SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon with a history of crime including his involvement in a 2019 fatal crash in a stolen SUV that killed two people is facing a murder charge from a 2020 killing.

On Friday, 42-year-old Christopher English was charged&nbsp;with 1st degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.&nbsp;

In December of 2020, police responded to a shooting call at a residence in the 1800 block of South Main in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.

Upon arrival, they located 49-year-old Michael Horn with a gunshot wound to his head. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he died.&nbsp; On Thursday, Police arrested English in connection with Horn's murder.

In 2019, English was on parole and a passenger in a stolen BMW sport utility vehicle driven by Mia Collins who led officers on a chase. After about one mile, the car collided with a car and another SUV at an intersection.

The crash killed 70-year-old Maria Wood and 12-year-old Rosemary McElroy and critically injured 36-year-old Jenny Wood, a popular Wichita musician known for performing with children.&nbsp; Collins was sentenced to life in prison.

English has previous convictions for drugs and weapons, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. H remains jailed on a $500,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court August 8, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659213439450.png" alt="English-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>English-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon with a history of crime including his involvement in a 2019 fatal crash in a stolen SUV that killed two people is facing a murder charge from a 2020 killing.On Friday, 42-year-old Christopher English was charged&nbsp;with 1st degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.&nbsp;In December of 2020, police responded to a shooting call at a residence in the 1800 block of South Main in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.Upon arrival, they located 49-year-old Michael Horn with a gunshot wound to his head. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he died.&nbsp; On Thursday, Police arrested English in connection with Horn's murder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597432907464.png" alt="Collins-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Collins-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2019, English was on parole and a passenger in a stolen BMW sport utility vehicle driven by Mia Collins who led officers on a chase. After about one mile, the car collided with a car and another SUV at an intersection.The crash killed 70-year-old Maria Wood and 12-year-old Rosemary McElroy and critically injured 36-year-old Jenny Wood, a popular Wichita musician known for performing with children.&nbsp; Collins was sentenced to life in prison.English has previous convictions for drugs and weapons, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. H remains jailed on a $500,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court August 8, according to the district attorney's office.

Kan. man with a history of crime is charged in 2020 murder

By TOMMY REZAC St. Joseph Post

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Kansas City 
Chiefs officially concluded their first week of training camp with a 
Saturday morning practice - the last workout in half pads before full 
pads go on Monday.

Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy says the 
start to camp has been encouraging, but he noticed a lack of focus 
amongst his group Saturday.

"The effort was outstanding,"
 Bieniemy said. "You can practice hard, but activity don't always equate
 to productivity. We have to make sure we're maximizing and detailing 
the little things that's going to help us become the offense we want to 
become."

Personnel wise, a pair of rookies on the offensive side 
had a chance to shine Saturday. Rookie receiver Skyy Moore continues to 
get reps with the first-team offense and is looking more the part as 
camp goes on.

Moore had a diving catch in tight coverage on a deep ball for the second day in a row Saturday.

"(Moore)
 goes out there and finds a way to get the job done on the next initial 
play," Bieniemy noted. "The thing he's also been great with is in the 
classroom, he's been receptive to the information. On top of that, he's 
seeing it and he has an opportunity to autocorrect. He'll very rarely 
repeat the same things twice."

Perhaps the biggest surprise 
Saturday was seeking rookie running back and seventh-round pick Isiah 
Pacheco getting reps with the first-team offense, rotating with Jerick 
McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

Pacheco has clear speed. He's 
also been getting some time on kick return this week. McKinnon, a 
ninth-year pro who just re-signed with the Chiefs in June, called 
Pacheco "a humble guy" whose work ethic is "top tier."

Clark
 spoke at length at the end of practice, and seemed to be in great 
spirits. He revealed that he's cut red meat and alcohol out of his diet 
as soon as the season ended in February.

Clark said he didn't feel as quick, and felt that he at times looked "sloppy" last season.

"I
 wanted to get back to feeling my feet," he said. "I feel like I wasn't 
feeling my feet as much last year. I wasn't as quick off the ball. I 
wasn't as explosive. I mean, it's obvious. You can watch the film and 
see I was way heavier. I had a gut. I was looking sloppy. I'm a 
professional, you know? I understand how this goes."

Clark has 
been several times this camp talking and working with fellow defensive 
end and rookie George Karlaftis, who was drafted 30th overall by the 
Chiefs this year out of Purdue.

Clark described a moment in 
Saturday's practice where Karlaftis asked him how to come off the ball 
quicker and be quicker on the snap. When Karlaftis tried doing what 
Clark told him to, the rookie couldn't wait to tell the seasoned veteran
 all about it.

"That was the most excited I've seen a rookie," 
said Clark. "His ability to retain the knowledge I was telling him and 
for him to go do it and for him to feel it and see the success from it. I
 was happy and enjoyed his fruits. At the end of the day, that's how I 
feel about George."

Clark is still waiting to see what will come 
of his current legal matters. He had two offseason arrests in California
 in 2021, and has pleaded not guilty to two counts of possession of an 
assault weapon.

Clark was arrested both times on suspicion of 
having a concealed firearm in a vehicle. He could face a suspension from
 the NFL for violation of their personal conduct policy.

Clark didn't go into much detail Saturday, other than he "feels good" about where he and his legal team are at on things.

Tight
 end Jody Forston left practice early Saturday due to a quad injury. The
 team says they’ll know more Monday. Otherwise, nothing new. Lucas 
Niang, Prince Tega Wanogho and Rashad Fenton are still on the injured 
list. Orlando Brown, Jr. has yet to sign and report.

With
 Brown still not present, that's opened the door for Roderick Johnson to
 be the go-to guy at left tackle initially. On Saturday, there was the 
first sign of rotation there, as Johnson worked at right tackle and 
Andrew Wylie moved to left tackle.

The Chiefs rest Sunday, and will return Monday for a full contact practice in full pads. Let the games begin.

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659366578725.jpeg" alt="Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid have a chat during drills Saturday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid have a chat during drills Saturday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZAC St. Joseph PostST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Kansas City 
Chiefs officially concluded their first week of training camp with a 
Saturday morning practice - the last workout in half pads before full 
pads go on Monday.Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy says the 
start to camp has been encouraging, but he noticed a lack of focus 
amongst his group Saturday."The effort was outstanding,"
 Bieniemy said. "You can practice hard, but activity don't always equate
 to productivity. We have to make sure we're maximizing and detailing 
the little things that's going to help us become the offense we want to 
become."Personnel wise, a pair of rookies on the offensive side 
had a chance to shine Saturday. Rookie receiver Skyy Moore continues to 
get reps with the first-team offense and is looking more the part as 
camp goes on.Moore had a diving catch in tight coverage on a deep ball for the second day in a row Saturday."(Moore)
 goes out there and finds a way to get the job done on the next initial 
play," Bieniemy noted. "The thing he's also been great with is in the 
classroom, he's been receptive to the information. On top of that, he's 
seeing it and he has an opportunity to autocorrect. He'll very rarely 
repeat the same things twice."Perhaps the biggest surprise 
Saturday was seeking rookie running back and seventh-round pick Isiah 
Pacheco getting reps with the first-team offense, rotating with Jerick 
McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire.Pacheco has clear speed. He's 
also been getting some time on kick return this week. McKinnon, a 
ninth-year pro who just re-signed with the Chiefs in June, called 
Pacheco "a humble guy" whose work ethic is "top tier."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659366636798.jpeg" alt="Daurice Fountain (82) hauls in a pass." />
 <figcaption>Daurice Fountain (82) hauls in a pass.</figcaption>
 </figure>Frank ClarkClark
 spoke at length at the end of practice, and seemed to be in great 
spirits. He revealed that he's cut red meat and alcohol out of his diet 
as soon as the season ended in February.Clark said he didn't feel as quick, and felt that he at times looked "sloppy" last season."I
 wanted to get back to feeling my feet," he said. "I feel like I wasn't 
feeling my feet as much last year. I wasn't as quick off the ball. I 
wasn't as explosive. I mean, it's obvious. You can watch the film and 
see I was way heavier. I had a gut. I was looking sloppy. I'm a 
professional, you know? I understand how this goes."Clark has 
been several times this camp talking and working with fellow defensive 
end and rookie George Karlaftis, who was drafted 30th overall by the 
Chiefs this year out of Purdue.Clark described a moment in 
Saturday's practice where Karlaftis asked him how to come off the ball 
quicker and be quicker on the snap. When Karlaftis tried doing what 
Clark told him to, the rookie couldn't wait to tell the seasoned veteran
 all about it."That was the most excited I've seen a rookie," 
said Clark. "His ability to retain the knowledge I was telling him and 
for him to go do it and for him to feel it and see the success from it. I
 was happy and enjoyed his fruits. At the end of the day, that's how I 
feel about George."Clark is still waiting to see what will come 
of his current legal matters. He had two offseason arrests in California
 in 2021, and has pleaded not guilty to two counts of possession of an 
assault weapon.Clark was arrested both times on suspicion of 
having a concealed firearm in a vehicle. He could face a suspension from
 the NFL for violation of their personal conduct policy.Clark didn't go into much detail Saturday, other than he "feels good" about where he and his legal team are at on things.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659366669449.jpeg" alt="Matt Bushman (89) catches a pass in coverage. Photo by Tommy Rezac" />
 <figcaption>Matt Bushman (89) catches a pass in coverage. Photo by Tommy Rezac</figcaption>
 </figure>Injury updateTight
 end Jody Forston left practice early Saturday due to a quad injury. The
 team says they’ll know more Monday. Otherwise, nothing new. Lucas 
Niang, Prince Tega Wanogho and Rashad Fenton are still on the injured 
list. Orlando Brown, Jr. has yet to sign and report.Offensive lineWith
 Brown still not present, that's opened the door for Roderick Johnson to
 be the go-to guy at left tackle initially. On Saturday, there was the 
first sign of rotation there, as Johnson worked at right tackle and 
Andrew Wylie moved to left tackle.The Chiefs rest Sunday, and will return Monday for a full contact practice in full pads. Let the games begin.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Full pads in Chiefs training camp beginning Monday

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating 4 suspects after a large drug bust.

On July 28, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) as part of the Shawnee County Drug Enforcement Task Force executed two search warrants in the 200 block of SE Klein Street and the 1800 block of SE Chandler Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, deputies found illegal narcotics and arrested multiple suspects were arrested. Deputies also found three juveniles&nbsp; inside the homes.

Courtney L. Crockett, 46, of Topeka is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, Possession with intent to distribute an opiate, Possession with intent to distribute a hallucinogenic and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

 Angelelah A. Brooks, 40, of Topeka is jailed on requested charges of Possession with intent to distribute a hallucinogenic;&nbsp;Anthony J. Jackson Jr., 37, of Topeka is jailed on a requested charge of Possession with intent to distribute a stimulant and&nbsp;Travelle L. Gueary 43, of Topeka is jailed on a requested charge of&nbsp; Possession of marijuana and Warrants.

The Topeka Police Department and Rossville Police Department assisted with these search warrants, according to Christian.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659215821863.png" alt="Crockett photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Crockett photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating 4 suspects after a large drug bust.On July 28, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) as part of the Shawnee County Drug Enforcement Task Force executed two search warrants in the 200 block of SE Klein Street and the 1800 block of SE Chandler Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659215917431.png" alt="Jackson-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Jackson-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the investigation, deputies found illegal narcotics and arrested multiple suspects were arrested. Deputies also found three juveniles&nbsp; inside the homes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659216017582.png" alt="Gueary-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Gueary-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtney L. Crockett, 46, of Topeka is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, Possession with intent to distribute an opiate, Possession with intent to distribute a hallucinogenic and Possession of drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659215958798.png" alt="Brooks-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Brooks-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Angelelah A. Brooks, 40, of Topeka is jailed on requested charges of Possession with intent to distribute a hallucinogenic;&nbsp;Anthony J. Jackson Jr., 37, of Topeka is jailed on a requested charge of Possession with intent to distribute a stimulant and&nbsp;Travelle L. Gueary 43, of Topeka is jailed on a requested charge of&nbsp; Possession of marijuana and Warrants.The Topeka Police Department and Rossville Police Department assisted with these search warrants, according to Christian.

Sheriff: 4 adults arrested, 3 juveniles found during Kan. drug bust

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in Overland Park.

Just before 4:30p.m. Sunday, police responded to report of a shooting at a gas station at the intersection of Antioch Road and College Boulevard, according to a media release.

EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where they were pronounced deceased.

Police have not reported an arrest or released suspect information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659349398024.png" alt="Police on the scene of the fatal shooting investigation -Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the fatal shooting investigation -Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in Overland Park.Just before 4:30p.m. Sunday, police responded to report of a shooting at a gas station at the intersection of Antioch Road and College Boulevard, according to a media release.EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where they were pronounced deceased.Police have not reported an arrest or released suspect information.

Police: One dead after shooting at Kansas gas station

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double murder and have a suspect in custody after a high-speed chase that included shots fired at police.

Just after 1a.m. Sunday, police received 911 calls about shots fired in the 1100 block of Tennessee in Lawrence, according to Police spokesperson Laura McCabe.&nbsp; 

Officers arrived at the home and found a 53-year-old man critically injured with gunshot wounds. Emergency Responders helped transfer him to a Kansas City trauma department where he was pronounced dead.&nbsp;

Not long after, another call came in about shots fired in the 300 block of Northwood Lane.&nbsp; Officers found another victim at that location.&nbsp; The 43-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Investigators worked through the night to identify a suspect, located him, and tried to pull him over in the 900 Block of Lawrence Avenue about 6:00 am.&nbsp; 

The suspect later identified as 51-year-old Rodney Ericson Marshall did not comply and a led officers on a pursuit through town, down Haskell and to the Bypass accessing K-10 toward Kansas City.&nbsp; 

Marshall fired several times at officers while on K-10 until eventually hitting the stop sticks near Eudora and was taken into custody.&nbsp; A female passenger was also in the car at the time of the arrest and is being questioned by investigators.

This investigation involves multiple agencies, several locations, two victims, and the attempted murder of several Law Enforcement Officers, according to McCabe.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released names of the victims.

Marshall has previous convictions for aggravated assault, criminal threat, criminal deprivation of property and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659312423011.png" alt="Marshall has previous convictions for aggravated assault, criminal threat, criminal deprivation of property and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Marshall has previous convictions for aggravated assault, criminal threat, criminal deprivation of property and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double murder and have a suspect in custody after a high-speed chase that included shots fired at police.Just after 1a.m. Sunday, police received 911 calls about shots fired in the 1100 block of Tennessee in Lawrence, according to Police spokesperson Laura McCabe.&nbsp; Officers arrived at the home and found a 53-year-old man critically injured with gunshot wounds. Emergency Responders helped transfer him to a Kansas City trauma department where he was pronounced dead.&nbsp;Not long after, another call came in about shots fired in the 300 block of Northwood Lane.&nbsp; Officers found another victim at that location.&nbsp; The 43-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Investigators worked through the night to identify a suspect, located him, and tried to pull him over in the 900 Block of Lawrence Avenue about 6:00 am.&nbsp; The suspect later identified as 51-year-old Rodney Ericson Marshall did not comply and a led officers on a pursuit through town, down Haskell and to the Bypass accessing K-10 toward Kansas City.&nbsp; Marshall fired several times at officers while on K-10 until eventually hitting the stop sticks near Eudora and was taken into custody.&nbsp; A female passenger was also in the car at the time of the arrest and is being questioned by investigators.This investigation involves multiple agencies, several locations, two victims, and the attempted murder of several Law Enforcement Officers, according to McCabe.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released names of the victims.Marshall has previous convictions for aggravated assault, criminal threat, criminal deprivation of property and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Police arrest Kan. double murder suspect after high-speed chase

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Texas man on drug charges after an arrest.

 Sheriff Tim Morse reports that a Texas man was arrested on Wednesday following a traffic stop near 102nd and U.S. 75 Hwy. 

On July 27, a sheriff's deputy stopped a tractor-trailer in reference to a complaint of erratic driving near&nbsp;near 102nd and U.S. 75 Highway. according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Subsequent investigation into the matter resulted in the arrest of the driver, Christopher James Caldwell, 31, of Cypress, Texas. 

 Caldwell was booked into the Jackson County Jail for possession of cocaine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659183453195.png" alt="Caldwell-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Caldwell-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Texas man on drug charges after an arrest. Sheriff Tim Morse reports that a Texas man was arrested on Wednesday following a traffic stop near 102nd and U.S. 75 Hwy. On July 27, a sheriff's deputy stopped a tractor-trailer in reference to a complaint of erratic driving near&nbsp;near 102nd and U.S. 75 Highway. according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Subsequent investigation into the matter resulted in the arrest of the driver, Christopher James Caldwell, 31, of Cypress, Texas. Caldwell was booked into the Jackson County Jail for possession of cocaine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Semi driver caught with cocaine on Kansas highway

RICHARDSON COUNTY, NE —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug distribution allegations.

A lengthy investigation revealed that 34-year-old Kimberly Hoagland and 37-year-old Rickey Long both of Humboldt and others conspired to distribute several pounds of methamphetamine over the last three years. 

It also revealed they were acquiring as much as 112 grams of methamphetamine at a time from co-conspirators in Topeka, according to the Richardson County Sheriff's office.

On July 22, 2022, Richardson County Deputies arrested Hoagland and Long in Humboldt. Their arrest is the result of a lengthy investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine in Humboldt, and the surrounding area, over the last three years. 

They were booked into the Richardson County Jail on requested charges of distribution of 140 grams or more of methamphetamine, according to the sheriff's department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659011231527.png" alt="Long-photo Richardson Co." />
 <figcaption>Long-photo Richardson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RICHARDSON COUNTY, NE —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug distribution allegations.A lengthy investigation revealed that 34-year-old Kimberly Hoagland and 37-year-old Rickey Long both of Humboldt and others conspired to distribute several pounds of methamphetamine over the last three years. It also revealed they were acquiring as much as 112 grams of methamphetamine at a time from co-conspirators in Topeka, according to the Richardson County Sheriff's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659011211828.png" alt="Hoagland-photo Richardson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hoagland-photo Richardson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On July 22, 2022, Richardson County Deputies arrested Hoagland and Long in Humboldt. Their arrest is the result of a lengthy investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine in Humboldt, and the surrounding area, over the last three years. They were booked into the Richardson County Jail on requested charges of distribution of 140 grams or more of methamphetamine, according to the sheriff's department.

Suspects accused of selling meth they purchased in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke by phone to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday in the highest-level known contact between the two sides since Russia invaded Ukraine, with Blinken urging Russia to accept a deal to win the release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-sports-united-states-moscow-antony-blinken-c987c7516723cce522693834cef00a26">American detainees Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan</a>.

Russian officials gave no public hint whether Blinken had made any headway, only issuing a chiding statement afterward urging the U.S. to pursue the Americans' freedom through “quiet diplomacy, without releases of speculative information."

U.S. officials have in recent days publicized their efforts to get back Griner, a WNBA star, and Whelan, a corporate security executive, whose cases have drawn widespread national attention.

Blinken did not provide details of Lavrov’s response to what he had previously called a “substantial proposal" for Russia to release Whelan and Griner. Blinken had publicly requested the call and revealed the existence of the offer to Russia. People familiar with the offer say the U.S. wants to swap Whelan and Griner for convicted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/viktor-bout">Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.</a>

Blinken described the call as “a frank and direct conversation” centered primarily on the detained Americans.

“I urged Foreign Minister Lavrov to move forward with that proposal," he said. "I can’t give you an assessment of whether that is any more or less likely.”

Blinken also said he had pressed Lavrov on the importance of Russia following through on an agreement to allow Ukrainian grain shipments to leave the Black Sea and warned him of consequences should Moscow move ahead with suspected plans to annex portions of eastern and southern Ukraine.

Blinken said he told Lavrov that the world will “never recognize” any annexation of Ukrainian territory, which he said would “result in significant additional costs for Russia.”

He declined to comment on how Lavrov replied to his messages. “I don’t want to characterize any of Foreign Minister Lavrov’s responses.”

In its statement afterward, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Lavrov “strongly suggested” to Blinken “returning to a professional dialogue in the mode of quiet diplomacy” on any efforts at American detainees' release.

Lavrov also repeated Russia's vows to keep fighting until it has achieved its aims in Ukraine, renewed complaints that U.S. and NATO support to Ukraine was prolonging the conflict, and accused the U.S. of not yet keeping up its end of agreements on the grain shipments from Ukraine, the Foreign Ministry said.

Blinken’s comments earlier this week marked the first time the U.S. government publicly revealed any concrete action it has taken to secure Griner’s release. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and player for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury was arrested at a Moscow airport in mid-February when inspectors found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage.

Griner’s arrest came at a time of heightened tensions between Moscow and Washington ahead of Russia sending troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24. Griner’s five months of detention have raised strong criticism among teammates and supporters in the United States.

Her trial on drug charges started in a court outside Moscow this month, and she testified Wednesday that she didn’t know how the cartridges ended up in her bag but that she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-entertainment-sports-health-basketball-ae4138729642041aebbabeafa914706f">had a doctor’s recommendation</a>&nbsp;to use cannabis to treat career-related pain.

The 31-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-russia-trial-live-updates-bc4c1d9efd490eed0eb522c8c59e9197">has pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;but said she had no criminal intent in bringing the cartridges to Russia and packed in haste for her return to play in a Russian basketball league during the WNBA’s offseason. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of transporting drugs.

The Biden administration has faced political pressure to free Griner and other Americans whom the U.S. has declared to be “wrongfully detained” — a designation sharply rejected by Russian officials.

Whelan, a corporate security executive from Michigan,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moscow-paul-whelan-russia-espionage-b7eb05fc55058fd222a29d06c1d5428e">was sentenced to 16 years</a>&nbsp;in prison on espionage charges in 2020. He and his family have vigorously asserted his innocence. The U.S. government has denounced the charges as false.

Russia has for years expressed interest in the release of Bout, a Russian arms dealer once labeled the “Merchant of Death.” He was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012 on charges that he schemed to illegally sell millions of dollars in weapons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659117165215.png" alt="It was Secretary of State Blinken's first talk with his Russian counterpart since before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February.</a>-photo State Department" />
 <figcaption>It was Secretary of State Blinken's first talk with his Russian counterpart since before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February.</a>-photo State Department</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke by phone to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday in the highest-level known contact between the two sides since Russia invaded Ukraine, with Blinken urging Russia to accept a deal to win the release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-sports-united-states-moscow-antony-blinken-c987c7516723cce522693834cef00a26">American detainees Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan</a>.Russian officials gave no public hint whether Blinken had made any headway, only issuing a chiding statement afterward urging the U.S. to pursue the Americans' freedom through “quiet diplomacy, without releases of speculative information."U.S. officials have in recent days publicized their efforts to get back Griner, a WNBA star, and Whelan, a corporate security executive, whose cases have drawn widespread national attention.Blinken did not provide details of Lavrov’s response to what he had previously called a “substantial proposal" for Russia to release Whelan and Griner. Blinken had publicly requested the call and revealed the existence of the offer to Russia. People familiar with the offer say the U.S. wants to swap Whelan and Griner for convicted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/viktor-bout">Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646510097872.png" alt="Griner, 31, is one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury" />
 <figcaption>Griner, 31, is one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury</figcaption>
 </figure>Blinken described the call as “a frank and direct conversation” centered primarily on the detained Americans.“I urged Foreign Minister Lavrov to move forward with that proposal," he said. "I can’t give you an assessment of whether that is any more or less likely.”Blinken also said he had pressed Lavrov on the importance of Russia following through on an agreement to allow Ukrainian grain shipments to leave the Black Sea and warned him of consequences should Moscow move ahead with suspected plans to annex portions of eastern and southern Ukraine.Blinken said he told Lavrov that the world will “never recognize” any annexation of Ukrainian territory, which he said would “result in significant additional costs for Russia.”He declined to comment on how Lavrov replied to his messages. “I don’t want to characterize any of Foreign Minister Lavrov’s responses.”In its statement afterward, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Lavrov “strongly suggested” to Blinken “returning to a professional dialogue in the mode of quiet diplomacy” on any efforts at American detainees' release.Lavrov also repeated Russia's vows to keep fighting until it has achieved its aims in Ukraine, renewed complaints that U.S. and NATO support to Ukraine was prolonging the conflict, and accused the U.S. of not yet keeping up its end of agreements on the grain shipments from Ukraine, the Foreign Ministry said.Blinken’s comments earlier this week marked the first time the U.S. government publicly revealed any concrete action it has taken to secure Griner’s release. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and player for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury was arrested at a Moscow airport in mid-February when inspectors found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage.Griner’s arrest came at a time of heightened tensions between Moscow and Washington ahead of Russia sending troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24. Griner’s five months of detention have raised strong criticism among teammates and supporters in the United States.Her trial on drug charges started in a court outside Moscow this month, and she testified Wednesday that she didn’t know how the cartridges ended up in her bag but that she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-entertainment-sports-health-basketball-ae4138729642041aebbabeafa914706f">had a doctor’s recommendation</a>&nbsp;to use cannabis to treat career-related pain.The 31-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-russia-trial-live-updates-bc4c1d9efd490eed0eb522c8c59e9197">has pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;but said she had no criminal intent in bringing the cartridges to Russia and packed in haste for her return to play in a Russian basketball league during the WNBA’s offseason. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of transporting drugs.The Biden administration has faced political pressure to free Griner and other Americans whom the U.S. has declared to be “wrongfully detained” — a designation sharply rejected by Russian officials.Whelan, a corporate security executive from Michigan,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moscow-paul-whelan-russia-espionage-b7eb05fc55058fd222a29d06c1d5428e">was sentenced to 16 years</a>&nbsp;in prison on espionage charges in 2020. He and his family have vigorously asserted his innocence. The U.S. government has denounced the charges as false.Russia has for years expressed interest in the release of Bout, a Russian arms dealer once labeled the “Merchant of Death.” He was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012 on charges that he schemed to illegally sell millions of dollars in weapons.

U.S. presses Russia on prisoner swap for former Big 12 star 

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Salina man has been arrested in connection to the murder of Nathan Thompson who remains were found in Ellsworth County on July 19.

On Friday, the Salina Police Department announced that they had "developed Joseph Benton Houseman, 48 year old, of Salina as the suspect" in the case, according to a media release.

Houseman currently is in the Salina County Jail on unrelated charges.

He now faces the following requested charges of first degree murde, Aggravated arson, Arson, Felony interference with law enforcement and Criminal desecration.

On June 18, Salina police announced that they were investigating the disappearance of Thompson, 44, who hadn't been seen in more than a week. Police reported that on June 13, the Salina Fire Department responded to a trailer home fire at 1635 Elgin in west Salina. No one was in the trailer at the time the blaze was extinguished, however the fire was classified as an arson.

At the time of the fire, neighbors told police that Thompson had been living in the trailer, but had not been seen for approximately a week.

On June 22, Salina police released photos of a Chevrolet Express van that police believe was used in Thompson's disappearance and asked members of the public for any information they might have about it.

On July 23, the Salina Police Department announced that human remains found in rural Ellsworth County on July 19 were identifed as those of Thompson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659129131327.jpeg" alt="Joseph Benton Houseman-photo&nbsp;Salina Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Joseph Benton Houseman-photo&nbsp;Salina Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man has been arrested in connection to the murder of Nathan Thompson who remains were found in Ellsworth County on July 19.On Friday, the Salina Police Department announced that they had "developed Joseph Benton Houseman, 48 year old, of Salina as the suspect" in the case, according to a media release.Houseman currently is in the Salina County Jail on unrelated charges.He now faces the following requested charges of first degree murde, Aggravated arson, Arson, Felony interference with law enforcement and Criminal desecration.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655577117894.jpeg" alt="Nathan Thompson-photo Salina Police" />
 <figcaption>Nathan Thompson-photo Salina Police</figcaption>
 </figure>On June 18, Salina police announced that they were investigating the disappearance of Thompson, 44, who hadn't been seen in more than a week. Police reported that on June 13, the Salina Fire Department responded to a trailer home fire at 1635 Elgin in west Salina. No one was in the trailer at the time the blaze was extinguished, however the fire was classified as an arson.At the time of the fire, neighbors told police that Thompson had been living in the trailer, but had not been seen for approximately a week.On June 22, Salina police released photos of a Chevrolet Express van that police believe was used in Thompson's disappearance and asked members of the public for any information they might have about it.On July 23, the Salina Police Department announced that human remains found in rural Ellsworth County on July 19 were identifed as those of Thompson.

Police ID murder suspect after body found in rural Ellsworth Co.

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a one-year-old boy and have made an arrest.

Just before 5:30p.m. Thursday, police responded to a child abuse report at an area hospital, according to Officer Chad Ditch.&nbsp;

When officers arrived at the hospital, they were told a family member and guardian of 1-year-old Lasiah Williams brought him to the hospital unresponsive. Doctors pronounced the boy deceased.

Investigators learned Lasisah had been with his Father, Kentrell Willingham and girlfriend <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20069445">Xjohnna Hannah,</a> for a few days. A family member of the child met Kentrell, Thursday in the 1600 hundred block of South Oliver to exchange custody.

The family member left with Lasiah and a short time later would realize the child was unresponsive. The family member and Lasiah’s legal guardian immediately drove to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. 

Police arrested 25-year-old <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20038704">Kentrell Willingham </a>and 25-year-old <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20069445">Xjohnna Hannah,</a> both of Wichita, on requested charges first-degree murder and aggravated endangerment of a child.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659122621318.png" alt="Willingham-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Willingham-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a one-year-old boy and have made an arrest.Just before 5:30p.m. Thursday, police responded to a child abuse report at an area hospital, according to Officer Chad Ditch.&nbsp;When officers arrived at the hospital, they were told a family member and guardian of 1-year-old Lasiah Williams brought him to the hospital unresponsive. Doctors pronounced the boy deceased.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659123012533.png" alt="Hannah photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Hannah photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators learned Lasisah had been with his Father, Kentrell Willingham and girlfriend <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20069445">Xjohnna Hannah,</a> for a few days. A family member of the child met Kentrell, Thursday in the 1600 hundred block of South Oliver to exchange custody. The family member left with Lasiah and a short time later would realize the child was unresponsive. The family member and Lasiah’s legal guardian immediately drove to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Police arrested 25-year-old <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20038704">Kentrell Willingham </a>and 25-year-old <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20069445">Xjohnna Hannah,</a> both of Wichita, on requested charges first-degree murder and aggravated endangerment of a child.&nbsp;

Kansas man, girlfriend accused in death of 1-year-old

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas jail deputy arrested last week&nbsp; and charged with two counts of felony official misconduct for crimes related to a security breach at the Sedgwick County Jail was back in court Thursday.

Dustin Burnett, 22 of Maize, was charged with four counts of unlawful sexual relations and one count of solicitation to commit unlawful sexual relations, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Two female inmates reported inappropriate sexual contact with Burnett, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick. The alleged sexual contact occurred on July 17.

While investigating a security breach at Sedgwick County Jail last week, investigators learned Burnett, the on-duty deputy in that area of the jail, observed inmates break a window, bring contraband into the facility and didn't stop it or inform anyone it occurred. He also did not give investigators the full story about the incident when confronted about it, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.&nbsp;

On July 22, Burnett was charged with the two counts of official misconduct, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. Both are felonies. 

Burnett had been employed by the jail since January and was terminated upon his arrest. <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20076697">He remains jailed </a>on a $150,000 bond. His next court appearance on the sex charges is August 1, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658429257903.png" alt="Burnett-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Burnett-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas jail deputy arrested last week&nbsp; and charged with two counts of felony official misconduct for crimes related to a security breach at the Sedgwick County Jail was back in court Thursday.Dustin Burnett, 22 of Maize, was charged with four counts of unlawful sexual relations and one count of solicitation to commit unlawful sexual relations, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.&nbsp;&nbsp;Two female inmates reported inappropriate sexual contact with Burnett, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick. The alleged sexual contact occurred on July 17.While investigating a security breach at Sedgwick County Jail last week, investigators learned Burnett, the on-duty deputy in that area of the jail, observed inmates break a window, bring contraband into the facility and didn't stop it or inform anyone it occurred. He also did not give investigators the full story about the incident when confronted about it, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.&nbsp;On July 22, Burnett was charged with the two counts of official misconduct, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. Both are felonies. Burnett had been employed by the jail since January and was terminated upon his arrest. <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20076697">He remains jailed </a>on a $150,000 bond. His next court appearance on the sex charges is August 1, according to the district attorney's office.

Sex crimes: Kan. jail deputy back in court on new allegations

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a stabbing involving a sword and have made an arrest.

Just before 9p.m. July 25, police responded to a home in the 1300 Block of SW Woodhull in Topeka, according to a media release.&nbsp; When they arrived, officers learned 25-year-old Jonathan Taylor Snowder-Hackett and another individual had been involved in an argument.

&nbsp;Snowder-Hackett produced a sword and stabbed the victim.&nbsp; The victim was treated at a local hospital, according to Topeka Police Lt. Manual Munoz.

Police arrested Snowder-Hackett on requested charges of aggravated assault; use of a deadly weapon, aggravated battery; knowingly use a weapon to cause great bodily harm, and criminal deprivation of property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658953150375.png" alt="Snowder-Hackett" />
 <figcaption>Snowder-Hackett</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a stabbing involving a sword and have made an arrest.Just before 9p.m. July 25, police responded to a home in the 1300 Block of SW Woodhull in Topeka, according to a media release.&nbsp; When they arrived, officers learned 25-year-old Jonathan Taylor Snowder-Hackett and another individual had been involved in an argument.&nbsp;Snowder-Hackett produced a sword and stabbed the victim.&nbsp; The victim was treated at a local hospital, according to Topeka Police Lt. Manual Munoz.Police arrested Snowder-Hackett on requested charges of aggravated assault; use of a deadly weapon, aggravated battery; knowingly use a weapon to cause great bodily harm, and criminal deprivation of property.

Kan. man jailed after sword attack sends victim to hospital

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop.

Just after 1:30 a.m. Thursday, a sheriff's deputy sheriff stopped a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis for a traffic infraction in the 1600 block of Kansas 96 Highway, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies observed what appeared to be a bag of white crystalline substance on the back seat of the vehicle. The deputies field-tested the substance which indicated it was methamphetamine.

Further investigation located a container in the front seat area of the vehicle which contained more suspected methamphetamine. The three occupants of the vehicle were placed under arrest and transported the Barton County Jail without incident.

Deputies arrested the driver identified as Clayton Hines,&nbsp; 40 of Great Bend and two passengers 46-year-old Earl Davis and 49-year-old Ralph Tuey Jr., both of Great Bend.

All three were booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Tuey was booked on an additional failure to appear warrant from the City of Great Bend, according to Bellendir.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659021205094.jpeg" alt="Davis-photo Barton County" />
 <figcaption>Davis-photo Barton County</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop.Just after 1:30 a.m. Thursday, a sheriff's deputy sheriff stopped a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis for a traffic infraction in the 1600 block of Kansas 96 Highway, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659021187671.jpeg" alt="Hines-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Hines-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies observed what appeared to be a bag of white crystalline substance on the back seat of the vehicle. The deputies field-tested the substance which indicated it was methamphetamine.Further investigation located a container in the front seat area of the vehicle which contained more suspected methamphetamine. The three occupants of the vehicle were placed under arrest and transported the Barton County Jail without incident.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659021221726.jpeg" alt="Tuey-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Tuey-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies arrested the driver identified as Clayton Hines,&nbsp; 40 of Great Bend and two passengers 46-year-old Earl Davis and 49-year-old Ralph Tuey Jr., both of Great Bend.All three were booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Tuey was booked on an additional failure to appear warrant from the City of Great Bend, according to Bellendir.

Kan. deputy finds bag of meth on car seat during traffic stop

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a vehicle theft, kidnapping and have four juveniles in custody.

Just after 5p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a disturbance with a gun in the 4500 block of N. Hoover in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

 When Officers arrived they learned a man and woman&nbsp; who lived in the 4500 block of N. Hoover had their 3-year-old and 1-year-old in their GMC Acadia parked in the driveway.&nbsp; Both parents went inside briefly and when they came back the vehicle was gone.

The father immediately left in another vehicle looking for the stolen SUV.&nbsp; He found the vehicle in the area and was able to stop the SUV, according to Ditch.

Several suspects ran from the vehicle and the 3-year-old and 1-year-old were not in the SUV.&nbsp; Officers later located the children by the side of the street unharmed in the neighborhood. 

Police located the suspects identified as a 16-year-old girl, a 14-year-old boy and two 12-year-old boys and took them into custody.&nbsp; The suspects were all confirmed runaways from St. Francis placement, according to Ditch.

The 3-year-old and 1-year-old were reunited with their parents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658976513422.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation Wednesday evening-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation Wednesday evening-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a vehicle theft, kidnapping and have four juveniles in custody.Just after 5p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a disturbance with a gun in the 4500 block of N. Hoover in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch. When Officers arrived they learned a man and woman&nbsp; who lived in the 4500 block of N. Hoover had their 3-year-old and 1-year-old in their GMC Acadia parked in the driveway.&nbsp; Both parents went inside briefly and when they came back the vehicle was gone.The father immediately left in another vehicle looking for the stolen SUV.&nbsp; He found the vehicle in the area and was able to stop the SUV, according to Ditch.Several suspects ran from the vehicle and the 3-year-old and 1-year-old were not in the SUV.&nbsp; Officers later located the children by the side of the street unharmed in the neighborhood. Police located the suspects identified as a 16-year-old girl, a 14-year-old boy and two 12-year-old boys and took them into custody.&nbsp; The suspects were all confirmed runaways from St. Francis placement, according to Ditch.The 3-year-old and 1-year-old were reunited with their parents.

Kan. teens arrested after SUV stolen with small children inside

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a double shooting in the Gateway Plaza neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas that left one person dead and another seriously injured have made an arrest.

Just before 11:30p.m. July 17, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 1400 Block of North 5th Street. First responders found two adult men outside, the victims of apparent gunfire.&nbsp; One victim later identified as 45-year-old Printara Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported a second victim to an area hospital with life threatening injuries.

On Tuesday, police arrested 27-year-old Tenesha Marie Horton on requested charges of second degree murder in the death of Jackson and attempted second degree murder. She is being held on a $250,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658880439671.png" alt="Horton-photo Wyandotte County" />
 <figcaption>Horton-photo Wyandotte County</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a double shooting in the Gateway Plaza neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas that left one person dead and another seriously injured have made an arrest.Just before 11:30p.m. July 17, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 1400 Block of North 5th Street. First responders found two adult men outside, the victims of apparent gunfire.&nbsp; One victim later identified as 45-year-old Printara Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported a second victim to an area hospital with life threatening injuries.On Tuesday, police arrested 27-year-old Tenesha Marie Horton on requested charges of second degree murder in the death of Jackson and attempted second degree murder. She is being held on a $250,000 bond.

Police arrest Kansas woman for deadly double shooting

RENO COUNTY. — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a weekend domestic disturbance in Hutchinson.

On July 23, police were dispatched to an address in Hutchinson after a neighbor reported a woman with facial injuries in front of a residence. The neighbor also reported a man ushered the woman back inside the residence.

At the scene officers observed the man and woman inside but they would not answer the door. Officers had to force entry into the residence. Through the investigation it was determined the woman had injuries consistent with being strangled.

Police arrested 37-year-old Robert J. Michael on requested charges of attempted second degree murder and felony interference with
law enforcement, according to a media release.

Michael is being held in the Reno County Correctional Facility
on a bond of $250,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658947005383.jpeg" alt="Michael-photo Reno County" />
 <figcaption>Michael-photo Reno County</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY. — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a weekend domestic disturbance in Hutchinson.On July 23, police were dispatched to an address in Hutchinson after a neighbor reported a woman with facial injuries in front of a residence. The neighbor also reported a man ushered the woman back inside the residence.At the scene officers observed the man and woman inside but they would not answer the door. Officers had to force entry into the residence. Through the investigation it was determined the woman had injuries consistent with being strangled.Police arrested 37-year-old Robert J. Michael on requested charges of attempted second degree murder and felony interference with
law enforcement, according to a media release.Michael is being held in the Reno County Correctional Facility
on a bond of $250,000.

Police: Kansas man accused of violent attack on a woman

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. has offered a deal to Russia aimed at bringing home WNBA star&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/brittney-griner">Brittney Griner</a>&nbsp;and another jailed American,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/paul-whelan">Paul Whelan,</a>&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday. In a sharp reversal of previous policy, Blinken also said he expects to speak with his Kremlin counterpart for the first time since before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia invaded Ukraine</a>&nbsp;to discuss the deal and other matters.

Blinken's comments marked the first time the U.S. government has publicly revealed any concrete action it has taken to secure the release of Griner, who was arrested on drug-related charges at a Moscow airport in February and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-entertainment-sports-health-basketball-ae4138729642041aebbabeafa914706f">testified Wednesday at her trial</a>. Though it is unclear if the proposal will be enough for Russia to release the Americans, the public acknowledgment of the offer at a time when the U.S. has otherwise shunned Russia reflects the mounting pressure on the administration over Griner and Whelan and its determination to get them home.

“We put a substantial proposal on the table weeks ago to facilitate their release. Our governments have communicated repeatedly and directly on that proposal, and I'll use the conversation to follow up personally and, I hope, to move us toward a resolution," Blinken said.

Blinken did not offer details on the proposed deal outlined to the Russians, but U.S. officials suggested it is similar to the prisoner swap that secured the release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-united-states-prisoner-exchange-8fd1e58e690350019c7aab55af41bbbf">Marine veteran Trevor Reed</a>&nbsp;in April. Russia has made no secret of its desire for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-entertainment-moscow-paul-whelan-prisoner-exchange-054f3cc0a8895e1ce1d7c632b46f2fe9">convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout</a>&nbsp;to be freed from U.S. prison and the officials would not rule out that Bout’s release is on the table.

President Joe Biden, who authorized the Reed prisoner swap after meeting with his parents, signed off on the deal the U.S. offered in this case, officials said.

“The president and his team are willing to take extraordinary steps to bring them home," John Kirby, a White House national security spokesman, told reporters.

Should the call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov take place, it would be the first conversation that the men have held since Feb. 15, about a week before Russia invaded Ukraine. U.S. officials said the desire for an answer on the prisoner offer was the primary, but not only, reason that the U.S. on Wednesday requested a new call with Lavrov.

Blinken said he would also be speaking to Lavrov about the importance of Russia complying with a U.N.-brokered deal to free multiple tons of Ukrainian grain from storage and warning him about the dangers of possible Russian attempts to annex portions of eastern and southern Ukraine.

“There is utility to conveying clear, direct messages to the Russians on key priorities for us,” including the release of Griner and Whelan, he said. They also include “what we’re seeing and hearing around the world is a desperate need for the foods, the desperate need for prices to decrease.”

Whelan, a corporate security executive from Michigan, was sentenced in 2020 to 16 years in prison on espionage charges. He and his family have vigorously asserted his innocence. The U.S. government has denounced the charges as false.

Griner, in Russian custody for the last five months, acknowledged in court that she had vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage when she arrived in Moscow in February but contends she had no criminal intent and packed the cartridges inadvertently.

At her trial Wednesday, Griner said she did not know how the cannabis oil ended up in her bag but explained she had a doctor’s recommendation for it and had packed in haste. She said she was pulled aside at the airport after inspectors found the cartridges, but that a language interpreter translated only a fraction of what was said during her questioning and that officials instructed her to sign documents without providing an explanation.

Griner faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of transporting drugs.

The U.S. government has long resisted prisoner swaps out of concern that it could encourage additional hostage-taking and promote false equivalency between a wrongfully detained American and a foreign national regarded as justly convicted. But an earlier deal in April, in which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-texas-united-states-prisoner-exchange-dc15cd07b46fd70b4727f5252bf679f1">Reed was traded for jailed Russian pilot,</a>&nbsp;Konstantin Yaroshenko, appeared to open the door to similar resolutions in the future and the Biden administration has been hounded with political pressure to bring home Griner and other Americans designated as unjustly detained.

Russia has for years expressed interest in the release of Bout, a Russian arms dealer once labeled the “Merchant of Death,” who was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012 on charges that he schemed to illegally sell millions of dollars in weapons.

There was no indication that Blinken and Lavrov had communicated to secure Reed’s release. Their last publicly recognized contact was Feb. 22, when Blinken wrote to Lavrov to cancel a meeting they had planned as a last-ditch effort to avert the Russian invasion, saying Moscow had shown no interest in serious diplomacy on the matter. The State Department said later that Russia’s diplomacy was “Kabuki Theater” — all show and no substance.

The two last met in person in Geneva in January to discuss what was then Russia’s massive military build-up along Ukraine’s border and Russian demands for NATO to reduce its presence in eastern Europe and permanently deny Ukraine membership. The U.S. rejected the Russian demands.

Blinken and Lavrov avoided each other earlier this month at the next time they were in the same place at the same time: at a meeting of foreign ministers from the Group of 20 nations in Bali, Indonesia.

The two men will next be in the same city at the same time next week in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where they will both be attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum. It was not immediately clear if the phone call ahead of that meeting, set for Aug. 4-5, would presage an in-person discussion.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646510097872.png" alt="&nbsp;Griner, 31, is one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Griner, 31, is one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. has offered a deal to Russia aimed at bringing home WNBA star&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/brittney-griner">Brittney Griner</a>&nbsp;and another jailed American,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/paul-whelan">Paul Whelan,</a>&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday. In a sharp reversal of previous policy, Blinken also said he expects to speak with his Kremlin counterpart for the first time since before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia invaded Ukraine</a>&nbsp;to discuss the deal and other matters.Blinken's comments marked the first time the U.S. government has publicly revealed any concrete action it has taken to secure the release of Griner, who was arrested on drug-related charges at a Moscow airport in February and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-entertainment-sports-health-basketball-ae4138729642041aebbabeafa914706f">testified Wednesday at her trial</a>. Though it is unclear if the proposal will be enough for Russia to release the Americans, the public acknowledgment of the offer at a time when the U.S. has otherwise shunned Russia reflects the mounting pressure on the administration over Griner and Whelan and its determination to get them home.“We put a substantial proposal on the table weeks ago to facilitate their release. Our governments have communicated repeatedly and directly on that proposal, and I'll use the conversation to follow up personally and, I hope, to move us toward a resolution," Blinken said.Blinken did not offer details on the proposed deal outlined to the Russians, but U.S. officials suggested it is similar to the prisoner swap that secured the release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-united-states-prisoner-exchange-8fd1e58e690350019c7aab55af41bbbf">Marine veteran Trevor Reed</a>&nbsp;in April. Russia has made no secret of its desire for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-entertainment-moscow-paul-whelan-prisoner-exchange-054f3cc0a8895e1ce1d7c632b46f2fe9">convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout</a>&nbsp;to be freed from U.S. prison and the officials would not rule out that Bout’s release is on the table.President Joe Biden, who authorized the Reed prisoner swap after meeting with his parents, signed off on the deal the U.S. offered in this case, officials said.“The president and his team are willing to take extraordinary steps to bring them home," John Kirby, a White House national security spokesman, told reporters.Should the call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov take place, it would be the first conversation that the men have held since Feb. 15, about a week before Russia invaded Ukraine. U.S. officials said the desire for an answer on the prisoner offer was the primary, but not only, reason that the U.S. on Wednesday requested a new call with Lavrov.Blinken said he would also be speaking to Lavrov about the importance of Russia complying with a U.N.-brokered deal to free multiple tons of Ukrainian grain from storage and warning him about the dangers of possible Russian attempts to annex portions of eastern and southern Ukraine.“There is utility to conveying clear, direct messages to the Russians on key priorities for us,” including the release of Griner and Whelan, he said. They also include “what we’re seeing and hearing around the world is a desperate need for the foods, the desperate need for prices to decrease.”Whelan, a corporate security executive from Michigan, was sentenced in 2020 to 16 years in prison on espionage charges. He and his family have vigorously asserted his innocence. The U.S. government has denounced the charges as false.Griner, in Russian custody for the last five months, acknowledged in court that she had vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage when she arrived in Moscow in February but contends she had no criminal intent and packed the cartridges inadvertently.At her trial Wednesday, Griner said she did not know how the cannabis oil ended up in her bag but explained she had a doctor’s recommendation for it and had packed in haste. She said she was pulled aside at the airport after inspectors found the cartridges, but that a language interpreter translated only a fraction of what was said during her questioning and that officials instructed her to sign documents without providing an explanation.Griner faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of transporting drugs.The U.S. government has long resisted prisoner swaps out of concern that it could encourage additional hostage-taking and promote false equivalency between a wrongfully detained American and a foreign national regarded as justly convicted. But an earlier deal in April, in which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-texas-united-states-prisoner-exchange-dc15cd07b46fd70b4727f5252bf679f1">Reed was traded for jailed Russian pilot,</a>&nbsp;Konstantin Yaroshenko, appeared to open the door to similar resolutions in the future and the Biden administration has been hounded with political pressure to bring home Griner and other Americans designated as unjustly detained.Russia has for years expressed interest in the release of Bout, a Russian arms dealer once labeled the “Merchant of Death,” who was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012 on charges that he schemed to illegally sell millions of dollars in weapons.There was no indication that Blinken and Lavrov had communicated to secure Reed’s release. Their last publicly recognized contact was Feb. 22, when Blinken wrote to Lavrov to cancel a meeting they had planned as a last-ditch effort to avert the Russian invasion, saying Moscow had shown no interest in serious diplomacy on the matter. The State Department said later that Russia’s diplomacy was “Kabuki Theater” — all show and no substance.The two last met in person in Geneva in January to discuss what was then Russia’s massive military build-up along Ukraine’s border and Russian demands for NATO to reduce its presence in eastern Europe and permanently deny Ukraine membership. The U.S. rejected the Russian demands.Blinken and Lavrov avoided each other earlier this month at the next time they were in the same place at the same time: at a meeting of foreign ministers from the Group of 20 nations in Bali, Indonesia.The two men will next be in the same city at the same time next week in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where they will both be attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum. It was not immediately clear if the phone call ahead of that meeting, set for Aug. 4-5, would presage an in-person discussion.

Biden offers Putin deal for release of former Big 12 star and Whelan

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit-and-run accident and have a suspect in custody.

Just before 7:30p.m. Saturday, police in Wichita arrested 25-year old Hunter Lee Gilbert on a warrant out of Manhattan, according to the Sedgwick County booking report.

The warrant is in connection to a January 24, 2022 hit-and-run crash, where Gilbert allegedly rear-ended two vehicles at the intersection of Fort Riley Boulevard and Richards Drive and and left the scene.

In Wichita, police also arrested Gilbert for alleged interference with law enforcement, falsely reporting a crime and possession of a controlled substance.

In Riley County, he faces requested charges that include "Duty of driver to report accident with an unattended vehicle/property; 1st conv; Vehicle liability insurance; Liability coverage required; Vehicles; Unlawful Acts; e.g., registration; Improper driving on laned roadway; Ignition interlock device; Tamper to render it inaccurate or inoperative and a probation violation, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report. He no longer in custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658941135145.png" alt="Gilbert-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Gilbert-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit-and-run accident and have a suspect in custody.Just before 7:30p.m. Saturday, police in Wichita arrested 25-year old Hunter Lee Gilbert on a warrant out of Manhattan, according to the Sedgwick County booking report.The warrant is in connection to a January 24, 2022 hit-and-run crash, where Gilbert allegedly rear-ended two vehicles at the intersection of Fort Riley Boulevard and Richards Drive and and left the scene.In Wichita, police also arrested Gilbert for alleged interference with law enforcement, falsely reporting a crime and possession of a controlled substance.In Riley County, he faces requested charges that include "Duty of driver to report accident with an unattended vehicle/property; 1st conv; Vehicle liability insurance; Liability coverage required; Vehicles; Unlawful Acts; e.g., registration; Improper driving on laned roadway; Ignition interlock device; Tamper to render it inaccurate or inoperative and a probation violation, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report. He no longer in custody.

Suspect in Riley County hit-and-run captured

LABETTE COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp; Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for theft, mistreatment of elder persons, and several drugs and weapons charges.

Just before 4p.m. Tuesday, KBI agents arrested Stacy T. Oliver, 55, near 1528 Main St. in Parsons, Kansas, according to a media release from the agency.

Oliver was booked into the Labette County Jail on requested charges that include felony theft, two counts of mistreatment of an elder person, criminal threat, two counts of possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of stolen property, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana, felony possession of drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Girard Police Department, the Labette County Sheriff’s Office, and the Parsons Police Department assisted in this investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658939452217.png" alt="Oliver-photo Labette County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Oliver-photo Labette County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>LABETTE COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp; Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for theft, mistreatment of elder persons, and several drugs and weapons charges.Just before 4p.m. Tuesday, KBI agents arrested Stacy T. Oliver, 55, near 1528 Main St. in Parsons, Kansas, according to a media release from the agency.Oliver was booked into the Labette County Jail on requested charges that include felony theft, two counts of mistreatment of an elder person, criminal threat, two counts of possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of stolen property, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana, felony possession of drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Girard Police Department, the Labette County Sheriff’s Office, and the Parsons Police Department assisted in this investigation.

Kan. man jailed for alleged theft, mistreatment of elders

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities and USD 436 are investigating an alleged threat of school violence.

On Tuesday, a private citizen called the Caney Police to report an individual who had made a threat to shoot employees at the Caney High School, according to a media release. The reporting party stated that the person who had made the threats was still on school property.

Officers with the Caney Police Department immediately responded to the Caney High School and discovered the suspect later identified as John Swalley, 50, Caney, a janitor who was workin in the administration building of the school. As a precautionary measure the administration building was evacuated. 

Officers then contacted Swalley and he was was taken to the Caney Police Department for questioning. Officers also conducted interviews with employees who were present when the alleged threats were made. 

After interviewing Swalley, officers determined there was enough evidence to arrest him on requested charges of Aggravated Criminal Threat,&nbsp;Cause terror evacuation or disruption.&nbsp;

Swalley is being held without bond in Montgomery County.

Charges have been forwarded to the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office for final review and formal charging. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658916491663.png" alt="Swalley-photo Caney Police" />
 <figcaption>Swalley-photo Caney Police</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities and USD 436 are investigating an alleged threat of school violence.On Tuesday, a private citizen called the Caney Police to report an individual who had made a threat to shoot employees at the Caney High School, according to a media release. The reporting party stated that the person who had made the threats was still on school property.Officers with the Caney Police Department immediately responded to the Caney High School and discovered the suspect later identified as John Swalley, 50, Caney, a janitor who was workin in the administration building of the school. As a precautionary measure the administration building was evacuated. Officers then contacted Swalley and he was was taken to the Caney Police Department for questioning. Officers also conducted interviews with employees who were present when the alleged threats were made. After interviewing Swalley, officers determined there was enough evidence to arrest him on requested charges of Aggravated Criminal Threat,&nbsp;Cause terror evacuation or disruption.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658917133791.png" alt="Swalley photo Montgomery County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Swalley photo Montgomery County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Swalley is being held without bond in Montgomery County.Charges have been forwarded to the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office for final review and formal charging.

Janitor accused of threatening to shoot Kan. school employees

KHIMKI, Russia (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-brittney-griner-entertainment-sports-candace-parker-fb9dd460ae1f99e51573a39563fcf683">American basketball star Brittney Griner</a>&nbsp;testified at her drug possession trial in Russia that an interpreter translated only a fraction of what was being said while she was detained at Moscow's airport in February and that officials told her to sign documents, but “no one explained any of it to me.”

In her first testimony in the trial under questioning from the prosecution, Griner also said that besides the poor translation at the airport, she received no explanation of her rights or access to a lawyer during the initial hours of her detention. She said she used a translation app on her phone to communicate with a customs officer.

Griner has been held since mid-February after police said they found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage. She has pleaded guilty to the charges but says she had no criminal intent in bringing them into the country and packed in haste for her return to play in a Russian basketball league during the WNBA's offseason.

At one point in her testimony, her tone turned emotional as she said she has always followed the rules and tried to never let down her team.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646510097872.png" alt="The 31-year-old Griner, one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury" />
 <figcaption>The 31-year-old Griner, one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury</figcaption>
 </figure>KHIMKI, Russia (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-brittney-griner-entertainment-sports-candace-parker-fb9dd460ae1f99e51573a39563fcf683">American basketball star Brittney Griner</a>&nbsp;testified at her drug possession trial in Russia that an interpreter translated only a fraction of what was being said while she was detained at Moscow's airport in February and that officials told her to sign documents, but “no one explained any of it to me.”In her first testimony in the trial under questioning from the prosecution, Griner also said that besides the poor translation at the airport, she received no explanation of her rights or access to a lawyer during the initial hours of her detention. She said she used a translation app on her phone to communicate with a customs officer.Griner has been held since mid-February after police said they found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage. She has pleaded guilty to the charges but says she had no criminal intent in bringing them into the country and packed in haste for her return to play in a Russian basketball league during the WNBA's offseason.At one point in her testimony, her tone turned emotional as she said she has always followed the rules and tried to never let down her team.“My career is my whole life,” she said. “I dedicated everything -- time, my body, time away from my family. I spent six months out of the year away from everybody, and with a huge time difference.”Her arrest came at a time of heightened tensions between Moscow and Washington ahead of Russia sending troops into Ukraine later that month. The slow-moving trial and Griner’s five months of detention have raised strong criticism among teammates and supporters in the United States, which has formally declared her to be “wrongfully detained” — a designation sharply rejected by Russian officials.Griner, 31, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Trials in Russia proceed even after a guilty plea, and there has been speculation that her admission was a bid to move the legal process along in hopes of a possible prisoner swap.At the start of Wednesday's session, Griner’s lawyers asked that she be allowed to testify outside the cage that is standard for defendants in Russian courts, arguing it was too small for the 6-foot-9 (206-centimeter) athlete to testify while standing. The judge denied the request but allowed her to speak while seated.During her testimony, the Phoenix Mercury standout and two-time Olympic gold medalist described making a grueling 13-hour flight to Moscow from Arizona while recovering from COVID-19. Griner said she still does not know how the cannabis oil ended up in her luggage but explained she had a doctor’s recommendation for using it to address chronic pain from her sports injuries.“I still don’t understand to this day how they ended up in my bags,” Griner said, adding that she was aware of the Russian law outlawing cannabis oil and that she had not intended to break it.“I didn’t have any intent to use or keep in my possession any substance that is prohibited in Russia,” Griner said, adding that she understood the charges against her."With them being accidentally in my bags, I take responsibility, but I did not intend to smuggle or plan to smuggle anything into Russia,” she said.She recalled being pulled aside at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport on Feb. 17 after inspectors found the cartridges.Along with an interpreter who provided only a bare-bones translation, Griner said she received neither an explanation of her rights nor quick access to her lawyer, but instead was presented with some papers.“There were documents that I had to sign,” she said. “I can only assume that they were about the search and the cartridges.”A woman who presented herself as an interpreter only told her where to sign, but did not “explain the contents,” Griner said, and “I didn’t know exactly what I was signing.”.She said her rights "were never read to me, no one explained any of it to me.”At one point, she got on her phone "and I contacted my spouse, my sports agent and my club team’s translator” in Yekaterinburg, where she plays for a club in the Ural Mountains city.“Nothing was ever explained to me thoroughly at all,” Griner said. “There was a lot of short words – ‘sign here’ - and at that point, I felt like being held against my will so that’s why I contacted my family and my agent and asked for legal representation.”After several hours, she was finally allowed to hand over her personal belongings to a lawyer before being led away in handcuffs, Griner said. She said she received only a cursory translation of the charges against her during the investigation.Griner described other instances of language confusion when an interpreter struggled to properly translate the accusations against her during a meeting with a detective.“The translations weren’t very good,” Griner said. “I remember one time him receiving stacks of paper that he was supposed to translate to me, and he looked at them for a brief moment and (his) exact words were: ‘Basically you are guilty.’”Griner’s lawyer, Maria Blagovolina, told reporters after Wednesday’s session that Griner “repeatedly underlined that she had no intention to bring the forbidden substances into Russia.”The next trial session was set for Aug. 2. Griner's trial began July 1 in the Moscow suburb of Khimki where the airport is located, and it is unclear how long it will last. The court has held five previous sessions that were short, and her detention has been authorized until Dec. 20.On Tuesday, a Russian neuropsychologist testified about global use of medicinal cannabis, which is illegal in Russia. Griner’s defense team has submitted to the court a U.S. doctor’s letter recommending she use cannabis for pain.Griner said Wednesday she used medicinal cannabis for relief from pain due to injuries sustained during her career, adding that it is widely used in the U.S. because it has fewer negative effects than some other painkillersA Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said last week that the legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational use in parts of the U.S. had no bearing on what happens in Russia.Elizabeth Rood, the U.S. Embassy’s charge d’affaires who has been attending the trial, said American officials "are going to continue to monitor the case of Ms. Griner very closely, as well as the case of all U.S. citizens detained or in prison in Russia.”Some of Griner's supporters contend she is being held in Russia as a pawn, possibly for a prisoner swap. U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe last week said: “She’s being held as a political prisoner, obviously.”Russian media have speculated that Griner could be exchanged for prominent Russian arms trader Viktor Bout, who is imprisoned in the United States, and that Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned in Russia for espionage, may also figure in an exchange.U.S. officials have not commented on the prospects for such a trade. Russian officials have said no exchange could be discussed until the conclusion of the legal proceedings against Griner.-----