to democratically governed Taiwan</a>, leading China, which claims the island as its territory, to launch military exercises around Taiwan.

U.S.-China relations became further strained earlier this year after the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-district-of-columbia-wang-yi-china-beijing-0f726ea0cd24731658412da3cae9adbf">shot down a Chinese spy balloon</a>&nbsp;that had crossed the United States.

BOSTON (AP) — State-backed Chinese hackers have been targeting U.S. critical infrastructure and could be laying the technical groundwork for the potential disruption of critical communications between the U.S. and Asia during future crises, Microsoft said Wednesday.The targets include sites in Guam, where the U.S. has a major military presence, the company said.Hostile activity in cyberspace — from espionage to the advanced positioning of malware for potential future attacks — has become a hallmark of modern geopolitical rivalry.Microsoft&nbsp;<a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2023/05/24/volt-typhoon-targets-us-critical-infrastructure-with-living-off-the-land-techniques/">said in a blog post</a>&nbsp;that the state-sponsored group of hackers, which it calls Volt Typhoon, has been active since mid-2021. It said organizations affected by the hacking — which seeks persistent access — are in the communications, manufacturing, utility, transportation, construction, maritime, information technology and education sectors.Separately, the National Security Agency, the FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and their counterparts from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Britain&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa23-144a">published a joint advisory</a>&nbsp;sharing technical details on “the recently discovered cluster of activity.”A Microsoft spokesman would not say why the software giant was making the announcement now or whether it had recently seen an uptick in targeting of critical infrastructure in Guam or at adjacent U.S. military facilities there, which include a major air base.John Hultquist, chief analyst at Google's Mandiant cybersecurity intelligence operation, called Microsoft's announcement “potentially a really important finding."“We don’t see a lot of this sort of probing from China. It’s rare,” Hultquist said. “We know a lot about Russian and North Korean and Iranian cyber-capabilities because they have regularly done this.” China has generally withheld use of the kinds of tools that could be used to seed, not just intelligence-gathering capabilities, but also malware for disruptive attacks in an armed conflict, he added.Microsoft said the intrusion campaign placed a “strong emphasis on stealth” and sought to blend into normal network activity by hacking small-office network equipment, including routers. It said the intruders gained initial access through internet-facing Fortiguard devices, which are engineered to use machine-learning to detect malware.The maker of Fortiguard devuces, Fortinet, did not immediately respond to an email seeking further details.“For years, China has conducted aggressive cyber operations to steal intellectual property and sensitive data from organizations around the globe,” said CISA Director Jen Easterly, urging mitigation of affected networks to prevent possible disruption. Bryan Vorndran, the FBI cyber division assistant director, called the intrusions “unacceptable tactics” in the same statement.Tensions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-taiwan-us-relations-ambassador-b599541d7af42fff9fa2783030c7c824">between Washington and Beijing</a>&nbsp;— which the U.S. national security establishment considers its main military, economic and strategic rival — have been on the rise in recent months.Those tensions spiked last year after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-china-beijing-congress-8857910a1e44cefa70bc4dfd184ef880">visit to democratically governed Taiwan</a>, leading China, which claims the island as its territory, to launch military exercises around Taiwan.U.S.-China relations became further strained earlier this year after the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-district-of-columbia-wang-yi-china-beijing-0f726ea0cd24731658412da3cae9adbf">shot down a Chinese spy balloon</a>&nbsp;that had crossed the United States.

Microsoft: Chinese hackers could be laying groundwork for disruption

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal hit-and-run accident and have identified the victim as&nbsp;Darryl L. Coleman, 63, of Topeka.

Just after 10p.m. Wednesday, were dispatched to the area of SW 21st Street and SW Seabrook Avenue on a report of a dark colored passenger struck a pedestrian later identified as Coleman and fled, according to Police Kerry Connell

Coleman was transported to a local area hospital with life threatening injuries and died. Police released no additional details

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal hit-and-run accident and have identified the victim as&nbsp;Darryl L. Coleman, 63, of Topeka.Just after 10p.m. Wednesday, were dispatched to the area of SW 21st Street and SW Seabrook Avenue on a report of a dark colored passenger struck a pedestrian later identified as Coleman and fled, according to Police Kerry ConnellColeman was transported to a local area hospital with life threatening injuries and died. Police released no additional details

Hit-and-run: Kansas man struck by vehicle has died

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Thursday sharply&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/21-454_4g15.pdf">limited the federal government's authority to police water pollution</a>&nbsp;into certain wetlands, the second decision in as many years in which a conservative majority narrowed the reach of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-arizona-state-government-donald-trump-8d46b14c20cb0effcb52ace48220dcce">environmental regulations</a>.

The outcome could threaten efforts to control flooding on the Mississippi River and protect the Chesapeake Bay, among many projects, wrote Justice Brett Kavanaugh, breaking with the other five conservatives.

The justices boosted property rights over concerns about clean water in a ruling in favor of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-environment-lakes-pollution-water-pollution-31034c1d9df1a63cc0841b29ac7a3fe1">Idaho couple</a>&nbsp;who sought to build a house near Priest Lake in the state’s panhandle. Chantell and Michael Sackett objected when federal officials identified a soggy portion of the property as a wetlands that required them to get a permit before filling it with rocks and soil.

By a 5-4 vote, the court said in an opinion by Justice Samuel Alito that wetlands can only be regulated under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-clean-water-act">Clean Water Act</a>&nbsp;if they have a “continuous surface connection” to larger, regulated bodies of water. There is no such connection on the Sacketts’ property.

The court jettisoned the 17-year-old opinion by their former colleague, Anthony Kennedy, allowing regulation of what can be discharged into wetlands that could affect the health of the larger waterways.

Kennedy's opinion covering wetlands that have a “significant nexus” to larger bodies of water had been the standard for evaluating whether permits were required for discharges under the 1972 landmark environmental law. Opponents had objected that the standard was vague and unworkable.

Kansas First District Rep. Tracey Mann also praised the decision. In a statement from his office Mann wrote, " The U.S. Supreme Court decision is a big win for farmers, ranchers, and producers. This ruling will protect landowners' rights and limit government overreach under President Biden's Waters of the U.S. rule."

Environmental advocates said the new standard would strip protections from millions of acres of the wetlands across the country.

Reacting to the decision, Manish Bapna, the chief executive of the Natural Resources Defense Counsel, called on Congress to amend the Clean Water Act to restore wetlands protections and on states to strengthen their own laws.

“The Supreme Court ripped the heart out of the law we depend on to protect American waters and wetlands. The majority chose to protect polluters at the expense of healthy wetlands and waterways. This decision will cause incalculable harm. Communities across the country will pay the price,” Bapna said in a statement.

The outcome almost certainly will affect ongoing court battles over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-arizona-state-government-donald-trump-8d46b14c20cb0effcb52ace48220dcce">new wetlands regulations</a>&nbsp;that the Biden administration put in place in December. Two federal judges have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/clean-water-act-epa-wotus-89ec06b09016564b0d721a6de9a9efb0">temporarily blocked those rules</a>&nbsp;from being enforced in 26 states.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said in a state that the Clean Water Act has been responsible for “transformational progress” in cleaning up the nation's waterways. “I am disappointed by today’s Supreme Court decision that erodes longstanding clean water protections,” Regan said in a statement.

Damien Schiff, who represented the Sacketts at the Supreme Court, said the decision appropriately narrowed the reach of the law. “Courts now have a clear measuring stick for fairness and consistency by federal regulators. Today’s ruling is a profound win for property rights and the constitutional separation of powers,” Schiff said in a statement issued by the property rights-focused Pacific Legal Foundation.

In Thursday's ruling, all nine justices agreed that the wetlands on the Sacketts’ property are not covered by the act.

But only five justices joined in the opinion that imposed a new test for evaluating when wetlands are covered by the Clean Water Act. Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Clarence Thomas and Alito would have adopted the narrower standard in 2006, in the last big wetlands case at the Supreme Court. They were joined Thursday by Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett.

Kavanaugh and the court’s three liberal justices charged that their colleagues had rewritten that law.

Kavanaugh wrote that the court’s “new and overly narrow test may leave long-regulated and long-accepted-to-be regulable wetlands suddenly beyond the scope of the agencies’ regulatory authority.”

Justice Elena Kagan wrote that the majority’s rewriting of the act was “an effort to cabin the anti-pollution actions Congress thought appropriate.” Kagan referenced last year's decision limiting the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act.

In both cases, she noted, the court had appointed “itself as the national decision-maker on environmental policy.” Kagan was joined in what she wrote by her liberal colleagues Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson.

The Sacketts paid $23,000 for a 0.63-acre lot near Priest Lake in 2005 and started building a three-bedroom home two years later.

They had filled part of the property, described in an appellate ruling as a “soggy residential lot,” with rocks and soil in preparation for construction, when officials with the Environmental Protection Agency showed up and ordered a halt in the work.

They also won an earlier round in their legal fight at the Supreme Court.

The federal appeals court in San Francisco upheld the EPA’s determination in 2021, finding that part of the property, 300 feet from the lake and 30 feet from an unnamed waterway that flows into the lake, was wetlands.

The Sacketts’ own consultant had similarly advised them years ago that their property contained wetlands.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Thursday sharply&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/21-454_4g15.pdf">limited the federal government's authority to police water pollution</a>&nbsp;into certain wetlands, the second decision in as many years in which a conservative majority narrowed the reach of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-arizona-state-government-donald-trump-8d46b14c20cb0effcb52ace48220dcce">environmental regulations</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Good news coming from the Supreme Court today rejecting the idea that a WOTUS can be every ditch, puddle, pond, and dry creek bed in America. Hopefully the EPA will heed this decision, and farmers and ranchers can have the predictability of regulations they deserve.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1661750001750642690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The outcome could threaten efforts to control flooding on the Mississippi River and protect the Chesapeake Bay, among many projects, wrote Justice Brett Kavanaugh, breaking with the other five conservatives.The justices boosted property rights over concerns about clean water in a ruling in favor of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-environment-lakes-pollution-water-pollution-31034c1d9df1a63cc0841b29ac7a3fe1">Idaho couple</a>&nbsp;who sought to build a house near Priest Lake in the state’s panhandle. Chantell and Michael Sackett objected when federal officials identified a soggy portion of the property as a wetlands that required them to get a permit before filling it with rocks and soil.By a 5-4 vote, the court said in an opinion by Justice Samuel Alito that wetlands can only be regulated under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-clean-water-act">Clean Water Act</a>&nbsp;if they have a “continuous surface connection” to larger, regulated bodies of water. There is no such connection on the Sacketts’ property.The court jettisoned the 17-year-old opinion by their former colleague, Anthony Kennedy, allowing regulation of what can be discharged into wetlands that could affect the health of the larger waterways.Kennedy's opinion covering wetlands that have a “significant nexus” to larger bodies of water had been the standard for evaluating whether permits were required for discharges under the 1972 landmark environmental law. Opponents had objected that the standard was vague and unworkable.Kansas First District Rep. Tracey Mann also praised the decision. In a statement from his office Mann wrote, " The U.S. Supreme Court decision is a big win for farmers, ranchers, and producers. This ruling will protect landowners' rights and limit government overreach under President Biden's Waters of the U.S. rule."Environmental advocates said the new standard would strip protections from millions of acres of the wetlands across the country.Reacting to the decision, Manish Bapna, the chief executive of the Natural Resources Defense Counsel, called on Congress to amend the Clean Water Act to restore wetlands protections and on states to strengthen their own laws.“The Supreme Court ripped the heart out of the law we depend on to protect American waters and wetlands. The majority chose to protect polluters at the expense of healthy wetlands and waterways. This decision will cause incalculable harm. Communities across the country will pay the price,” Bapna said in a statement.The outcome almost certainly will affect ongoing court battles over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-arizona-state-government-donald-trump-8d46b14c20cb0effcb52ace48220dcce">new wetlands regulations</a>&nbsp;that the Biden administration put in place in December. Two federal judges have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/clean-water-act-epa-wotus-89ec06b09016564b0d721a6de9a9efb0">temporarily blocked those rules</a>&nbsp;from being enforced in 26 states.EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said in a state that the Clean Water Act has been responsible for “transformational progress” in cleaning up the nation's waterways. “I am disappointed by today’s Supreme Court decision that erodes longstanding clean water protections,” Regan said in a statement.Damien Schiff, who represented the Sacketts at the Supreme Court, said the decision appropriately narrowed the reach of the law. “Courts now have a clear measuring stick for fairness and consistency by federal regulators. Today’s ruling is a profound win for property rights and the constitutional separation of powers,” Schiff said in a statement issued by the property rights-focused Pacific Legal Foundation.In Thursday's ruling, all nine justices agreed that the wetlands on the Sacketts’ property are not covered by the act.But only five justices joined in the opinion that imposed a new test for evaluating when wetlands are covered by the Clean Water Act. Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Clarence Thomas and Alito would have adopted the narrower standard in 2006, in the last big wetlands case at the Supreme Court. They were joined Thursday by Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett.Kavanaugh and the court’s three liberal justices charged that their colleagues had rewritten that law.Kavanaugh wrote that the court’s “new and overly narrow test may leave long-regulated and long-accepted-to-be regulable wetlands suddenly beyond the scope of the agencies’ regulatory authority.”Justice Elena Kagan wrote that the majority’s rewriting of the act was “an effort to cabin the anti-pollution actions Congress thought appropriate.” Kagan referenced last year's decision limiting the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act.In both cases, she noted, the court had appointed “itself as the national decision-maker on environmental policy.” Kagan was joined in what she wrote by her liberal colleagues Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson.The Sacketts paid $23,000 for a 0.63-acre lot near Priest Lake in 2005 and started building a three-bedroom home two years later.They had filled part of the property, described in an appellate ruling as a “soggy residential lot,” with rocks and soil in preparation for construction, when officials with the Environmental Protection Agency showed up and ordered a halt in the work.They also won an earlier round in their legal fight at the Supreme Court.The federal appeals court in San Francisco upheld the EPA’s determination in 2021, finding that part of the property, 300 feet from the lake and 30 feet from an unnamed waterway that flows into the lake, was wetlands.The Sacketts’ own consultant had similarly advised them years ago that their property contained wetlands.

Kan. Senator praises Court ruling for landowner in wetlands dispute

WASHINGTON (AP) — The founder of the Oath Keepers extremist group was sentenced Thursday to 18 years in prison for orchestrating a weekslong plot that culminated in his followers attacking the U.S. Capitol in a bid to keep President Joe Biden out of the White House after the 2020 election.

Stewart Rhodes is the first person charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack to be sentenced for seditious conspiracy, and his sentence is the longest that has been handed down so far in the hundreds of Capitol riot cases.

It’s another milestone for the Justice Department’s sprawling Jan. 6 investigation, which has led to seditious conspiracy convictions against the top leaders of two far-right extremist groups authorities say came to Washington prepared to fight to keep President Donald Trump in power at all costs.

Before handing down the sentence, the judge told a defiant Rhodes that he is a continued threat to the U.S., saying it’s clear Rhodes “wants democracy in this country to devolve into violence.”

“The moment you are released, whenever that may be, you will be ready to take up arms against your government,” U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta said.

It was one of the most consequential cases brought by the Justice Department, which has sought to prove that the riot by right-wing extremists like the Oath Keepers was not a spur-of-the-moment protest but the culmination of weeks of plotting to overturn Biden’s election victory.

Prosecutors had sought 25 years for Rhodes, who they say was the architect of a plot to forcibly disrupt the transfer of presidential power that included “quick reaction force” teams at a Virginia hotel to ferry weapons into D.C. if they were needed. The weapons were never deployed.

In remarks shortly before the judge handed down the sentence, Rhodes slammed the prosecution as politically motivated, noted that he never went inside the Capitol and insisted he never told anyone else to do so.

“I’m a political prisoner and like President Trump my only crime is opposing those who are destroying our country,” Rhodes said.

In a first for a Jan. 6 case, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta agreed with prosecutors to apply enhanced penalties for “terrorism,” under the argument that the Oath Keepers sought to influence the government through “intimidation or coercion.” Judges in previous sentencings had shot down the Justice Department’s request for the so-called “terrorism enhancement” — which can lead to a longer prison term — but Mehta said it fits in Rhodes’ case.

Prosecutors argued that a lengthy sentence is necessary to deter future political violence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Rakoczy pointed to interviews and speeches Rhodes has given from jail repeating the lie 2020 election was stolen and saying it would be again in 2024. In remarks just days ago, Rhodes called for “regime change,” the prosecutor said.

People “across the political spectrum” want to believe that Jan. 6 was an “outlier,” Rakoczy said. “Not defendant Rhodes.”

A lawyer for Rhodes, who plans to appeal his conviction, said prosecutors are unfairly trying to make Rhodes “the face” of January 6. Attorney Phillip Linder told the judge that Rhodes could have had many more Oath Keepers come to the Capitol “if he really wanted to” disrupt Congress’ certification of the Electoral College vote.

“If you want to put a face on J6 (Jan. 6), you put it on Trump, right-wing media, politicians, all the people who spun that narrative,” Linder said.

Another Oath Keeper convicted alongside Rhodes in November — Florida chapter leader Kelly Meggs — was expected to receive his sentence later Thursday.

Two other Oath Keepers, acquitted of the sedition charge but convicted of other offenses, will be sentenced Friday. And four other members found guilty of seditious conspiracy at a second trial in January are scheduled to be sentenced next week.

The convictions were a major blow for the Oath Keepers, which Rhodes founded in 2009 and grew into one of the largest far-right anti-government militia groups. Recruiting past and present members of the military and police officers, the group promotes the belief that the federal government is out to strip citizens of their civil liberties and paints its followers as defenders against tyranny.

Rhodes’ sentence may forecast what prosecutors will seek for former Proud Boys national chairman Enrique Tarrio, who was convicted of seditious conspiracy alongside other leaders of his far-right group this month for what prosecutors said was a separate plot to block the transfer of presidential power. The Proud Boys will be sentenced in August and September.

Rhodes, 58, and the other Oath Keepers said there was never any plan to attack the Capitol or stop Congress from certifying Biden’s victory. The defense tried to seize on the fact that none of the Oath Keepers’ messages laid out an explicit plan to storm the Capitol. But prosecutors said the Oath Keepers saw an opportunity to further their goal to stop the transfer of power and sprang into action when the mob began storming the building.

Messages, recordings and other evidence presented at trial show Rhodes and his followers growing increasingly enraged after the 2020 election at the prospect of a Biden presidency, which they viewed as a threat to the country and their way of life. In an encrypted chat two days after the election, Rhodes told his followers to prepare their “mind, body, spirit” for “civil war.”

In conference call days later, Rhodes urged his followers to let Trump know they were “willing to die” for the country. One Oath Keeper who was listening was so alarmed that he began recording the call and contacted the FBI, telling jurors “it sounded like we were going to war against the United States government.”

Another man testified that after the riot, Rhodes tried to persuade him to pass along a message to Trump that urged the president not to give up his fight to hold onto power. The intermediary — who told jurors he had an indirect way to reach the president — recorded his meeting with Rhodes and went to the FBI instead of giving the message to Trump. Rhodes told the man during that meeting that the Oath Keepers “should have brought rifles” on Jan. 6.

Before Thursday, the longest sentence in the more than 1,000 Capitol riot cases was 14 years for a man with a long criminal record who attacked police officers with pepper spray and a chair as he stormed the Capitol. Just over 500 of the defendants have been sentenced, with more than half receiving prison time and the remainder getting sentences such as probation or home detention.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669760612209.png" alt="-Rhodes from his Jan. 2022 arrest-photo Collin County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>-Rhodes from his Jan. 2022 arrest-photo Collin County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The founder of the Oath Keepers extremist group was sentenced Thursday to 18 years in prison for orchestrating a weekslong plot that culminated in his followers attacking the U.S. Capitol in a bid to keep President Joe Biden out of the White House after the 2020 election.Stewart Rhodes is the first person charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack to be sentenced for seditious conspiracy, and his sentence is the longest that has been handed down so far in the hundreds of Capitol riot cases.It’s another milestone for the Justice Department’s sprawling Jan. 6 investigation, which has led to seditious conspiracy convictions against the top leaders of two far-right extremist groups authorities say came to Washington prepared to fight to keep President Donald Trump in power at all costs.Before handing down the sentence, the judge told a defiant Rhodes that he is a continued threat to the U.S., saying it’s clear Rhodes “wants democracy in this country to devolve into violence.”“The moment you are released, whenever that may be, you will be ready to take up arms against your government,” U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta said.It was one of the most consequential cases brought by the Justice Department, which has sought to prove that the riot by right-wing extremists like the Oath Keepers was not a spur-of-the-moment protest but the culmination of weeks of plotting to overturn Biden’s election victory.Prosecutors had sought 25 years for Rhodes, who they say was the architect of a plot to forcibly disrupt the transfer of presidential power that included “quick reaction force” teams at a Virginia hotel to ferry weapons into D.C. if they were needed. The weapons were never deployed.In remarks shortly before the judge handed down the sentence, Rhodes slammed the prosecution as politically motivated, noted that he never went inside the Capitol and insisted he never told anyone else to do so.“I’m a political prisoner and like President Trump my only crime is opposing those who are destroying our country,” Rhodes said.In a first for a Jan. 6 case, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta agreed with prosecutors to apply enhanced penalties for “terrorism,” under the argument that the Oath Keepers sought to influence the government through “intimidation or coercion.” Judges in previous sentencings had shot down the Justice Department’s request for the so-called “terrorism enhancement” — which can lead to a longer prison term — but Mehta said it fits in Rhodes’ case.Prosecutors argued that a lengthy sentence is necessary to deter future political violence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Rakoczy pointed to interviews and speeches Rhodes has given from jail repeating the lie 2020 election was stolen and saying it would be again in 2024. In remarks just days ago, Rhodes called for “regime change,” the prosecutor said.People “across the political spectrum” want to believe that Jan. 6 was an “outlier,” Rakoczy said. “Not defendant Rhodes.”A lawyer for Rhodes, who plans to appeal his conviction, said prosecutors are unfairly trying to make Rhodes “the face” of January 6. Attorney Phillip Linder told the judge that Rhodes could have had many more Oath Keepers come to the Capitol “if he really wanted to” disrupt Congress’ certification of the Electoral College vote.“If you want to put a face on J6 (Jan. 6), you put it on Trump, right-wing media, politicians, all the people who spun that narrative,” Linder said.Another Oath Keeper convicted alongside Rhodes in November — Florida chapter leader Kelly Meggs — was expected to receive his sentence later Thursday.Two other Oath Keepers, acquitted of the sedition charge but convicted of other offenses, will be sentenced Friday. And four other members found guilty of seditious conspiracy at a second trial in January are scheduled to be sentenced next week.The convictions were a major blow for the Oath Keepers, which Rhodes founded in 2009 and grew into one of the largest far-right anti-government militia groups. Recruiting past and present members of the military and police officers, the group promotes the belief that the federal government is out to strip citizens of their civil liberties and paints its followers as defenders against tyranny.Rhodes’ sentence may forecast what prosecutors will seek for former Proud Boys national chairman Enrique Tarrio, who was convicted of seditious conspiracy alongside other leaders of his far-right group this month for what prosecutors said was a separate plot to block the transfer of presidential power. The Proud Boys will be sentenced in August and September.Rhodes, 58, and the other Oath Keepers said there was never any plan to attack the Capitol or stop Congress from certifying Biden’s victory. The defense tried to seize on the fact that none of the Oath Keepers’ messages laid out an explicit plan to storm the Capitol. But prosecutors said the Oath Keepers saw an opportunity to further their goal to stop the transfer of power and sprang into action when the mob began storming the building.Messages, recordings and other evidence presented at trial show Rhodes and his followers growing increasingly enraged after the 2020 election at the prospect of a Biden presidency, which they viewed as a threat to the country and their way of life. In an encrypted chat two days after the election, Rhodes told his followers to prepare their “mind, body, spirit” for “civil war.”In conference call days later, Rhodes urged his followers to let Trump know they were “willing to die” for the country. One Oath Keeper who was listening was so alarmed that he began recording the call and contacted the FBI, telling jurors “it sounded like we were going to war against the United States government.”Another man testified that after the riot, Rhodes tried to persuade him to pass along a message to Trump that urged the president not to give up his fight to hold onto power. The intermediary — who told jurors he had an indirect way to reach the president — recorded his meeting with Rhodes and went to the FBI instead of giving the message to Trump. Rhodes told the man during that meeting that the Oath Keepers “should have brought rifles” on Jan. 6.Before Thursday, the longest sentence in the more than 1,000 Capitol riot cases was 14 years for a man with a long criminal record who attacked police officers with pepper spray and a chair as he stormed the Capitol. Just over 500 of the defendants have been sentenced, with more than half receiving prison time and the remainder getting sentences such as probation or home detention.