KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly Independence Day shooting at a gas station in Kansas City have identified the man who died as 41-year-old Ronald Kendall.

Just&nbsp;after 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting at 8505 Woodland in Kansas City, according to Police Captain Corey Carlisle. First responders located Kendall inside the gas station unresponsive and suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Officers performed life saving measures. EMS arrived on scene and declared the him deceased. The second victim, a teenage boy, was shot and transported to an area hospital in stable condition. Police did not provide an update on the teen and have not reported any suspect details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688564613976.png" alt="Police investigators at the scene of the investigation early Wednesday photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Police investigators at the scene of the investigation early Wednesday photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly Independence Day shooting at a gas station in Kansas City have identified the man who died as 41-year-old Ronald Kendall.Just&nbsp;after 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting at 8505 Woodland in Kansas City, according to Police Captain Corey Carlisle. First responders located Kendall inside the gas station unresponsive and suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Officers performed life saving measures. EMS arrived on scene and declared the him deceased. The second victim, a teenage boy, was shot and transported to an area hospital in stable condition. Police did not provide an update on the teen and have not reported any suspect details.

Police ID victim killed July 4, inside Kansas City gas station 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has decided to provide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-cluster-munitions-milley-counteroffensive-54eef6f03bb5eaf09303887593831df2">cluster munitions</a>&nbsp;to Ukraine and is expected to announce on Friday that the Pentagon will send thousands as part of the latest military aid package for the war effort against Russia, according to people familiar with the decision.

The decision comes despite widespread concerns that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-afghanistan-israel-syria-europe-4ac7b012f2b63567ffde368f65283921">controversial bombs</a>&nbsp;can cause civilian casualties. The Pentagon will provide munitions that have a reduced “dud rate,” meaning there will be far fewer unexploded rounds that can result in unintended civilian deaths.

U.S. officials said Thursday that the cluster munitions would be part of about $800 million in new military assistance to Ukraine.

Long sought by Ukraine, cluster bombs are weapons that open in the air, releasing submunitions, or “bomblets,” that are dispersed over a large area and are intended to wreak destruction on multiple targets at once.

The officials and others familiar with the decision were not authorized to publicly discuss the move before the official announcement and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Ukrainian officials have asked for the weapons to aid their campaign to push through lines of Russian troops and make gains in the ongoing counteroffensive. Russian forces are already using cluster munitions on the battlefield, U.S. officials have said.

According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.icrc.org/en/war-and-law/weapons/cluster-munitions">International Committee of the Red Cross</a>, some cluster munitions leave behind “bomblets’’ that have a high rate of failure to explode — up to 40% in some cases. U.S. officials said Thursday that the rate of unexploded ordnance for the munitions that will be going to Ukraine is less than 3% and therefore will mean fewer threats left behind to civilians.

Cluster bombs can be fired by artillery that the U.S. has provided to Ukraine, and the Pentagon has a large stockpile of them.

The last large-scale American use of cluster bombs was during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, according to the Pentagon. But U.S. forces considered them a key weapon during the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, according to Human Rights Watch. In the first three years of that conflict, it is estimated the U.S.-led coalition dropped more than 1,500 cluster bombs in Afghanistan.

Proponents of banning cluster bombs say they kill indiscriminately and endanger civilians long after their use. Groups have raised alarms about Russia’s use of the munitions in Ukraine.

A convention banning the use of cluster bombs has been joined by more than 120 countries who agreed not to use, produce, transfer or stockpile the weapons and to clear them after they’ve been used.

The United States, Russia and Ukraine are among the countries that have not signed on.

It is not clear how America’s NATO allies would view the U.S. providing cluster bombs to Ukraine and whether the issue might prove divisive for their largely united support of Kyiv. More than two-thirds of the 30 countries in the alliance are signatories of the 2010 convention on cluster munitions.

Laura Cooper, a deputy assistant secretary of defense focusing on Russia and Ukraine, recently testified to Congress that the Pentagon has assessed that such munitions would help Kyiv press through Russia’s dug-in positions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688676274185.png" alt="Pentagon spokesman U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder speaks during a media briefing on Thursday-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Pentagon spokesman U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder speaks during a media briefing on Thursday-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has decided to provide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-cluster-munitions-milley-counteroffensive-54eef6f03bb5eaf09303887593831df2">cluster munitions</a>&nbsp;to Ukraine and is expected to announce on Friday that the Pentagon will send thousands as part of the latest military aid package for the war effort against Russia, according to people familiar with the decision.The decision comes despite widespread concerns that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-afghanistan-israel-syria-europe-4ac7b012f2b63567ffde368f65283921">controversial bombs</a>&nbsp;can cause civilian casualties. The Pentagon will provide munitions that have a reduced “dud rate,” meaning there will be far fewer unexploded rounds that can result in unintended civilian deaths.U.S. officials said Thursday that the cluster munitions would be part of about $800 million in new military assistance to Ukraine.Long sought by Ukraine, cluster bombs are weapons that open in the air, releasing submunitions, or “bomblets,” that are dispersed over a large area and are intended to wreak destruction on multiple targets at once.The officials and others familiar with the decision were not authorized to publicly discuss the move before the official announcement and spoke on condition of anonymity.Ukrainian officials have asked for the weapons to aid their campaign to push through lines of Russian troops and make gains in the ongoing counteroffensive. Russian forces are already using cluster munitions on the battlefield, U.S. officials have said.According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.icrc.org/en/war-and-law/weapons/cluster-munitions">International Committee of the Red Cross</a>, some cluster munitions leave behind “bomblets’’ that have a high rate of failure to explode — up to 40% in some cases. U.S. officials said Thursday that the rate of unexploded ordnance for the munitions that will be going to Ukraine is less than 3% and therefore will mean fewer threats left behind to civilians.Cluster bombs can be fired by artillery that the U.S. has provided to Ukraine, and the Pentagon has a large stockpile of them.The last large-scale American use of cluster bombs was during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, according to the Pentagon. But U.S. forces considered them a key weapon during the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, according to Human Rights Watch. In the first three years of that conflict, it is estimated the U.S.-led coalition dropped more than 1,500 cluster bombs in Afghanistan.Proponents of banning cluster bombs say they kill indiscriminately and endanger civilians long after their use. Groups have raised alarms about Russia’s use of the munitions in Ukraine.A convention banning the use of cluster bombs has been joined by more than 120 countries who agreed not to use, produce, transfer or stockpile the weapons and to clear them after they’ve been used.The United States, Russia and Ukraine are among the countries that have not signed on.It is not clear how America’s NATO allies would view the U.S. providing cluster bombs to Ukraine and whether the issue might prove divisive for their largely united support of Kyiv. More than two-thirds of the 30 countries in the alliance are signatories of the 2010 convention on cluster munitions.Laura Cooper, a deputy assistant secretary of defense focusing on Russia and Ukraine, recently testified to Congress that the Pentagon has assessed that such munitions would help Kyiv press through Russia’s dug-in positions.

 $800 million in new aid: US giving cluster bombs to Ukraine

SEDGWICK COUNTY – The Wichita Police Department requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Wichita man.

The whereabouts of 74-year-old George C. Smith are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

George is likely driving a black 2002 Ford F150 bearing Kansas tag 881PKK. He was last seen in the 7700 block of East Kellogg in Wichita, Friday June 30, at approximately 9:30 a.m. He may have traveled southbound on I-35 toward Oklahoma.

George is described as a black male who is 5-feet-5 inches tall and weighs around 175 pounds. He was last seen wearing a dark blue button-down shirt and blue shorts. George requires dialysis several times a week and missed his appointment. He is also diabetic and doesn't have necessary medication.

If you see George Smith or his vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Wichita Police Department at 316-268-4111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688258232709.png" alt="George Smith -photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>George Smith -photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY – The Wichita Police Department requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Wichita man.The whereabouts of 74-year-old George C. Smith are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.George is likely driving a black 2002 Ford F150 bearing Kansas tag 881PKK. He was last seen in the 7700 block of East Kellogg in Wichita, Friday June 30, at approximately 9:30 a.m. He may have traveled southbound on I-35 toward Oklahoma.George is described as a black male who is 5-feet-5 inches tall and weighs around 175 pounds. He was last seen wearing a dark blue button-down shirt and blue shorts. George requires dialysis several times a week and missed his appointment. He is also diabetic and doesn't have necessary medication.If you see George Smith or his vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Wichita Police Department at 316-268-4111.

KBI: Silver Alert continues for missing Kansas man

KANSAS CITY — A Kansas City-area man faces charges for business robberies in Independence in April, May and June, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Zachary I. Caldwell, 24, is charged with four counts of Robbery in the 1st Degree.

According to court records filed June 30, Caldwell robbed four Independence business in 2023: on April 20, at a Walgreens on South Sterling Avenue, on May 14, 2023, at a CVS on West 23rd Street, on May 20 at a Metro by T-Mobile store on East 23rd Street and on June 7, at the same Metro b T-Mobile store he robbed in May. 

Video surveillance at each business captured the robberies and allowed detectives to identify him. He remains in the Jackson County Jail, according to online court records.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688215838261.png" alt="Caldwell-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Caldwell-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — A Kansas City-area man faces charges for business robberies in Independence in April, May and June, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Zachary I. Caldwell, 24, is charged with four counts of Robbery in the 1st Degree.According to court records filed June 30, Caldwell robbed four Independence business in 2023: on April 20, at a Walgreens on South Sterling Avenue, on May 14, 2023, at a CVS on West 23rd Street, on May 20 at a Metro by T-Mobile store on East 23rd Street and on June 7, at the same Metro b T-Mobile store he robbed in May. Video surveillance at each business captured the robberies and allowed detectives to identify him. He remains in the Jackson County Jail, according to online court records.&nbsp;

KC-area man accused of robberies at four business

FINNEY CCOUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges who allegedly struck a police officer's&nbsp;&nbsp;vehicle twice. 

Just after 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to report of a reckless driver near the intersection of Spruce Street and Campus Drive in Garden City, according to a media release.

 An officer located a Chevy Silverado, driven by 56-year-old Edward Cavasos, stopped in the middle of the intersection of Spruce Street and Jennie Barker Road who crossed multiple lanes of traffic. 

Cavasos proceeded to strike the front of the Officer’s police car and left the scene. The Officer conducted a traffic stop in the 3400 block of E. Spruce Street, and Cavasos again hit the Officer’s vehicle before coming to a stop. 

Through further investigation, it was determined that Cavasos was driving under the influence. Cavasos was taken into custody and transported to St. Catherine Hospital for evaluation.

An affidavit for Cavasos was filed requesting requested charges of Aggravated Battery LEO, DUI (5th), Hit and Run, Transporting an Open Container, Driving While Suspended, Driving on Unapproved Surface, Unable to Maintain Lane, and Reckless Driving. The case has been forwarded to the Finney County Attorney’s Office for further review.

The officer was not injured, and no other injuries or property damage were reported from the accident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688650426382.png" alt="Cavasos-photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Cavasos-photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY CCOUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges who allegedly struck a police officer's&nbsp;&nbsp;vehicle twice. Just after 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to report of a reckless driver near the intersection of Spruce Street and Campus Drive in Garden City, according to a media release. An officer located a Chevy Silverado, driven by 56-year-old Edward Cavasos, stopped in the middle of the intersection of Spruce Street and Jennie Barker Road who crossed multiple lanes of traffic. Cavasos proceeded to strike the front of the Officer’s police car and left the scene. The Officer conducted a traffic stop in the 3400 block of E. Spruce Street, and Cavasos again hit the Officer’s vehicle before coming to a stop. Through further investigation, it was determined that Cavasos was driving under the influence. Cavasos was taken into custody and transported to St. Catherine Hospital for evaluation.An affidavit for Cavasos was filed requesting requested charges of Aggravated Battery LEO, DUI (5th), Hit and Run, Transporting an Open Container, Driving While Suspended, Driving on Unapproved Surface, Unable to Maintain Lane, and Reckless Driving. The case has been forwarded to the Finney County Attorney’s Office for further review.The officer was not injured, and no other injuries or property damage were reported from the accident.

SW Kansas driver's pickup struck police vehicle twice

WASHINGTON (AP) — Russian fighter jets flew dangerously close to several U.S. drone aircraft over Syria again Thursday, setting off flares and forcing the MQ-9 Reapers to take evasive maneuvers, the Air Force said.

It was the second time in 24 hours that Russia has harassed U.S. drones there.

“We urge Russian forces in Syria to cease this reckless behavior and adhere to the standards of behavior expected of a professional air force so we can resume our focus on the enduring defeat of ISIS,” Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, head of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, said in a statement.

Col. Michael Andrews, Air Forces Central Command spokesman, said “the Russian harassment, including close fly-bys, by one SU-34 and one SU-35 and deploying flares directly into the MQ-9, lasted almost an hour. So it wasn’t a quick fly-by, but much more of a sustained and unprofessional interaction.”

<a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/video/889328/russian-unprofessional-behavior-over-syria-5-july-2023">U.S. Air Forces Central</a>&nbsp;released videos of the two separate incidents that took place Wednesday and Thursday. In the first incident, which took place about 10:40 a.m. local time Wednesday in Northwest Syria, Russian SU-35 fighters closed in on a Reaper, and one of the Russian pilots moved their aircraft in front of a drone and engaged the SU-35’s afterburner, which greatly increases its speed and air pressure.

The jet blast from the afterburner can potentially damage the Reaper’s electronics, and Grynkewich said it reduced the drone operator’s ability to safely operate the aircraft.

Later a number of the so-called parachute flares moved into the drone's flight path. The flares are attached to parachutes.

In the second incident, which took place over Northwest Syria around 9:30 a.m. Thursday local time, “Russian aircraft dropped flares in front of the drones and flew dangerously close, endangering the safety of all aircraft involved,” Grynkewich said.

The drones were not armed with weapons and are commonly used for reconnaissance missions.

Army Gen. Erik Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, said in a statement that Russia's violation of ongoing efforts to clear the airspace over Syria "increases the risk of escalation or miscalculation.”

About 900 U.S. forces are deployed to Syria to work with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces battling the Islamic State militants there. No other details about the drone operation were provided.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Russian fighter jets flew dangerously close to several U.S. drone aircraft over Syria again Thursday, setting off flares and forcing the MQ-9 Reapers to take evasive maneuvers, the Air Force said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Regarding Russia&#39;s unprofessional behavior while reacting with U.S. aircraft over Syria, please see the video of today&#39;s encounter. For the full statement by Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, Commander, 9th AF (AFCENT) visit<a href="https://t.co/WKDYPiPT96">https://t.co/WKDYPiPT96</a><a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CENTCOM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofDefense?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeptofDefense</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/usairforce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usairforce</a> <a href="https://t.co/nmSSBxUojO">pic.twitter.com/nmSSBxUojO</a>&mdash; US AFCENT (@USAFCENT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAFCENT/status/1676712564686831619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>It was the second time in 24 hours that Russia has harassed U.S. drones there.“We urge Russian forces in Syria to cease this reckless behavior and adhere to the standards of behavior expected of a professional air force so we can resume our focus on the enduring defeat of ISIS,” Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, head of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, said in a statement.Col. Michael Andrews, Air Forces Central Command spokesman, said “the Russian harassment, including close fly-bys, by one SU-34 and one SU-35 and deploying flares directly into the MQ-9, lasted almost an hour. So it wasn’t a quick fly-by, but much more of a sustained and unprofessional interaction.”<a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/video/889328/russian-unprofessional-behavior-over-syria-5-july-2023">U.S. Air Forces Central</a>&nbsp;released videos of the two separate incidents that took place Wednesday and Thursday. In the first incident, which took place about 10:40 a.m. local time Wednesday in Northwest Syria, Russian SU-35 fighters closed in on a Reaper, and one of the Russian pilots moved their aircraft in front of a drone and engaged the SU-35’s afterburner, which greatly increases its speed and air pressure.The jet blast from the afterburner can potentially damage the Reaper’s electronics, and Grynkewich said it reduced the drone operator’s ability to safely operate the aircraft.Later a number of the so-called parachute flares moved into the drone's flight path. The flares are attached to parachutes.In the second incident, which took place over Northwest Syria around 9:30 a.m. Thursday local time, “Russian aircraft dropped flares in front of the drones and flew dangerously close, endangering the safety of all aircraft involved,” Grynkewich said.The drones were not armed with weapons and are commonly used for reconnaissance missions.Army Gen. Erik Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, said in a statement that Russia's violation of ongoing efforts to clear the airspace over Syria "increases the risk of escalation or miscalculation.”About 900 U.S. forces are deployed to Syria to work with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces battling the Islamic State militants there. No other details about the drone operation were provided.---------

🎥Video shows Russian fighter jets harrassing U.S. drones

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal motorcycle, boat-trailer crash on Independence Day have identified the victim as 56-year-old Timothy Merkel of Kansas City.

Just after 12:30p.m. Tuesday, a Honda Valkyrie driven by Merkel was westbound on&nbsp;Northeast Cookingham Drive at NE Reinking in Kansas City, according to Police Capitain Corey Carlisle.

Merkel laid the motorcycle down, slid under and struck the right side of a trailer with a Sting Ray boat pulled by a Chevy Silverado that was turning from NE Cookingham onto NE Reinking.&nbsp;

EMS transported Merkel to an area hospital. The driver of the pickup and a passenger were not injured. Just after 3:30p.m. Tuesday, police reported Merkel had died.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal motorcycle, boat-trailer crash on Independence Day have identified the victim as 56-year-old Timothy Merkel of Kansas City.Just after 12:30p.m. Tuesday, a Honda Valkyrie driven by Merkel was westbound on&nbsp;Northeast Cookingham Drive at NE Reinking in Kansas City, according to Police Capitain Corey Carlisle.Merkel laid the motorcycle down, slid under and struck the right side of a trailer with a Sting Ray boat pulled by a Chevy Silverado that was turning from NE Cookingham onto NE Reinking.&nbsp;EMS transported Merkel to an area hospital. The driver of the pickup and a passenger were not injured. Just after 3:30p.m. Tuesday, police reported Merkel had died.

Police ID KC man who died in motorcycle, boat-trailer crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY—&nbsp;the lead detective assigned to the investigation into the mass shooting that injured over a dozen people at the “City Lightz Nightclub in the 200 Block Washington in the Old Town section of Wichita on Sunday morning, presented the results of the investigation to the Office of the District Attorney, according to a statement from District Attorney Marc Bennett.&nbsp;

The subject of the presentation was 31-year-old suspect Brandon Lee Young of Florissant, Missouri, who had ben booked on suspicion of Aggravated Battery following the incident. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Based on the current status of the investigation, Young was not charged Thursday morning.&nbsp; &nbsp;Additional investigation and forensic analysis will continue and Young will be released from custody, according to Bennett.

Additional suspects are currently being sought by law enforcement.&nbsp; As such, Supreme Court rule 3.6 limits the district attorney office’s ability to make further comment. &nbsp;Rule 3.8, which specifically governs the “Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor,” allows one exception under §(f):

(f) &nbsp; except for statements that are necessary to inform the public of the nature and extent of the prosecutor’s action and that serve a legitimate law enforcement purpose, refrain from making extrajudicial comments that have a substantial likelihood of heightening public condemnation of the accused and exercise reasonable care to prevent investigators, law enforcement personnel, employees or other persons assisting or associated with the prosecutor in a criminal case from making an extrajudicial statement that the prosecutor would be prohibited from making under Rule 3.6 or this Rule.

Given the legitimate public concern in this matter, a brief explanation as to the analysis regarding the evidence presented on Thursday morning against Young is appropriate.&nbsp;

Video surveillance from inside the club was analyzed over the past several days.&nbsp; Based upon this detailed analysis, Young appears to have fired a weapon in response to shots fired by two different gunmen within the bar. &nbsp;

Based upon the current status of the evidence, Mr. Young appears to have acted in self-defense/ defense of a third party.&nbsp; The law that controls this analysis is as follows:

21-5222.&nbsp;Same; defense of a person; no duty to retreat.&nbsp;(a) A person is justified in the use of force against another when and to the extent it appears to such person and such person reasonably believes that such use of force is necessary to defend such person or a third person against such other's imminent use of unlawful force.

(b) A person is justified in the use of deadly force under circumstances described in subsection (a) if such person reasonably believes that such use of deadly force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to such person or a third person.

(c) Nothing in this section shall require a person to retreat if such person is using force to protect such person or a third person.

21-5230.&nbsp;Same; no duty to retreat.&nbsp;A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in a place where such person has a right to be has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand such person's ground and use any force which such person would be justified in using under article 32 of chapter 21 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, prior to their repeal, or K.S.A. 2022 Supp.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_052_0002.html" target="_blank">21-5202</a>&nbsp;through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_052_0008.html" target="_blank">21-5208</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_052_0010.html" target="_blank">21-5210</a>&nbsp;through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_052_0012.html" target="_blank">21-5212</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_052_0020.html" target="_blank">21-5220</a>&nbsp;through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_052_0031.html" target="_blank">21-5231</a>, and amendments thereto.

21-5231.&nbsp;Same; immunity from prosecution or liability; investigation.&nbsp;(a) A person who uses force which, subject to the provisions of K.S.A. 2022 Supp.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_052_0026.html" target="_blank">21-5226</a>, and amendments thereto, is justified pursuant to K.S.A. 2022 Supp.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_052_0022.html" target="_blank">21-5222</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_052_0023.html" target="_blank">21-5223</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_052_0025.html" target="_blank">21-5225</a>, and amendments thereto, is immune from criminal prosecution and civil action for the use of such force, unless the person against whom force was used is a law enforcement officer who was acting in the performance of such officer's official duties and the officer identified the officer's self in accordance with any applicable law or the person using force knew or reasonably should have known that the person was a law enforcement officer. As used in this subsection, "criminal prosecution" includes arrest, detention in custody and charging or prosecution of the defendant.

(b) A law enforcement agency may use standard procedures for investigating the use of force as described in subsection (a), but the agency shall not arrest the person for using force unless it determines that there is probable cause for the arrest.

(c) A prosecutor may commence a criminal prosecution upon a determination of probable cause.

To overcome self-defense/ stand your ground immunity, the State must come forward with evidence establishing probable cause that the defendant's use of force was not statutorily justified. “This generally means the State must show probable cause that (1) the defendant did not honestly believe the use of force was necessary or (2) a reasonable person would not believe the use of force was necessary under the circumstances.”&nbsp;State v. Phillips, 312 Kan. 643, Syl. 4 (2021).

The Office of the District Attorney will make no further commentary regarding the facts of this investigation or the analysis concerning Mr. Young while the investigation is ongoing.&nbsp;

Any subsequent charging decisions arising from this investigation will be made public when they occur, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688300318332.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—&nbsp;the lead detective assigned to the investigation into the mass shooting that injured over a dozen people at the “City Lightz Nightclub in the 200 Block Washington in the Old Town section of Wichita on Sunday morning, presented the results of the investigation to the Office of the District Attorney, according to a statement from District Attorney Marc Bennett.&nbsp;The subject of the presentation was 31-year-old suspect Brandon Lee Young of Florissant, Missouri, who had ben booked on suspicion of Aggravated Battery following the incident. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Based on the current status of the investigation, Young was not charged Thursday morning.&nbsp; &nbsp;Additional investigation and forensic analysis will continue and Young will be released from custody, according to Bennett.Additional suspects are currently being sought by law enforcement.&nbsp; As such, Supreme Court rule 3.6 limits the district attorney office’s ability to make further comment. &nbsp;Rule 3.8, which specifically governs the “Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor,” allows one exception under §(f):(f) &nbsp; except for statements that are necessary to inform the public of the nature and extent of the prosecutor’s action and that serve a legitimate law enforcement purpose, refrain from making extrajudicial comments that have a substantial likelihood of heightening public condemnation of the accused and exercise reasonable care to prevent investigators, law enforcement personnel, employees or other persons assisting or associated with the prosecutor in a criminal case from making an extrajudicial statement that the prosecutor would be prohibited from making under Rule 3.6 or this Rule.Given the legitimate public concern in this matter, a brief explanation as to the analysis regarding the evidence presented on Thursday morning against Young is appropriate.&nbsp;Video surveillance from inside the club was analyzed over the past several days.&nbsp; Based upon this detailed analysis, Young appears to have fired a weapon in response to shots fired by two different gunmen within the bar. &nbsp;Based upon the current status of the evidence, Mr. Young appears to have acted in self-defense/ defense of a third party.&nbsp; The law that controls this analysis is as follows:21-5222.&nbsp;Same; defense of a person; no duty to retreat.&nbsp;(a) A person is justified in the use of force against another when and to the extent it appears to such person and such person reasonably believes that such use of force is necessary to defend such person or a third person against such other's imminent use of unlawful force.(b) A person is justified in the use of deadly force under circumstances described in subsection (a) if such person reasonably believes that such use of deadly force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to such person or a third person.(c) Nothing in this section shall require a person to retreat if such person is using force to protect such person or a third person.21-5230.&nbsp;Same; no duty to retreat.&nbsp;A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in a place where such person has a right to be has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand such person's ground and use any force which such person would be justified in using under article 32 of chapter 21 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, prior to their repeal, or K.S.A. 2022 Supp.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_052_0002.html" target="_blank">21-5202</a>&nbsp;through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_052_0008.html" target="_blank">21-5208</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_052_0010.html" target="_blank">21-5210</a>&nbsp;through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_052_0012.html" target="_blank">21-5212</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_052_0020.html" target="_blank">21-5220</a>&nbsp;through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_052_0031.html" target="_blank">21-5231</a>, and amendments thereto.21-5231.&nbsp;Same; immunity from prosecution or liability; investigation.&nbsp;(a) A person who uses force which, subject to the provisions of K.S.A. 2022 Supp.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_052_0026.html" target="_blank">21-5226</a>, and amendments thereto, is justified pursuant to K.S.A. 2022 Supp.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_052_0022.html" target="_blank">21-5222</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_052_0023.html" target="_blank">21-5223</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_052_0025.html" target="_blank">21-5225</a>, and amendments thereto, is immune from criminal prosecution and civil action for the use of such force, unless the person against whom force was used is a law enforcement officer who was acting in the performance of such officer's official duties and the officer identified the officer's self in accordance with any applicable law or the person using force knew or reasonably should have known that the person was a law enforcement officer. As used in this subsection, "criminal prosecution" includes arrest, detention in custody and charging or prosecution of the defendant.(b) A law enforcement agency may use standard procedures for investigating the use of force as described in subsection (a), but the agency shall not arrest the person for using force unless it determines that there is probable cause for the arrest.(c) A prosecutor may commence a criminal prosecution upon a determination of probable cause.To overcome self-defense/ stand your ground immunity, the State must come forward with evidence establishing probable cause that the defendant's use of force was not statutorily justified. “This generally means the State must show probable cause that (1) the defendant did not honestly believe the use of force was necessary or (2) a reasonable person would not believe the use of force was necessary under the circumstances.”&nbsp;State v. Phillips, 312 Kan. 643, Syl. 4 (2021).The Office of the District Attorney will make no further commentary regarding the facts of this investigation or the analysis concerning Mr. Young while the investigation is ongoing.&nbsp;Any subsequent charging decisions arising from this investigation will be made public when they occur, according to the district attorney's office.

DA: Suspect accused in Wichita mass shooting acted in self defense

DICKINSON COUNTY —A Kansas pilot avoided injury after an accident just before 5p.m. Wednesday in Dickinson County.

A 1994 Bell helicopter piloted by 42-year-old Samuel Sutton of Topeka was eastbound spraying a corn field at 2750 Rain Road north of Chapman, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

The helicopter struck a&nbsp; power line and went down. There were no injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688668639368.png" alt="Photo courtesy Dickinson Co. Fire District 1" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Dickinson Co. Fire District 1</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY —A Kansas pilot avoided injury after an accident just before 5p.m. Wednesday in Dickinson County.A 1994 Bell helicopter piloted by 42-year-old Samuel Sutton of Topeka was eastbound spraying a corn field at 2750 Rain Road north of Chapman, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.The helicopter struck a&nbsp; power line and went down. There were no injuries.

Kan.  pilot avoids injury after helicopter crash spraying corn field

WASHINGTON (AP) — A year after its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-decision-58d01ef8bd48e816d5f8761ffa84e3e8">sweeping gun rights ruling</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;agreed to decide whether judges are going too far in striking down restrictions on firearms.

The justices will hear the Biden administration's appeal of one such ruling that struck down as unconstitutional a federal law meant to keep guns away from people who have domestic violence restraining orders against them.

Arguments will take place in the fall in the first case in which the court could define the limits on new standards for evaluating gun laws that its conservative majority set out last June.

That decision in the case, which has come to be known as Bruen, has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-mississippi-state-government-delaware-california-massachusetts-3983cecfd1107c263d5309ec0d80a966">upended gun laws across the country.</a>&nbsp;It's led to a rash of rulings invalidating some long-standing restrictions on firearms, but also produced confusion about what laws can survive.

Governments have to justify gun control laws by showing they are “consistent with the Nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation,” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in an opinion that was joined by the other five conservative justices. Until that ruling, judges could consider whether a law serves public interests such as enhancing public safety.

In the past year, judges also have struck down federal laws barring people from having guns if they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-texas-donald-trump-gun-politics-indictments-8f33eb6f21597e6ee63272aa64d32520">have been charged with serious crimes</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-oklahoma-state-government-new-orleans-city-c79d6fedc97ba657d2cab17f59354a95">use marijuana</a>. Other rulings have called into question a federal ban on possessing guns with serial numbers removed,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/young-gun-buyers-ruling-9165143fcab00ea733c703e5572e0730">the prohibition on licensed federal firearms dealers selling handguns</a>&nbsp;to young adults under 21 and Delaware’s ban on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-gun-politics-delaware-dover-39cc2a436ba0df094e9474ebd8d3d75d">possession of homemade “ghost guns.”</a>

Lower courts are also considering challenges to states’ bans on the sale of so-called assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. The Supreme Court in May&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-illinois-gun-law-14bcad1bf2ee322b0517086755b8ff56">denied an emergency request</a>&nbsp;to put an Illinois law on hold while that court challenge plays out.

The case now before the court involves Zackey Rahimi, whose conviction on possessing guns while subject to a restraining order was thrown out by a panel of three Republican appointees on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Rahimi was involved in five shootings over two months in and around Arlington, Texas, U.S. Circuit Judge Cory Wilson noted. When police identified Rahimi as a suspect in the shootings and showed up at his home with a search warrant, Rahimi admitted both to having guns in the house and being subject to a domestic violence restraining order that prohibited gun possession, Wilson wrote.

But though “hardly a model citizen,” Rahimi did not lose his constitutional right to have guns, Wilson concluded. The law at issue could not be justified by looking to history, he wrote for a unanimous panel.

Wilson and Judge James Ho were nominated by President Donald Trump. The third judge, Edith Jones, was chosen by President Ronald Reagan.

The appeals court initially upheld the conviction, then reconsidered once the Supreme Court ruled in Bruen. At least one district court has upheld the law since the Bruen decision

Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, the Biden administration’s top Supreme Court lawyer, cited an earlier high court decision involving gun bans for domestic violence convictions to urge the justices to take up the case. “More than a million acts of domestic violence occur in the United States every year, and the presence of a firearm increases the chance that violence will escalate to homicide,” Prelogar wrote.

On the day the court finished deciding the cases argued in recent months, the legal fight over a gun law was among six cases that the justices added to their agenda for the term that begins on the first Monday in October.

—a Biden administration appeal of a 5th Circuit ruling that could have far-reaching effects on the Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory agencies. The appeals court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-new-orleans-government-and-politics-executive-branch-a6a6c0e83238d0e5e55aedd9eb0ab85f">threw out stiff financial penalties imposed on hedge fund manager George R. Jarkesy by the SEC</a>.

—a question about whether workers can pursue job discrimination claims under federal civil rights law when those workers are not demoted or docked pay. The case taken up by the court involve a sex discrimination claim by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/st-louis-sexual-misconduct-missouri-tigers-mens-basketball-crime-4b6259d5f0745c0534dc1637024329ec">a St. Louis police sergeant</a>&nbsp;who was transferred against her will.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A year after its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-decision-58d01ef8bd48e816d5f8761ffa84e3e8">sweeping gun rights ruling</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;agreed to decide whether judges are going too far in striking down restrictions on firearms.The justices will hear the Biden administration's appeal of one such ruling that struck down as unconstitutional a federal law meant to keep guns away from people who have domestic violence restraining orders against them.Arguments will take place in the fall in the first case in which the court could define the limits on new standards for evaluating gun laws that its conservative majority set out last June.That decision in the case, which has come to be known as Bruen, has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-mississippi-state-government-delaware-california-massachusetts-3983cecfd1107c263d5309ec0d80a966">upended gun laws across the country.</a>&nbsp;It's led to a rash of rulings invalidating some long-standing restrictions on firearms, but also produced confusion about what laws can survive.Governments have to justify gun control laws by showing they are “consistent with the Nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation,” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in an opinion that was joined by the other five conservative justices. Until that ruling, judges could consider whether a law serves public interests such as enhancing public safety.In the past year, judges also have struck down federal laws barring people from having guns if they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-texas-donald-trump-gun-politics-indictments-8f33eb6f21597e6ee63272aa64d32520">have been charged with serious crimes</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-oklahoma-state-government-new-orleans-city-c79d6fedc97ba657d2cab17f59354a95">use marijuana</a>. Other rulings have called into question a federal ban on possessing guns with serial numbers removed,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/young-gun-buyers-ruling-9165143fcab00ea733c703e5572e0730">the prohibition on licensed federal firearms dealers selling handguns</a>&nbsp;to young adults under 21 and Delaware’s ban on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-gun-politics-delaware-dover-39cc2a436ba0df094e9474ebd8d3d75d">possession of homemade “ghost guns.”</a>Lower courts are also considering challenges to states’ bans on the sale of so-called assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. The Supreme Court in May&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-illinois-gun-law-14bcad1bf2ee322b0517086755b8ff56">denied an emergency request</a>&nbsp;to put an Illinois law on hold while that court challenge plays out.The case now before the court involves Zackey Rahimi, whose conviction on possessing guns while subject to a restraining order was thrown out by a panel of three Republican appointees on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.Rahimi was involved in five shootings over two months in and around Arlington, Texas, U.S. Circuit Judge Cory Wilson noted. When police identified Rahimi as a suspect in the shootings and showed up at his home with a search warrant, Rahimi admitted both to having guns in the house and being subject to a domestic violence restraining order that prohibited gun possession, Wilson wrote.But though “hardly a model citizen,” Rahimi did not lose his constitutional right to have guns, Wilson concluded. The law at issue could not be justified by looking to history, he wrote for a unanimous panel.Wilson and Judge James Ho were nominated by President Donald Trump. The third judge, Edith Jones, was chosen by President Ronald Reagan.The appeals court initially upheld the conviction, then reconsidered once the Supreme Court ruled in Bruen. At least one district court has upheld the law since the Bruen decisionSolicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, the Biden administration’s top Supreme Court lawyer, cited an earlier high court decision involving gun bans for domestic violence convictions to urge the justices to take up the case. “More than a million acts of domestic violence occur in the United States every year, and the presence of a firearm increases the chance that violence will escalate to homicide,” Prelogar wrote.On the day the court finished deciding the cases argued in recent months, the legal fight over a gun law was among six cases that the justices added to their agenda for the term that begins on the first Monday in October.The other cases include:—a Biden administration appeal of a 5th Circuit ruling that could have far-reaching effects on the Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory agencies. The appeals court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-new-orleans-government-and-politics-executive-branch-a6a6c0e83238d0e5e55aedd9eb0ab85f">threw out stiff financial penalties imposed on hedge fund manager George R. Jarkesy by the SEC</a>.—a question about whether workers can pursue job discrimination claims under federal civil rights law when those workers are not demoted or docked pay. The case taken up by the court involve a sex discrimination claim by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/st-louis-sexual-misconduct-missouri-tigers-mens-basketball-crime-4b6259d5f0745c0534dc1637024329ec">a St. Louis police sergeant</a>&nbsp;who was transferred against her will.

Supreme Court will decide gun rights case on domestic violence

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a traffic stop.

Just after 1:30a.m. Monday, a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop at 1st and Maple in Overbrook for an alleged traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

 During the stop the deputy found illegal narcotics.&nbsp;

The driver of the vehicle, Brett A. Nelson, 52, of Topeka, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of&nbsp; Possession of methamphetamine,&nbsp;Possession of marijuana, and No proof of liability insurance. He has a previous drug conviction, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688417658810.png" alt="Nelson-photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Nelson-photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a traffic stop.Just after 1:30a.m. Monday, a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop at 1st and Maple in Overbrook for an alleged traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop the deputy found illegal narcotics.&nbsp;The driver of the vehicle, Brett A. Nelson, 52, of Topeka, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of&nbsp; Possession of methamphetamine,&nbsp;Possession of marijuana, and No proof of liability insurance. He has a previous drug conviction, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon caught transported meth, marijuana

SEWARD COUNTY —The Liberal Police Department reported that Ricky Moore was located in Garden City, Kansas, and that he is in good condition. The statewide silver alert has been canceled, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

SEWARD COUNTY – The Liberal Police Department requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Liberal man.

The whereabouts of 71-year-old Ricky Moore are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

Ricky was last seen leaving his residence near 14th St. and N. New York Ave. in Liberal, Kansas on July 3, around 6:30 a.m. He has not been seen or heard from since then. 

Ricky did not show up to work or to other activities that he frequents, which is unlike him. He does not own a vehicle. Officers believe he may no longer been in the area.

Ricky is a black male who is around 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs around 200 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair. Ricky walks with a cane due to concerns with his balance.

If you see Ricky Moore please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Liberal Police/Seward County Communications at (620) 626-0141.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688673273759.png" alt="Ricky Moore-photo Liberal Police" />
 <figcaption>Ricky Moore-photo Liberal Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEWARD COUNTY —The Liberal Police Department reported that Ricky Moore was located in Garden City, Kansas, and that he is in good condition. The statewide silver alert has been canceled, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.------------SEWARD COUNTY – The Liberal Police Department requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Liberal man.The whereabouts of 71-year-old Ricky Moore are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.Ricky was last seen leaving his residence near 14th St. and N. New York Ave. in Liberal, Kansas on July 3, around 6:30 a.m. He has not been seen or heard from since then. Ricky did not show up to work or to other activities that he frequents, which is unlike him. He does not own a vehicle. Officers believe he may no longer been in the area.Ricky is a black male who is around 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs around 200 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair. Ricky walks with a cane due to concerns with his balance.If you see Ricky Moore please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Liberal Police/Seward County Communications at (620) 626-0141.

KBI: Silver Alert canceled missing SW Kansas man found 

RILEY COUNTY —Improperly stored fireworks debris is being blamed for a rural Kansas fire.

Just after midnight Wednesday, the Riley County Fire District #1 was called out to the report of a structure fire at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/cGuJRhcT1MGpdoHq8">12261 Walnut Creek Road </a>in northern Riley County, according to a media release.

First arriving crews found a garage fully engulfed in fire, which had spread to the attic space of the home. Volunteer firefighters were able to stop the fire from causing further damage to the home.

Crews successfully extinguished the blaze and stayed on scene for several hours to check on hot spots and complete mop-up of the burned area. Four occupants and a cat were evacuated safely from the home, no injuries were reported.

Fire crews determined the cause of the fire to be leftover firework debris stored in a trash bin inside the garage. The fire caused extensive damage to the structure and contents, including two vehicles, tools and several pieces of equipment.

The total estimated loss was not available at the time of the media release by Riley County Fire District #1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688651695368.jpeg" alt="Photo North Riley Co. Fire District #1" />
 <figcaption>Photo North Riley Co. Fire District #1</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Improperly stored fireworks debris is being blamed for a rural Kansas fire.Just after midnight Wednesday, the Riley County Fire District #1 was called out to the report of a structure fire at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/cGuJRhcT1MGpdoHq8">12261 Walnut Creek Road </a>in northern Riley County, according to a media release.First arriving crews found a garage fully engulfed in fire, which had spread to the attic space of the home. Volunteer firefighters were able to stop the fire from causing further damage to the home.Crews successfully extinguished the blaze and stayed on scene for several hours to check on hot spots and complete mop-up of the burned area. Four occupants and a cat were evacuated safely from the home, no injuries were reported.Fire crews determined the cause of the fire to be leftover firework debris stored in a trash bin inside the garage. The fire caused extensive damage to the structure and contents, including two vehicles, tools and several pieces of equipment.The total estimated loss was not available at the time of the media release by Riley County Fire District #1.

Leftover fireworks debris caused rural Kansas house fire

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities issued a reminder this week about online dating applications.

 There has been an increase in reported sexual assaults, according to Kansas City, Missouri Police. It is important to follow some basic safety protocols.

KC Police reminded, "meeting unknown people from online sites can be of high risk.&nbsp; If you plan to meet in person, take extreme caution by meeting in a public place. Do not enter a vehicle or go to a secluded location that is away from public view.&nbsp; Let a family member or friend know your location, how long you plan to be away and as much information as possible about the person you are meeting.&nbsp;

If you find yourself to be a victim of sexual assault, please contact 911 and respond to the nearest hospital for care.

"KCPD detectives are here for you, will listen to you, and want to bring your case to justice." You can also document what happened to you at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.seekthenspeak.app/" target="_blank">www.seekthenspeak.app</a>.”

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities issued a reminder this week about online dating applications. There has been an increase in reported sexual assaults, according to Kansas City, Missouri Police. It is important to follow some basic safety protocols.KC Police reminded, "meeting unknown people from online sites can be of high risk.&nbsp; If you plan to meet in person, take extreme caution by meeting in a public place. Do not enter a vehicle or go to a secluded location that is away from public view.&nbsp; Let a family member or friend know your location, how long you plan to be away and as much information as possible about the person you are meeting.&nbsp;If you find yourself to be a victim of sexual assault, please contact 911 and respond to the nearest hospital for care."KCPD detectives are here for you, will listen to you, and want to bring your case to justice." You can also document what happened to you at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.seekthenspeak.app/" target="_blank">www.seekthenspeak.app</a>.”

KCPD issues sex assault alert, reminders about online dating

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has been briefed on the investigation into the discovery of cocaine on the lobby floor of the White House West Wing, and thinks it is “incredibly important” for the Secret Service to determine how it got there, officials said Wednesday.

(click below to watch press briefing on the cocaine investigation)

U.S. Secret Service agents&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-house-suspicious-substance-cocaine-bd7a792357a85453cf55b6c955ff1b4f" target="_blank">found the powder during a routine</a>&nbsp;White House sweep on Sunday, in a small, clear plastic bag on the ground in a heavily trafficked area, according to three people, who were not authorized to speak about an ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

On Wednesday, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the White House had confidence in the Secret Service. “The president think it’s incredibly important to get to the bottom of this,” she said.

Biden was at Camp David with members of his family for the holiday weekend when the powder was discovered and the complex was briefly evacuated as a precaution. The fire department was called in to test the substance to determine it was not hazardous, and the initial test came back positive for cocaine. A secondary, more sensitive lab analysis confirmed the results.

Investigators have not yet identified who brought the drugs into the White House. The Secret Service, which is responsible for securing the White House, was combing through visitor logs and security footage.

The lobby where the drugs were found is where many official visitors and staffers enter. It is also open to staff-led tours of the West Wing, which are scheduled for nonworking hours on the weekends and evenings. Those tours are invitation-only and led by White House staff for friends, family and other guests. Most staffers who work on the complex can request an evening or weekend tour slot, but there is often a long wait list.

If a White House employee brought in the drugs, it would be easier to determine, because staff are fingerprinted and subjected to drug tests. A visitor would be harder to pin down; there were tours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday last week.

The District of Columbia fire department was called in Sunday to test the substance to determine whether it was hazardous, though officials immediately suspected illicit drugs because of how it was packaged, two of the people said. It’s routine to follow up with a more sensitive lab tests later. That test was returned Wednesday.

The Secret Service said in a statement Tuesday that the White House was closed as a precaution as emergency crews investigated.

“The item was sent for further evaluation and an investigation into the cause and manner of how it entered the White House is pending,” the Secret Service said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has been briefed on the investigation into the discovery of cocaine on the lobby floor of the White House West Wing, and thinks it is “incredibly important” for the Secret Service to determine how it got there, officials said Wednesday.(click below to watch press briefing on the cocaine investigation)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1012360460003301%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=529" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>U.S. Secret Service agents&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-house-suspicious-substance-cocaine-bd7a792357a85453cf55b6c955ff1b4f" target="_blank">found the powder during a routine</a>&nbsp;White House sweep on Sunday, in a small, clear plastic bag on the ground in a heavily trafficked area, according to three people, who were not authorized to speak about an ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.On Wednesday, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the White House had confidence in the Secret Service. “The president think it’s incredibly important to get to the bottom of this,” she said.Biden was at Camp David with members of his family for the holiday weekend when the powder was discovered and the complex was briefly evacuated as a precaution. The fire department was called in to test the substance to determine it was not hazardous, and the initial test came back positive for cocaine. A secondary, more sensitive lab analysis confirmed the results.Investigators have not yet identified who brought the drugs into the White House. The Secret Service, which is responsible for securing the White House, was combing through visitor logs and security footage.The lobby where the drugs were found is where many official visitors and staffers enter. It is also open to staff-led tours of the West Wing, which are scheduled for nonworking hours on the weekends and evenings. Those tours are invitation-only and led by White House staff for friends, family and other guests. Most staffers who work on the complex can request an evening or weekend tour slot, but there is often a long wait list.If a White House employee brought in the drugs, it would be easier to determine, because staff are fingerprinted and subjected to drug tests. A visitor would be harder to pin down; there were tours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday last week.The District of Columbia fire department was called in Sunday to test the substance to determine whether it was hazardous, though officials immediately suspected illicit drugs because of how it was packaged, two of the people said. It’s routine to follow up with a more sensitive lab tests later. That test was returned Wednesday.The Secret Service said in a statement Tuesday that the White House was closed as a precaution as emergency crews investigated.“The item was sent for further evaluation and an investigation into the cause and manner of how it entered the White House is pending,” the Secret Service said.

🎥 Biden responds to cocaine found at the White House

HOWELL COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating vandalism at a golf course in Missouri and have made an arrest.

Just after 7a.m. Sunday, a lifted white Dodge truck was seen causing damage to the West Plains Municipal Golf Course, according to a media release from police.

The vehicle was seen driving through the golf course on the green and conducting donuts. Along with a description of the vehicle a name was given for the driver. The suspect reportedly caused approximately $20,000.00 worth of damage to the golf course.

Just before 10a.m.,&nbsp; a caller reported the same vehicle creating skid marks in the parking lot of the West Plains High School. Several large marks were found on scene along with tread imprints which matched tread marks from the Municipal Golf Course.

The vehicle was observed driving on Abe Taylor without displaying any state plates. The vehicle was stopped, and it was discovered that it had not been registered and had no proof of insurance.

The driver, 19-year-old Xane Norton of West Plains, was later arrested for Property Damage 1st Degree. Further charges will be sought for property damage, driving while intoxicated, minor in possession of alcohol, failure to show proof of insurance and failure to register a motor vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688647337464.png" alt="Norton-photo Howell County" />
 <figcaption>Norton-photo Howell County</figcaption>
 </figure>HOWELL COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating vandalism at a golf course in Missouri and have made an arrest.Just after 7a.m. Sunday, a lifted white Dodge truck was seen causing damage to the West Plains Municipal Golf Course, according to a media release from police.The vehicle was seen driving through the golf course on the green and conducting donuts. Along with a description of the vehicle a name was given for the driver. The suspect reportedly caused approximately $20,000.00 worth of damage to the golf course.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688647545219.png" alt="Photo West Plains Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo West Plains Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 10a.m.,&nbsp; a caller reported the same vehicle creating skid marks in the parking lot of the West Plains High School. Several large marks were found on scene along with tread imprints which matched tread marks from the Municipal Golf Course.The vehicle was observed driving on Abe Taylor without displaying any state plates. The vehicle was stopped, and it was discovered that it had not been registered and had no proof of insurance.The driver, 19-year-old Xane Norton of West Plains, was later arrested for Property Damage 1st Degree. Further charges will be sought for property damage, driving while intoxicated, minor in possession of alcohol, failure to show proof of insurance and failure to register a motor vehicle.

Teen arrested after $20K in damage done on golf course

COFFEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the random killing of a cow in a&nbsp; Kansas pasture.

On July 3, the Coffey County Kansas Sheriff learned&nbsp;about a cow that had been killed in the pasture, according to a media release.

According to the owner, the animal was a 3rd stage pregnant black limousin cow that was killed in the field and had chunks of meat taken from it.

The killing happened between the evening of July 2 and early morning of July 3.

Anyone with information regarding this incident please contact the Coffey County Sheriff's Office at 620-364-2123.

COFFEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the random killing of a cow in a&nbsp; Kansas pasture.On July 3, the Coffey County Kansas Sheriff learned&nbsp;about a cow that had been killed in the pasture, according to a media release.According to the owner, the animal was a 3rd stage pregnant black limousin cow that was killed in the field and had chunks of meat taken from it.The killing happened between the evening of July 2 and early morning of July 3.Anyone with information regarding this incident please contact the Coffey County Sheriff's Office at 620-364-2123.

Sheriff: Chunks of meat taken from cow killed in Kansas pasture

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a 44-year-old man from Wichita

Just after 12:30 am Wednesday, police were dispatched to a local hospital for a walk-in shooting victim with a gunshot wound to his head, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

 The victim had serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The victim was treated for his injury and was in stable condition.

The investigation revealed the incident took place in the 1600 block of East Fortuna Street in Wichita.

 Officers learned that the victim was trying to break up a physical altercation within a large crowd when an unknown suspect produced a handgun and shot him.

Officers responded to the scene and encountered a large crowd and multiple casings. Due to the lack of cooperation from witnesses, investigators have not been able to fully determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a 44-year-old man from WichitaJust after 12:30 am Wednesday, police were dispatched to a local hospital for a walk-in shooting victim with a gunshot wound to his head, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo. The victim had serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The victim was treated for his injury and was in stable condition.The investigation revealed the incident took place in the 1600 block of East Fortuna Street in Wichita. Officers learned that the victim was trying to break up a physical altercation within a large crowd when an unknown suspect produced a handgun and shot him.Officers responded to the scene and encountered a large crowd and multiple casings. Due to the lack of cooperation from witnesses, investigators have not been able to fully determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting.

Police: Kan. man shot in the head attempting to break up fight in crowd

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran tried to seize two oil tankers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz early Wednesday, opening fire on one of them, the U.S. Navy said.

It said that in both cases, the Iranian naval vessels backed off after the U.S. Navy dispatched a guided missile destroyer to the scene, and that both commercial ships continued their voyages.

“The Iranian navy did make attempts to seize commercial tankers lawfully transiting international waters,” said Cmdr. Tim Hawkins, spokesman for the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet. “The U.S. Navy responded immediately and prevented those seizures.”

He said the gunfire directed at the second vessel did not cause casualties or major damage.

There was no immediate Iranian comment on the incidents.

The U.S. Navy said an Iranian naval vessel approached the Marshall Islands-flagged TRF Moss in the Gulf of Oman at around 1 a.m. The U.S. deployed the USS McFaul, a guided-missile destroyer, as well as as MQ-9 Reaper drone and a P-8 Poseidon patrol plane.

Three hours later, the U.S. Navy received a distress call from the Bahamian-flagged oil tanker Richmond Voyager more than 20 nautical miles off the coast of Muscat, the capital of Oman. The Navy said another Iranian naval vessel had closed within a mile (1.6 kilometers) of the tanker and had ordered it to stop.

The same U.S. destroyer sped toward the tanker at “maximum speed,” the Navy said in a statement. “Prior to McFaul’s arrival on scene, Iranian personnel fired multiple, long bursts from both small arms and crew-served weapons,” it said.

The U.S. Navy says Iran has seized at least five commercial vessels in the last two years and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-tanker-seizures-us-uk-navy-revolutionary-guard-a8996a3dccccc82f8fa8d8bf263c9cfb" target="_blank">has harassed</a>&nbsp;more than a dozen others. Many of the incidents have occurred in and around the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of all crude oil passes.

In April, masked Iranian navy commandos conducted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-oil-tanker-advantage-sweet-seized-40b8f90bc0484fcd626903eef5faf64c" target="_blank">a helicopter-borne raid</a>&nbsp;to seize a U.S.-bound oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, footage of which was aired on Iranian state TV. Iran said the tanker was seized after it collided with another Iranian vessel but provided no evidence. In the past, Iran has seized commercial vessels to use as bargaining chips with the West.

Tensions have steadily risen since the Trump administration unilaterally withdrew from Iran’s 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers and restored crippling sanctions. Iran has responded by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-iran-politics-government-mahmoud-ahmadinejad-6acdb64d36fcbe05b3ee725d8a585d96" target="_blank">ramping up its nuclear activities</a>&nbsp;— which it says are purely peaceful — and is also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-iran-drone-factory-ukraine-war-dfdfb4602fecb0fe65935cb24c82421a" target="_blank">providing armed drones to Russia</a>&nbsp;for its war against Ukraine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688599050813.png" alt="Image U.S. Navy Central Command/U.S. Fifth Fleet" />
 <figcaption>Image U.S. Navy Central Command/U.S. Fifth Fleet</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran tried to seize two oil tankers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz early Wednesday, opening fire on one of them, the U.S. Navy said.It said that in both cases, the Iranian naval vessels backed off after the U.S. Navy dispatched a guided missile destroyer to the scene, and that both commercial ships continued their voyages.“The Iranian navy did make attempts to seize commercial tankers lawfully transiting international waters,” said Cmdr. Tim Hawkins, spokesman for the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet. “The U.S. Navy responded immediately and prevented those seizures.”He said the gunfire directed at the second vessel did not cause casualties or major damage.There was no immediate Iranian comment on the incidents.The U.S. Navy said an Iranian naval vessel approached the Marshall Islands-flagged TRF Moss in the Gulf of Oman at around 1 a.m. The U.S. deployed the USS McFaul, a guided-missile destroyer, as well as as MQ-9 Reaper drone and a P-8 Poseidon patrol plane.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688599074046.png" alt="Image U.S. Navy Central Command/U.S. Fifth Fleet" />
 <figcaption>Image U.S. Navy Central Command/U.S. Fifth Fleet</figcaption>
 </figure>Three hours later, the U.S. Navy received a distress call from the Bahamian-flagged oil tanker Richmond Voyager more than 20 nautical miles off the coast of Muscat, the capital of Oman. The Navy said another Iranian naval vessel had closed within a mile (1.6 kilometers) of the tanker and had ordered it to stop.The same U.S. destroyer sped toward the tanker at “maximum speed,” the Navy said in a statement. “Prior to McFaul’s arrival on scene, Iranian personnel fired multiple, long bursts from both small arms and crew-served weapons,” it said.The U.S. Navy says Iran has seized at least five commercial vessels in the last two years and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-tanker-seizures-us-uk-navy-revolutionary-guard-a8996a3dccccc82f8fa8d8bf263c9cfb" target="_blank">has harassed</a>&nbsp;more than a dozen others. Many of the incidents have occurred in and around the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of all crude oil passes.In April, masked Iranian navy commandos conducted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-oil-tanker-advantage-sweet-seized-40b8f90bc0484fcd626903eef5faf64c" target="_blank">a helicopter-borne raid</a>&nbsp;to seize a U.S.-bound oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, footage of which was aired on Iranian state TV. Iran said the tanker was seized after it collided with another Iranian vessel but provided no evidence. In the past, Iran has seized commercial vessels to use as bargaining chips with the West.Tensions have steadily risen since the Trump administration unilaterally withdrew from Iran’s 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers and restored crippling sanctions. Iran has responded by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-iran-politics-government-mahmoud-ahmadinejad-6acdb64d36fcbe05b3ee725d8a585d96" target="_blank">ramping up its nuclear activities</a>&nbsp;— which it says are purely peaceful — and is also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-iran-drone-factory-ukraine-war-dfdfb4602fecb0fe65935cb24c82421a" target="_blank">providing armed drones to Russia</a>&nbsp;for its war against Ukraine.

U.S. Navy confronts Iran after shots fired at oil tanker

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—A Kansas man is hospitalized in critical condition after he was struck by lightning last weekend.

Just after 7pm. June 30, the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call for a man struck by lightning in the 5600 block of Lewis Wilson Road, Wamego, Pottawatomie County, Kansas, according to a media release.

Pottawatomie County Deputies and a Louisville Fire fighter arrived at the scene and found Jennifer Campbell administering CPR to a man later identified as 37-year-old Matthew Campbell&nbsp; of rural Wamego.

 It was reported that Matthew had been struck by lightning while walking back from the pasture.  Matthew's wife, Jennifer Campbell was along with him when he was struck.  She reported being knocked to the ground by the lightning strike as well.  Jennifer did not report any injuries.&nbsp;

Friends and Matthew's sister have established<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/emergency-support-matt-jen-at-woolly-bee-farm?utm_campaign=p_cp%20share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;mibextid=Zxz2cZ&amp;fbclid=IwAR2ZyaVxSV8bnANdCSBqDH_uIEGw5hsjt0UO4ScAa9u2CcAiXFzT1feN05c"> an online fundraise</a>r to help the family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688609335013.png" alt="Photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—A Kansas man is hospitalized in critical condition after he was struck by lightning last weekend.Just after 7pm. June 30, the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call for a man struck by lightning in the 5600 block of Lewis Wilson Road, Wamego, Pottawatomie County, Kansas, according to a media release.Pottawatomie County Deputies and a Louisville Fire fighter arrived at the scene and found Jennifer Campbell administering CPR to a man later identified as 37-year-old Matthew Campbell&nbsp; of rural Wamego. It was reported that Matthew had been struck by lightning while walking back from the pasture. Matthew's wife, Jennifer Campbell was along with him when he was struck. She reported being knocked to the ground by the lightning strike as well. Jennifer did not report any injuries.&nbsp;Friends and Matthew's sister have established<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/emergency-support-matt-jen-at-woolly-bee-farm?utm_campaign=p_cp%20share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;mibextid=Zxz2cZ&amp;fbclid=IwAR2ZyaVxSV8bnANdCSBqDH_uIEGw5hsjt0UO4ScAa9u2CcAiXFzT1feN05c"> an online fundraise</a>r to help the family.

Kansas man in critical condition after struck by lightning

SUMNER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting in Wellington.

Just after 1:30p.m. Monday, police responded to report of a shooting in the the 1300 block of North A Street in Wellington, according to a media release.

First responders found a 25-year-old woman shot once in the upper chest. EMS transported her to Wesley Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased.

After an investigation, police arrested a 24-year-old Michael Eugene Edgington and booked him into the Sumner County jail on requested charges of Murder in the 2nd degree; Unintentional but reckless, according to online jail records. He is being held on a $500,000 bond.

&nbsp; Police have not reported the name of the victim or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688570539512.png" alt="Edgington is being held on a $500,000 bond-photo Sumner Co." />
 <figcaption>Edgington is being held on a $500,000 bond-photo Sumner Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SUMNER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting in Wellington.Just after 1:30p.m. Monday, police responded to report of a shooting in the the 1300 block of North A Street in Wellington, according to a media release.First responders found a 25-year-old woman shot once in the upper chest. EMS transported her to Wesley Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased.After an investigation, police arrested a 24-year-old Michael Eugene Edgington and booked him into the Sumner County jail on requested charges of Murder in the 2nd degree; Unintentional but reckless, according to online jail records. He is being held on a $500,000 bond.&nbsp; Police have not reported the name of the victim or additional details.

Kan. man accused of unintentional, reckless murder of woman

BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Butler County reported late Wednesday they found the owner of a large snake.

On their social media page Wednesday, the Andover Police Department wrote, "No two days are the same on this job.&nbsp; If anyone in Andover is missing a 15-foot python, please contact the Andover Police Department. Police reported no additional details and reported no injuries.

BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Butler County are looking for the owner of a large snake.

f this large slithering friend belongs to you or if you have any information about a possible owner, please contact the Andover Police Department. 316-733-5177 Ext 0

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688589119403.png" alt="Photo Andover Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Andover Police</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Butler County reported late Wednesday they found the owner of a large snake.On their social media page Wednesday, the Andover Police Department wrote, "No two days are the same on this job.&nbsp; If anyone in Andover is missing a 15-foot python, please contact the Andover Police Department. Police reported no additional details and reported no injuries.-------------BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Butler County are looking for the owner of a large snake.On their social media page Wednesday, the Andover Police Department wrote, "No two days are the same on this job.&nbsp; If anyone in Andover is missing a 15-foot python, please contact the Andover Police Department. Police reported no additional details and reported no injuries.f this large slithering friend belongs to you or if you have any information about a possible owner, please contact the Andover Police Department. 316-733-5177 Ext 0