WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marjorie-taylor-greene">Marjorie Taylor Greene</a>&nbsp;said Wednesday she would call a vote next week on ousting House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>, forcing her colleagues to choose sides in a difficult showdown after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-mike-johnson-marjorie-taylor-greene-motion-to-vacate-552169f3e831ab8fb3baacfdf76c2d82">Democratic leaders announced</a>&nbsp;they would provide the votes to save the Republican speaker's job.

Speaking outside the Capitol, Greene ranted against Republican Party leaders at the highest levels and pushed back against their public entreaties, including from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-speaker-johnson-maralago-congress-c6eaace204882df054795cf70a5fe60a">Donald Trump</a>, to avoid another messy political fight so close to the November election. With her was Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., one of the few lawmakers who have joined her effort.

“We need leaders in the House of Representatives that are going to get this done,” said Greene, R-Ga., holding up a red “MAGA” hat from Trump's “Make America Great Again” campaign movement.

“Mike Johnson is not capable of that job,” she said.

In pressing ahead next week, she said that "every member of Congress needs to take that vote."

The standoff with Greene, one of Trump's most enthusiastic supporters, risks throwing Republican control of the House into a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-ukraine-aid-speaker-ouster-c525efc953d532242d6d441c55724992">fresh round of chaos</a>&nbsp;as rank-and-file lawmakers will have to choose between ousting Johnson, R-La., as speaker or joining with Democrats to keep him on the job.

Democrats see in Johnson a potential partner, a hard-line conservative who nevertheless is willing to lead his Republican Party away from the far-right voices obstructing the routine business of governing, including funding the government and, more recently,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-aid-israel-tiktok-congress-a8910452e623413bf1da1e491d1d94ba">supporting Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and other U.S. allies overseas.

The Democratic leader, New York Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nancy-pelosi-hakeem-jeffries-congress-government-and-politics-f898cc1a7c59c8f42f669b5f0f167385">Hakeem Jeffries</a>, and his team issued a joint statement this week saying it was time to “turn the page” on the GOP chaos, announcing that the Democrats would vote to table Greene’s motion to vacate the speaker’s office, essentially ensuring Johnson is not evicted from office.

“Are you going to embrace Hakeem Jeffries?” said Massie, before a poster-photo of Jeffries handing Johnson the gavel when the Republican first became speaker last fall.

Johnson's opponents are few, at this point, and less than the eight that it took to oust now-former Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., last fall in the first ever removal of sitting speaker from the powerful office that is second in the line of succession to the president. Just one other Republican, Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona, has Greene's joined the effort.

Greene and Massie said they were giving their colleagues the weekend to weigh their options before calling for the vote on her motion to vacate next week. Or, they said, Johnson could simply resign.

The turmoil has gripped a House already essentially at a standstill. Johnson has been unable to command his razor-thin majority to work together on party priorities and has been forced him into the arms of Democrats for the votes needed to approve most big bills — and now, to keep his job.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714577209426.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marjorie-taylor-greene">Marjorie Taylor Greene</a>&nbsp;said Wednesday she would call a vote next week on ousting House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>, forcing her colleagues to choose sides in a difficult showdown after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-mike-johnson-marjorie-taylor-greene-motion-to-vacate-552169f3e831ab8fb3baacfdf76c2d82">Democratic leaders announced</a>&nbsp;they would provide the votes to save the Republican speaker's job.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (<a href="https://twitter.com/RepMTG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepMTG</a> ): &quot;I think the American people need to see a recorded vote...So next week, I am going to be calling this motion to vacate. Absolutely calling it.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/P4Xnno13gV">pic.twitter.com/P4Xnno13gV</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1785687879445791060?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Speaking outside the Capitol, Greene ranted against Republican Party leaders at the highest levels and pushed back against their public entreaties, including from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-speaker-johnson-maralago-congress-c6eaace204882df054795cf70a5fe60a">Donald Trump</a>, to avoid another messy political fight so close to the November election. With her was Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., one of the few lawmakers who have joined her effort.“We need leaders in the House of Representatives that are going to get this done,” said Greene, R-Ga., holding up a red “MAGA” hat from Trump's “Make America Great Again” campaign movement.“Mike Johnson is not capable of that job,” she said.In pressing ahead next week, she said that "every member of Congress needs to take that vote."The standoff with Greene, one of Trump's most enthusiastic supporters, risks throwing Republican control of the House into a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-ukraine-aid-speaker-ouster-c525efc953d532242d6d441c55724992">fresh round of chaos</a>&nbsp;as rank-and-file lawmakers will have to choose between ousting Johnson, R-La., as speaker or joining with Democrats to keep him on the job.Democrats see in Johnson a potential partner, a hard-line conservative who nevertheless is willing to lead his Republican Party away from the far-right voices obstructing the routine business of governing, including funding the government and, more recently,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-aid-israel-tiktok-congress-a8910452e623413bf1da1e491d1d94ba">supporting Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and other U.S. allies overseas.The Democratic leader, New York Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nancy-pelosi-hakeem-jeffries-congress-government-and-politics-f898cc1a7c59c8f42f669b5f0f167385">Hakeem Jeffries</a>, and his team issued a joint statement this week saying it was time to “turn the page” on the GOP chaos, announcing that the Democrats would vote to table Greene’s motion to vacate the speaker’s office, essentially ensuring Johnson is not evicted from office.“Are you going to embrace Hakeem Jeffries?” said Massie, before a poster-photo of Jeffries handing Johnson the gavel when the Republican first became speaker last fall.Johnson's opponents are few, at this point, and less than the eight that it took to oust now-former Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., last fall in the first ever removal of sitting speaker from the powerful office that is second in the line of succession to the president. Just one other Republican, Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona, has Greene's joined the effort.Greene and Massie said they were giving their colleagues the weekend to weigh their options before calling for the vote on her motion to vacate next week. Or, they said, Johnson could simply resign.The turmoil has gripped a House already essentially at a standstill. Johnson has been unable to command his razor-thin majority to work together on party priorities and has been forced him into the arms of Democrats for the votes needed to approve most big bills — and now, to keep his job.

🎥Battle on over vote to oust another House Speaker

The Biden Administration has made sweeping changes to Title IX, many that are seen as controversial.

Changes to Title IX by the Biden Administration overhauled previous rules set by the Trump Administration adding further protections for LGBTQ students.

NCAA Vice President of Enforcement Jon Duncan says the issue is a complicated and controversial one

"Other sport bodies have for many years been interested in balancing different interests around equal opportunities for people to engage in sport and have it be an open and inclusive environment," Duncan tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And then also safety concerns and privacy concerns."

Among the controversial changes were also more rights given to alleged perpetrators of sexual abuse and harassment

Duncan says those changes are a complex issue that the organization is working hard on figuring out

"But all the presidents and all the institutions care deeply about that issue and want to do everything they can at the campus level, at the regional level, and at the national office level to prevent sexual assault in the first instance and to support anybody who's a survivor of that behavior," Duncan explains.

Nearly a dozen athletes, the most notable being Riley Gaines, have come out against the NCAA and sued over its transgender policies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714578358390.jpeg" alt="The comments were made during a panel discussion about NCAA rules and college sports at the Missouri Western State University Craig School of Business in St. Joseph" />
 <figcaption>The comments were made during a panel discussion about NCAA rules and college sports at the Missouri Western State University Craig School of Business in St. Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Biden Administration has made sweeping changes to Title IX, many that are seen as controversial.Changes to Title IX by the Biden Administration overhauled previous rules set by the Trump Administration adding further protections for LGBTQ students.NCAA Vice President of Enforcement Jon Duncan says the issue is a complicated and controversial one"Other sport bodies have for many years been interested in balancing different interests around equal opportunities for people to engage in sport and have it be an open and inclusive environment," Duncan tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And then also safety concerns and privacy concerns."Among the controversial changes were also more rights given to alleged perpetrators of sexual abuse and harassmentDuncan says those changes are a complex issue that the organization is working hard on figuring out"But all the presidents and all the institutions care deeply about that issue and want to do everything they can at the campus level, at the regional level, and at the national office level to prevent sexual assault in the first instance and to support anybody who's a survivor of that behavior," Duncan explains.Nearly a dozen athletes, the most notable being Riley Gaines, have come out against the NCAA and sued over its transgender policies.

NCAA rules chief: New Title IX rules yet to be sorted out

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement and fire officials are investigating an arson fire and have made an arrest.

On Monday, crews from the Topeka Fire Department responded to a reported detached garage fire at 1431 SW Eden Court, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

First responders found smoke coming from a single-car garage and were able to quickly extinguish the fire. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident. Through examination of the scene and on-scene interviews, it was believed the fire was intentionally set. Soon after fire units cleared the scene, police officers located a suspect, identified as Stephen M. Yager, 46, of Topeka, nearby and took him into custody.

Investigators determined the cause of the fire was intentionally set. Police arrested Yager was arrested and later booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charge of Arson; Intentional To Dwelling Of Another Without Consent. The total estimated loss from the fire was approximately $10,000.

Working smoke detectors were not located in the garage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714510458481.png" alt="Yager-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Yager-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement and fire officials are investigating an arson fire and have made an arrest.On Monday, crews from the Topeka Fire Department responded to a reported detached garage fire at 1431 SW Eden Court, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.First responders found smoke coming from a single-car garage and were able to quickly extinguish the fire. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident. Through examination of the scene and on-scene interviews, it was believed the fire was intentionally set. Soon after fire units cleared the scene, police officers located a suspect, identified as Stephen M. Yager, 46, of Topeka, nearby and took him into custody.Investigators determined the cause of the fire was intentionally set. Police arrested Yager was arrested and later booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charge of Arson; Intentional To Dwelling Of Another Without Consent. The total estimated loss from the fire was approximately $10,000.Working smoke detectors were not located in the garage.

Kan. man allegedly started fire that caused $10,000 damage

Gov. Laura Kelly not timid about using veto pen in hunt for sustainable tax policy

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

TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature passed a tax reduction plan early Wednesday that closely mirrored the package vetoed by Gov. Laura Kelly that included property tax relief, elimination of sales tax on groceries, an income tax exemption for Social Security benefits, an increase in the standard deduction on tax filings, and transition to a two-bracket income tax system.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb37/">House Bill 37</a>&nbsp;would lower personal income tax rates below current law, but rate changes were slightly less generous than under a plan the Democratic governor had rejected. On Monday, the Senate refused to follow the House’s lead and override Kelly’s veto. On the rebound, the Senate voted 25-9 for the revised tax overhaul bill consuming a projected $2.3 billion in revenue over the next five years. The House expressed greater appreciation for latest plan and passed it 108-11.

On the final day of the 2024 regular session of the Legislature, weary Republican and Democratic legislators predicted Kelly would also find this bill unsustainable for the state treasury. In advance of that vote, the governor’s chief of staff warned she would veto the bill and call the Legislature back to Topeka in a couple weeks.

“This bill is not going to become law,” said Sen. Tim Shallenburger, a Baxter Springs Republican who voted for the latest incarnation of tax reform. “It’s time we go down to the second floor and try to figure out what in the world the governor will accept. If we can’t accept it, we go home and do nothing. If we can, we ought to do it.”

The governor has repeatedly vetoed tax bills presented by the GOP-led Legislature likely to create revenue problems for state government within three to five years. Those financial projections assumed legislators would sidestep the politically challenging task of adopting budget cuts.

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat who voted against the latest bill, said other packages floated in the Capitol during Tuesday’s marathon workday might have earned the governor’s signature. She said the bill passed by lawmakers guaranteed a special session in May dedicated to the search for common ground on tax policy.

“I think this has been an exercise in futility,” said Sykes, who cringed at the GOP’s interpretation of fiscal responsibility. “Republican leadership sent yet another plan to the floor that they knew was dead on arrival.”

Kelly said the bill that she vetoed would carry a five-year price tag of $2.5 billion, which was too expensive — especially when combined with other tax legislation passed by the Legislature. She said it would be irresponsible for the state to burn through reserves and create a state revenue shortfall by 2029.

Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican and chair of the Senate’s tax committee, said lawmakers ought to place interests of Kansas taxpayers above personal political considerations by accepting the $2.34 billion version.

“This is for our constituents,” Tyson said. “Not for the people in this building.”

House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer, D-Wichita, sought to rally House Democrats to the bill. He said the House and Senate negotiators made a good-faith effort to reduce the overall cost of the program and make effective use of the state’s surplus cash reserve.

With the clock ticking on the session, Senate and House Republicans scrambled to revise details of a tax bill while fully aware the governor could call them back to the Capitol during campaign season if they chose not to adopt sustainable tax cuts.

In the tax negotiations, Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, confronted Rep. Adam Smith, the Weskan Republican and chairman of the House tax committee, about the state’s long-term financial outlook.

“When you look at the cost of the fiscal note in the out years, you feel comfortable that you can hit that on the budget?” Holland asked.

Smith said revenue was only one side of balancing the budget. The other option would be to slash expenditures, he said.

“If we force this tax relief into our state law, it forces us to be more responsible on the budget,” Smith said. “I wish I could guarantee more than that, trust me, but we need to manage our budget as well.”

Other Republicans expressed concern about ballooning budget appropriations. Lawmakers adopted a revised budget that included a litany of last-minute additions — including an attempt to lure the Kansas City Chiefs or Royals across state lines.

Rep. Trevor Jacobs, R-Fort Scott, said the spending blueprint was packed with “a lot of pork.”

“We’re supposed to be here to protect our constituents, not lobbyists, not special interest groups,” Jacobs said. “And this is the problem. It’s not about the next generation. It’s about the next election. And this is one of the reasons why I’m happy not to come back — because of the backdoor deals, of all of this nonsense that happens.”

Under the bill sent to the governor, the state income tax for top earners in Kansas who were married and filing jointly would decline from 5.7% under current law to 5.57%. The last bill to be rejected by Kelly would have reset that upper bracket at 5.55%. Instead of cutting the lower bracket from 5.25% to 5.15%, the rate in the bill headed to Kelly’s desk was 5.2%.

The new bill would exempt Social Security income from the state’s individual income tax in the 2024 tax year. It would accelerate elimination of the state’s 2% sales tax on groceries to July 1 rather than Jan. 1.

The legislation would increase standard deduction amounts from $3,500 to $3,605 for single filers, $8,000 to $8,240 for married filers, and $6,000 to $6,180 for a head of household beginning in tax year 2024.

The governor also must take into account an increase in the personal exemption allowance, currently set at $2,250 for all persons on the return, to $18,320 for married couples filing joint returns and $9,160 for all other filers. The bill included an additional $2,320 exemption for each dependent listed on the return.

It would raise the amount of appraised value residential property value exempt from the statewide school finance levy to $100,000 from the current amount of $42,000. In addition, the K-12 public education mill levy was cut from 20 mills to 19.5 mills with that financial gap to be backfilled by the Legislature from the general state treasury.

Rep. Henry Helgerson, D-Wichita, had a parting message to the Legislature: “We don’t have money for this tax bill.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714568361358.png" alt="Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, and Sen. Virgil Peck, R-Havana, discuss with House negotiators details of a tax reform bill adopted by the House and Senate and forwarded to Gov. Laura Kelly. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, and Sen. Virgil Peck, R-Havana, discuss with House negotiators details of a tax reform bill adopted by the House and Senate and forwarded to Gov. Laura Kelly. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Gov. Laura Kelly not timid about using veto pen in hunt for sustainable tax policy</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature passed a tax reduction plan early Wednesday that closely mirrored the package vetoed by Gov. Laura Kelly that included property tax relief, elimination of sales tax on groceries, an income tax exemption for Social Security benefits, an increase in the standard deduction on tax filings, and transition to a two-bracket income tax system.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb37/">House Bill 37</a>&nbsp;would lower personal income tax rates below current law, but rate changes were slightly less generous than under a plan the Democratic governor had rejected. On Monday, the Senate refused to follow the House’s lead and override Kelly’s veto. On the rebound, the Senate voted 25-9 for the revised tax overhaul bill consuming a projected $2.3 billion in revenue over the next five years. The House expressed greater appreciation for latest plan and passed it 108-11.On the final day of the 2024 regular session of the Legislature, weary Republican and Democratic legislators predicted Kelly would also find this bill unsustainable for the state treasury. In advance of that vote, the governor’s chief of staff warned she would veto the bill and call the Legislature back to Topeka in a couple weeks.“This bill is not going to become law,” said Sen. Tim Shallenburger, a Baxter Springs Republican who voted for the latest incarnation of tax reform. “It’s time we go down to the second floor and try to figure out what in the world the governor will accept. If we can’t accept it, we go home and do nothing. If we can, we ought to do it.”The governor has repeatedly vetoed tax bills presented by the GOP-led Legislature likely to create revenue problems for state government within three to five years. Those financial projections assumed legislators would sidestep the politically challenging task of adopting budget cuts.Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat who voted against the latest bill, said other packages floated in the Capitol during Tuesday’s marathon workday might have earned the governor’s signature. She said the bill passed by lawmakers guaranteed a special session in May dedicated to the search for common ground on tax policy.“I think this has been an exercise in futility,” said Sykes, who cringed at the GOP’s interpretation of fiscal responsibility. “Republican leadership sent yet another plan to the floor that they knew was dead on arrival.”<h2>‘For our constituents’</h2>Kelly said the bill that she vetoed would carry a five-year price tag of $2.5 billion, which was too expensive — especially when combined with other tax legislation passed by the Legislature. She said it would be irresponsible for the state to burn through reserves and create a state revenue shortfall by 2029.Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican and chair of the Senate’s tax committee, said lawmakers ought to place interests of Kansas taxpayers above personal political considerations by accepting the $2.34 billion version.“This is for our constituents,” Tyson said. “Not for the people in this building.”House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer, D-Wichita, sought to rally House Democrats to the bill. He said the House and Senate negotiators made a good-faith effort to reduce the overall cost of the program and make effective use of the state’s surplus cash reserve.With the clock ticking on the session, Senate and House Republicans scrambled to revise details of a tax bill while fully aware the governor could call them back to the Capitol during campaign season if they chose not to adopt sustainable tax cuts.In the tax negotiations, Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, confronted Rep. Adam Smith, the Weskan Republican and chairman of the House tax committee, about the state’s long-term financial outlook.“When you look at the cost of the fiscal note in the out years, you feel comfortable that you can hit that on the budget?” Holland asked.Smith said revenue was only one side of balancing the budget. The other option would be to slash expenditures, he said.“If we force this tax relief into our state law, it forces us to be more responsible on the budget,” Smith said. “I wish I could guarantee more than that, trust me, but we need to manage our budget as well.”Other Republicans expressed concern about ballooning budget appropriations. Lawmakers adopted a revised budget that included a litany of last-minute additions — including an attempt to lure the Kansas City Chiefs or Royals across state lines.Rep. Trevor Jacobs, R-Fort Scott, said the spending blueprint was packed with “a lot of pork.”“We’re supposed to be here to protect our constituents, not lobbyists, not special interest groups,” Jacobs said. “And this is the problem. It’s not about the next generation. It’s about the next election. And this is one of the reasons why I’m happy not to come back — because of the backdoor deals, of all of this nonsense that happens.”<h2>More of the details</h2>Under the bill sent to the governor, the state income tax for top earners in Kansas who were married and filing jointly would decline from 5.7% under current law to 5.57%. The last bill to be rejected by Kelly would have reset that upper bracket at 5.55%. Instead of cutting the lower bracket from 5.25% to 5.15%, the rate in the bill headed to Kelly’s desk was 5.2%.The new bill would exempt Social Security income from the state’s individual income tax in the 2024 tax year. It would accelerate elimination of the state’s 2% sales tax on groceries to July 1 rather than Jan. 1.The legislation would increase standard deduction amounts from $3,500 to $3,605 for single filers, $8,000 to $8,240 for married filers, and $6,000 to $6,180 for a head of household beginning in tax year 2024.The governor also must take into account an increase in the personal exemption allowance, currently set at $2,250 for all persons on the return, to $18,320 for married couples filing joint returns and $9,160 for all other filers. The bill included an additional $2,320 exemption for each dependent listed on the return.It would raise the amount of appraised value residential property value exempt from the statewide school finance levy to $100,000 from the current amount of $42,000. In addition, the K-12 public education mill levy was cut from 20 mills to 19.5 mills with that financial gap to be backfilled by the Legislature from the general state treasury.Rep. Henry Helgerson, D-Wichita, had a parting message to the Legislature: “We don’t have money for this tax bill.”

Kansas Legislature adopts $2.3 billion, 5-year tax cut despite bipartisan forecast of veto

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting death have arrested a second suspect.

Just after 8a.m. April 19, police responded to a shooting in the 3700 Block of South Park Court in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

They found 22-year-old Cody P . Cooper with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

As a result of the investigation, police reported on Friday the arrest of 26-year-old Kavshun Jerome Boykin. He is being held on requested charges of murder in the first degree, aggravated burglary and theft.

Late Tuesday, police investigators also arrested 25-year-old&nbsp;Lolita Bradford of Topeka on requested charges of Conspiracy to commit, Murder in the 1st degree; Intentional and premeditated, Conspiracy to commit, Aggravated burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, DV, or sexually motivated, crime, and Conspiracy to commit, Theft &gt;$1,500 &lt;$25,000 From Building. She is being held without bond.

According to the Kansas Department of Corrections Boykin has three previous convictions for robbery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714561118132.png" alt="Bradford-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Bradford-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting death have arrested a second suspect.Just after 8a.m. April 19, police responded to a shooting in the 3700 Block of South Park Court in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.They found 22-year-old Cody P . Cooper with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714163438204.png" alt="Boykin-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Boykin-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>As a result of the investigation, police reported on Friday the arrest of 26-year-old Kavshun Jerome Boykin. He is being held on requested charges of murder in the first degree, aggravated burglary and theft.Late Tuesday, police investigators also arrested 25-year-old&nbsp;Lolita Bradford of Topeka on requested charges of Conspiracy to commit, Murder in the 1st degree; Intentional and premeditated, Conspiracy to commit, Aggravated burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, DV, or sexually motivated, crime, and Conspiracy to commit, Theft &gt;$1,500 &lt;$25,000 From Building. She is being held without bond.According to the Kansas Department of Corrections Boykin has three previous convictions for robbery.

 Kansas woman accused of role in robbery, murder 

CHICAGO (AP) — Former President Donald Trump says in a new interview it should be left to the states whether to prosecute women for abortions or whether to monitor women's pregnancies. He declined to comment on access to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/supreme-court-abortion-pill-mifepristone-updates">abortion pill mifepristone</a>, which has been embroiled in an intense legal battle.

In an interview published Tuesday by&nbsp;<a href="https://time.com/6972022/donald-trump-transcript-2024-election/">Time</a>&nbsp;magazine, Trump responded to questions about how he would handle various abortion questions if elected by repeatedly saying it should be left up to the states.

“You don’t need a federal ban,” the presumptive Republican presidential nominee said. “Roe v. Wade ... wasn’t about abortion so much as bringing it back to the states. So the states would negotiate deals. Florida is going to be different from Georgia and Georgia is going to be different from other places.”

When asked if he would veto a bill that would impose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-abortion-2024-ban-7bf06e0856b88a710c79a6eb85cffa6a">a federal ban</a>, he reiterated “it’s about states rights” and said “there will never be that chance” because Republicans, even if they take back the Senate in November, would not have the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster and bring the bill to a vote.

Trump repeated his catchall states-rights response when asked if states should monitor women’s pregnancies so the government would know if they had an abortion. Amid debates about criminalizing women for getting abortions, including those who self-manage with medication, experts have raised alarm over how&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-states-surveillance-apps-ads-wyden-87b5d36620c85ca9f6da4409755358f0">modern surveillance technologies</a>&nbsp;could help law enforcement agencies track and investigate abortions.

Trump also deferred to the states when asked if a woman should be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-miscarriage-prosecution-brittany-watts-b8090abfb5994b8a23457b80cf3f27ce">punished</a>&nbsp;for getting an abortion after a state has banned or restricted the procedure.

“The states are going to make that decision,” Trump said. “The states are going to have to be comfortable or uncomfortable, not me.”

Democrats have recently&nbsp;<a href="https://democrats.org/news/in-trumps-own-words-there-has-to-be-some-form-of-punishment-for-women-who-have-an-abortion-and-for-their-doctors-too/">seized on</a>&nbsp;comments Trump made in 2016, saying “there has to be some form of punishment” for women who have abortions.

Abortion is a central campaign issue in the 2024 presidential election as Trump seeks a more cautious stance on the issue, which has become a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-republican-desantis-politics-1280a04a2ba1011c3be8300cf7be4908">vulnerability for Republicans</a>&nbsp;and has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ohio-constitutional-amendments-voters-turnout-election-65381bfc596ab5e34c830f67cef05fc2">driven turnout</a>&nbsp;for Democrats. Trump’s deferring to individual states has drawn criticism from Democrats as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-trump-republican-presidential-election-2024-585faf025a1416d13d2fbc23da8d8637">conservatives and anti-abortion groups</a>&nbsp;seeking a federal ban.

The national anti-abortion group SBA Pro-Life America said in a statement that it was "disappointed in President Trump’s position of relegating a human rights issue to the states.” The organization also claimed Democrats would scrap the filibuster in order to “impose their agenda of abortion without limit on the entire country.”

SBA advocates for a national ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions for rape, incest and saving the life of the mother, but the organization has voiced support for states with stricter bans.

As president, Trump appointed three justices to the U.S. Supreme Court who helped form the majority that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned</a>&nbsp;the constitutional right to abortion, and he has taken credit for that during his campaign. Earlier this month, he said he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-abortion-2024-ban-7bf06e0856b88a710c79a6eb85cffa6a">“proudly the person responsible for the ending”</a>&nbsp;of the 50-year-old ruling, Roe v. Wade.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has blamed Trump for a deluge of state abortion restrictions put into effect since the ruling two years ago. His campaign also has warned that a second Trump term could lead to nationwide abortion restrictions. Most recently, Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-florida-donald-trump-abortion-6b069fd8c14c4c65236d708b347697f0">blamed Trump</a>&nbsp;for Florida’s six-week abortion ban during campaign events in the state last week.

“Donald Trump’s latest comments leave little doubt: If elected he’ll sign a national abortion ban, allow women who have an abortion to be prosecuted and punished, allow the government to invade women’s privacy to monitor their pregnancies, and put IVF and contraception in jeopardy nationwide,” Biden’s campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, said in a statement responding to the Time interview.

Mini Timmaraju, president of Reproductive Freedom for All, also expressed doubts about Trump’s emphasis on moderation by leaving the issue up to the states.

“There is zero doubt in my mind that Trump will choose anti-abortion extremists and their horrifying agenda over American families every single chance he gets," she said.

Trump declined to speak with Time about mifepristone as access to the abortion pill has been thrown into uncertainty amid a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-pill-arguments-highlights-7fe897ec4f5b3121dc73d5b74b5a0d6d">legal battle</a>&nbsp;that’s made its way to the Supreme Court.

Advocates on both sides of the abortion debate also have long pressed Trump to make clear his views on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/comstock-act-abortion-pills-dbf61e25f6f23cd3772c597dd6d4e337">Comstock Act</a>, a 19th Century law that has been revived by anti-abortion groups seeking to block the mailing of mifepristone. Trump declined to comment on the act, saying only that he has “pretty strong views” on the matter and would make a statement on it over the next 14 days.

“In Trump’s America, people will be punished for having abortions, the government will monitor women’s pregnancies, and he’ll weaponize and misuse the 19th-Century Comstock laws to try and criminalize doctors and outlaw abortion nationwide,” Jenny Lawson, executive director, Planned Parenthood Votes, said in a statement.

Trump's comments were consistent with his recent strategy to show more moderation on abortion rights as he seeks to appeal to a general electorate. Trump has previously voiced disagreement with abortion restrictions in individual states, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-abortion-ban-women-19th-century-1864-cf6598d4384fa35a4e073dfae3a844f2">Arizona's Civil War-era ban</a>&nbsp;and Florida's six-week ban. In the Time interview, Trump repeated that he “thought six weeks is too severe.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714517455009.png" alt="Former President Donald Trump outside the courtroom Tuesday afternoon-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Former President Donald Trump outside the courtroom Tuesday afternoon-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Former President Donald Trump says in a new interview it should be left to the states whether to prosecute women for abortions or whether to monitor women's pregnancies. He declined to comment on access to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/supreme-court-abortion-pill-mifepristone-updates">abortion pill mifepristone</a>, which has been embroiled in an intense legal battle.In an interview published Tuesday by&nbsp;<a href="https://time.com/6972022/donald-trump-transcript-2024-election/">Time</a>&nbsp;magazine, Trump responded to questions about how he would handle various abortion questions if elected by repeatedly saying it should be left up to the states.“You don’t need a federal ban,” the presumptive Republican presidential nominee said. “Roe v. Wade ... wasn’t about abortion so much as bringing it back to the states. So the states would negotiate deals. Florida is going to be different from Georgia and Georgia is going to be different from other places.”When asked if he would veto a bill that would impose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-abortion-2024-ban-7bf06e0856b88a710c79a6eb85cffa6a">a federal ban</a>, he reiterated “it’s about states rights” and said “there will never be that chance” because Republicans, even if they take back the Senate in November, would not have the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster and bring the bill to a vote.Trump repeated his catchall states-rights response when asked if states should monitor women’s pregnancies so the government would know if they had an abortion. Amid debates about criminalizing women for getting abortions, including those who self-manage with medication, experts have raised alarm over how&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-states-surveillance-apps-ads-wyden-87b5d36620c85ca9f6da4409755358f0">modern surveillance technologies</a>&nbsp;could help law enforcement agencies track and investigate abortions.Trump also deferred to the states when asked if a woman should be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-miscarriage-prosecution-brittany-watts-b8090abfb5994b8a23457b80cf3f27ce">punished</a>&nbsp;for getting an abortion after a state has banned or restricted the procedure.“The states are going to make that decision,” Trump said. “The states are going to have to be comfortable or uncomfortable, not me.”Democrats have recently&nbsp;<a href="https://democrats.org/news/in-trumps-own-words-there-has-to-be-some-form-of-punishment-for-women-who-have-an-abortion-and-for-their-doctors-too/">seized on</a>&nbsp;comments Trump made in 2016, saying “there has to be some form of punishment” for women who have abortions.Abortion is a central campaign issue in the 2024 presidential election as Trump seeks a more cautious stance on the issue, which has become a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-republican-desantis-politics-1280a04a2ba1011c3be8300cf7be4908">vulnerability for Republicans</a>&nbsp;and has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ohio-constitutional-amendments-voters-turnout-election-65381bfc596ab5e34c830f67cef05fc2">driven turnout</a>&nbsp;for Democrats. Trump’s deferring to individual states has drawn criticism from Democrats as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-trump-republican-presidential-election-2024-585faf025a1416d13d2fbc23da8d8637">conservatives and anti-abortion groups</a>&nbsp;seeking a federal ban.The national anti-abortion group SBA Pro-Life America said in a statement that it was "disappointed in President Trump’s position of relegating a human rights issue to the states.” The organization also claimed Democrats would scrap the filibuster in order to “impose their agenda of abortion without limit on the entire country.”SBA advocates for a national ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions for rape, incest and saving the life of the mother, but the organization has voiced support for states with stricter bans.As president, Trump appointed three justices to the U.S. Supreme Court who helped form the majority that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned</a>&nbsp;the constitutional right to abortion, and he has taken credit for that during his campaign. Earlier this month, he said he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-abortion-2024-ban-7bf06e0856b88a710c79a6eb85cffa6a">“proudly the person responsible for the ending”</a>&nbsp;of the 50-year-old ruling, Roe v. Wade.Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has blamed Trump for a deluge of state abortion restrictions put into effect since the ruling two years ago. His campaign also has warned that a second Trump term could lead to nationwide abortion restrictions. Most recently, Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-florida-donald-trump-abortion-6b069fd8c14c4c65236d708b347697f0">blamed Trump</a>&nbsp;for Florida’s six-week abortion ban during campaign events in the state last week.“Donald Trump’s latest comments leave little doubt: If elected he’ll sign a national abortion ban, allow women who have an abortion to be prosecuted and punished, allow the government to invade women’s privacy to monitor their pregnancies, and put IVF and contraception in jeopardy nationwide,” Biden’s campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, said in a statement responding to the Time interview.Mini Timmaraju, president of Reproductive Freedom for All, also expressed doubts about Trump’s emphasis on moderation by leaving the issue up to the states.“There is zero doubt in my mind that Trump will choose anti-abortion extremists and their horrifying agenda over American families every single chance he gets," she said.Trump declined to speak with Time about mifepristone as access to the abortion pill has been thrown into uncertainty amid a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-pill-arguments-highlights-7fe897ec4f5b3121dc73d5b74b5a0d6d">legal battle</a>&nbsp;that’s made its way to the Supreme Court.Advocates on both sides of the abortion debate also have long pressed Trump to make clear his views on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/comstock-act-abortion-pills-dbf61e25f6f23cd3772c597dd6d4e337">Comstock Act</a>, a 19th Century law that has been revived by anti-abortion groups seeking to block the mailing of mifepristone. Trump declined to comment on the act, saying only that he has “pretty strong views” on the matter and would make a statement on it over the next 14 days.“In Trump’s America, people will be punished for having abortions, the government will monitor women’s pregnancies, and he’ll weaponize and misuse the 19th-Century Comstock laws to try and criminalize doctors and outlaw abortion nationwide,” Jenny Lawson, executive director, Planned Parenthood Votes, said in a statement.Trump's comments were consistent with his recent strategy to show more moderation on abortion rights as he seeks to appeal to a general electorate. Trump has previously voiced disagreement with abortion restrictions in individual states, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-abortion-ban-women-19th-century-1864-cf6598d4384fa35a4e073dfae3a844f2">Arizona's Civil War-era ban</a>&nbsp;and Florida's six-week ban. In the Time interview, Trump repeated that he “thought six weeks is too severe.”

Trump: States should decide whether to monitor pregnancies

WESTMORELAND, Kan. (AP) — One person died Tuesday when a tornado ripped through the small city of Westmoreland in northeastern Kansas, destroying houses, RVs and outbuildings, authorities said.

Pottawatomie County officials said on Facebook that a tornado struck the city of about 700 people Tuesday evening, destroying 22 homes, three RVs and five outbuildings and damaging another 13 homes and one commercial building. First responders were conducting grid searches in Westmoreland to survey damage and to look for people who may have been injured.

A Pottawatomie County spokesperson confirmed the single fatality in a news release sent to media. The name of the person who died was being withheld pending family notification.

Three people also were reported injured, but none of them were critical, the county spokesperson said in a follow-up statement.

Westmoreland is about 45 miles (72 kilometers) northwest of Topeka and is the Pottawatomie County seat.

Images posted to social media showed a tornado on the ground in Westmoreland, as well as damaged homes, uprooted trees and a flipped semi.

The county spokesperson said the entire city was without power Tuesday night and county offices were running on emergency generators. The Red Cross set up a shelter at the local high school about 6 miles (10 kilometers) from town.

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—One person has died from injuries in the Tuesday afternoon tornado in Pottawatomie County, according to County Spokesperson Becky Ryan.

In addition to the fatality, three others were treated for injuries.

Just after 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, a tornado struck the Pottawatomie County community of Westmoreland, according to a statement from the county.

 At this time, there are reports of damage to multiple structures in the city. Officials did reopen Highway 99 to traffic.

Multiple first responders have arrived in Westmoreland to conduct grid searches to catalog damage and search for more people that may have been injured.&nbsp; Officials ask the general public to please keep away from the area at this time.

At 8p.m., a temporary shelter opened at Rock Creek High School, 9355 Flush Road, for those displaced due to the the tornado.

Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714524542202.png" alt="Picture of the Tuesday tornado by Kristen Krainbill. The view is facing west from the Charlson and Wilson offices located at 108 N 2nd in Westmoreland. The buildings in the picture are the Pottawatomie County Courthouse and Jail and County offices." />
 <figcaption>Picture of the Tuesday tornado by Kristen Krainbill. The view is facing west from the Charlson and Wilson offices located at 108 N 2nd in Westmoreland. The buildings in the picture are the Pottawatomie County Courthouse and Jail and County offices.</figcaption>
 </figure>WESTMORELAND, Kan. (AP) — One person died Tuesday when a tornado ripped through the small city of Westmoreland in northeastern Kansas, destroying houses, RVs and outbuildings, authorities said.Pottawatomie County officials said on Facebook that a tornado struck the city of about 700 people Tuesday evening, destroying 22 homes, three RVs and five outbuildings and damaging another 13 homes and one commercial building. First responders were conducting grid searches in Westmoreland to survey damage and to look for people who may have been injured.A Pottawatomie County spokesperson confirmed the single fatality in a news release sent to media. The name of the person who died was being withheld pending family notification.Three people also were reported injured, but none of them were critical, the county spokesperson said in a follow-up statement.Westmoreland is about 45 miles (72 kilometers) northwest of Topeka and is the Pottawatomie County seat.Images posted to social media showed a tornado on the ground in Westmoreland, as well as damaged homes, uprooted trees and a flipped semi.The county spokesperson said the entire city was without power Tuesday night and county offices were running on emergency generators. The Red Cross set up a shelter at the local high school about 6 miles (10 kilometers) from town.--------POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—One person has died from injuries in the Tuesday afternoon tornado in Pottawatomie County, according to County Spokesperson Becky Ryan.In addition to the fatality, three others were treated for injuries.Just after 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, a tornado struck the Pottawatomie County community of Westmoreland, according to a statement from the county. At this time, there are reports of damage to multiple structures in the city. Officials did reopen Highway 99 to traffic.Multiple first responders have arrived in Westmoreland to conduct grid searches to catalog damage and search for more people that may have been injured.&nbsp; Officials ask the general public to please keep away from the area at this time.At 8p.m., a temporary shelter opened at Rock Creek High School, 9355 Flush Road, for those displaced due to the the tornado.Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

1 dead, homes destroyed after tornado rips through northeastern Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY —The deadly storm on Tuesday in northeast Kansas forced legislators working during the final day of their veto session at the State Capitol to shelter in place as the National Weather Service issued tornado warnings.

The storm&nbsp; ripped through the city of Westmoreland 60 miles northwest of Topeka. One person died, three were injured and homes and outbuildings were destroyed, according to Pottawatomie County officials.

The temporary delay due to the weather forced legislators to work into the early hours of Wednesday where they passed another tax reduction plan before they adjourned.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714521964790.png" alt="View of members of the Kansas House rushing to shelter in place -image Kan. legislative YouTube page" />
 <figcaption>View of members of the Kansas House rushing to shelter in place -image Kan. legislative YouTube page</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —The deadly storm on Tuesday in northeast Kansas forced legislators working during the final day of their veto session at the State Capitol to shelter in place as the National Weather Service issued tornado warnings.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Everyone&#39;s phone alarms are going off on the floor for another tornado warning. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a>&mdash; Brandon Woodard (@Woodard4Kansas) <a href="https://twitter.com/Woodard4Kansas/status/1785452233892491566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The storm&nbsp; ripped through the city of Westmoreland 60 miles northwest of Topeka. One person died, three were injured and homes and outbuildings were destroyed, according to Pottawatomie County officials.The temporary delay due to the weather forced legislators to work into the early hours of Wednesday where they passed another tax reduction plan before they adjourned.

Kansas legislators forced to take cover during Tuesday storm

LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a weekend standoff at a Kansas home.&nbsp;

just before 11p.m. April 27, police responded to a a report of shots fired at a home in the 700 Block of State Street, according to Emporia Police Captain Lisa Hayes. 

When officers arrived on scene, the suspect later identified as 39-year-old Tyler Seifert of Topeka barricaded himself and multiple people inside. 

The Emporia Police Department’s Special Response Team was utilized to execute a search warrant and one person was found with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. That person was transported by ambulance to Newman Regional Health.

Police arrested the alleged shooter identified as Seifert and transported him to the Lyon County Detention Center. He has been charged with aggravated assault, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated battery and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714420768317.png" alt="Seifert-photo Lyon Co." />
 <figcaption>Seifert-photo Lyon Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a weekend standoff at a Kansas home.&nbsp;just before 11p.m. April 27, police responded to a a report of shots fired at a home in the 700 Block of State Street, according to Emporia Police Captain Lisa Hayes. When officers arrived on scene, the suspect later identified as 39-year-old Tyler Seifert of Topeka barricaded himself and multiple people inside. The Emporia Police Department’s Special Response Team was utilized to execute a search warrant and one person was found with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. That person was transported by ambulance to Newman Regional Health.Police arrested the alleged shooter identified as Seifert and transported him to the Lyon County Detention Center. He has been charged with aggravated assault, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated battery and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to online jail records.

Kansas man barricaded himself, others inside home during standoff

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged theft.

Just before 4:30p.m. Monday, a 35-year-old victim reported the theft of a Polaris Scrambler four wheeler, ramps, and a jack from the 1000 block North 10th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The theft occurred sometime between Saturday afternoon and Monday afternoon. The four wheeler was valued at $3,500.

An investigation determined that 60-year-old David Barajas lived next door to the victim and had taken the four wheeler which was parked outside the victim’s residence.&nbsp; 

Just after 8p.m. Monday, police took Barajas into custody at his residence in the 1000 block North 10th Street.&nbsp; The four wheeler was recovered in Buchanan County, Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714494996853.png" alt="-Barajas photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>-Barajas photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged theft.Just before 4:30p.m. Monday, a 35-year-old victim reported the theft of a Polaris Scrambler four wheeler, ramps, and a jack from the 1000 block North 10th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.The theft occurred sometime between Saturday afternoon and Monday afternoon. The four wheeler was valued at $3,500.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714495176243.png" alt="-Photo Police Chief Mike Wilson" />
 <figcaption>-Photo Police Chief Mike Wilson</figcaption>
 </figure>An investigation determined that 60-year-old David Barajas lived next door to the victim and had taken the four wheeler which was parked outside the victim’s residence.&nbsp; Just after 8p.m. Monday, police took Barajas into custody at his residence in the 1000 block North 10th Street.&nbsp; The four wheeler was recovered in Buchanan County, Missouri.

Kansas man jailed for alleged theft of neighbor's 4-wheeler

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — United Methodist delegates began making historic changes in their policies on sexuality on Tuesday — voting without debate to reverse a series of anti-LGBTQ policies.

The delegates voted to delete mandatory penalties for conducting same-sex marriages and to remove their denomination's bans on considering LGBTQ candidates for ministry and on funding for gay-friendly ministries.

The 667-54 vote, coming during their legislative&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-methodists-schism-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-8b428597c86901b2d5886afeca5069c8">General Conference</a>, removes some of the scaffolding around the United Methodist Church's longstanding bans on LGBTQ-affirming policies regarding ordination, marriage and funding.

Still to come later this week are votes on the core of the bans on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage in church law and policy, which may draw more debate. However, the large majority achieved by Tuesday's votes indicate the tenor of the General Conference. The consensus was so overwhelming that these items were rolled into the legislative “consent calendar," normally reserved for non-controversial measures.

The actions follow a historic schism in what was long the third-largest denomination in the United States. About&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congregations-leaving-united-methodist-church-lgbtq-bans-70b8c89ea49174597f4548c249bab24f">one-quarter of U.S. congregations</a>&nbsp;left between 2019 and 2023, mostly conservative churches dismayed that the denomination wasn't enforcing its longstanding LGBTQ bans. With the absence of many conservative delegates, who had been in the solid majority in previous general conferences and had steadily reinforced such bans over the decades, progressive delegates are moving quickly to reverse such policies.

Such actions could also prompt departures of some international churches, particularly in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/methodists-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-conservatives-africa-1319aea6e1d2ad8755a905a8c4b1bf79">Africa</a>, where more conservative sexual values prevail and where same-sex activity is criminalized in some countries.

United Methodist Church law still bans the ordination of “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” into ministry — a decades-old rule that will come up for a vote later this week.

However, on Tuesday, the General Conference voted to remove a related ban — on church officials considering someone for ordination who fits that category. It removed bans on bishops ordaining LGBTQ people as clergy or consecrating them as bishops.

It also removed mandatory penalties — imposed by a 2019 General Conference — on clergy who conduct ceremonies celebrating same-sex weddings or unions.

And it imposed a moratorium on any church judicial processes seeking to discipline any clergy for violating LGBTQ-related rules.

In addition, the General Conference took actions toward being openly LGBTQ-affirming.

It repealed a longstanding ban on any United Methodist entity using funds “to promote the acceptance of homosexuality.” That previous ban also forbade the funding of any effort to "reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends" and expressly supported the funding of responses to the anti-HIV epidemic. However, the mixed wording of the old rule has been replaced with a ban on funding any effort to “reject any LGBTQIA+ person or openly discriminate against LGBTQIA+ people.”

“It’s a very liberating day for United Methodists who are actively involved with LGBTQ people,” said the Rev. David Meredith, board chair for the Reconciling Ministries Network, a group that has long advocated for LGBTQ inclusion in the church.

Compared with past, contentious general conferences, this one is "much more upbeat," added Jan Lawrence, executive director of the network. “Yes, we’re going to have things we disagree on. But the vitriol that we saw in 2019, that is not evident at all.”

Other rule changes called for considering of LGBTQ people along with other demographic categories for appointments in an effort to have diversity on various church boards and entities.

The General Conference is the UMC’s first legislative gathering since 2019, one that features its most progressive slate of delegates in recent memory following the departure of more than 7,600 mostly conservative congregations in the United States because it essentially stopped enforcing its bans on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ ordination.

Those departures came during a window between 2019 and 2023 allowing U.S. congregations to leave with their properties, held in trust for the denomination, under friendlier than normal terms. Conservatives are advocating that such terms be extended for international and U.S. churches that don't agree with the General Conference's actions.

“We get it, the United Methodist Church wants to be done with disaffiliation," said the Rev. Rob Renfroe, president of the conservative advocacy group Good News. “They want to step into this new day. We do not want to keep them from that. But how can disaffiliation be over when it never began for the majority of United Methodists?”

Still to come this week are final votes on whether to remove the bans on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage, and whether to whether to replace a longstanding document that had called the “practice of homosexuality … incompatible with Christian teaching.”

All of those proposals had overwhelming support in committee votes last week.

The changes would be historic in a denomination that has debated LGBTQ issues for more than half a century at its General Conferences, which typically meet every four years.

Last week, the conference endorsed a regionalization plan that essentially would allow the churches of the United States the same autonomy as other regions of the global church. That change – which still requires local ratification -- could create a scenario where LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage are allowed in the United States but not in other regions. Delegates on Tuesday approved a related measure related to regionalization.

The conference last week also approved the departure of a small group of conservative churches in the former Soviet Union.

The denomination had until recently been the third largest in the United States, present in almost every county. But its 5.4 million U.S. membership in 2022 is expected to drop once the 2023 departures are factored in.

The denomination also counts 4.6 million members in other countries, mainly in Africa, though earlier estimates have been higher.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714509026540.png" alt="View from the livestream of the General Conference on Tuesday" />
 <figcaption>View from the livestream of the General Conference on Tuesday</figcaption>
 </figure>CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — United Methodist delegates began making historic changes in their policies on sexuality on Tuesday — voting without debate to reverse a series of anti-LGBTQ policies.The delegates voted to delete mandatory penalties for conducting same-sex marriages and to remove their denomination's bans on considering LGBTQ candidates for ministry and on funding for gay-friendly ministries.The 667-54 vote, coming during their legislative&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-methodists-schism-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-8b428597c86901b2d5886afeca5069c8">General Conference</a>, removes some of the scaffolding around the United Methodist Church's longstanding bans on LGBTQ-affirming policies regarding ordination, marriage and funding.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714509299729.png" alt="Delegate from the New England region Effie McLain of spoke during the Tuesday session as shown on the livestream" />
 <figcaption>Delegate from the New England region Effie McLain of spoke during the Tuesday session as shown on the livestream</figcaption>
 </figure>Still to come later this week are votes on the core of the bans on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage in church law and policy, which may draw more debate. However, the large majority achieved by Tuesday's votes indicate the tenor of the General Conference. The consensus was so overwhelming that these items were rolled into the legislative “consent calendar," normally reserved for non-controversial measures.The actions follow a historic schism in what was long the third-largest denomination in the United States. About&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congregations-leaving-united-methodist-church-lgbtq-bans-70b8c89ea49174597f4548c249bab24f">one-quarter of U.S. congregations</a>&nbsp;left between 2019 and 2023, mostly conservative churches dismayed that the denomination wasn't enforcing its longstanding LGBTQ bans. With the absence of many conservative delegates, who had been in the solid majority in previous general conferences and had steadily reinforced such bans over the decades, progressive delegates are moving quickly to reverse such policies.Such actions could also prompt departures of some international churches, particularly in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/methodists-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-conservatives-africa-1319aea6e1d2ad8755a905a8c4b1bf79">Africa</a>, where more conservative sexual values prevail and where same-sex activity is criminalized in some countries.United Methodist Church law still bans the ordination of “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” into ministry — a decades-old rule that will come up for a vote later this week.However, on Tuesday, the General Conference voted to remove a related ban — on church officials considering someone for ordination who fits that category. It removed bans on bishops ordaining LGBTQ people as clergy or consecrating them as bishops.It also removed mandatory penalties — imposed by a 2019 General Conference — on clergy who conduct ceremonies celebrating same-sex weddings or unions.And it imposed a moratorium on any church judicial processes seeking to discipline any clergy for violating LGBTQ-related rules.In addition, the General Conference took actions toward being openly LGBTQ-affirming.It repealed a longstanding ban on any United Methodist entity using funds “to promote the acceptance of homosexuality.” That previous ban also forbade the funding of any effort to "reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends" and expressly supported the funding of responses to the anti-HIV epidemic. However, the mixed wording of the old rule has been replaced with a ban on funding any effort to “reject any LGBTQIA+ person or openly discriminate against LGBTQIA+ people.”“It’s a very liberating day for United Methodists who are actively involved with LGBTQ people,” said the Rev. David Meredith, board chair for the Reconciling Ministries Network, a group that has long advocated for LGBTQ inclusion in the church.Compared with past, contentious general conferences, this one is "much more upbeat," added Jan Lawrence, executive director of the network. “Yes, we’re going to have things we disagree on. But the vitriol that we saw in 2019, that is not evident at all.”Other rule changes called for considering of LGBTQ people along with other demographic categories for appointments in an effort to have diversity on various church boards and entities.The General Conference is the UMC’s first legislative gathering since 2019, one that features its most progressive slate of delegates in recent memory following the departure of more than 7,600 mostly conservative congregations in the United States because it essentially stopped enforcing its bans on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ ordination.Those departures came during a window between 2019 and 2023 allowing U.S. congregations to leave with their properties, held in trust for the denomination, under friendlier than normal terms. Conservatives are advocating that such terms be extended for international and U.S. churches that don't agree with the General Conference's actions.“We get it, the United Methodist Church wants to be done with disaffiliation," said the Rev. Rob Renfroe, president of the conservative advocacy group Good News. “They want to step into this new day. We do not want to keep them from that. But how can disaffiliation be over when it never began for the majority of United Methodists?”Still to come this week are final votes on whether to remove the bans on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage, and whether to whether to replace a longstanding document that had called the “practice of homosexuality … incompatible with Christian teaching.”All of those proposals had overwhelming support in committee votes last week.The changes would be historic in a denomination that has debated LGBTQ issues for more than half a century at its General Conferences, which typically meet every four years.Last week, the conference endorsed a regionalization plan that essentially would allow the churches of the United States the same autonomy as other regions of the global church. That change – which still requires local ratification -- could create a scenario where LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage are allowed in the United States but not in other regions. Delegates on Tuesday approved a related measure related to regionalization.The conference last week also approved the departure of a small group of conservative churches in the former Soviet Union.The denomination had until recently been the third largest in the United States, present in almost every county. But its 5.4 million U.S. membership in 2022 is expected to drop once the 2023 departures are factored in.The denomination also counts 4.6 million members in other countries, mainly in Africa, though earlier estimates have been higher.___Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

United Methodists begin to reverse longstanding anti-LGBTQ policies

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday it has finalized a ban on consumer uses of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/risk-management-methylene-chloride">methylene chloride</a>, a chemical that is widely used as a paint stripper but is known to cause liver cancer and other health problems.

The EPA said its action will protect Americans from health risks while allowing certain commercial uses to continue with robust worker protections.

The rule banning methylene chloride is the second risk management rule to be finalized by President Joe Biden's administration under landmark&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-united-states-congress-united-states-government-f6eb1fbdbaab4560aff3609cfcd457f4">2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act</a>. The first was an action last month to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epa-asbestos-cancer-brakes-biden-72b0fa8b36adedaff6000034d35c2acd">ban asbestos</a>, a carcinogen that kills tens of thousands of Americans every year but is still used in some chlorine bleach, brake pads and other products.

“Exposure to methylene chloride has devastated families across this country for too long, including some who saw loved ones go to work and never come home,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/michael-s-regan">EPA Administrator Michael Regan</a>&nbsp;said in a statement. The new rule , he said, “brings an end to unsafe methylene chloride practices and implements the strongest worker protections possible for the few remaining industrial uses, ensuring no one in this country is put in harm’s way by this dangerous chemical."

Methylene chloride, also called dichloromethane, is a colorless liquid that emits a toxic vapor that has killed at least 88 workers since 1980, the EPA said. Long-term health effects include a variety of cancers, including liver cancer and lung cancer, and damage to the nervous, immune and reproductive systems.

The EPA rule would ban all consumer uses but allow certain “critical” uses in the military and industrial processing, with worker protections in place, said Michal Freedhoff, assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.

Methylene chloride will continue to be allowed to make refrigerants as an alternative to other chemicals that produce greenhouse gases and contribute to climate change, Freedhoff said. It also will be allowed for use in electric vehicle batteries and for critical military functions.

“The uses we think can safely continue (all) happen in sophisticated industrial settings, and in some cases there are no real substitutes available,'' Freedhoff said.

The chemical industry has argued that the EPA is overstating the risks of methylene chloride and that adequate protections have mitigated health risks.

The American Chemistry Council, the industry's top lobbying group, called methylene chloride “an essential compound" used to make many products and goods Americans rely on every day, including paint stripping, pharmaceutical manufacturing and metal cleaning and degreasing.

An EPA proposal last year could introduce “regulatory uncertainty and confusion" with existing exposure limits set by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the group said.

The chemical council also said it was concerned that the EPA had not fully evaluated the rule's impacts on the domestic supply chain and could end up prohibiting up to half of all end uses subject to regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

While the EPA banned one consumer use of methylene chloride in 2019, use of the chemical has remained widespread and continues to pose significant and sometimes fatal danger to workers, the agency said. The EPA’s final risk management rule requires companies to rapidly phase down manufacturing, processing and distribution of methylene chloride for all consumer uses and most industrial and commercial uses, including in home renovations.

Consumer use will be phased out within a year, and most industrial and commercial uses will be prohibited within two years.

Liz Hitchcock, director of a safer chemicals program for the advocacy group Toxic-Free Future, praised the new rule but added: “As glad as we are to see today’s rule banning all consumer and most commercial uses, we are concerned that limits to its scope will allow continued exposure for too many workers to methylene chloride’s dangerous and deadly effects.”

Wendy Hartley, whose son Kevin died from methylene chloride poisoning after refinishing a bathtub at work, called the new rule "a huge step that will protect vulnerable workers.”

Kevin Hartley, 21, of Tennessee, died in 2017. He was an organ donor, Wendy Hartley said, adding that because of the EPA's actions, “Kevin’s death will continue to save lives."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714487791856.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday it has finalized a ban on consumer uses of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/risk-management-methylene-chloride">methylene chloride</a>, a chemical that is widely used as a paint stripper but is known to cause liver cancer and other health problems.The EPA said its action will protect Americans from health risks while allowing certain commercial uses to continue with robust worker protections.The rule banning methylene chloride is the second risk management rule to be finalized by President Joe Biden's administration under landmark&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-united-states-congress-united-states-government-f6eb1fbdbaab4560aff3609cfcd457f4">2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act</a>. The first was an action last month to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epa-asbestos-cancer-brakes-biden-72b0fa8b36adedaff6000034d35c2acd">ban asbestos</a>, a carcinogen that kills tens of thousands of Americans every year but is still used in some chlorine bleach, brake pads and other products.“Exposure to methylene chloride has devastated families across this country for too long, including some who saw loved ones go to work and never come home,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/michael-s-regan">EPA Administrator Michael Regan</a>&nbsp;said in a statement. The new rule , he said, “brings an end to unsafe methylene chloride practices and implements the strongest worker protections possible for the few remaining industrial uses, ensuring no one in this country is put in harm’s way by this dangerous chemical."Methylene chloride, also called dichloromethane, is a colorless liquid that emits a toxic vapor that has killed at least 88 workers since 1980, the EPA said. Long-term health effects include a variety of cancers, including liver cancer and lung cancer, and damage to the nervous, immune and reproductive systems.The EPA rule would ban all consumer uses but allow certain “critical” uses in the military and industrial processing, with worker protections in place, said Michal Freedhoff, assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.Methylene chloride will continue to be allowed to make refrigerants as an alternative to other chemicals that produce greenhouse gases and contribute to climate change, Freedhoff said. It also will be allowed for use in electric vehicle batteries and for critical military functions.“The uses we think can safely continue (all) happen in sophisticated industrial settings, and in some cases there are no real substitutes available,'' Freedhoff said.The chemical industry has argued that the EPA is overstating the risks of methylene chloride and that adequate protections have mitigated health risks.The American Chemistry Council, the industry's top lobbying group, called methylene chloride “an essential compound" used to make many products and goods Americans rely on every day, including paint stripping, pharmaceutical manufacturing and metal cleaning and degreasing.An EPA proposal last year could introduce “regulatory uncertainty and confusion" with existing exposure limits set by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the group said.The chemical council also said it was concerned that the EPA had not fully evaluated the rule's impacts on the domestic supply chain and could end up prohibiting up to half of all end uses subject to regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act.While the EPA banned one consumer use of methylene chloride in 2019, use of the chemical has remained widespread and continues to pose significant and sometimes fatal danger to workers, the agency said. The EPA’s final risk management rule requires companies to rapidly phase down manufacturing, processing and distribution of methylene chloride for all consumer uses and most industrial and commercial uses, including in home renovations.Consumer use will be phased out within a year, and most industrial and commercial uses will be prohibited within two years.Liz Hitchcock, director of a safer chemicals program for the advocacy group Toxic-Free Future, praised the new rule but added: “As glad as we are to see today’s rule banning all consumer and most commercial uses, we are concerned that limits to its scope will allow continued exposure for too many workers to methylene chloride’s dangerous and deadly effects.”Wendy Hartley, whose son Kevin died from methylene chloride poisoning after refinishing a bathtub at work, called the new rule "a huge step that will protect vulnerable workers.”Kevin Hartley, 21, of Tennessee, died in 2017. He was an organ donor, Wendy Hartley said, adding that because of the EPA's actions, “Kevin’s death will continue to save lives."

EPA bans consumer use of a toxic chemical widely used as a paint stripper

WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man on multiple allegations after a Bison at Yellowstone National Park injured him.

According to the National Park Service, on April 21, a 40-year-old man identified as Clarence Yoder of Idaho Falls, Idaho, approached a bison too closely (within 25 yards) and was injured by the bison.

The incident occurred on the West Entrance Road near the Seven Mile Bridge, located 7 miles east of the park’s West Entrance.

Park Rangers responded to the area after receiving a report of an individual who harassed a herd of bison and kicked a bison in the leg. They located the suspect's vehicle near the West Entrance and stopped it in the town of West Yellowstone, Montana.

Rangers arrested Yoder on requested charges of being under the influence of alcohol to a degree that may endanger oneself, disorderly conduct as to create or maintain a hazardous condition and approaching wildlife and disturbing wildlife.

The driver of the vehicle Yoder traveled in, 37-year-old McKenna Bass, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was also arrested and on requested charges of driving under the influence, interference for failure to yield to emergency light activation and disturbing wildlife.

Rangers transported Yoder to a nearby medical facility where he was medically evaluated, treated for minor injuries and released from medical care. He then was transported to the Gallatin County Detention Center.

Yoder and Bass appeared in court on April 22 and pleaded not guilty to the charges.&nbsp; Each violation can result in fines up to $5,000 and six months in jail. This incident, the first reported incident of a visitor being injured by a bison in 2024, remains under investigation.

The park reminded visitors: It’s your responsibility to respect safety regulations and view wildlife from a safe distance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714504661549.png" alt="Photo National Park Service Jacob W. Frank" />
 <figcaption>Photo National Park Service Jacob W. Frank</figcaption>
 </figure>WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man on multiple allegations after a Bison at Yellowstone National Park injured him.According to the National Park Service, on April 21, a 40-year-old man identified as Clarence Yoder of Idaho Falls, Idaho, approached a bison too closely (within 25 yards) and was injured by the bison.The incident occurred on the West Entrance Road near the Seven Mile Bridge, located 7 miles east of the park’s West Entrance.Park Rangers responded to the area after receiving a report of an individual who harassed a herd of bison and kicked a bison in the leg. They located the suspect's vehicle near the West Entrance and stopped it in the town of West Yellowstone, Montana.Rangers arrested Yoder on requested charges of being under the influence of alcohol to a degree that may endanger oneself, disorderly conduct as to create or maintain a hazardous condition and approaching wildlife and disturbing wildlife.The driver of the vehicle Yoder traveled in, 37-year-old McKenna Bass, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was also arrested and on requested charges of driving under the influence, interference for failure to yield to emergency light activation and disturbing wildlife.Rangers transported Yoder to a nearby medical facility where he was medically evaluated, treated for minor injuries and released from medical care. He then was transported to the Gallatin County Detention Center.Yoder and Bass appeared in court on April 22 and pleaded not guilty to the charges.&nbsp; Each violation can result in fines up to $5,000 and six months in jail. This incident, the first reported incident of a visitor being injured by a bison in 2024, remains under investigation.The park reminded visitors: It’s your responsibility to respect safety regulations and view wildlife from a safe distance.

Man injured, charged with harassing bison in Yellowstone

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — On of four law enforcement officers killed in a shootout in Charlotte, North Carolina on Monday had previously worked in Kansas.&nbsp;

According to the Overland Park Police Department, "we especially mourn the loss of former Overland Park Police Officer William "Alden" Elliott who started his law enforcement career with our agency in August of 2008."

Alden Elliott and Officer Sam Poloche, veterans of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, were shot and killed while working with the U.S. Marshals task force.

The shootout that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlotte-north-carolina-shooting-police-42d3e25ec6ec990634c9ac209e0f779a">killed the four law enforcement officers</a>&nbsp;and wounded four others in North Carolina began as officers approached a home to serve a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm, police said.

Some of the officers who rushed to the Charlotte neighborhood Monday afternoon to rescue the first wave of downed officers were wounded as a second shooter began firing on them after they killed the wanted man, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said.

“Today we lost some heroes who were out simply trying to keep our community safe,” Jennings said at a news conference.

After a three-hour standoff, the suburban Charlotte home was torn open. Armored vehicles smashed into it, ripping off windows and entire doorways that were left broken. Several armored vehicles were parked across yards, some with tree branches dangling off them.

The U.S. Marshals Task Force was fired on by the wanted suspect as they approached the house and the man was killed in the front yard, Jennings said. Police identified him as Terry Clark Hughes Jr, 39. He was wanted for possession of a firearm by a felon and two counts of felony flee to elude in Lincoln County, North Carolina. A second person then fired on officers from inside the home where a high-powered rifle was found, Jennings added.

After the police department's Special Weapons and Tactics Team negotiated with other people in the house, two females came out and were taken to a police station to be interviewed by detectives, police said in a news release. Previously, police had said a woman and 17-year-old male were being questioned.

The Marshal’s Service confirmed one of its agents was killed. The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction identified two of the task force officers killed as Sam Poloche and Alden Elliot. Both had been with the department for 14 years. They served as probation/parole officers before joining the department’s Special Operations and Intelligence Unit, the department said. Poloche joined in 2013 and Elliot in 2016.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer Joshua Eyer died a few hours later at the hospital, Jennings said. Eyer was named the officer of the month for the force for April a few weeks ago, the chief said.

“He certainly gave his life and dedicated his life to protecting our citizens,” Jennings said.

One other member of the task force, which is made up of federal agents and other officers from across the region, was injured.

Three other Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers who responded to the scene were shot while trying to rescue the wounded officers.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper was in Charlotte and was speaking to the families of the officers killed and hurt.

Neighbors said gunfire lasted for several minutes.

WSOC-TV said their helicopter captured an armored vehicle driving through yards and knocking over recycling bins before officers removed a person with blood on their shirt who was then loaded into an ambulance.

After the home was cleared, the helicopter pilot said he couldn't show the front lawn of the home because the scene was too graphic and disturbing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714487763008.jpeg" alt="Multiple law enforcement vehicles respond in the neighborhood where several officers on a task force trying to serve a warrant were shot in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, April 29, 2024. (Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/The Charlotte Observer via AP)" />
 <figcaption>Multiple law enforcement vehicles respond in the neighborhood where several officers on a task force trying to serve a warrant were shot in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, April 29, 2024. (Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/The Charlotte Observer via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — On of four law enforcement officers killed in a shootout in Charlotte, North Carolina on Monday had previously worked in Kansas.&nbsp;According to the Overland Park Police Department, "we especially mourn the loss of former Overland Park Police Officer William "Alden" Elliott who started his law enforcement career with our agency in August of 2008."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714488120185.png" alt="Alden Elliott courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alden Elliott courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Alden Elliott and Officer Sam Poloche, veterans of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, were shot and killed while working with the U.S. Marshals task force.The shootout that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlotte-north-carolina-shooting-police-42d3e25ec6ec990634c9ac209e0f779a">killed the four law enforcement officers</a>&nbsp;and wounded four others in North Carolina began as officers approached a home to serve a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm, police said.Some of the officers who rushed to the Charlotte neighborhood Monday afternoon to rescue the first wave of downed officers were wounded as a second shooter began firing on them after they killed the wanted man, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said.“Today we lost some heroes who were out simply trying to keep our community safe,” Jennings said at a news conference.After a three-hour standoff, the suburban Charlotte home was torn open. Armored vehicles smashed into it, ripping off windows and entire doorways that were left broken. Several armored vehicles were parked across yards, some with tree branches dangling off them.The U.S. Marshals Task Force was fired on by the wanted suspect as they approached the house and the man was killed in the front yard, Jennings said. Police identified him as Terry Clark Hughes Jr, 39. He was wanted for possession of a firearm by a felon and two counts of felony flee to elude in Lincoln County, North Carolina. A second person then fired on officers from inside the home where a high-powered rifle was found, Jennings added.After the police department's Special Weapons and Tactics Team negotiated with other people in the house, two females came out and were taken to a police station to be interviewed by detectives, police said in a news release. Previously, police had said a woman and 17-year-old male were being questioned.The Marshal’s Service confirmed one of its agents was killed. The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction identified two of the task force officers killed as Sam Poloche and Alden Elliot. Both had been with the department for 14 years. They served as probation/parole officers before joining the department’s Special Operations and Intelligence Unit, the department said. Poloche joined in 2013 and Elliot in 2016.Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer Joshua Eyer died a few hours later at the hospital, Jennings said. Eyer was named the officer of the month for the force for April a few weeks ago, the chief said.“He certainly gave his life and dedicated his life to protecting our citizens,” Jennings said.One other member of the task force, which is made up of federal agents and other officers from across the region, was injured.Three other Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers who responded to the scene were shot while trying to rescue the wounded officers.North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper was in Charlotte and was speaking to the families of the officers killed and hurt.Neighbors said gunfire lasted for several minutes.WSOC-TV said their helicopter captured an armored vehicle driving through yards and knocking over recycling bins before officers removed a person with blood on their shirt who was then loaded into an ambulance.After the home was cleared, the helicopter pilot said he couldn't show the front lawn of the home because the scene was too graphic and disturbing.“A lot of the questions that need to be answered, we don’t even know what those questions are now," Jennings said, somberly briefing reporters less than four hours after the shooting. “We have to get a full understanding of why this occurred and also uphold the integrity of the investigation.”Many roads in the area including Interstate 77 were closed so ambulances could get to hospitals faster. TV footage showed ambulances speeding to hospitals escorted by vehicles both in front and behind with their sirens wailing.Rissa Reign was cleaning her house when she heard the first shots ring out. There was a pause, then a second set of shots and then a third. She stepped outside.“When we came outside, there were no cops at all, then cops started rushing, rushing, rushing, rushing in,” she said, adding armored SWAT trucks quickly followed and they "were going over the grass, everything, and they started shooting again.”The neighborhood, of one– and two-story, brick homes and small trimmed lawns, is very safe, said Alex Rivera, who lives on a street nearby.“I see, like, 50 police cars zooming in, and then I hear gunshots,” he said on the front porch of the house he shares with his cousin. “I was scared, because there was so much going on.“Another neighbor, William Cunningham, was moved to tears as he sat on his porch. He said he is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm but never expected such violence in his own neighborhood.“Bless those officers and bless their families,” he said. “Nobody should get killed over a warrant.”Four Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools were placed on lockdown around afternoon dismissal, but that was lifted in the late afternoon, the district said.Police urged people to stay away from the neighborhood and asked residents to remain inside their homes until the all clear was given.President Joe Biden was briefed on the shooting and spoke with Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles to express his condolences and support for the community.“They are heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, rushing into harm’s way to protect us," Biden said in a statement late Monday. "We mourn for them and their loved ones. And we pray for the recoveries of the courageous officers who were wounded.”The last marshal shot and killed in the line of duty was in November 2018. Chase White was shot in Tucson, Arizona, by a man wanted for stalking local law enforcement officers, the agency said.The Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force is headquartered in Charlotte and comprised of 70 federal, state and local agencies. Fugitive task forces are collaborations between agencies to find and arrest suspects in crimes.In six years, the regional task force has apprehended more than 8,900 fugitives, the U.S. Marshals Service said on its website.In March 2007, two Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers were killed while responding to a domestic dispute by someone not directly involved in the fight. Demeatrius Antonio Montgomery is serving a life sentence in the killings of officers Jeffrey Shelton and Sean Clark.