ST. LOUIS (AP) — Sixty people allege in new lawsuits filed in Missouri that they were abused as children by dozens of Catholic priests, nuns and others, and the man who now leads the Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska, is among the accused.

Five separate lawsuits seeking unspecified damages were filed this week in St. Louis and neighboring counties. All told, the lawsuits name 56 alleged abusers. The suits seek unspecified damages.

Among those named is Omaha Archbishop George Lucas. A lawsuit filed Wednesday in St. Louis County Circuit Court said the unnamed accuser was 16 when he met Lucas at the now-closed St. Louis Preparatory Seminary in the late 1980s, where Lucas was a priest and dean of education. The lawsuit accused Lucas of sexually abusing the boy multiple times and offering better grades for sexual favors.

Lucas, in a statement on Thursday, strongly defended himself.

“I categorically deny the accusation made by an anonymous person,” Lucas said. “I have never had sexual contact with another person. I referred the matter to the apostolic nuncio, Pope Francis' representative in Washington, D.C., for his guidance.”

The lawsuits allege abuse dating as far back as the 1940s, and as recent as 2015. David Clohessy of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, said at least 10 of the alleged abusers are still alive, and he expressed concern that they could abuse again. Some of those named have previously been convicted of crimes or named in previous civil cases.

In one case, a lawsuit alleges that both a priest and a nun sexually abused a girl with an intellectual disability from 1999 through 2002, when she was 8-12 years old. The lawsuit said the priest threatened to kill the girl if she resisted. When she went to another school from 2002 through 2004, she was abused by another priest, the lawsuit said.

The lawsuits also name the Archdiocese of St. Louis and its current archbishop, Mitchell T. Rozanski, alleging that St. Louis church leaders have “known of the sexual abuse perpetrated upon its young parishioners and children in the community” without stopping it.

“This shameless cover-up spanned decades and allowed various clergy and other employees to access and sexually abuse numerous children,” the lawsuits state.

Messages were left with the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722008456761.png" alt="&nbsp;Archbishop George Lucas photo courtesy -Archdiocese of Omaha" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Archbishop George Lucas photo courtesy -Archdiocese of Omaha</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) — Sixty people allege in new lawsuits filed in Missouri that they were abused as children by dozens of Catholic priests, nuns and others, and the man who now leads the Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska, is among the accused.Five separate lawsuits seeking unspecified damages were filed this week in St. Louis and neighboring counties. All told, the lawsuits name 56 alleged abusers. The suits seek unspecified damages.Among those named is Omaha Archbishop George Lucas. A lawsuit filed Wednesday in St. Louis County Circuit Court said the unnamed accuser was 16 when he met Lucas at the now-closed St. Louis Preparatory Seminary in the late 1980s, where Lucas was a priest and dean of education. The lawsuit accused Lucas of sexually abusing the boy multiple times and offering better grades for sexual favors.Lucas, in a statement on Thursday, strongly defended himself.“I categorically deny the accusation made by an anonymous person,” Lucas said. “I have never had sexual contact with another person. I referred the matter to the apostolic nuncio, Pope Francis' representative in Washington, D.C., for his guidance.”The lawsuits allege abuse dating as far back as the 1940s, and as recent as 2015. David Clohessy of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, said at least 10 of the alleged abusers are still alive, and he expressed concern that they could abuse again. Some of those named have previously been convicted of crimes or named in previous civil cases.In one case, a lawsuit alleges that both a priest and a nun sexually abused a girl with an intellectual disability from 1999 through 2002, when she was 8-12 years old. The lawsuit said the priest threatened to kill the girl if she resisted. When she went to another school from 2002 through 2004, she was abused by another priest, the lawsuit said.The lawsuits also name the Archdiocese of St. Louis and its current archbishop, Mitchell T. Rozanski, alleging that St. Louis church leaders have “known of the sexual abuse perpetrated upon its young parishioners and children in the community” without stopping it.“This shameless cover-up spanned decades and allowed various clergy and other employees to access and sexually abuse numerous children,” the lawsuits state.Messages were left with the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

New lawsuits allege abuse by Catholic priests, nuns

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Police investigating a fire at a home in Topeka have made an arrest.

Just before 7 a.m. Wednesday, crews responded to a reported house fire at 1305 SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols. Firefighters found smoke coming from the home and fire in the basement. Crews were able to extinguish the fire and no occupants were located in the house. No injuries have been reported.

A TFD Investigation Unit responded to this fire and later determined it was intentionally set.&nbsp; As result of the investigation, Michael W. Raines, 27, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of Aggravated Arson.

Authorities did not release a damage estimate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721990499470.png" alt="Raines-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Raines-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Police investigating a fire at a home in Topeka have made an arrest.Just before 7 a.m. Wednesday, crews responded to a reported house fire at 1305 SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols. Firefighters found smoke coming from the home and fire in the basement. Crews were able to extinguish the fire and no occupants were located in the house. No injuries have been reported.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721846734905.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>A TFD Investigation Unit responded to this fire and later determined it was intentionally set.&nbsp; As result of the investigation, Michael W. Raines, 27, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of Aggravated Arson.Authorities did not release a damage estimate.

Man jailed for starting fire in basement of Kansas home

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator from Missouri Josh Hawley reported Thursday in a letter to Homeland Security Director Alejando Mayorkas,&nbsp; the night before the Butler, Pennsylvania Trump campaign rally, U.S. Secret Service repeatedly denied offers from a local law enforcement partner to utilize drone technology to secure the rally.

As Homeland Security Secretary, Mayorkas is responsible for the Secret Service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720972888448.png" alt="Photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator from Missouri Josh Hawley reported Thursday in a letter to Homeland Security Director Alejando Mayorkas,&nbsp; the night before the Butler, Pennsylvania Trump campaign rally, U.S. Secret Service repeatedly denied offers from a local law enforcement partner to utilize drone technology to secure the rally.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721930168996.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As Homeland Security Secretary, Mayorkas is responsible for the Secret Service.

U.S. Senator: Secret Service declined use of drones before Trump rally

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A 15-year-old who was among those charged with opening fire during the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl rally has been sentenced to a state facility for youths.

“That is not who I am,” the teen, who was referred to as R.G. in court documents, said at Thursday's hearing. He described himself as a good kid before he became associated with a group of peers involved in the&nbsp;Feb. 14 shooting, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;reported.

The host of a local radio program was killed, 25 were wounded and 69 others sustained other injuries, such as broken bones and dislocated joints, as they fled, Kansas City police detective Grant Spiking testified.

Jackson County prosecutors have alleged that the shooting was set off during an altercation between two groups.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-super-bowl-celebration-shooting-charges-7cb29dc9956d325103df9bf766a0c407">Lyndell Mays,</a>&nbsp;one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-parade-shooting-charges-385a15abbd03f1926b6ec11bb88ce79c">three</a>&nbsp;men facing a murder charge in the death of Lisa Lopez Galvan, is accused of being the first person to start firing.

After that, R.G. began to shoot toward Mays and hit another person in his own group, Dominic Miller, who also is charged with murder, said Spiking.

“You made some bad choices, but that doesn’t make you a bad person, it doesn’t make you a bad kid,” Jackson County Family Court Administrative Judge Jennifer Phillips said during a proceeding similar to a sentencing hearing in adult court.

A commitment at a state Department of Youth Services facility typically lasts 9 to 12 months, a deputy juvenile officer with Jackson County Circuit Court said.

Earlier this month, Phillips accepted the teen’s admission that he committed the charge of unlawful use of a weapon by knowingly discharging or firing a firearm at a person.

The Jackson County Juvenile Officer’s office, which oversees youth cases, dismissed a second charge, armed criminal action, and agreed to not go through the certification process that could see his case sent to adult court.

Jon Bailey, the teen’s attorney, requested he be released on an intensive supervision program and house arrest with a condition of no social media use.

“Our house is not a home without him,” the teen’s mother told Phillips.

But an attorney representing the juvenile office argued that time in the youth facility would help separate him from any negative peer influences.

Two other teens have been charged in the shooting. Phillips ruled last month that one of them will not face prosecution as an adult, and the other one was detained on gun-related charges that don't rise to the level of being tried as an adult.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722013030519.png" alt="<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-super-bowl-celebration-shooting-charges-7cb29dc9956d325103df9bf766a0c407">Lyndell Mays,</a>&nbsp;one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-parade-shooting-charges-385a15abbd03f1926b6ec11bb88ce79c">three</a>&nbsp;men facing a murder charge in the death of Lisa Lopez Galvan, is accused of being the first person to start firing. Photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-super-bowl-celebration-shooting-charges-7cb29dc9956d325103df9bf766a0c407">Lyndell Mays,</a>&nbsp;one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-parade-shooting-charges-385a15abbd03f1926b6ec11bb88ce79c">three</a>&nbsp;men facing a murder charge in the death of Lisa Lopez Galvan, is accused of being the first person to start firing. Photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A 15-year-old who was among those charged with opening fire during the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl rally has been sentenced to a state facility for youths.“That is not who I am,” the teen, who was referred to as R.G. in court documents, said at Thursday's hearing. He described himself as a good kid before he became associated with a group of peers involved in the&nbsp;Feb. 14 shooting, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;reported.The host of a local radio program was killed, 25 were wounded and 69 others sustained other injuries, such as broken bones and dislocated joints, as they fled, Kansas City police detective Grant Spiking testified.Jackson County prosecutors have alleged that the shooting was set off during an altercation between two groups.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-super-bowl-celebration-shooting-charges-7cb29dc9956d325103df9bf766a0c407">Lyndell Mays,</a>&nbsp;one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-parade-shooting-charges-385a15abbd03f1926b6ec11bb88ce79c">three</a>&nbsp;men facing a murder charge in the death of Lisa Lopez Galvan, is accused of being the first person to start firing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708018810884.jpeg" alt="Emergency medical technicians walk around the scene after the shooting following the Kansas City Chiefs victory parade in Kansas City, Mo., Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024.&nbsp; (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)." />
 <figcaption>Emergency medical technicians walk around the scene after the shooting following the Kansas City Chiefs victory parade in Kansas City, Mo., Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024.&nbsp; (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel).</figcaption>
 </figure>After that, R.G. began to shoot toward Mays and hit another person in his own group, Dominic Miller, who also is charged with murder, said Spiking.“You made some bad choices, but that doesn’t make you a bad person, it doesn’t make you a bad kid,” Jackson County Family Court Administrative Judge Jennifer Phillips said during a proceeding similar to a sentencing hearing in adult court.A commitment at a state Department of Youth Services facility typically lasts 9 to 12 months, a deputy juvenile officer with Jackson County Circuit Court said.Earlier this month, Phillips accepted the teen’s admission that he committed the charge of unlawful use of a weapon by knowingly discharging or firing a firearm at a person.The Jackson County Juvenile Officer’s office, which oversees youth cases, dismissed a second charge, armed criminal action, and agreed to not go through the certification process that could see his case sent to adult court.Jon Bailey, the teen’s attorney, requested he be released on an intensive supervision program and house arrest with a condition of no social media use.“Our house is not a home without him,” the teen’s mother told Phillips.But an attorney representing the juvenile office argued that time in the youth facility would help separate him from any negative peer influences.Two other teens have been charged in the shooting. Phillips ruled last month that one of them will not face prosecution as an adult, and the other one was detained on gun-related charges that don't rise to the level of being tried as an adult.

15-year-old sentenced for role in Chiefs Super Bowl rally shooting

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials Friday announced a recall of some Boar's Head liverwurst and deli meats as they investigate a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/listeria-deli-meat-cdc-deaths-916ee047b0df234d860afc406928ee86">listeria outbreak</a>&nbsp;that has sickened nearly three dozen people and caused two deaths.

Boar’s Head Provisions Co. recalled its liverwurst because it may be tainted with the listeria bacteria, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/boars-head-provisions-co--recalls-ready-eat-liverwurst-and-other-deli-meat-products">U.S. Agriculture Department</a>&nbsp;said. The company is also recalling deli-sliced meats made at a Virginia plant on the same line on the same day as the liverwurst and shipped nationwide.

The USDA said a sample of Boar's Head liverwurst from a Maryland store tested positive for listeria. The sample was from an unopened package, collected by health officials as part of an investigation into the listeria outbreak.

Testing is underway to determine if the liverwurst sample is connected to the outbreak, health officials said.

The company did not immediately reply to an email seeking comment.

The listeria outbreak was first reported last week. Since late May, 34 people were sickened across 13 states, with all but one hospitalized. Two people died — in Illinois and New Jersey. It can take weeks for symptoms to develop symptoms so there may be more cases, officials said.

People most commonly reported eating deli-sliced turkey, liverwurst and ham, officials said.

Listeria can contaminate food and sicken people who eat it. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. It can be treated with antibiotics, but it is especially dangerous to pregnant women, newborns, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

An estimated 1,600 people get listeria food poisoning each year and about 260 die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Boar's Head recall of over 200,000 pounds applies to meats sliced at a deli counter, not prepackaged meats. It includes a number of multi-pound packages stamped with an Aug. 10 sell-by date, including bologna, garlic bologna, beef bologna, beef salami, Italian Cappy-style ham and Extra Hot Italian Cappy-style ham. Also included is Steakhouse Roasted Bacon Heat and Eat, with a sell-by date of Aug. 15.

Consumers who might still have the recalled meats shouldn't eat them, and officials said they should thoroughly clean their refrigerators to prevent contamination of other foods.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721435735887.png" alt="FILE - This 2002 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a Listeria monocytogenes bacterium, responsible for the food borne illness listeriosis. (Elizabeth White/CDC via AP, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - This 2002 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a Listeria monocytogenes bacterium, responsible for the food borne illness listeriosis. (Elizabeth White/CDC via AP, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials Friday announced a recall of some Boar's Head liverwurst and deli meats as they investigate a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/listeria-deli-meat-cdc-deaths-916ee047b0df234d860afc406928ee86">listeria outbreak</a>&nbsp;that has sickened nearly three dozen people and caused two deaths.Boar’s Head Provisions Co. recalled its liverwurst because it may be tainted with the listeria bacteria, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/boars-head-provisions-co--recalls-ready-eat-liverwurst-and-other-deli-meat-products">U.S. Agriculture Department</a>&nbsp;said. The company is also recalling deli-sliced meats made at a Virginia plant on the same line on the same day as the liverwurst and shipped nationwide.The USDA said a sample of Boar's Head liverwurst from a Maryland store tested positive for listeria. The sample was from an unopened package, collected by health officials as part of an investigation into the listeria outbreak.Testing is underway to determine if the liverwurst sample is connected to the outbreak, health officials said.The company did not immediately reply to an email seeking comment.The listeria outbreak was first reported last week. Since late May, 34 people were sickened across 13 states, with all but one hospitalized. Two people died — in Illinois and New Jersey. It can take weeks for symptoms to develop symptoms so there may be more cases, officials said.People most commonly reported eating deli-sliced turkey, liverwurst and ham, officials said.Listeria can contaminate food and sicken people who eat it. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. It can be treated with antibiotics, but it is especially dangerous to pregnant women, newborns, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.An estimated 1,600 people get listeria food poisoning each year and about 260 die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The Boar's Head recall of over 200,000 pounds applies to meats sliced at a deli counter, not prepackaged meats. It includes a number of multi-pound packages stamped with an Aug. 10 sell-by date, including bologna, garlic bologna, beef bologna, beef salami, Italian Cappy-style ham and Extra Hot Italian Cappy-style ham. Also included is Steakhouse Roasted Bacon Heat and Eat, with a sell-by date of Aug. 15.Consumers who might still have the recalled meats shouldn't eat them, and officials said they should thoroughly clean their refrigerators to prevent contamination of other foods.___

Boar's Head deli meats recalled after listeria outbreak

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs has been convicted on two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty charges.

Tuscaloosa County District Judge Joanne Jannik sentenced Buggs on July 19 to a year of hard labor, ordering him to serve 60 days. The rest would be suspended for two years “pending the behavior of the defendant."

Buggs, 27, also is not allowed to have or be around firearms or own dogs or cats.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-isaiah-buggs-d71c6729be0990dabe0ef0055d7cf03d">Chiefs released the former Alabama player</a>&nbsp;on June 24, eight days after his second recent arrest in Alabama. He was arrested on a charge of domestic violence/burglary and released on a $5,000 bond, according to records from the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

The run-stuffing tackle out of Alabama played three seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers before spending the past two with the Detroit Lions. He has started 23 games and appeared in 56 in his career, with 89 tackles and two sacks. He had signed a $1,292,500 contract with Kansas City for the upcoming season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718575977539.png" alt="Buggs photo Tuscaloosa County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Buggs photo Tuscaloosa County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs has been convicted on two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty charges.Tuscaloosa County District Judge Joanne Jannik sentenced Buggs on July 19 to a year of hard labor, ordering him to serve 60 days. The rest would be suspended for two years “pending the behavior of the defendant."Buggs, 27, also is not allowed to have or be around firearms or own dogs or cats.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-isaiah-buggs-d71c6729be0990dabe0ef0055d7cf03d">Chiefs released the former Alabama player</a>&nbsp;on June 24, eight days after his second recent arrest in Alabama. He was arrested on a charge of domestic violence/burglary and released on a $5,000 bond, according to records from the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.The run-stuffing tackle out of Alabama played three seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers before spending the past two with the Detroit Lions. He has started 23 games and appeared in 56 in his career, with 89 tackles and two sacks. He had signed a $1,292,500 contract with Kansas City for the upcoming season.___

Former Chiefs lineman sentenced to hard labor for animal cruelty 

KANSAS CITY —Firefighters helped two residents escape from a house fire in Kansas City.

Just after 8p.m. Thursday, crews responded to a reported house fire in the 300 block of Wheeling in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp;

First responders reported heavy fire from a two-story home. Upon making entry to the structure crews encountered one occupant who is wheelchair bound. They assisted the individual out of the structure and to the EMS sector for evaluation. She was treated on scene and released. 

A second occupant was found in the rear of the structure near the stairs. She was also assisted out of the structure. Both victims were uninjured. The fire was quickly brought under control. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD. Red Cross will be ordered for five adults.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721990668977.png" alt="Photo KC Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo KC Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Firefighters helped two residents escape from a house fire in Kansas City.Just after 8p.m. Thursday, crews responded to a reported house fire in the 300 block of Wheeling in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721990633359.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First responders reported heavy fire from a two-story home. Upon making entry to the structure crews encountered one occupant who is wheelchair bound. They assisted the individual out of the structure and to the EMS sector for evaluation. She was treated on scene and released. A second occupant was found in the rear of the structure near the stairs. She was also assisted out of the structure. Both victims were uninjured. The fire was quickly brought under control. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD. Red Cross will be ordered for five adults.

Kansas City firefighters help two escape house fire

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris told reporters on Thursday that she’s “ready to debate Donald Trump.”

She accused him of “backpedaling” away from a previous agreement for a debate hosted by ABC News on Sept. 10.

“I think the voters deserve to see the split screen that exists in this race on the debate stage,” she said after landing at Joint Base Andrews following a trip to Indiana and Texas.

The Sept. 10 debate was one of two debates that President Joe Biden and Trump had agreed on. The first one was hosted by CNN on June 27, but Biden has since dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris as his successor.

Trump has said he would prefer to shift the debate to Fox News, but he would be willing to face off with Harris more than once.

Harris did not respond to a question about having Fox News host a debate.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement late Thursday that debate arrangements “cannot be finalized until Democrats formally decide on their nominee.”

"Democrats very well could still change their minds,” Cheung said.

Alex Conant, a Republican consultant, said the debate could be “decisive.” “It’s the only time voters really tune in," he said.

This year's campaign has already shown the potential power of a debate. Biden's disastrous performance on June 27 revived concerns that he was too old for a second term. His support within the Democratic Party crumbled, and he ended his reelection bid on Sunday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris told reporters on Thursday that she’s “ready to debate Donald Trump.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Vice President <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a>: &quot;I&#39;m ready to debate Donald Trump.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/bOjQWqKpmi">pic.twitter.com/bOjQWqKpmi</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1816636005304144266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>She accused him of “backpedaling” away from a previous agreement for a debate hosted by ABC News on Sept. 10.“I think the voters deserve to see the split screen that exists in this race on the debate stage,” she said after landing at Joint Base Andrews following a trip to Indiana and Texas.The Sept. 10 debate was one of two debates that President Joe Biden and Trump had agreed on. The first one was hosted by CNN on June 27, but Biden has since dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris as his successor.Trump has said he would prefer to shift the debate to Fox News, but he would be willing to face off with Harris more than once.Harris did not respond to a question about having Fox News host a debate.Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement late Thursday that debate arrangements “cannot be finalized until Democrats formally decide on their nominee.”"Democrats very well could still change their minds,” Cheung said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a>. We told her we think she’ll make a fantastic President of the United States, and that she has our full support. At this critical moment for our country, we’re going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in… <a href="https://t.co/0UIS0doIbA">pic.twitter.com/0UIS0doIbA</a>&mdash; Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1816760809193677069?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Alex Conant, a Republican consultant, said the debate could be “decisive.” “It’s the only time voters really tune in," he said.This year's campaign has already shown the potential power of a debate. Biden's disastrous performance on June 27 revived concerns that he was too old for a second term. His support within the Democratic Party crumbled, and he ended his reelection bid on Sunday.

🎥Harris, Trump campaigns disagree on when to debate

PARIS (AP) — Two out of four trains carrying Olympic athletes to Paris on the western Atlantique line were stopped, hours before the opening ceremony, affected by the coordinated sabotage on the tracks, an official from the French railway operator SNCF said Friday.

Franck Dubourdieu, head of the Atlantique line, could not say which athletes were halted from travel to Paris, or whether they would make it for the ceremony.

Speaking to press, Dubourdieu said that rail traffic was improving, but his line was one of the worst-hit by the vandals.

“On the Atlantic coast, we operate 250 trains a day. We had four trains with athletes and two of them were able to operate," he said. One train was canceled and authorities hope another will become operational

“The impact on the opening ceremony is very, very” small, he added.

Attackers struck in several spots including west of Paris, at Arrou in the Eure-et-Loir on the Atlantique line to Paris.

PARIS (AP) — France's high-speed rail network was hit Friday with widespread and “criminal” acts of vandalism including arson attacks, paralyzing travel to Paris from across the rest of France and Europe only hours before the grand opening ceremony of the Olympics.

French officials described the attacks as “criminal actions" and said they were investigating whether they were linked to the Olympic Games. The disruptions as the world's eye was turning to Paris were expected to affect a quarter of a million people on Friday and endure through the weekend, and possibly longer, officials said.

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal wrote on the social media platform X that France's intelligence services have been mobilized to find the perpetrators.

Attal characterized them as “acts of sabotage,” which were “prepared and coordinated.”

Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete described people fleeing from the scene of fires and the discovery of incendiary devices. “Everything indicates that these are criminal fires,” he said.

The incidents paralyzed several high-speed lines linking Paris to the rest of France and to neighboring countries, Vergriete said, speaking on BFM television, Vergriete.

The French national rail company SNCF said that areas affecting rail track intersections were intentionally targeted by the arsonists in the overnight attacks to double the impact.

“For one fire, two destinations were hit,” the company's CEO, Jean-Pierre Farandou.

It was “a premeditated, calculated, coordinated attack" that indicates "a desire to seriously harm” the French people, Farandou said.

The attack occurred against a backdrop of global tensions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paris-olympics-security-river-seine-f649b5e3cf086da3b2b5c6e02d29501c">heightened security measures</a>&nbsp;as the city prepared for the 2024 Olympic Games. Many travelers were planning to converge on the capital for the opening ceremony, and many vacationers were also in transit.

As Paris authorities geared up for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/olympics-2024-paris-innovations-opening-ceremony-cad9eda58cc0c4c86e4a7a61519062c7">a spectacular parade</a>&nbsp;on and along the Seine River, three fires were reported near the tracks on the high-speed lines of Atlantique, Nord and Est. The disruptions particularly affected Paris’ major Montparnasse station, where the station's hall was full of travelers.

The Paris police prefecture “concentrated its personnel in Parisian train stations” after the “massive attack” that paralyzed the TGV high-speed network, Laurent Nuñez, the Paris police chief, told France Info television.

Many passengers at the Gare du Nord, one of Europe’s busiest train stations, were looking for answers and solutions on Friday morning. All eyes were on the central message boards as most services to northern France, Belgium and the United Kingdom were delayed.

“It’s a hell of a way to start the Olympics,” said Sarah Moseley, 42, as she learned that her train to London was an hour late.

“They should have more information for tourists, especially if it’s a malicious attack,” said Corey Grainger, a 37-year-old Australian sales manager on his way to London, as he rested on his two suitcases in the middle of the station.

Government officials denounced the acts, though they said there was no immediate sign of a direct link to the Olympics. National police said authorities were investigating the incidents. French media reported a major fire on a busy western route.

Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castera said authorities were working to “evaluate the impact on travelers, athletes, and ensure the transport of all delegations to the competition sites” for the Olympics. Speaking on BFM television, she added, “Playing against the Games is playing against France, against your own camp, against your country.” She did not identify who was behind the vandalism.

Passengers at St. Pancras station in London were warned to expect delays of around an hour to their Eurostar journeys. Announcements in the departure hall at the international terminus informed travelers heading to Paris that there was a problem with overhead power supplies.

SNCF said it did not know when traffic would resume and feared that disruptions would continue “at least all weekend.” SNCF teams “were already on site to carry out diagnostics and begin repairs,” but the “situation should last at least all weekend while the repairs are carried out,” the operator said. SNCF advised “all passengers to postpone their journey and not to go to the station,” specifying in its press release that all tickets were exchangeable and refundable.

Valerie Pecresse, president of the regional council of the greater Paris region, speaking from Montparnasse station, said “250,000 travelers will be affected today on all these lines.” Substitution plans were underway, but Pecresse advised travelers “not to go to stations.”

The troubles comes ahead of an opening ceremony has been planned for later Friday in which 7,000 Olympic athletes are due to sail down the Seine past iconic Parisian monuments such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Musee d’Orsay.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721988429913.jpeg" alt="Traveler wait inside the Gare du Nord train station at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. Hours away from the grand opening ceremony of the Olympics, high-speed rail traffic to the French capital was severely disrupted on Friday by what officials described as "criminal actions" and sabotage. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)" />
 <figcaption>Traveler wait inside the Gare du Nord train station at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. Hours away from the grand opening ceremony of the Olympics, high-speed rail traffic to the French capital was severely disrupted on Friday by what officials described as "criminal actions" and sabotage. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)</figcaption>
 </figure>PARIS (AP) — Two out of four trains carrying Olympic athletes to Paris on the western Atlantique line were stopped, hours before the opening ceremony, affected by the coordinated sabotage on the tracks, an official from the French railway operator SNCF said Friday.Franck Dubourdieu, head of the Atlantique line, could not say which athletes were halted from travel to Paris, or whether they would make it for the ceremony.Speaking to press, Dubourdieu said that rail traffic was improving, but his line was one of the worst-hit by the vandals.“On the Atlantic coast, we operate 250 trains a day. We had four trains with athletes and two of them were able to operate," he said. One train was canceled and authorities hope another will become operational“The impact on the opening ceremony is very, very” small, he added.Attackers struck in several spots including west of Paris, at Arrou in the Eure-et-Loir on the Atlantique line to Paris.-------------PARIS (AP) — France's high-speed rail network was hit Friday with widespread and “criminal” acts of vandalism including arson attacks, paralyzing travel to Paris from across the rest of France and Europe only hours before the grand opening ceremony of the Olympics.French officials described the attacks as “criminal actions" and said they were investigating whether they were linked to the Olympic Games. The disruptions as the world's eye was turning to Paris were expected to affect a quarter of a million people on Friday and endure through the weekend, and possibly longer, officials said.French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal wrote on the social media platform X that France's intelligence services have been mobilized to find the perpetrators.Attal characterized them as “acts of sabotage,” which were “prepared and coordinated.”There were no known reports of injuries.Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete described people fleeing from the scene of fires and the discovery of incendiary devices. “Everything indicates that these are criminal fires,” he said.The incidents paralyzed several high-speed lines linking Paris to the rest of France and to neighboring countries, Vergriete said, speaking on BFM television, Vergriete.The French national rail company SNCF said that areas affecting rail track intersections were intentionally targeted by the arsonists in the overnight attacks to double the impact.“For one fire, two destinations were hit,” the company's CEO, Jean-Pierre Farandou.It was “a premeditated, calculated, coordinated attack" that indicates "a desire to seriously harm” the French people, Farandou said.The attack occurred against a backdrop of global tensions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paris-olympics-security-river-seine-f649b5e3cf086da3b2b5c6e02d29501c">heightened security measures</a>&nbsp;as the city prepared for the 2024 Olympic Games. Many travelers were planning to converge on the capital for the opening ceremony, and many vacationers were also in transit.As Paris authorities geared up for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/olympics-2024-paris-innovations-opening-ceremony-cad9eda58cc0c4c86e4a7a61519062c7">a spectacular parade</a>&nbsp;on and along the Seine River, three fires were reported near the tracks on the high-speed lines of Atlantique, Nord and Est. The disruptions particularly affected Paris’ major Montparnasse station, where the station's hall was full of travelers.The Paris police prefecture “concentrated its personnel in Parisian train stations” after the “massive attack” that paralyzed the TGV high-speed network, Laurent Nuñez, the Paris police chief, told France Info television.Many passengers at the Gare du Nord, one of Europe’s busiest train stations, were looking for answers and solutions on Friday morning. All eyes were on the central message boards as most services to northern France, Belgium and the United Kingdom were delayed.“It’s a hell of a way to start the Olympics,” said Sarah Moseley, 42, as she learned that her train to London was an hour late.“They should have more information for tourists, especially if it’s a malicious attack,” said Corey Grainger, a 37-year-old Australian sales manager on his way to London, as he rested on his two suitcases in the middle of the station.Government officials denounced the acts, though they said there was no immediate sign of a direct link to the Olympics. National police said authorities were investigating the incidents. French media reported a major fire on a busy western route.Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castera said authorities were working to “evaluate the impact on travelers, athletes, and ensure the transport of all delegations to the competition sites” for the Olympics. Speaking on BFM television, she added, “Playing against the Games is playing against France, against your own camp, against your country.” She did not identify who was behind the vandalism.Passengers at St. Pancras station in London were warned to expect delays of around an hour to their Eurostar journeys. Announcements in the departure hall at the international terminus informed travelers heading to Paris that there was a problem with overhead power supplies.SNCF said it did not know when traffic would resume and feared that disruptions would continue “at least all weekend.” SNCF teams “were already on site to carry out diagnostics and begin repairs,” but the “situation should last at least all weekend while the repairs are carried out,” the operator said. SNCF advised “all passengers to postpone their journey and not to go to the station,” specifying in its press release that all tickets were exchangeable and refundable.Valerie Pecresse, president of the regional council of the greater Paris region, speaking from Montparnasse station, said “250,000 travelers will be affected today on all these lines.” Substitution plans were underway, but Pecresse advised travelers “not to go to stations.”The troubles comes ahead of an opening ceremony has been planned for later Friday in which 7,000 Olympic athletes are due to sail down the Seine past iconic Parisian monuments such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Musee d’Orsay.

French rail network sabotaged hours before Olympic games begin

PLATTE COUNTY—The unidentified body found Monday in a wooded area near NE 194th Terrace in rural Missouri has been identified as&nbsp;25-year-old Josiah Papa of Leavenworth, according to a statement from Smithville Police.

On July 22, police responded to a report of the body of a white male in a densely vegetated area, according to police.

During the initial investigation, a search warrant was obtained for a nearby residence. The search warrant was executed with assistance of the Clay County Sheriff and Kansas City Police. Papa was reported missing on July 12. Anyone with information on the disappearance of Papa is urged to contact police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721989550945.png" alt="Josiah Papa photo Smithville. Police" />
 <figcaption>Josiah Papa photo Smithville. Police</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTE COUNTY—The unidentified body found Monday in a wooded area near NE 194th Terrace in rural Missouri has been identified as&nbsp;25-year-old Josiah Papa of Leavenworth, according to a statement from Smithville Police.On July 22, police responded to a report of the body of a white male in a densely vegetated area, according to police.During the initial investigation, a search warrant was obtained for a nearby residence. The search warrant was executed with assistance of the Clay County Sheriff and Kansas City Police. Papa was reported missing on July 12. Anyone with information on the disappearance of Papa is urged to contact police.

Police ID body found as missing Kansas man

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a crash that occurred just after 1:30p.m. Thursday in the city of Lawrence.

A driverless semi rolled about 300 feet from 11th and Maine, through a 4-foot retaining wall, over a patio, between two houses, and came to rest against a home’s foundation, according to a social media report from the Lawrence Police Department.&nbsp; &nbsp;Considering the journey, the crash caused little damage and there were no injuries.

 The semi’s driver told police he put the cab and trailer brakes on before leaving it and, once he saw it moving, tried to catch up but didn't.

 The trailer of the semi was empty. Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical was on scene to extinguish a small fire.  The truck came to rest between two houses in the 1000 block of Maine.  One resident was home in the house that was not damaged.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721991127798.png" alt="Photo Douglas County Fire and Medical" />
 <figcaption>Photo Douglas County Fire and Medical</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a crash that occurred just after 1:30p.m. Thursday in the city of Lawrence.A driverless semi rolled about 300 feet from 11th and Maine, through a 4-foot retaining wall, over a patio, between two houses, and came to rest against a home’s foundation, according to a social media report from the Lawrence Police Department.&nbsp; &nbsp;Considering the journey, the crash caused little damage and there were no injuries. The semi’s driver told police he put the cab and trailer brakes on before leaving it and, once he saw it moving, tried to catch up but didn't. The trailer of the semi was empty. Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical was on scene to extinguish a small fire. The truck came to rest between two houses in the 1000 block of Maine. One resident was home in the house that was not damaged.

Semi with no driver crashes between 2 Kansas homes

KANSAS CITY— Crews continued searching Thursday for a man who is missing in the Missouri River in Kansas City.

Just before 9p.m. Wednesday, the Kansas City Fire Department&nbsp;responded to a possible water rescue on the Missouri River, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. 

The police department received a call just before 9:00 p.m. from a third party stating that someone had entered the water nearly six hours earlier and was possible stranded on one of many rock outcroppings along the river.

The fire department deployed their Rescue Division with three boats along with two drones. On arrival crews began searching for the possible victim on the river from the boat ramp at River Front Park and areas east all the way to the city limits and shortly beyond. Using manual search techniques in conjunction with the drones' thermal imaging capabilities the river, both banks, out-croppings, strainers and islands were checked. 

The drones identified multiple areas of interest for boat crews to investigate, but physical searches of those areas came back negative. The KCFD spent just over four hours search the river and surrounding area before ceasing operations just after 1:00 a.m.&nbsp;

Early Thursday, the victim was identified as a 25-year-old man, according to Hopkins.&nbsp; Friends reported he entered the water to swim and could not return to the shore due to the current. The last contact was late afternoon near a rock out cropping offshore from the ramp, according to Hopkins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721952217492.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— Crews continued searching Thursday for a man who is missing in the Missouri River in Kansas City.Just before 9p.m. Wednesday, the Kansas City Fire Department&nbsp;responded to a possible water rescue on the Missouri River, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. The police department received a call just before 9:00 p.m. from a third party stating that someone had entered the water nearly six hours earlier and was possible stranded on one of many rock outcroppings along the river.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721952186275.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>The fire department deployed their Rescue Division with three boats along with two drones. On arrival crews began searching for the possible victim on the river from the boat ramp at River Front Park and areas east all the way to the city limits and shortly beyond. Using manual search techniques in conjunction with the drones' thermal imaging capabilities the river, both banks, out-croppings, strainers and islands were checked. The drones identified multiple areas of interest for boat crews to investigate, but physical searches of those areas came back negative. The KCFD spent just over four hours search the river and surrounding area before ceasing operations just after 1:00 a.m.&nbsp;Early Thursday, the victim was identified as a 25-year-old man, according to Hopkins.&nbsp; Friends reported he entered the water to swim and could not return to the shore due to the current. The last contact was late afternoon near a rock out cropping offshore from the ramp, according to Hopkins.

Search continues for man swept away in river near Kansas City

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans are moving quickly to emphasize Vice President Kamala Harris's role in the Biden administration’s handling of the U.S. border with Mexico, passing a resolution Thursday that condemns her performance in the job.

The resolution, which is purely symbolic, echoes an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlotte-north-carolina-harris-7c7e6e405fecc8927a63763c76f2db1e">attack line that Republican Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has taken against Harris since she rose to become the likely Democratic presidential nominee. The Kansas GOP delegation joined all other House Republicans and six Democrats in tough reelection races to vote for the resolution.

President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-3400f56255e000547d1ca3ce1aa6b8e9">tasked Harris early in his administration</a>&nbsp;with addressing the root causes of migration. Border crossings eventually became a major political liability for Biden when they reached historic levels. Since June, when Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-asylum-migration-immigration-mexico-border-dec5f83b468b5795479bf1f5e49799d5#:~:text=President%20Joe%20Biden%20says%20he's,political%20liability%20before%20November's%20elections.">announced significant restrictions</a>&nbsp;on asylum applications at the border, arrests for illegal crossings have fallen.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said migrant encounters between U.S. ports of entry have dropped more than 55% and are now lower on average than they were at the end of Trump's term.

It remains to be seen whether the border will become a political liability for Harris as it was for Biden. But Republicans say Harris did not do enough to clamp down on illegal immigration in a role they characterized as “border czar.”

“The result of her inaction has been record high illegal crossings, overwhelmed communities, and an evisceration of the rule of law,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.

Trump, if elected president, has pledged deport millions of people and has made anti-immigration rhetoric a central focus of his campaign.

The House vote showed some early signs of cracks in the confidence that Democrats have so far bestowed on Harris.

The six Democrats who voted for the resolution — Reps. Yadira Caraveo of Colorado, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Don Davis of North Carolina, Jared Golden of Maine, Mary Peltola of Alaska and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington state — were all members from battleground districts and had previously been critical of Biden on the border. The measure called for "elected officials who understand the gravity of the crisis at the border and who will execute the policies to fix the border crisis.”

“This isn’t about any one person — it’s about our border not being secure and fentanyl destroying Alaska communities,” Peltola said in a statement.

Caraveo endorsed Harris this week, but the congresswoman emphasized her own independence in a statement after the vote, saying she was sent to Washington to be "an independent voice who will stand up to party leaders when they’re wrong.”

As vice president, Harris was tasked with overseeing diplomatic efforts to deal with issues spurring migration in the Northern Triangle countries of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, as well as pressing them to strengthen enforcement on their own borders. The Biden administration wanted to develop and put in place a long-term strategy that gets at the root causes of migration from those countries.

Most House Democrats tried to defend how Harris has handled the job.

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said the resolution was “fake and fraudulent" and that Harris was never appointed “border czar,” as the measure stated.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington state, who is the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said Harris “was narrowly tasked with developing agreements that could help bring government and private sector investments to those countries that are sending migrants to the United States.”

Jayapal said Harris successfully recruited “billions” of dollars in investments for Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.

Democrats also repeatedly pointed out that Republicans rejected a border and immigration deal that the White House negotiated with Senate GOP leadership earlier this year.

Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York, who won a special election this year on a campaign that focused on border security, said Harris has some potential strengths on the issue. He said Harris' relationship with Mexico’s president-elect, Claudia Sheinbaum, and Harris' past as a prosecutor could prove to be assets when it comes to the border.

“I think now she has to emphasize the fact that she recognizes that the southern border is a problem,” Suozzi said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans are moving quickly to emphasize Vice President Kamala Harris's role in the Biden administration’s handling of the U.S. border with Mexico, passing a resolution Thursday that condemns her performance in the job.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In 2021 President Biden named Vice President Harris as the Administration’s border czar. I could say a lot, but I think the disaster at the border speaks for itself. Today, I voted to disapprove of VP Harris’ failed management of our nation’s borders.&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1816491123495628873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The resolution, which is purely symbolic, echoes an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlotte-north-carolina-harris-7c7e6e405fecc8927a63763c76f2db1e">attack line that Republican Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has taken against Harris since she rose to become the likely Democratic presidential nominee. The Kansas GOP delegation joined all other House Republicans and six Democrats in tough reelection races to vote for the resolution.President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-3400f56255e000547d1ca3ce1aa6b8e9">tasked Harris early in his administration</a>&nbsp;with addressing the root causes of migration. Border crossings eventually became a major political liability for Biden when they reached historic levels. Since June, when Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-asylum-migration-immigration-mexico-border-dec5f83b468b5795479bf1f5e49799d5#:~:text=President%20Joe%20Biden%20says%20he's,political%20liability%20before%20November's%20elections.">announced significant restrictions</a>&nbsp;on asylum applications at the border, arrests for illegal crossings have fallen.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said migrant encounters between U.S. ports of entry have dropped more than 55% and are now lower on average than they were at the end of Trump's term.It remains to be seen whether the border will become a political liability for Harris as it was for Biden. But Republicans say Harris did not do enough to clamp down on illegal immigration in a role they characterized as “border czar.”“The result of her inaction has been record high illegal crossings, overwhelmed communities, and an evisceration of the rule of law,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.Trump, if elected president, has pledged deport millions of people and has made anti-immigration rhetoric a central focus of his campaign.The House vote showed some early signs of cracks in the confidence that Democrats have so far bestowed on Harris.The six Democrats who voted for the resolution — Reps. Yadira Caraveo of Colorado, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Don Davis of North Carolina, Jared Golden of Maine, Mary Peltola of Alaska and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington state — were all members from battleground districts and had previously been critical of Biden on the border. The measure called for "elected officials who understand the gravity of the crisis at the border and who will execute the policies to fix the border crisis.”“This isn’t about any one person — it’s about our border not being secure and fentanyl destroying Alaska communities,” Peltola said in a statement.Caraveo endorsed Harris this week, but the congresswoman emphasized her own independence in a statement after the vote, saying she was sent to Washington to be "an independent voice who will stand up to party leaders when they’re wrong.”As vice president, Harris was tasked with overseeing diplomatic efforts to deal with issues spurring migration in the Northern Triangle countries of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, as well as pressing them to strengthen enforcement on their own borders. The Biden administration wanted to develop and put in place a long-term strategy that gets at the root causes of migration from those countries.Most House Democrats tried to defend how Harris has handled the job.Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said the resolution was “fake and fraudulent" and that Harris was never appointed “border czar,” as the measure stated.Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington state, who is the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said Harris “was narrowly tasked with developing agreements that could help bring government and private sector investments to those countries that are sending migrants to the United States.”Jayapal said Harris successfully recruited “billions” of dollars in investments for Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.Democrats also repeatedly pointed out that Republicans rejected a border and immigration deal that the White House negotiated with Senate GOP leadership earlier this year.Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York, who won a special election this year on a campaign that focused on border security, said Harris has some potential strengths on the issue. He said Harris' relationship with Mexico’s president-elect, Claudia Sheinbaum, and Harris' past as a prosecutor could prove to be assets when it comes to the border.“I think now she has to emphasize the fact that she recognizes that the southern border is a problem,” Suozzi said.

Kan. lawmakers vote to rebuke Kamala Harris over handling of border policy

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a longtime leader of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquín Guzmán López, a son of another infamous cartel leader, were arrested by U.S. authorities in Texas on Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department said.

A leader of the powerful Sinaloa cartel for decades alongside Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, Zambada is one of the most notorious drug traffickers in the world and known for running the cartel’s smuggling operations while keeping a lower profile.

A Mexican federal official told The Associated Press that Zambada and Guzmán López arrived in the United States on a private plane and turned themselves in to authorities. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized discuss the matter.

The U.S. government&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dea.gov/fugitives/ismael-zambada-garcia">had offered a reward</a>&nbsp;of up to $15 million for information leading to the capture of Zambada, who eluded authorities for decades.

Zambada and Guzmán López oversaw the trafficking of “tens of thousands of pounds of drugs into the United States, along with related violence,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said, adding that now they will "face justice in the United States.”

“Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, and the Justice Department will not rest until every single cartel leader, member, and associate responsible for poisoning our communities is held accountable,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

Mexican authorities didn't immediately comment on the arrests.

U.S. officials have been seeking Zambada's capture for years, and he has been charged in a number of U.S. cases. He was charged in February in the Eastern District of New York with conspiring to manufacture and distribute the synthetic opioid. Prosecutors said he was continuing to lead the Sinaloa cartel, “one of the most violent and powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world.”

Zambada, one of the longest-surviving capos in Mexico, was considered the cartel's strategist, more involved in day-to-day operations than his flashier and better-known boss, “El Chapo” Guzmán, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2b16e1b751b044f3a7581df96ed41ef3">sentenced to life in prison</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. in 2019 and is the father of Guzmán López.

Zambada is an old-fashioned capo in an era of younger kingpins known for their flamboyant lifestyles of club-hopping and brutal tactics of beheading, dismembering and even skinning their rivals. While Zambada has fought those who challenged him, he is known for concentrating on the business side of trafficking and avoiding gruesome cartel violence that would draw attention.

In an April 2010 interview with the Mexican magazine Proceso, he acknowledged that he lived in constant fear of going to prison and would contemplate suicide rather than be captured.

“I’m terrified of being incarcerated,” Zambada said. “I’d like to think that, yes, I would kill myself.”

The interview was surprising for a kingpin known for keeping his head down, but he gave strict instructions on where and when the encounter would take place, and the article gave no hint of his whereabouts.

Zambada reputedly won the loyalty of locals in his home state of Sinaloa and neighboring Durango through his largess, sponsoring local farmers and distributing money and beer in his birthplace of El Alamo.

Although little is known about Zambada’s early life, he is believed to have gotten his start as an enforcer in the 1970s.

By the early 1990s, he was a major player in the Juarez cartel, transporting tons of cocaine and marijuana.

Zambada started gaining the trust of Colombian traffickers, allegiances that helped him come out on top in the cartel world of ever-shifting alliances. Eventually he became so powerful that he broke off from the Juarez cartel, but still managed to keep strong ties with the gang and avoided a turf war. He also developed a partnership with “El Chapo” Guzman that would take him to the top of the Sinaloa Cartel.

Zambada’s detention follows some important arrests of other Sinaloa cartel figures, including one of his sons and another son of “El Chapo” Guzmán, Ovidio Guzmán López. Zambada's son pleaded guilty in U.S. federal court in San Diego in 2021 to being a leader in the Sinaloa cartel.

In recent years, Guzman’s sons have led a faction of the cartel known as the little Chapos, or “Chapitos” that has been identified as a main exporter of fentanyl to the U.S. market.

They were seen as more violent and flamboyant than Zambada.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-sinaloa-cartel-suspect-fentanyl-nini-acbb34ece668e5fd6ddc2baa9276d1d1">Their security chief was arrested</a>&nbsp;by Mexican authorities in November.

Ovidio Guzmán López was arrested and extradited to the U.S. last year.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-chapo-son-charged-chicago-aa87d44a1290b6473006d4caf6220908">He pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking</a>&nbsp;charges in Chicago in September.

Mike Vigil, former head of international operations for the DEA, said Zambada’s arrest is important but unlikely to have much impact on the flow of drugs to the U.S. Joaquín Guzmán López was the least influential of the four sons who made up the Chapitos, Vigil said.

“This is a great blow for the rule of law, but is it going to have an impact on the cartel? I don’t think so,” Vigil said.

“It’s not going to have a dent on the drug trade because somebody from within the cartel is going to replace him,” Vigil said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquín Guzmán López, a son of another infamous cartel leader, were arrested by U.S. authorities in Texas on Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department said.

A leader of the powerful Sinaloa cartel for decades alongside Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, Zambada was known for running the cartel’s smuggling operations while keeping a lower profile.

The U.S. government&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dea.gov/fugitives/ismael-zambada-garcia">had offered a reward</a>&nbsp;of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture.

Zambada and Guzmán López are facing multiple charges “for leading the cartel’s criminal operations, including its deadly fentanyl manufacturing and trafficking networks," Attorney General Merrick Garland said.

“Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, and the Justice Department will not rest until every single cartel leader, member, and associate responsible for poisoning our communities is held accountable,” Garland said in a statement.

Zambada’s detention follows some important arrests of other Sinaloa cartel figures, including one of his sons and another one of Guzmán’s. Guzmán López was also a son of “El Chapo” Guzmán.

In recent years, Guzman’s sons have led a faction of the cartel known as the little Chapos, or “Chapitos” that has been identified as one of the main exporters of fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid, to the U.S. market.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2b16e1b751b044f3a7581df96ed41ef3">“El Chapo” Guzmán was sentenced</a>&nbsp;to life in prison in the U.S. in 2019.

One of them, Ovidio Guzmán López, was arrested and extradited to the U.S. last year.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-chapo-son-charged-chicago-aa87d44a1290b6473006d4caf6220908">He pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking</a>&nbsp;charges in Chicago in September.

In February, Zambada was charged in the Eastern District of New York with conspiring to manufacture and distribute fentanyl. Prosecutors described him as continuing to lead the Sinaloa cartel, “one of the most violent and powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world.”

A son of Zambada’s pleaded guilty in U.S. federal court in San Diego in 2021 to being a leader in the Sinaloa cartel.

Ismael Zambada Imperial admitted in a plea agreement to being a major coordinator in the trafficking operation, including importing and distributing tons of cocaine, heroin and marijuana from Mexico into the U.S.

Zambada, one of the longest-surviving capos in Mexico, was considered the strategist of the Sinaloa cartel, more involved in day-to-day operations than his flashier and better-known boss, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, whois serving a life sentence in the United States.

Strong ties to Colombian cocaine suppliers and his cells across the United States made Zambada one of the most powerful drug traffickers in the world. He had been among the leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel since the 1970s, with their principal livelihood being the sale of narcotics in the United States, according to a U.S. Justice Department.

Zambada was an old-fashioned capo in an era of younger kingpins known for their flamboyant lifestyles of club-hopping and brutal tactics of beheading, dismembering and even skinning their rivals. While Zambada fought those who challenged him, he was known for concentrating on the business side of trafficking and avoiding gruesome cartel violence that would draw attention.

Although little is known about Zambada’s early life, he is believed to have gotten his start in drug trafficking as an enforcer in the 1970s.

Zambada started gaining the trust of Colombian traffickers, allegiances that helped him come out on top in the cartel world of ever-shifting alliances. Eventually, he became so powerful that he broke off from the Juarez cartel, but still managed to keep strong ties with the gang and avoided a turf war. He also developed a partnership with “El Chapo” Guzman that would take him to the top of the Sinaloa Cartel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721959099303.png" alt="Zambada photo U.S. State Department" />
 <figcaption>Zambada photo U.S. State Department</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a longtime leader of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquín Guzmán López, a son of another infamous cartel leader, were arrested by U.S. authorities in Texas on Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department said.A leader of the powerful Sinaloa cartel for decades alongside Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, Zambada is one of the most notorious drug traffickers in the world and known for running the cartel’s smuggling operations while keeping a lower profile.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721959210147.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A Mexican federal official told The Associated Press that Zambada and Guzmán López arrived in the United States on a private plane and turned themselves in to authorities. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized discuss the matter.The U.S. government&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dea.gov/fugitives/ismael-zambada-garcia">had offered a reward</a>&nbsp;of up to $15 million for information leading to the capture of Zambada, who eluded authorities for decades.Zambada and Guzmán López oversaw the trafficking of “tens of thousands of pounds of drugs into the United States, along with related violence,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said, adding that now they will "face justice in the United States.”“Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, and the Justice Department will not rest until every single cartel leader, member, and associate responsible for poisoning our communities is held accountable,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.Mexican authorities didn't immediately comment on the arrests.U.S. officials have been seeking Zambada's capture for years, and he has been charged in a number of U.S. cases. He was charged in February in the Eastern District of New York with conspiring to manufacture and distribute the synthetic opioid. Prosecutors said he was continuing to lead the Sinaloa cartel, “one of the most violent and powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world.”Zambada, one of the longest-surviving capos in Mexico, was considered the cartel's strategist, more involved in day-to-day operations than his flashier and better-known boss, “El Chapo” Guzmán, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2b16e1b751b044f3a7581df96ed41ef3">sentenced to life in prison</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. in 2019 and is the father of Guzmán López.Zambada is an old-fashioned capo in an era of younger kingpins known for their flamboyant lifestyles of club-hopping and brutal tactics of beheading, dismembering and even skinning their rivals. While Zambada has fought those who challenged him, he is known for concentrating on the business side of trafficking and avoiding gruesome cartel violence that would draw attention.In an April 2010 interview with the Mexican magazine Proceso, he acknowledged that he lived in constant fear of going to prison and would contemplate suicide rather than be captured.“I’m terrified of being incarcerated,” Zambada said. “I’d like to think that, yes, I would kill myself.”The interview was surprising for a kingpin known for keeping his head down, but he gave strict instructions on where and when the encounter would take place, and the article gave no hint of his whereabouts.Zambada reputedly won the loyalty of locals in his home state of Sinaloa and neighboring Durango through his largess, sponsoring local farmers and distributing money and beer in his birthplace of El Alamo.Although little is known about Zambada’s early life, he is believed to have gotten his start as an enforcer in the 1970s.By the early 1990s, he was a major player in the Juarez cartel, transporting tons of cocaine and marijuana.Zambada started gaining the trust of Colombian traffickers, allegiances that helped him come out on top in the cartel world of ever-shifting alliances. Eventually he became so powerful that he broke off from the Juarez cartel, but still managed to keep strong ties with the gang and avoided a turf war. He also developed a partnership with “El Chapo” Guzman that would take him to the top of the Sinaloa Cartel.Zambada’s detention follows some important arrests of other Sinaloa cartel figures, including one of his sons and another son of “El Chapo” Guzmán, Ovidio Guzmán López. Zambada's son pleaded guilty in U.S. federal court in San Diego in 2021 to being a leader in the Sinaloa cartel.In recent years, Guzman’s sons have led a faction of the cartel known as the little Chapos, or “Chapitos” that has been identified as a main exporter of fentanyl to the U.S. market.They were seen as more violent and flamboyant than Zambada.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-sinaloa-cartel-suspect-fentanyl-nini-acbb34ece668e5fd6ddc2baa9276d1d1">Their security chief was arrested</a>&nbsp;by Mexican authorities in November.Ovidio Guzmán López was arrested and extradited to the U.S. last year.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-chapo-son-charged-chicago-aa87d44a1290b6473006d4caf6220908">He pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking</a>&nbsp;charges in Chicago in September.Mike Vigil, former head of international operations for the DEA, said Zambada’s arrest is important but unlikely to have much impact on the flow of drugs to the U.S. Joaquín Guzmán López was the least influential of the four sons who made up the Chapitos, Vigil said.“This is a great blow for the rule of law, but is it going to have an impact on the cartel? I don’t think so,” Vigil said.“It’s not going to have a dent on the drug trade because somebody from within the cartel is going to replace him,” Vigil said.___WASHINGTON (AP) — Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquín Guzmán López, a son of another infamous cartel leader, were arrested by U.S. authorities in Texas on Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department said.A leader of the powerful Sinaloa cartel for decades alongside Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, Zambada was known for running the cartel’s smuggling operations while keeping a lower profile.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721959210147.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The U.S. government&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dea.gov/fugitives/ismael-zambada-garcia">had offered a reward</a>&nbsp;of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture.Zambada and Guzmán López are facing multiple charges “for leading the cartel’s criminal operations, including its deadly fentanyl manufacturing and trafficking networks," Attorney General Merrick Garland said.“Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, and the Justice Department will not rest until every single cartel leader, member, and associate responsible for poisoning our communities is held accountable,” Garland said in a statement.Zambada’s detention follows some important arrests of other Sinaloa cartel figures, including one of his sons and another one of Guzmán’s. Guzmán López was also a son of “El Chapo” Guzmán.In recent years, Guzman’s sons have led a faction of the cartel known as the little Chapos, or “Chapitos” that has been identified as one of the main exporters of fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid, to the U.S. market.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2b16e1b751b044f3a7581df96ed41ef3">“El Chapo” Guzmán was sentenced</a>&nbsp;to life in prison in the U.S. in 2019.They were seen as more violent and flamboyant than Zambada.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-sinaloa-cartel-suspect-fentanyl-nini-acbb34ece668e5fd6ddc2baa9276d1d1">Their security chief was arrested</a>&nbsp;by Mexican authorities in November.One of them, Ovidio Guzmán López, was arrested and extradited to the U.S. last year.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/el-chapo-son-charged-chicago-aa87d44a1290b6473006d4caf6220908">He pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking</a>&nbsp;charges in Chicago in September.In February, Zambada was charged in the Eastern District of New York with conspiring to manufacture and distribute fentanyl. Prosecutors described him as continuing to lead the Sinaloa cartel, “one of the most violent and powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world.”A son of Zambada’s pleaded guilty in U.S. federal court in San Diego in 2021 to being a leader in the Sinaloa cartel.Ismael Zambada Imperial admitted in a plea agreement to being a major coordinator in the trafficking operation, including importing and distributing tons of cocaine, heroin and marijuana from Mexico into the U.S.Zambada, one of the longest-surviving capos in Mexico, was considered the strategist of the Sinaloa cartel, more involved in day-to-day operations than his flashier and better-known boss, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, whois serving a life sentence in the United States.Strong ties to Colombian cocaine suppliers and his cells across the United States made Zambada one of the most powerful drug traffickers in the world. He had been among the leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel since the 1970s, with their principal livelihood being the sale of narcotics in the United States, according to a U.S. Justice Department.Zambada was an old-fashioned capo in an era of younger kingpins known for their flamboyant lifestyles of club-hopping and brutal tactics of beheading, dismembering and even skinning their rivals. While Zambada fought those who challenged him, he was known for concentrating on the business side of trafficking and avoiding gruesome cartel violence that would draw attention.In an April 2010 interview with the Mexican magazine Proceso, he acknowledged that he lived in constant fear of going to prison and would contemplate suicide rather than be captured.“I’m terrified of being incarcerated,” Zambada said. “I’d like to think that, yes, I would kill myself.”The interview was surprising for a kingpin known for keeping his head down, but he gave strict instructions on where and when the encounter would take place, and the article gave no hint of his whereabouts.Zambada reputedly won the loyalty of locals in his home state of Sinaloa and neighboring Durango through his largess, sponsoring local farmers and distributing money and beer in his birthplace of El Alamo.Although little is known about Zambada’s early life, he is believed to have gotten his start in drug trafficking as an enforcer in the 1970s.By the early 1990s, he was a major player in the Juarez cartel, transporting tons of cocaine and marijuana.Zambada started gaining the trust of Colombian traffickers, allegiances that helped him come out on top in the cartel world of ever-shifting alliances. Eventually, he became so powerful that he broke off from the Juarez cartel, but still managed to keep strong ties with the gang and avoided a turf war. He also developed a partnership with “El Chapo” Guzman that would take him to the top of the Sinaloa Cartel.

$15 million reward: Mexican drug lord captured in the U.S.

JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for a deadly DUI crash.

Last week, Judge Thomas K. Ryan sentenced 33-year-old Matthew J. Ryan to almost 10-years in&nbsp; prison, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office. In May, a jury found him guilty of reckless 2nd degree murder in the wrong-way crash death of&nbsp; Karl Wurtenberger, 42, of Independence, Missouri.

In December of 2022, a vehicle driven by Ryan was westbound on Interstate 435 in the eastbound lanes and struck a vehicle.&nbsp;After impact, Ryan's vehicle continued westbound and collided with another vehicle, driven by Wurtenberge, head-on near Quivira Road. Wurtenberger was pronounced dead at the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721482163122.png" alt="Ryan photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Ryan photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for a deadly DUI crash.Last week, Judge Thomas K. Ryan sentenced 33-year-old Matthew J. Ryan to almost 10-years in&nbsp; prison, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office. In May, a jury found him guilty of reckless 2nd degree murder in the wrong-way crash death of&nbsp; Karl Wurtenberger, 42, of Independence, Missouri.In December of 2022, a vehicle driven by Ryan was westbound on Interstate 435 in the eastbound lanes and struck a vehicle.&nbsp;After impact, Ryan's vehicle continued westbound and collided with another vehicle, driven by Wurtenberge, head-on near Quivira Road. Wurtenberger was pronounced dead at the scene.

Prison for Kansas man in fatal wrong-way interstate crash

Watch a replay of the Kustom Kemps Sundown Cruise on Thursday night from downtown Salina.

Watch a replay of the Kustom Kemps Sundown Cruise on Thursday night from downtown Salina.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j0n8BqARhoo?si=zafyYP0OyJa1sB48&amp;start=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥Kustom Kemps Sundown Cruise from downtown Salina

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Second District candidates for U.S. House to face off in Aug. 6 primary

TOPEKA — Second District congressional candidate Matt Kleinmann wants to tamp down gun violence by closing legal loopholes that enable private sales without background checks and by repealing a federal law that chilled lawsuits against firearm manufacturers and retailers.

Kleinmann, a Wyandotte County community organizer and former University of Kansas basketball player, said if elected to Kansas’ open U.S. House seat that he would vote to repeal the nearly 20-year-old Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.

“I know that everybody on the Democrat and Republican side believes in the Second Amendment right to own and bear firearms,” he said on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju8gDMS6kxE&amp;t=960s" target="_blank">WIBW-TV’s candidate forum</a>&nbsp;with Democratic opponent Nancy Boyda. “However, it’s not right that only one industry in our entire country, the gun industry, is immune from lawsuits and prosecution. It’s only fair that the gun industry includes safety mechanisms in the products they sell.”

Kleinmann said he understood what it was like to live in a community and hear gunshots at night, and imposing universal background checks on sellers had the potential to disrupt gangs or cartels buying guns illegally.

Boyda, who served one term in the U.S. House after elected to the 2nd District seat in 2006, said guns were the leading cause of death among children.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721938059393.png" alt="Nancy Boyda and Matt Kleinmann, candidates for the Democratic Party’s nomination in the 2nd congressional district, spoke about their views on gun violence, immigration and LGBTQ issues during an appearance on WIBW-TV. The primary election is Aug. 6. (Sherman Smith and Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Nancy Boyda and Matt Kleinmann, candidates for the Democratic Party’s nomination in the 2nd congressional district, spoke about their views on gun violence, immigration and LGBTQ issues during an appearance on WIBW-TV. The primary election is Aug. 6. (Sherman Smith and Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Second District candidates for U.S. House to face off in Aug. 6 primary</h2>TOPEKA — Second District congressional candidate Matt Kleinmann wants to tamp down gun violence by closing legal loopholes that enable private sales without background checks and by repealing a federal law that chilled lawsuits against firearm manufacturers and retailers.Kleinmann, a Wyandotte County community organizer and former University of Kansas basketball player, said if elected to Kansas’ open U.S. House seat that he would vote to repeal the nearly 20-year-old Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.“I know that everybody on the Democrat and Republican side believes in the Second Amendment right to own and bear firearms,” he said on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju8gDMS6kxE&amp;t=960s" target="_blank">WIBW-TV’s candidate forum</a>&nbsp;with Democratic opponent Nancy Boyda. “However, it’s not right that only one industry in our entire country, the gun industry, is immune from lawsuits and prosecution. It’s only fair that the gun industry includes safety mechanisms in the products they sell.”Kleinmann said he understood what it was like to live in a community and hear gunshots at night, and imposing universal background checks on sellers had the potential to disrupt gangs or cartels buying guns illegally.Boyda, who served one term in the U.S. House after elected to the 2nd District seat in 2006, said guns were the leading cause of death among children.“It’s not just a factoid. These are our children,” she said.Rather than grapple with Kleinmann’s perspective on background checks and firearm liability, Boyda took aim at former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt. He’s the frontrunner in the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/17/kansas-2nd-district-gop-candidate-forum-features-marriage-proposal-devotional-silence/">five-candidate Republican primary in the 2nd District</a>. Boyda objected to positions taken by Schmidt that earned him an A+ rating from the National Rifle Association’s political action committee.“I believe that is just a radical position that is contrary to what 75% of Kansans believe,” she said. “His double-A rating with the NRA, that’s more important to him than the safety of our children.”<h2>Big question: Why running?</h2>Kleinmann said he entered the race for the congressional seat to be&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/congress-has-taken-a-toll-u-s-rep-jake-laturner-of-kansas-wont-seek-reelection/">vacated by GOP U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner</a>&nbsp;because the state needed an advocate in Washington for working class Kansans seeking affordable housing, access to health care and investments in their quality of life. Kansans want to be represented by elected officials interested in protecting individual rights — including voting, civil and reproductive rights, he said.“We need a champion in Congress who is going to fight for everyday working Kansans,” Kleinmann said. “I know as Democrats that when we stand together, as a unified party, we can win this race. I mean it. This is a race about our future. I believe I am the best champion to carry that torch forward.”Boyda, who defeated Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun in 2006, reminded WIBW-TV viewers no other Democrat in the past 30 years had won a campaign in the 2nd District. Indeed, Boyda lost her first campaign in 2004 to Ryun and her 2008 reelection campaign against GOP nominee Lynn Jenkins.“I’m in the race because I’m deeply concerned about our country,” Boyda said. “I believe Matt is a great guy, but I believe that I’m the only one … who could bring this home in November. The fact is&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/16/fec-reports-reveal-sharice-davids-derek-schmidt-to-be-magnets-for-kansas-campaign-donations/">(Kansas Democratic U.S. Rep.) Sharice Davids</a>&nbsp;and I are the only two who have come out of the Republican buzzsaw and lived to tell about it. Why am I running? I like Matt, but he doesn’t have a chance to come out of the election as a winner.”Kleinmann and Boyda were asked whether experience in politics — Kleinmann is a first-time candidate, while this is Boyda’s fourth campaign for Congress — should be a consideration among voters.“Well, experience absolutely does matter,” Boyda said. “I’m the only one who’s been in Congress. I have the widest breadth of experience across so many areas.”In addition to working on Capitol Hill, she was employed in the pharmaceutical industry, served as a pastor and chaplain, and was appointed deputy assistant secretary of defense in the administration of President Barack Obama. She owns a small farm near Baldwin City.“It depends on what kind of political experience you’re talking about,” Kleinmann said. “Leadership is an action, not a position. I’ve been a leader in my community for the last 10 years. There are a lot of folks who are running for this office, many of whom are career politicians and bureaucrats. I am not a career politician. I repeat. I am not a career politician.”“I am running this race so that we can build a movement that restores faith in our democracy and make sure we fight back against extremism,” he said.<h2>Immigration, LGBTQ+</h2>Boyda and Kleinmann found common ground on the challenge of gaining control of the U.S. southern border with Mexico. Both said if elected to Congress they would seek to improve security on the border. Boyda, sounding as if she was in a general election campaign instead of the Democratic primary, criticized Schmidt for opposing a requirement that companies use the web-based E-Verify system to confirm employment eligibility of job applicants.“Border security — that’s where it has to start,” Boyda said. “We have to do something about E-Verify. We need to have a path to citizenship once we get the border secure.”Kleinmann said there was bipartisan consensus on the need for improved border security, but he criticized “extreme politicians” who skuttled a bipartisan immigration bill. In February, hard-right House Republicans spiked an immigration bill at behest of former President Donald Trump.“That’s because politicians want to have a broken immigration system so they can win elections. I don’t think that’s right,” Kleinmann said. “We need a smart border security system. Not a dumb wall that people can get over with a ladder or underneath with a tunnel. What that’s going to take is more investment in surveillance, border personnel.”Touching on a flashpoint in the nation’s culture wars, Boyda renewed an objection to transgender women participating in organized sports programs designated for females. She said the debate changed when transgender swimmer Lia Thomas won an NCAA championship in the 500-yard freestyle event. Thomas was later barred from competing in women’s competitions by World Aquatics, the international federation recognized by the International Olympic Committee.“When it comes to trans girls in sports, it’s no longer this personal, private decision anymore. In fact, it becomes an issue of fairness,” said Boyda, who accused Kleinmann of asserting she was “anti-gay.”Kleinmann, who played basketball for the KU Jayhawks from 2005 to 2009, has been endorsed by the LGBTQ+ caucus of the Kansas Democratic Party.“I certainly believe that LGBTQ+ rights are human rights. Full stop,” he said.