KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Powerball jackpot rose yet again to an estimated $1 billion after no winning ticket was sold for the latest drawing.

No ticket for Monday’s drawing matched the white balls 5, 8, 9, 17, 41 and red Powerball 2. The jackpot was estimated at $900 million.

The new jackpot for Wednesday’s drawing would be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-california-a11cb275a36848310e05ed56608c656c">the third highest</a>&nbsp;in U.S. history and will keep growing until someone wins. Ticket buyers have a chance at $1 billion paid out in yearly increments or a $516.8 million one-time lump sum before taxes.

Three people won $2 million after matching all five numbers plus the Power Play, lottery officials said. The winning tickets were sold in Arkansas, Georgia and Texas.

Five people won $1 million after matching all five numbers. The winning tickets were sold in Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, New York and Pennsylvania.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">game’s abysmal odds</a>&nbsp;of 1 in 292.2 million are designed to build big prizes that draw more players. The largest Powerball jackpot was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lotteries-iowa-36ef3aefbbc37a15e1c5f172129fa6a6">$2.04 billion Powerball</a>&nbsp;last November.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-winner-ohio-252-million-5506023262d64fb54556fb454a478615">last time</a>&nbsp;someone won the Powerball jackpot was April 19 for a top prize of nearly $253 million. Since then, no one has won the grand prize in the past 38 consecutive drawings.

Powerball is played in 45 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Powerball jackpot rose yet again to an estimated $1 billion after no winning ticket was sold for the latest drawing.No ticket for Monday’s drawing matched the white balls 5, 8, 9, 17, 41 and red Powerball 2. The jackpot was estimated at $900 million.The new jackpot for Wednesday’s drawing would be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-california-a11cb275a36848310e05ed56608c656c">the third highest</a>&nbsp;in U.S. history and will keep growing until someone wins. Ticket buyers have a chance at $1 billion paid out in yearly increments or a $516.8 million one-time lump sum before taxes.Three people won $2 million after matching all five numbers plus the Power Play, lottery officials said. The winning tickets were sold in Arkansas, Georgia and Texas.Five people won $1 million after matching all five numbers. The winning tickets were sold in Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, New York and Pennsylvania.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">game’s abysmal odds</a>&nbsp;of 1 in 292.2 million are designed to build big prizes that draw more players. The largest Powerball jackpot was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lotteries-iowa-36ef3aefbbc37a15e1c5f172129fa6a6">$2.04 billion Powerball</a>&nbsp;last November.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-winner-ohio-252-million-5506023262d64fb54556fb454a478615">last time</a>&nbsp;someone won the Powerball jackpot was April 19 for a top prize of nearly $253 million. Since then, no one has won the grand prize in the past 38 consecutive drawings.Powerball is played in 45 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

 No Powerball winner yet, jackpot hits $1 billion

KANSAS CITY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating an ATM bank robbery that occurred just before 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, according to a statement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Witnesses reported two unknown individuals approached a victim, working on an ATM at the bank. The two men threatened the victim and then fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money.

The first suspect is described as a black male wearing a black jacket with a hood, dark colored pants and white shoes with orange gloves.

The second suspect is also a black male wearing a white hoodie with light colored jeans, black shoes and black gloves. Both men were wearing black masks. C<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/home">lick here to </a>submit a tip online

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689472844952.png" alt="FBI image" />
 <figcaption>FBI image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating an ATM bank robbery that occurred just before 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, according to a statement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.Witnesses reported two unknown individuals approached a victim, working on an ATM at the bank. The two men threatened the victim and then fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money.The first suspect is described as a black male wearing a black jacket with a hood, dark colored pants and white shoes with orange gloves.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689472899719.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The second suspect is also a black male wearing a white hoodie with light colored jeans, black shoes and black gloves. Both men were wearing black masks. C<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/home">lick here to </a>submit a tip online

Police investigating ATM bank robbery in Kansas City

TOPEKA&nbsp;– In response to increased reports of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card thefts across the U.S., the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is accepting requests for replacement of the stolen Food Assistance (also known as SNAP) benefits, according to a media release from the agency.

“Access to healthy food is a key component of a family’s well-being,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “This program will help Kansans whose benefits have been stolen recoup those resources, helping to ensure they can provide healthy, nutritious meals for their family members.”

There have been fewer than 20 reports of stolen benefits in Kansas. Nationally the numbers are higher, which prompted the signing of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 by President Joe Biden in December 2022. The act includes a provision for the replacement of stolen EBT benefits with federal funds.

Food Assistance benefits eligible for replacement include those stolen from card skimming, card cloning, and other types of fraudulent methods between Oct. 1, 2022, and Sept. 30, 2024. Cardholders have 45 calendar days from the day of the theft to make a report to DCF. If the incident occurred between Oct. 1, 2022, and July 12, 2023, a report must be made by Aug. 26, 2023.

If a Kansan believes their Food Assistance benefits have been stolen, they should contact DCF at 1-888-369-4777 or by calling the Fraud Hotline at 1-800-432-3913.

The USDA Food and Nutrition Services offers the following tips to prevent the theft of benefits through fraudulent activities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685114143831.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– In response to increased reports of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card thefts across the U.S., the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is accepting requests for replacement of the stolen Food Assistance (also known as SNAP) benefits, according to a media release from the agency.“Access to healthy food is a key component of a family’s well-being,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “This program will help Kansans whose benefits have been stolen recoup those resources, helping to ensure they can provide healthy, nutritious meals for their family members.”There have been fewer than 20 reports of stolen benefits in Kansas. Nationally the numbers are higher, which prompted the signing of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 by President Joe Biden in December 2022. The act includes a provision for the replacement of stolen EBT benefits with federal funds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689674819900.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Food Assistance benefits eligible for replacement include those stolen from card skimming, card cloning, and other types of fraudulent methods between Oct. 1, 2022, and Sept. 30, 2024. Cardholders have 45 calendar days from the day of the theft to make a report to DCF. If the incident occurred between Oct. 1, 2022, and July 12, 2023, a report must be made by Aug. 26, 2023.<ul>
 <li>Skimming&nbsp;– A method of obtaining personal data from EBT cards while they are used at an ATM machine or POS.</li><li>Cloning&nbsp;– A type of card theft in which the thief makes a digital copy of the card information using a concealed or disguised electronic scanner to create a new physical card.</li><li>Similar Fraudulent Events&nbsp;– Phishing or scamming attacks by criminals to obtain EBT card numbers to clone EBT cards or conduct online transactions.</li>
 </ul>If a Kansan believes their Food Assistance benefits have been stolen, they should contact DCF at 1-888-369-4777 or by calling the Fraud Hotline at 1-800-432-3913.The USDA Food and Nutrition Services offers the following tips to prevent the theft of benefits through fraudulent activities.<ul>
 <li>Avoid simple PINs. Number combinations such as 1111, 1234, or 9876 may be easy for others to guess.</li><li>Keep your PIN and card number secret. Do not share your PIN or card number with anyone outside your household. Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN on a machine.</li><li>Beware of phishing. State agencies and EBT processors will never call or text to ask for your PIN or card number.</li><li>Change your PIN often. Change your PIN at least once a month, right before your benefit issuance date.</li><li>Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges. If you see any, change your PIN right away to stop the thief from making new purchases. Report suspicious activity to your&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZucy51c2RhLmdvdi9zbmFwL3N0YXRlLWRpcmVjdG9yeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA3MTcuNzk3NjExNjEifQ.anIslrPxiUgBRTPe7Zo-vNerWi6FRfUSVj2XQBveHlo/s/1303160919/br/222772694821-l" target="_blank">local SNAP office</a>.</li>
 </ul>

Program in Kan. will now replace stolen food assistance benefits

SEDGWICK COUNTY- A man is going to prison for killing one person and injuring&nbsp; others in September 2020 crash in Wichita.&nbsp;

On July 13, a judge sentenced 27-year-old&nbsp;Gabriel Ortiz to 43 months with 36 months of post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. 

In May, Ortiz&nbsp; pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated battery.&nbsp;

On Jan. 25, 2021 , members of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office extradition unit arrested&nbsp; Ortiz at the San Diego, California County Jail and transported him to the Sedgwick County Jail to face charges in the crash, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

On September 5, 2020, an Infinity Q50 SUV driven by Ortiz crossed the centerline of the roadway at 5600 W MacArthur and struck a Toyota Sienna van head-on.&nbsp;

The passenger in the van, 55-year-old Sonia Lopez of Wichita, died from injuries sustained during the collision.&nbsp; Two passengers in the Infinity and the driver of the Sienna sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643215327769.png" alt="Ortiz-photo Sedgwick&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Ortiz-photo Sedgwick&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY- A man is going to prison for killing one person and injuring&nbsp; others in September 2020 crash in Wichita.&nbsp;On July 13, a judge sentenced 27-year-old&nbsp;Gabriel Ortiz to 43 months with 36 months of post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. In May, Ortiz&nbsp; pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated battery.&nbsp;On Jan. 25, 2021 , members of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office extradition unit arrested&nbsp; Ortiz at the San Diego, California County Jail and transported him to the Sedgwick County Jail to face charges in the crash, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.On September 5, 2020, an Infinity Q50 SUV driven by Ortiz crossed the centerline of the roadway at 5600 W MacArthur and struck a Toyota Sienna van head-on.&nbsp;The passenger in the van, 55-year-old Sonia Lopez of Wichita, died from injuries sustained during the collision.&nbsp; Two passengers in the Infinity and the driver of the Sienna sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Man arrested in California sentenced for fatal Kansas crash

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged burglary.

At 5a.m. Sunday, officers were called to a burglary in progress at a residence in the 500 block Park Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 A 65 -year-old victim reported he was awakened when a subject had unlawfully entered his residence and was taking some food.&nbsp;

The suspect later identified as 50-year-old Mark Walker of Atchison fled the residence when confronted by the resident.

 A police officer responding to the scene spotted Walker at 5th and Park and he was taken into custody.&nbsp;Walker is being held on requested charges aggravated burglary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689600042345.png" alt="Walker-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Walker-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged burglary.At 5a.m. Sunday, officers were called to a burglary in progress at a residence in the 500 block Park Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. A 65 -year-old victim reported he was awakened when a subject had unlawfully entered his residence and was taking some food.&nbsp;The suspect later identified as 50-year-old Mark Walker of Atchison fled the residence when confronted by the resident. A police officer responding to the scene spotted Walker at 5th and Park and he was taken into custody.&nbsp;Walker is being held on requested charges aggravated burglary.

Police: Kansas man jailed for alleged home invasion burglary

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa judge on Monday temporarily blocked the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-abortion-ban-special-session-506e5e3fcd5517024a94a8e3a52d627e">new ban on most abortions</a>&nbsp;after about six weeks of pregnancy, just days after Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-governor-kim-reynolds-2024-election-216e52ef9ba77deda0b59ba4c41b6406">Kim Reynolds</a>&nbsp;signed the measure into law.

That means abortion is once again legal in Iowa up to 20 weeks of pregnancy while the courts assess the new law’s constitutionality.

The new law prohibits almost all abortions once cardiac activity can be detected, which is usually around six weeks of pregnancy and before many women know they are pregnant.

The Republican-controlled Legislature approved the measure in a rare, all-day special session last week, prompting a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-abortion-ban-lawsuit-eeeec320fc6453e69075da5a118bf0c8">legal challenge</a>&nbsp;by the ACLU of Iowa, Planned Parenthood North Central States and the Emma Goldman Clinic. Judge Joseph Seidlin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-abortion-ban-signing-lawsuit-a93ee0bfd11e5ff40d3c8d815f846c5c">held a hearing</a>&nbsp;on the matter Friday, but said he would take the issue under advisement — just as Reynolds signed the bill into law about a mile away.

Abortion providers said they scrambled last week to fit in as many appointments as possible before the governor put pen to paper, preemptively making hundreds of calls to prepare patients for the uncertainty and keeping clinics open late.

Reynolds swiftly put out a statement underscoring her intention to fight the issue in the state Supreme Court.

“The abortion industry’s attempt to thwart the will of Iowans and the voices of their elected representatives continues today," she said.

The ruling Monday does specify that while the law is temporarily paused, the state's Board of Medicine should proceed with rules for enforcement so that specific rules for health care providers will be well defined if the law were to be in effect in the future.

There are limited circumstances under the law that would allow for abortion after the point in a pregnancy where cardiac activity is detected: rape, if reported to law enforcement or a health provider within 45 days; incest, if reported within 145 days; if the fetus has a fetal abnormality “incompatible with life;” or if the pregnancy is endangering the life of the pregnant woman.

Most&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-divide-republican-democratic-states-fd2e6fffffec2fdcf328d7bca1e6fd78">Republican-led states</a>&nbsp;have drastically limited abortion access in the year since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and handed authority on abortion law to the states. More than a dozen states have bans with limited exceptions and one state, Georgia, bans abortion after cardiac activity is detected.

Several other states have similar restrictions that are on hold pending court rulings, as is now the case in Iowa.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689627069496.png" alt="Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds celebrating the Heartbeat Bill last week-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds celebrating the Heartbeat Bill last week-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa judge on Monday temporarily blocked the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-abortion-ban-special-session-506e5e3fcd5517024a94a8e3a52d627e">new ban on most abortions</a>&nbsp;after about six weeks of pregnancy, just days after Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-governor-kim-reynolds-2024-election-216e52ef9ba77deda0b59ba4c41b6406">Kim Reynolds</a>&nbsp;signed the measure into law.That means abortion is once again legal in Iowa up to 20 weeks of pregnancy while the courts assess the new law’s constitutionality.The new law prohibits almost all abortions once cardiac activity can be detected, which is usually around six weeks of pregnancy and before many women know they are pregnant.The Republican-controlled Legislature approved the measure in a rare, all-day special session last week, prompting a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-abortion-ban-lawsuit-eeeec320fc6453e69075da5a118bf0c8">legal challenge</a>&nbsp;by the ACLU of Iowa, Planned Parenthood North Central States and the Emma Goldman Clinic. Judge Joseph Seidlin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-abortion-ban-signing-lawsuit-a93ee0bfd11e5ff40d3c8d815f846c5c">held a hearing</a>&nbsp;on the matter Friday, but said he would take the issue under advisement — just as Reynolds signed the bill into law about a mile away.Abortion providers said they scrambled last week to fit in as many appointments as possible before the governor put pen to paper, preemptively making hundreds of calls to prepare patients for the uncertainty and keeping clinics open late.Reynolds swiftly put out a statement underscoring her intention to fight the issue in the state Supreme Court.“The abortion industry’s attempt to thwart the will of Iowans and the voices of their elected representatives continues today," she said.The ruling Monday does specify that while the law is temporarily paused, the state's Board of Medicine should proceed with rules for enforcement so that specific rules for health care providers will be well defined if the law were to be in effect in the future.There are limited circumstances under the law that would allow for abortion after the point in a pregnancy where cardiac activity is detected: rape, if reported to law enforcement or a health provider within 45 days; incest, if reported within 145 days; if the fetus has a fetal abnormality “incompatible with life;” or if the pregnancy is endangering the life of the pregnant woman.Most&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-divide-republican-democratic-states-fd2e6fffffec2fdcf328d7bca1e6fd78">Republican-led states</a>&nbsp;have drastically limited abortion access in the year since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and handed authority on abortion law to the states. More than a dozen states have bans with limited exceptions and one state, Georgia, bans abortion after cardiac activity is detected.Several other states have similar restrictions that are on hold pending court rulings, as is now the case in Iowa.

Abortion in Iowa is legal again after a judge blocks new restrictions

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the homicide of 39-year-old Felix Whitfield of Wichita.

Just before 9p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting the 1800 block of S. Exchange in Wichita, according to Officer&nbsp; Kris Gupilan.

 Officers arrived on the scene and located Whitfield in a driveway with an apparent gunshot wound. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Preliminary investigations revealed an altercation occurred between Felix and an acquaintance and shots were fired. There were no other reports of any additional shooting victims, and this was not a random incident.

&nbsp;Detectives are actively working on this case and interviewing multiple people who may have witnessed the shooting.&nbsp; Police have not released any possible suspect information.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the homicide of 39-year-old Felix Whitfield of Wichita.Just before 9p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting the 1800 block of S. Exchange in Wichita, according to Officer&nbsp; Kris Gupilan. Officers arrived on the scene and located Whitfield in a driveway with an apparent gunshot wound. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Preliminary investigations revealed an altercation occurred between Felix and an acquaintance and shots were fired. There were no other reports of any additional shooting victims, and this was not a random incident.&nbsp;Detectives are actively working on this case and interviewing multiple people who may have witnessed the shooting.&nbsp; Police have not released any possible suspect information.

Homicide: Police found Kan. man in driveway with gunshot wound 

BUTLER COUNTY—One person died in accident just after 1pm. Saturday in Butler County.

According to Butler County Undersheriff&nbsp;Daimon Cundiff, a Nissan passenger car driven by 64-year-old Melinda Redmond, Gentry, Arkansas, was southbound on NW River Valley Road, rural Burns, Kansas.

 The driver&nbsp; failed to stop at a stop sign at NW 150th Street.

The car collided with an eastbound Chevrolet SUV driven by a 63-year-old woman from Cunningham, Kansas.

Redmond was pronounce dead at the scene. EMS transported the woman&nbsp;from Cunningham, Kansas, to a Wichita hospital for treatment of&nbsp; serious, but non-life threatening injuries.

BUTLER COUNTY—One person died in accident just after 1pm. Saturday in Butler County.According to Butler County Undersheriff&nbsp;Daimon Cundiff, a Nissan passenger car driven by 64-year-old Melinda Redmond, Gentry, Arkansas, was southbound on NW River Valley Road, rural Burns, Kansas. The driver&nbsp; failed to stop at a stop sign at NW 150th Street.The car collided with an eastbound Chevrolet SUV driven by a 63-year-old woman from Cunningham, Kansas.Redmond was pronounce dead at the scene. EMS transported the woman&nbsp;from Cunningham, Kansas, to a Wichita hospital for treatment of&nbsp; serious, but non-life threatening injuries.

Undersheriff IDs woman who died in 2-vehicle Kansas crash

First District’s Mann separates from peers by siding with far-right GOP faction

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

TOPEKA — The Kansas congressional delegation found rare agreement while weighing amendments to the U.S. Department of Defense budget bill by jointly opposing reduction in the number of nuclear armed intercontinental ballistic missiles deployed in the United States.

U.S. Reps. Jake LaTurner, Ron Estes and Tracey Mann, all Republicans, and Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids stood with an overwhelming majority in the House to block insertion of the ICBM amendment into the defense bill.

Votes on a majority of controversial amendments to the Defense Department funding deal fell along party lines, including those diluting attention to challenges of racism in the military and efforts to further restrict rights of women and transgender service members.

Mann, who serves the 1st District stretched from Colorado to Lawrence and featuring the U.S. Army based at Fort Riley, stood alone among Kansas’ representatives in Congress on three amendments tied to Ukraine’s response to an invasion by Russia.

He voted to block future military assistance to Ukraine, to end a lend-lease program with Ukraine and to forbid sale or transfer of cluster munitions to Ukraine. Those amendments, which were soundly rejected by the U.S. House, were offered by U.S. Reps. Matt Gaetz, R-Florida, Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, and Andrew Ogles, R-Tennessee.

The House forwarded the package Friday to the U.S. Senate by a margin of 219-210, with Mann, Estes and LaTurner voting “yes” and Davids casting a “no” vote. It stood little chance of passage in the Democratic-controlled Senate.

“As America faces growing threats from our adversaries, it’s vital that we strengthen our military readiness and ensure our servicemen and women have the resources they need to defend America’s interests at home and abroad,” LaTurner said.

LaTurner said the House bill would improve quality of life for troops and their families by raising wages 5.2%, broaden investment in deterring China and bring an end to “woke programs” pushed on military personnel by the administration of President Joe Biden.

Mann, Estes and LaTurner voted for — with Davids against — an amendment to end a Defense Department policy of providing time off and reimbursement to service members traveling out of state for abortion services. The amendment passed 221-213. The policy was implemented after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision granting women a nationwide right to abortion.

The same 3-1 division marked House passage of an amendment preventing the Pentagon from providing health coverage for gender reassignment surgeries or gender hormone treatments for transgender individuals. The state’s delegation split in the same manner as the House passed a measure offered by U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colorado, to keep Defense Department schools from buying or holding books espousing a “radical gender ideology.”

Estes, who serves the 4th District around Wichita, said the House bill was a strong message against the Biden administration’s “radical political agenda that does nothing to promote military readiness.”

“In addition to prioritizing military readiness and service members’ needs,” he said, “this bill curbs waste by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapons and unnecessary bureaucracy in the Pentagon.”

The delegation again divided 3-1 while the full House approved culture-war amendments aimed at deleting the Pentagon’s office of diversity, equity and inclusion, preventing the Department of Defense from creating new DEI administrative positions and forbidding use of affirmative action policies on race or ethnicity in determining admissions to military academies.

The three Kansas Republicans also favored an amendment to halt federal funding of DEI training, but that measure fell short of a majority.

In addition, the three Kansas GOP members helped pass a House amendment withdrawing Defense Department funding from efforts promoting the notion of the United States as a racist country or labeling the Declaration of Independence or U.S. Constitution as racists documents.

The LaTurner, Estes and Mann coalition voted for an amendment, which failed, to exempt the Department of Defense from the federal endangered species act. The three Kansas Republicans supported an amendment that passed 217-216 to deny the Defense Department an opportunity to implement climate change executive orders issued by Biden.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689509427030.png" alt=" U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, R-Kansas, sided with some of the House’s most conservative members on a series of votes against U.S. funding of Ukraine’s war against Russia. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, R-Kansas, sided with some of the House’s most conservative members on a series of votes against U.S. funding of Ukraine’s war against Russia. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>First District’s Mann separates from peers by siding with far-right GOP faction</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas congressional delegation found rare agreement while weighing amendments to the U.S. Department of Defense budget bill by jointly opposing reduction in the number of nuclear armed intercontinental ballistic missiles deployed in the United States.U.S. Reps. Jake LaTurner, Ron Estes and Tracey Mann, all Republicans, and Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids stood with an overwhelming majority in the House to block insertion of the ICBM amendment into the defense bill.Votes on a majority of controversial amendments to the Defense Department funding deal fell along party lines, including those diluting attention to challenges of racism in the military and efforts to further restrict rights of women and transgender service members.Mann, who serves the 1st District stretched from Colorado to Lawrence and featuring the U.S. Army based at Fort Riley, stood alone among Kansas’ representatives in Congress on three amendments tied to Ukraine’s response to an invasion by Russia.He voted to block future military assistance to Ukraine, to end a lend-lease program with Ukraine and to forbid sale or transfer of cluster munitions to Ukraine. Those amendments, which were soundly rejected by the U.S. House, were offered by U.S. Reps. Matt Gaetz, R-Florida, Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, and Andrew Ogles, R-Tennessee.<h2>‘Defend America’s interests’</h2>The House forwarded the package Friday to the U.S. Senate by a margin of 219-210, with Mann, Estes and LaTurner voting “yes” and Davids casting a “no” vote. It stood little chance of passage in the Democratic-controlled Senate.“As America faces growing threats from our adversaries, it’s vital that we strengthen our military readiness and ensure our servicemen and women have the resources they need to defend America’s interests at home and abroad,” LaTurner said.LaTurner said the House bill would improve quality of life for troops and their families by raising wages 5.2%, broaden investment in deterring China and bring an end to “woke programs” pushed on military personnel by the administration of President Joe Biden.Mann, Estes and LaTurner voted for — with Davids against — an amendment to end a Defense Department policy of providing time off and reimbursement to service members traveling out of state for abortion services. The amendment passed 221-213. The policy was implemented after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision granting women a nationwide right to abortion.The same 3-1 division marked House passage of an amendment preventing the Pentagon from providing health coverage for gender reassignment surgeries or gender hormone treatments for transgender individuals. The state’s delegation split in the same manner as the House passed a measure offered by U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colorado, to keep Defense Department schools from buying or holding books espousing a “radical gender ideology.”Estes, who serves the 4th District around Wichita, said the House bill was a strong message against the Biden administration’s “radical political agenda that does nothing to promote military readiness.”“In addition to prioritizing military readiness and service members’ needs,” he said, “this bill curbs waste by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapons and unnecessary bureaucracy in the Pentagon.”<h2>Denounce DEI policies</h2>The delegation again divided 3-1 while the full House approved culture-war amendments aimed at deleting the Pentagon’s office of diversity, equity and inclusion, preventing the Department of Defense from creating new DEI administrative positions and forbidding use of affirmative action policies on race or ethnicity in determining admissions to military academies.The three Kansas Republicans also favored an amendment to halt federal funding of DEI training, but that measure fell short of a majority.In addition, the three Kansas GOP members helped pass a House amendment withdrawing Defense Department funding from efforts promoting the notion of the United States as a racist country or labeling the Declaration of Independence or U.S. Constitution as racists documents.The LaTurner, Estes and Mann coalition voted for an amendment, which failed, to exempt the Department of Defense from the federal endangered species act. The three Kansas Republicans supported an amendment that passed 217-216 to deny the Defense Department an opportunity to implement climate change executive orders issued by Biden.

Kan. congressional delegation takes stand on Ukraine, abortion and ‘woke’ politics

SEWARD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting in southwest Kansas.

Just after 2a.m. Sunday, police responded to report of gunshots at the Capital Sport Bar, 737 South Kansas Avenue in Liberal, according to a media release.

First responders found two gunshot victims and a suspect. Police took the suspect into custody and recovered a firearm.&nbsp; EMS transported both victims to Southwest Medical Center. One of the victims later died of his injuries.&nbsp;

Police released no additional details Monday morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689612467069.png" alt="The incident occurred early Sunday -Google image" />
 <figcaption>The incident occurred early Sunday -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SEWARD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting in southwest Kansas.Just after 2a.m. Sunday, police responded to report of gunshots at the Capital Sport Bar, 737 South Kansas Avenue in Liberal, according to a media release.First responders found two gunshot victims and a suspect. Police took the suspect into custody and recovered a firearm.&nbsp; EMS transported both victims to Southwest Medical Center. One of the victims later died of his injuries.&nbsp;Police released no additional details Monday morning.

Police: 1 dead, suspect jailed after SW Kansas bar shooting

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in Topeka are attempting to locate 29-year-old Alfred A. Smith.

Just before 5:30p.m. Friday,&nbsp; police were&nbsp;dispatched to a Topeka hospital after a victim identified as 2-month-old Alonzoe K. Smith arrived with an apparent gunshot wound, according to Lt. Ronnie Connell.

The infant had arrived and was being treated for a life threatening injury. and later died.&nbsp; &nbsp; The shooting occurred in the 1000 Block of SW Mulvane Street.

Police reported Alfred Smith was last seen in a turquoise Jeep SUV.

If you have any information regarding where Smith might be, do not attempt to make contact with him, please call 911 immediately.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689544705597.png" alt="Alfred A. Smith-photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Alfred A. Smith-photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in Topeka are attempting to locate 29-year-old Alfred A. Smith.Just before 5:30p.m. Friday,&nbsp; police were&nbsp;dispatched to a Topeka hospital after a victim identified as 2-month-old Alonzoe K. Smith arrived with an apparent gunshot wound, according to Lt. Ronnie Connell.The infant had arrived and was being treated for a life threatening injury. and later died.&nbsp; &nbsp; The shooting occurred in the 1000 Block of SW Mulvane Street.Police reported Alfred Smith was last seen in a turquoise Jeep SUV.If you have any information regarding where Smith might be, do not attempt to make contact with him, please call 911 immediately.

Police: Kansas man wanted for death of 2-month old

Washington, D.C. – Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and Senator Mike Braun introduced the Middle Class Borrower Protection Act to reverse a harmful Biden administration provision that increases mortgage rates for many middle class Americans. 

In May, the Biden Administration implemented changes to the Loan-Level Price Adjustment (LLPA) that punishes responsible home buyers with good credit to subsidize those with bad credit. This bill would restore the LLPA to its former state and ensure that the irresponsible decision-making that led to this change will not be repeated.

In addition to Marshall and Braun, U.S. Senators John Thune, Thom Tillis, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Jerry Moran, Tom Cotton, John Cornyn, John Barrasso, Ted Budd, Roger Wicker, Kevin Cramer, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz and Rick Scott introduced the legislation in the Senate. Last month, Rep. Warren Davidson introduced the companion legislation which passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support.

“It is ludicrous to punish fiscally responsible buyers by charging them a higher fee in order to give risky borrowers loan-level price adjustments. Our bill will reverse this misguided choice and require the FHFA to follow the established rules and administrative procedures when making changes like this. This is unfair to every American who has worked hard and managed their finances responsibly – they shouldn’t have to pay more and be penalized for the choices of others,: said Senator Marshall.

“Helping Americans achieve the dream of homeownership shouldn’t require punishing homebuyers with good credit. Rather than subsidizing high-risk borrowers and punishing fiscal responsibility, the federal government needs to be focused on reducing housing costs to make homes more affordable for all Americans.”—Sen. Moran

“From his student loan bailout to punishing those Americans with a high credit score, President Biden’s policies punish millions of Americans for practicing fiscal responsibility. This legislation will prevent the Biden administration from forcing those with good credit scores to prop up those with bad ones," according to Senator Tom Cotton.

“The Biden administration is targeting hardworking Americans who save, diligently pay their bills, and build good credit in order to subsidize mortgages for higher-risk borrowers. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this common-sense legislation that would reverse this misguided and unfair policy," said Senator John Thune.

"Making homeownership more accessible for more Americans is laudable. However, it shouldn’t mean penalizing other Americans, which is exactly what the Biden administration is doing. The Senate should follow the House and pass this legislation to shut down this unfair and misguided scheme to social-engineer the U.S. housing market," said Senator City Hyde-Smith.

On May 1, 2023, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) implemented misguided changes to the Loan Level Pricing Adjustments (LLPA), which are one-time, upfront fees charged to lenders when Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (GSE’s) purchase their loans. These fees get passed to the borrowers in the form of higher interest rates. The change to the LLPA effectively raises rates for those with credit scores above 680 to subsidize relatively lower rates for those with credit scores below that threshold.

Washington, D.C. – Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and Senator Mike Braun introduced the Middle Class Borrower Protection Act to reverse a harmful Biden administration provision that increases mortgage rates for many middle class Americans. In May, the Biden Administration implemented changes to the Loan-Level Price Adjustment (LLPA) that punishes responsible home buyers with good credit to subsidize those with bad credit. This bill would restore the LLPA to its former state and ensure that the irresponsible decision-making that led to this change will not be repeated.In addition to Marshall and Braun, U.S. Senators John Thune, Thom Tillis, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Jerry Moran, Tom Cotton, John Cornyn, John Barrasso, Ted Budd, Roger Wicker, Kevin Cramer, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz and Rick Scott introduced the legislation in the Senate. Last month, Rep. Warren Davidson introduced the companion legislation which passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support.“It is ludicrous to punish fiscally responsible buyers by charging them a higher fee in order to give risky borrowers loan-level price adjustments. Our bill will reverse this misguided choice and require the FHFA to follow the established rules and administrative procedures when making changes like this. This is unfair to every American who has worked hard and managed their finances responsibly – they shouldn’t have to pay more and be penalized for the choices of others,: said Senator Marshall.“Helping Americans achieve the dream of homeownership shouldn’t require punishing homebuyers with good credit. Rather than subsidizing high-risk borrowers and punishing fiscal responsibility, the federal government needs to be focused on reducing housing costs to make homes more affordable for all Americans.”—Sen. Moran“From his student loan bailout to punishing those Americans with a high credit score, President Biden’s policies punish millions of Americans for practicing fiscal responsibility. This legislation will prevent the Biden administration from forcing those with good credit scores to prop up those with bad ones," according to Senator Tom Cotton.“The Biden administration is targeting hardworking Americans who save, diligently pay their bills, and build good credit in order to subsidize mortgages for higher-risk borrowers. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this common-sense legislation that would reverse this misguided and unfair policy," said Senator John Thune."Making homeownership more accessible for more Americans is laudable. However, it shouldn’t mean penalizing other Americans, which is exactly what the Biden administration is doing. The Senate should follow the House and pass this legislation to shut down this unfair and misguided scheme to social-engineer the U.S. housing market," said Senator City Hyde-Smith.On May 1, 2023, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) implemented misguided changes to the Loan Level Pricing Adjustments (LLPA), which are one-time, upfront fees charged to lenders when Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (GSE’s) purchase their loans. These fees get passed to the borrowers in the form of higher interest rates. The change to the LLPA effectively raises rates for those with credit scores above 680 to subsidize relatively lower rates for those with credit scores below that threshold.

Marshall's bill would reverse 'unfair Biden mortgage rule'

CLOUD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating vandalism at the city park in Concordia are offering a $200 reward for information that leads to an arrest and prosecution.

On Friday, police responded to report of damage at the park in the 300 Block of West 11th Street in Concordia and including the swimming pool and pickle ball courts, according to Police Chief Brent Gering.

The damage prevented the community from using the pool and courts over the weekend and resulted in costly repairs to buildings and equipment, lost wages to seasonal employees and lost revenue to the city.

Anyone with information on the vandalism, contact Concordia Police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689547541085.png" alt="Anyone with information on the vandalism, contact Concordia Police. Google image" />
 <figcaption>Anyone with information on the vandalism, contact Concordia Police. Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>CLOUD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating vandalism at the city park in Concordia are offering a $200 reward for information that leads to an arrest and prosecution.On Friday, police responded to report of damage at the park in the 300 Block of West 11th Street in Concordia and including the swimming pool and pickle ball courts, according to Police Chief Brent Gering.The damage prevented the community from using the pool and courts over the weekend and resulted in costly repairs to buildings and equipment, lost wages to seasonal employees and lost revenue to the city.Anyone with information on the vandalism, contact Concordia Police.

Reward offered after city pool, pickle ball courts vandalized 

BARTON COUNTY —The Sunday evening storm brought damaging winds and large hail to Russell, Barton and Stafford counties.

Sunflower Electric had more than a dozen high-voltage transmission structures down and three substations offline in Great Bend. Crews were on site repairing the damage overnight.

&nbsp;Midwest Energy had many poles and wires down; the city of Great Bend was the damage epicenter, with lots of window, roof and tree damage, according to the utility. Midwest Energy crews continue to work to restore service.

 Sunflower crews worked through the night to repair downed transmission structures on NE 20 Road in Great Bend. Sunflower&nbsp; hopes repairs will be completed by mid-morning to early afternoon Monday morning. This should restore power to Great Bend transmission system.  

Other repairs on Railroad Avenue in Great Bend will continue throughout the coming days.

As a reminder, stay away from downed power lines as you can't tell visually if a line is energized.

Main roads have been cleared in the city of Great Bend, according to Great Bend Fire and EMS. Not all side roads are completely cleared.&nbsp; The Fire Department will send more crews out Monday morning.

Wheatland Electric also has crews out trying to restore power to the area.&nbsp;

The National Weather Service will be conducting a damage survey across Russell and Barton Counties Monday investigating possible tornadoes from the storms.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689590471875.png" alt="Police working to clear streets in Great Bend-photo courtesy Great Bend Police" />
 <figcaption>Police working to clear streets in Great Bend-photo courtesy Great Bend Police</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —The Sunday evening storm brought damaging winds and large hail to Russell, Barton and Stafford counties.Sunflower Electric had more than a dozen high-voltage transmission structures down and three substations offline in Great Bend. Crews were on site repairing the damage overnight.&nbsp;Midwest Energy had many poles and wires down; the city of Great Bend was the damage epicenter, with lots of window, roof and tree damage, according to the utility. Midwest Energy crews continue to work to restore service.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689590725516.png" alt="Crews working overnight to restore service-photo courtesy Midwest Energy" />
 <figcaption>Crews working overnight to restore service-photo courtesy Midwest Energy</figcaption>
 </figure> Sunflower crews worked through the night to repair downed transmission structures on NE 20 Road in Great Bend. Sunflower&nbsp; hopes repairs will be completed by mid-morning to early afternoon Monday morning. This should restore power to Great Bend transmission system. Other repairs on Railroad Avenue in Great Bend will continue throughout the coming days.As a reminder, stay away from downed power lines as you can't tell visually if a line is energized.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689590996952.png" alt="Storm damage in Great Bend photo courtesy Great Bend Police" />
 <figcaption>Storm damage in Great Bend photo courtesy Great Bend Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Main roads have been cleared in the city of Great Bend, according to Great Bend Fire and EMS. Not all side roads are completely cleared.&nbsp; The Fire Department will send more crews out Monday morning.Wheatland Electric also has crews out trying to restore power to the area.&nbsp;There are no reports of injuries.&nbsp; The National Weather Service will be conducting a damage survey across Russell and Barton Counties Monday investigating possible tornadoes from the storms.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Crews working to restore power, clear roads after Kansas storm

TOPEKA – The Linn County Sheriff’s Office reported that Jerald Tuchscherer was located in Osage County, Oklahoma. He is now safe and has been reunited with family, according to a media release from the KBI. The silver alert is canceled.

LINN COUNTY – The Linn County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Mapleton man, according to a media release.

The whereabouts of 72-year-old Jerald D. Tuchscherer are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

Jerald is likely driving a silver 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 bearing Kansas tag 061MFZ. The truck is missing its front bumper. He was last seen at his home in Mapleton, around 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 16.

Jerald is described as a white male who is 6 feet tall and weighs around 220 pounds. He has blue eyes and grey hair. Jerald was last seen wearing grey sweat pants, a blue t-shirt and black and red flannel. He has a heart condition and other medical conditions which may cause confusion.

If you see Jerald Tuchscherer or his vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Linn County Sheriff’s Office at 913-795-2665.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689587748829.png" alt="Jerald Tuchscherer-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Jerald Tuchscherer-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – The Linn County Sheriff’s Office reported that Jerald Tuchscherer was located in Osage County, Oklahoma. He is now safe and has been reunited with family, according to a media release from the KBI. The silver alert is canceled.------------LINN COUNTY – The Linn County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Mapleton man, according to a media release.The whereabouts of 72-year-old Jerald D. Tuchscherer are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.Jerald is likely driving a silver 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 bearing Kansas tag 061MFZ. The truck is missing its front bumper. He was last seen at his home in Mapleton, around 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 16.Jerald is described as a white male who is 6 feet tall and weighs around 220 pounds. He has blue eyes and grey hair. Jerald was last seen wearing grey sweat pants, a blue t-shirt and black and red flannel. He has a heart condition and other medical conditions which may cause confusion.If you see Jerald Tuchscherer or his vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Linn County Sheriff’s Office at 913-795-2665.

KBI: Silver Alert canceled, missing Kan. man found in Oklahoma

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview published Sunday that Russia has a “sufficient stockpile” of cluster munitions, and warned that Russia “reserves the right to take reciprocal action” if Ukraine uses the controversial weapons.

In his first comments on the delivery of cluster munitions to Ukraine from the U.S., Putin said that Russia has not used cluster bombs in its war in Ukraine so far. The use of cluster bombs by both Russia and Ukraine has been widely documented, including by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/interactive/ap-russia-war-crimes-ukraine/">The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;and international humanitarian organizations, and cluster rounds have been found in the aftermath of Russian strikes.

“Until now, we have not done this, we have not used it, and we have not had such a need,” he said,

Rossiya TV reporter Pavel Zarubin published excerpts of the interview to his Telegram channel Sunday ahead of a scheduled broadcast Sunday night.

The Pentagon said Thursday that cluster munitions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cluster-bombs-ukraine-biden-russia-unexploded-ordnance-cc16c482d86b34102ffeac6ee682a524">provided by the United States</a>&nbsp;had arrived in Ukraine.

The munitions, which are bombs that open in the air and release scores of smaller bomblets, are seen by the U.S. as a way to get Kyiv critically needed ammunition to help bolster its offensive and push through Russian front lines. U.S. leaders debated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-cluster-munition-war-7332fa86b3c52d1ea8d63f92a7d5c2cb">the thorny issue</a>&nbsp;for months, before President Joe Biden made the final decision last week.

Cluster bombs have long been criticized by humanitarian groups, and some U.S. allies, because those used in previous conflicts have had a high “dud rate,” meaning that they often leave behind unexploded bomblets that can harm civilians long after a battle has ended.

Proponents argue that Russia has already been using cluster munitions in Ukraine and that the weapons the U.S. is providing have been improved to leave behind far fewer unexploded rounds. Ukraine has promised to use them only away from densely populated areas.

The Ukrainian military said in a regular update Sunday morning that over the previous 24 hours Russia had launched two Iranian-made Shahed exploding drones, two cruise missiles and two anti-aircraft guided missiles, in addition to 40 airstrikes and 46 attacks from multiple rocket launchers.

The Ukrainian General Staff wrote that Russia continues to concentrate on offensive operations in Ukraine’s industrial east. Donetsk regional Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko said Sunday that two residents of the region were killed on Saturday, and one other person was wounded.

Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said Sunday that fighting in eastern Ukraine had “somewhat intensified,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-counteroffensive-explainer-ff774fce8608b464a406ae087b1a3607">amid a slow counteroffensive</a>&nbsp;in which Ukraine has made small territorial gains.

Writing on Telegram, she said that Russia had been “actively attacking” in the direction of Kupiansk in the northeastern Kharkiv region for two consecutive days, and that Ukrainian forces were “on the defensive” in the area.

“There are fierce battles, the positions of both sides change dynamically several times a day,” she wrote.

Maliar wrote that Ukrainian troops were trying to hold on to their positions on the northern flank around the destroyed city of Bakhmut, but reported that Ukrainian forces were “advancing daily” on the southern flank. Ukraine has been trying to encircle the city since losing control of it to Russia in May.

Putin claimed that the Ukrainian counteroffensive had been futile, in another excerpt published by Zarubin.

“All attempts by the enemy to break through our defenses (...) they were unsuccessful during the entire offensive. The enemy is having no success!” Putin said.

Elsewhere in the country, two boys, aged eight and 10, were wounded when an explosive device left by Russian forces detonated in the southern region of Kherson on Sunday, according to the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office.

Regional Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin said that Russia had launched 69 shelling attacks against Kherson region. A 59-year-old man died on Saturday when attempting to disarm a round in the regional capital, also called Kherson.

Yurii Malashko, governor of the neighboring, partly occupied, Zaporizhzhia region, said Russia had attacked 13 populated areas in the region, wounding seven people in the town of Stepnohirsk.

Moscow-installed authorities in Russian-occupied Crimea on Sunday reported “a massive and prolonged” drone attack overnight targeting Sevastopol, the peninsula’s largest port, which hosts Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. According to Moscow-installed Sevastopol governor Mikhail Razvozhaev, air defense shot down all of the drones and there was no damage.

Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Russia’s Belgorod region, said that a woman was killed Sunday by shelling in the town of Shebekino near the border with Ukraine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663760963726.jpeg" alt="Image from a video released by the Russian Presidential Press Service&nbsp; via AP)" />
 <figcaption>Image from a video released by the Russian Presidential Press Service&nbsp; via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview published Sunday that Russia has a “sufficient stockpile” of cluster munitions, and warned that Russia “reserves the right to take reciprocal action” if Ukraine uses the controversial weapons.In his first comments on the delivery of cluster munitions to Ukraine from the U.S., Putin said that Russia has not used cluster bombs in its war in Ukraine so far. The use of cluster bombs by both Russia and Ukraine has been widely documented, including by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/interactive/ap-russia-war-crimes-ukraine/">The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;and international humanitarian organizations, and cluster rounds have been found in the aftermath of Russian strikes.“Until now, we have not done this, we have not used it, and we have not had such a need,” he said,Rossiya TV reporter Pavel Zarubin published excerpts of the interview to his Telegram channel Sunday ahead of a scheduled broadcast Sunday night.The Pentagon said Thursday that cluster munitions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cluster-bombs-ukraine-biden-russia-unexploded-ordnance-cc16c482d86b34102ffeac6ee682a524">provided by the United States</a>&nbsp;had arrived in Ukraine.The munitions, which are bombs that open in the air and release scores of smaller bomblets, are seen by the U.S. as a way to get Kyiv critically needed ammunition to help bolster its offensive and push through Russian front lines. U.S. leaders debated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-cluster-munition-war-7332fa86b3c52d1ea8d63f92a7d5c2cb">the thorny issue</a>&nbsp;for months, before President Joe Biden made the final decision last week.Cluster bombs have long been criticized by humanitarian groups, and some U.S. allies, because those used in previous conflicts have had a high “dud rate,” meaning that they often leave behind unexploded bomblets that can harm civilians long after a battle has ended.Proponents argue that Russia has already been using cluster munitions in Ukraine and that the weapons the U.S. is providing have been improved to leave behind far fewer unexploded rounds. Ukraine has promised to use them only away from densely populated areas.The Ukrainian military said in a regular update Sunday morning that over the previous 24 hours Russia had launched two Iranian-made Shahed exploding drones, two cruise missiles and two anti-aircraft guided missiles, in addition to 40 airstrikes and 46 attacks from multiple rocket launchers.The Ukrainian General Staff wrote that Russia continues to concentrate on offensive operations in Ukraine’s industrial east. Donetsk regional Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko said Sunday that two residents of the region were killed on Saturday, and one other person was wounded.Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said Sunday that fighting in eastern Ukraine had “somewhat intensified,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-counteroffensive-explainer-ff774fce8608b464a406ae087b1a3607">amid a slow counteroffensive</a>&nbsp;in which Ukraine has made small territorial gains.Writing on Telegram, she said that Russia had been “actively attacking” in the direction of Kupiansk in the northeastern Kharkiv region for two consecutive days, and that Ukrainian forces were “on the defensive” in the area.“There are fierce battles, the positions of both sides change dynamically several times a day,” she wrote.Maliar wrote that Ukrainian troops were trying to hold on to their positions on the northern flank around the destroyed city of Bakhmut, but reported that Ukrainian forces were “advancing daily” on the southern flank. Ukraine has been trying to encircle the city since losing control of it to Russia in May.Putin claimed that the Ukrainian counteroffensive had been futile, in another excerpt published by Zarubin.“All attempts by the enemy to break through our defenses (...) they were unsuccessful during the entire offensive. The enemy is having no success!” Putin said.Elsewhere in the country, two boys, aged eight and 10, were wounded when an explosive device left by Russian forces detonated in the southern region of Kherson on Sunday, according to the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office.Regional Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin said that Russia had launched 69 shelling attacks against Kherson region. A 59-year-old man died on Saturday when attempting to disarm a round in the regional capital, also called Kherson.Yurii Malashko, governor of the neighboring, partly occupied, Zaporizhzhia region, said Russia had attacked 13 populated areas in the region, wounding seven people in the town of Stepnohirsk.Moscow-installed authorities in Russian-occupied Crimea on Sunday reported “a massive and prolonged” drone attack overnight targeting Sevastopol, the peninsula’s largest port, which hosts Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. According to Moscow-installed Sevastopol governor Mikhail Razvozhaev, air defense shot down all of the drones and there was no damage.Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Russia’s Belgorod region, said that a woman was killed Sunday by shelling in the town of Shebekino near the border with Ukraine.

Putin issues threat as U.S. cluster bombs arrive in Ukraine

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Two Kansas men were sentenced to substantial terms of imprisonment following their convictions on kidnapping, firearm, and drug charges, according to the United State's Attorney.

In February 2023, a federal jury found David Carr, 36, of Kansas City, and James Michael Poterbin, 47, of Edwardsville, guilty of kidnapping, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and discharging a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime.

On July 6, a U.S. District Judge sentenced Carr to life in prison and Poterbin to 40 years of imprisonment.

The convictions and sentences relate to the 2019 kidnapping and torture of a victim in Kansas City, Kansas. 

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, after Carr and Poterbin mistakenly believed a woman had stolen drug money from them, they kidnapped her boyfriend and demanded payment for his release.

After beating, shooting, and stabbing the victim, Carr and Poterbin believed the victim was dead and left him in the house for days before he was discovered by another individual. After the victim was found alive and rescued, Carr ordered a co-conspirator to burn the house to the ground, endangering neighbors and first responders.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department investigated the case. The Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department investigated the arson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596120381636.png" alt="Carr-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Carr-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Two Kansas men were sentenced to substantial terms of imprisonment following their convictions on kidnapping, firearm, and drug charges, according to the United State's Attorney.In February 2023, a federal jury found David Carr, 36, of Kansas City, and James Michael Poterbin, 47, of Edwardsville, guilty of kidnapping, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and discharging a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596120824220.png" alt="Poterbin-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Poterbin-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On July 6, a U.S. District Judge sentenced Carr to life in prison and Poterbin to 40 years of imprisonment.The convictions and sentences relate to the 2019 kidnapping and torture of a victim in Kansas City, Kansas. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, after Carr and Poterbin mistakenly believed a woman had stolen drug money from them, they kidnapped her boyfriend and demanded payment for his release.After beating, shooting, and stabbing the victim, Carr and Poterbin believed the victim was dead and left him in the house for days before he was discovered by another individual. After the victim was found alive and rescued, Carr ordered a co-conspirator to burn the house to the ground, endangering neighbors and first responders.The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department investigated the case. The Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department investigated the arson.

2 Kan. men kidnapped, tortured victim and burned down home

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with one count of making a firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Trenton Espinoza, 19, of Wichita is accused of modifying an Anderson Manufacturing rifle to an overall length of less than 26 inches and to a barrel length of less than 16 inches.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689187482143.png" alt="Espinoza photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Espinoza photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with one count of making a firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, Trenton Espinoza, 19, of Wichita is accused of modifying an Anderson Manufacturing rifle to an overall length of less than 26 inches and to a barrel length of less than 16 inches.The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case.

Indictment: Kan. man modified rifle in violation of federal law

NEOSHO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are praising the work of a K-9 officer after recent arrests.

On July 11, Kansas Game Warden Sievert and Game Warden Austin were on patrol when Kansas Highway Patrol initiated a vehicle pursuit ending in rural Neosho County, according to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks game wardens.

KHP and the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office requested a Wildlife and Parks K-9 after both suspects ran on foot into the brush. On deployment, K-9 Apollo went into tracking profile, leading the officers across the field and into the brush where both suspects were laying in tall grass.

 Later, on an area search, Apollo located the suspect's phone and knife. 

Both individuals were arrested and booked into the Neosho County jail, and several charges were filed in Neosho and Montgomery counties.

On the morning of July 7, Game Warden Sievert and K-9 Apollo were requested following the conclusion of a vehicle pursuit with a convicted felon initiated by the Parsons Police Department. 

Once the suspect was in custody, police and Labette County Sheriff’s Office believed parts of a firearm had been discarded out in the tall grass on the side of the Highway to hide evidence. 

Upon deployment, Apollo made quick work of the road ditch, alerting on the components of the firearm that were thrown further down the highway.Apollo was rewarded with his Kong toy and a Pup Cup.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689366111369.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEOSHO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are praising the work of a K-9 officer after recent arrests.On July 11, Kansas Game Warden Sievert and Game Warden Austin were on patrol when Kansas Highway Patrol initiated a vehicle pursuit ending in rural Neosho County, according to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks game wardens.KHP and the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office requested a Wildlife and Parks K-9 after both suspects ran on foot into the brush. On deployment, K-9 Apollo went into tracking profile, leading the officers across the field and into the brush where both suspects were laying in tall grass. Later, on an area search, Apollo located the suspect's phone and knife. Both individuals were arrested and booked into the Neosho County jail, and several charges were filed in Neosho and Montgomery counties.On the morning of July 7, Game Warden Sievert and K-9 Apollo were requested following the conclusion of a vehicle pursuit with a convicted felon initiated by the Parsons Police Department. Once the suspect was in custody, police and Labette County Sheriff’s Office believed parts of a firearm had been discarded out in the tall grass on the side of the Highway to hide evidence. Upon deployment, Apollo made quick work of the road ditch, alerting on the components of the firearm that were thrown further down the highway.Apollo was rewarded with his Kong toy and a Pup Cup.

Kan. game warden's K-9 helps capture suspects, evidence

KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City-area man pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to stealing more than $340,000 by continuing to collect his grandmother’s veteran survivor benefits following her death almost 30 years ago, according to the United State's Attorney.

Jeffrey L. Tyler, 67, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to a federal information that charges him with one count of the theft of government property.

By pleading guilty, Tyler admitted that he spent $340,934 in veteran survivor benefits from his grandmother’s bank account on his own personal expenses. Tyler’s grandmother received veteran survivor benefits based on her husband’s military service. She died on Nov. 26, 1993, but the benefits continued to be deposited into her bank account. The account received $1,110 per month, a total of $13,320 per year.

Tyler was also on his grandmother’s bank account. The bank records show that the money was spent on personal expenses for Tyler, including hundreds of signed checks by Tyler for such items as water and electric bills. The total amount of benefits converted by Tyler was approximately $338,316. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Tyler must pay $340,934 in restitution to the government.

Under federal statutes, Tyler is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City-area man pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to stealing more than $340,000 by continuing to collect his grandmother’s veteran survivor benefits following her death almost 30 years ago, according to the United State's Attorney.Jeffrey L. Tyler, 67, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to a federal information that charges him with one count of the theft of government property.By pleading guilty, Tyler admitted that he spent $340,934 in veteran survivor benefits from his grandmother’s bank account on his own personal expenses. Tyler’s grandmother received veteran survivor benefits based on her husband’s military service. She died on Nov. 26, 1993, but the benefits continued to be deposited into her bank account. The account received $1,110 per month, a total of $13,320 per year.Tyler was also on his grandmother’s bank account. The bank records show that the money was spent on personal expenses for Tyler, including hundreds of signed checks by Tyler for such items as water and electric bills. The total amount of benefits converted by Tyler was approximately $338,316. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Tyler must pay $340,934 in restitution to the government.Under federal statutes, Tyler is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

KC-area man stole veteran survivor benefits for 30-years

By STEFANIE DAZIO and LARRY FENN Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Slain at the hands of strangers or gunned down by loved ones. Massacred in small towns, in big cities, inside their own homes or outside in broad daylight. This year's unrelenting bloodshed across the U.S. has led to the grimmest of milestones: The deadliest six months of mass killings recorded since at least 2006.

From Jan. 1 to June 30, the nation endured 28 mass killings, all but one of which involved guns. The death toll rose just about every week, a constant cycle of violence and grief.

Six months. 181 days. 28 mass killings. 140 victims. One country.

"What a ghastly milestone," said Brent Leatherwood, whose three children were in class at a private Christian school in Nashville on March 27 when a former student killed three children and three adults. "You never think your family would be a part of a statistic like that."

Leatherwood, a prominent Republican in a state that hasn't strengthened gun laws, believes something must be done to get guns out of the hands of people who might become violent. The shock of seeing the bloodshed strike so close to home has prompted him to speak out.

"You may as well say Martians have landed, right? It's hard to wrap your mind around it," he said.

A mass killing is defined as an occurrence when four or more people are slain, not including the assailant, within a 24-hour period. A database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University tracks this large-scale violence dating back to 2006.

The 2023 milestone beat the previous record of 27 mass killings, which was only set in the second half of 2022. James Alan Fox, a criminology professor at Northeastern University, never imagined records like this when he began overseeing the database about five years ago.

"We used to say there were two to three dozen a year," Fox said. "The fact that there's 28 in half a year is a staggering statistic."

But the chaos of the first six months of 2023 doesn't automatically doom the last six months. The remainder of the year could be calmer, despite more violence over the July Fourthholiday weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687710602889.png" alt="KC Police on the scene of&nbsp; the mass shooting at&nbsp; an after hours club near 57th and Prospect Avenue June 26-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>KC Police on the scene of&nbsp; the mass shooting at&nbsp; an after hours club near 57th and Prospect Avenue June 26-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEFANIE DAZIO and LARRY FENN Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) — Slain at the hands of strangers or gunned down by loved ones. Massacred in small towns, in big cities, inside their own homes or outside in broad daylight. This year's unrelenting bloodshed across the U.S. has led to the grimmest of milestones: The deadliest six months of mass killings recorded since at least 2006.From Jan. 1 to June 30, the nation endured 28 mass killings, all but one of which involved guns. The death toll rose just about every week, a constant cycle of violence and grief.Six months. 181 days. 28 mass killings. 140 victims. One country."What a ghastly milestone," said Brent Leatherwood, whose three children were in class at a private Christian school in Nashville on March 27 when a former student killed three children and three adults. "You never think your family would be a part of a statistic like that."Leatherwood, a prominent Republican in a state that hasn't strengthened gun laws, believes something must be done to get guns out of the hands of people who might become violent. The shock of seeing the bloodshed strike so close to home has prompted him to speak out."You may as well say Martians have landed, right? It's hard to wrap your mind around it," he said.A mass killing is defined as an occurrence when four or more people are slain, not including the assailant, within a 24-hour period. A database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University tracks this large-scale violence dating back to 2006.The 2023 milestone beat the previous record of 27 mass killings, which was only set in the second half of 2022. James Alan Fox, a criminology professor at Northeastern University, never imagined records like this when he began overseeing the database about five years ago."We used to say there were two to three dozen a year," Fox said. "The fact that there's 28 in half a year is a staggering statistic."But the chaos of the first six months of 2023 doesn't automatically doom the last six months. The remainder of the year could be calmer, despite more violence over the July Fourthholiday weekend."Hopefully it was just a blip," said Dr. Amy Barnhorst, a psychiatrist who is the associate director of the Violence Prevention Research Program at the University of California, Davis."There could be fewer killings later in 2023, or this could be part of a trend. But we won't know for sometime," she added.Experts like Barnhorst and Fox attribute the rising bloodshed to a growing population with an increased number of guns in the U.S. Yet for all the headlines, mass killings are statistically rare and represent a fraction of the country's overall gun violence."We need to keep it in perspective," Fox said.But the mass violence most often spurs attempts to reform gun laws, even if the efforts are not always successful.Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, had urged the General Assembly in the wake of the Nashville school shooting to pass legislation keeping firearms away from people who could harm themselves or others, so-called "red flag laws," though Lee says the term is politically toxic.Getting such a measure passed in Tennessee is an uphill climb. The Republican-led Legislature adjourned earlier this year without taking on gun control, prompting Lee to schedule a special session for August.Leatherwood, a former executive director of the Tennessee Republican Party and now the head of the influential Southern Baptist Convention's public policy arm, wrote a letter to lawmakers asking them to pass the governor's proposal.Leatherwood said he doesn't want any other family to go through what his children experienced at the time of the shooting when they were in kindergarten, second grade and fourth grade. One of his kids, preparing for a recent sleepaway camp, asked whether they would be safe there."Our child was asking, 'Do you think that there will be a gunman that comes to this camp? Do I need to be worried about that?'" Leatherwood said.The Nashville shooter, whose writings Leatherwood and other parents are asking a court to keep private, used three guns in the attack, including an AR-15-style rifle. It was one of at least four mass killings in the first half of 2023 involving such a weapon, according to the database.Nearly all of the mass killings in the first half of this year, 27 of 28, involved guns. The other was a fire that killed four people in a home in Monroe, Louisiana. A 37-year-old man was arrested on arson and murder charges in connection with the March 31 deaths.Despite the unprecedented carnage, the National Rifle Association maintains fierce opposition to regulating firearms, including AR-15-style rifles and similar weapons."Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' constant efforts to gut the Second Amendment will not usher in safety for Americans; instead, it will only embolden criminals," NRA spokesman Billy McLaughlin said in a statement. "That is why the NRA continues our fight for self-defense laws. Rest assured, we will never bow, we will never retreat, and we will never apologize for championing the self-defense rights of law-abiding Americans."Tito Anchondo's brother, Andre Anchondo, was among 23 people killed in a 2019 mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas. The gunman was sentenced last week to 90 consecutive life sentences but could face more punishment, including the death penalty. The prosecution of the racist attack on Hispanic shoppers in the border city was one of the U.S. government's largest hate crime cases.Andre Anchondo and his wife, Jordan, died shielding their 2-month-old son from bullets. Paul, who escaped with just broken bones, is now 4 years old.Tito Anchondo said he feels like the country has forgotten about the El Paso victims in the years since and that not nearly enough has been done to stem the bloodshed. He worries about Paul's future."I hope that things can drastically change because this country is going down a very, very slippery slope; a downward spiral," he said. "It's just a little unnerving to know that he's eventually going to go to school with kids that also may bring a gun to school."___Dazio reported from Los Angeles.