FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man after a violent crash in southwest Kansas.

Just before 5:30p.m. Monday., police, fire crews and and EMS responded to an injury accident in the 1200 block of N. Taylor Avenue in Garden City involving a vehicle that struck a build and power pole, according to a media release.

Officers located a Ford F150 with damage to the front passenger and driver sides, parked on the corner of Jenny Avenue and N. 11th Street. 

Officers observed the driver, identified as 34-year-old Daniel Ramon-Gastulo of Garden City and an 11-year-old passenger exiting the vehicle.

The investigation revealed that the F150 driven by Ramon-Gastulo&nbsp; sideswiped the east wall of Dillons West and headed southeast, eventually striking a utility pole on the west side of Post Rock Trading Company. 

The pickup then sideswiped the west wall of Post Rock Trading Company and continued through a privacy fence and sidewalk handrail of the Dillons West parking lot. 

The vehicle exited the parking lot and came to a stop on the corner of Jenny Avenue and N. 11th Street.

Through further investigation, it was determined that Ramon-Gastulo was suspected of driving under the influence. Ramon-Gastulo was arrested on requested charges of DUI, Child Endangerment, Failure to Give Info or Render Aid and No Proof of Liability Insurance.

Ramon-Gastulo and the 11-year-old child were not injured from the accident. The total estimated property damage is over $20,000.00.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655377021320.png" alt="Ramon-Gastulo-photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Ramon-Gastulo-photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man after a violent crash in southwest Kansas.Just before 5:30p.m. Monday., police, fire crews and and EMS responded to an injury accident in the 1200 block of N. Taylor Avenue in Garden City involving a vehicle that struck a build and power pole, according to a media release.Officers located a Ford F150 with damage to the front passenger and driver sides, parked on the corner of Jenny Avenue and N. 11th Street. Officers observed the driver, identified as 34-year-old Daniel Ramon-Gastulo of Garden City and an 11-year-old passenger exiting the vehicle.The investigation revealed that the F150 driven by Ramon-Gastulo&nbsp; sideswiped the east wall of Dillons West and headed southeast, eventually striking a utility pole on the west side of Post Rock Trading Company. The pickup then sideswiped the west wall of Post Rock Trading Company and continued through a privacy fence and sidewalk handrail of the Dillons West parking lot. The vehicle exited the parking lot and came to a stop on the corner of Jenny Avenue and N. 11th Street.Through further investigation, it was determined that Ramon-Gastulo was suspected of driving under the influence. Ramon-Gastulo was arrested on requested charges of DUI, Child Endangerment, Failure to Give Info or Render Aid and No Proof of Liability Insurance.Ramon-Gastulo and the 11-year-old child were not injured from the accident. The total estimated property damage is over $20,000.00.

Kan. man arrested after crash into building with 11-year-old passenger

KANSAS CITY — Twenty Mexican nationals are among 39 defendants indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a $4.7 million conspiracy to distribute more than 335 kilograms of methamphetamine and 22 kilograms of heroin over the past two years, according to the United State's Attorney.

“This operation took a significant amount of illegal drugs off the street, and disrupted a large Mexican drug-trafficking organization in the Kansas City metropolitan area,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. 

“State, local, and federal law enforcement agencies worked together in this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces operation to bring drug traffickers to justice and protect our community from the violence and other harms that result from the flow of illegal drugs.”

On June 8, 2022, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led an operation that involved 140 officers and agents from 14 state, local and federal law enforcement agencies. The takedown resulted in the arrests of 31 defendants charged in the indictment as well as three additional felony state arrests. Three of the federal defendants were already in custody at the time of the takedown and five of the federal defendants remain fugitives from justice.

On the day of the takedown, officers executed 16 search warrants and seized 84.4 kilograms of methamphetamine, 4.5 kilograms of heroin, 10.4 kilograms of fentanyl, 7.6 kilograms of cocaine, 10.5 kilograms of marijuana, 687 Xanax pills, 3.1 kilograms of unknown pills, a quantity of bulk cash, five firearms, a 3D printer with manufactured ghost gun parts, and a liquid methamphetamine conversion lab.

“This indictment represents HSI and our law enforcement partners’ dedication to removing deadly narcotics from our community,” said Special Agent in Charge of the Kansas City area of responsibility Katherine Greer. “We stand alongside our community leaders, stakeholders and the public, to continue our work toward a safer community without the significant dangers associated with these illegal substances.”

The 91-count indictment was returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on June 1, 2022. The indictment was unsealed and made public following the arrests and initial court appearances of the defendants.

The federal indictment charges Jose Jesus Sanchez-Mendez, also known as “Michoacano,” 41, Jesus Morales-Garcia, also known as “Don Jesus,” 43, Luis Eduardo Pineda-Zarao, 26, Juan Bernardo Galeana-Aguilar, 45, Baltazar Flores-Norzagaray, also known as “Sinaloa,” 50, Rafael Perez-Esquivel, 51, Jose Eliazar Valle-Rivera, 39, Uziel Morales-Baltazar, 31, Erick Fernando Martinez Contreras, also known as “Alex,” 34, Joel Enrique Roman, also known as “Pelon,” 44, Miguel Angel Juarez-Lopez, also known as “Chapo,” 47, Jonathan Zuniga-Villafuerte, 30, Sergio Armando Valencia-Ochoa, 36, Juan Humberto Lemus-Mejia, 24, Yuliana Del Carmen Perez Ciprian, 38, Trinidad Torres-Meza, 41, Miriam Veronica Bustos-Martinez, 37, and Liliana Valencia-Mendoza, 40, addresses unknown and all citizens of Mexico; Flor Gonzalez-Celestine, 52, a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City, Mo.; and Jose Bernabe Zamora-Cardenas, also known as “Mufa,” 52, a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City, Kan.

The federal indictment also charges Tina Marie Cruces, 36, Lisbet Espino, 24, Frank Anthony Valdivia, 43, Melissa A. Bates, 55, and Monica L. McCubbin, 39, all of Kansas City, Mo.; Santiago Raul Mendieta-Sanchez, 41, a citizen of Honduras residing in Kansas City, Mo., Jennifer S. Lawson, 35, of Buckner, Mo.; Felton Stone Jr., 45, Donald R. Moses, also known as “Moe,” 51, Felipe Antonio Alcala, 30, Anthony C. Hughes, 37, Maria Nancy Valdez, 32, Ignacio Barragan-Vazquez, 32, Yvonne Guzman-Carpio, also known as “Morena,” 39, Kongmhink Her, 41, addresses unknown;&nbsp; Marco Antonio Salazar, also known as “Tono,” 29, and Nelson Alirio Garcia-Guerra, 28, both citizens of Guatemala, addresses unknown; Arantxa Sabrina Valderrama-Barros, also known as “Sabri,” 25, a citizen of Venezuela, address unknown; and Daniel Felipe Suarez-Reinoso, 30, a citizen of Colombia, address unknown.

All of the defendants are charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin from Feb. 28, 2020, to June 1, 2022.

In addition to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, Sanchez-Mendez, Zamora-Cardenas, Valencia-Ochoa, Valencia-Mendoza and Suarez-Reinoso are charged with participating in a money-laundering conspiracy related to transporting or transferring the proceeds of the drug-trafficking conspiracy to Mexico.

Sanchez-Mendez and Morales-Garcia are also charged with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise related to the drug-trafficking and money-laundering conspiracies and other offenses alleged in the indictment. The indictment alleges Sanchez-Mendez and Morales-Garcia occupied a position of organizer, supervisor, or manager of the ongoing criminal enterprise, from which they obtained substantial income.

The federal indictment charges various defendants in various counts of distributing heroin and fentanyl, distributing methamphetamine, possessing methamphetamine and heroin with the intent to distribute, possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, being a felon in possession of a firearm, money laundering, reentry by an illegal alien, and using cell phones to facilitate drug-trafficking crimes.

The indictment also contains forfeiture allegations that would require the defendants to forfeit to the government $4,718,700, which represents the proceeds of the alleged drug-trafficking conspiracy and criminal enterprise. The indictment alleges the conspiracy involved the distribution of more than 335.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, with an average street price of $300 per ounce, and more than 22.1 kilograms of heroin, with an average street price of $1,500 per ounce.

The forfeiture allegations would also require the defendants to forfeit to the government $277,440 that was seized by law enforcement officers from a vehicle driven by Suarez-Reinoso and $51,445 that was seized by law enforcement officers while executing two search warrants at Kansas City, Mo., residences.

KANSAS CITY — Twenty Mexican nationals are among 39 defendants indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a $4.7 million conspiracy to distribute more than 335 kilograms of methamphetamine and 22 kilograms of heroin over the past two years, according to the United State's Attorney.“This operation took a significant amount of illegal drugs off the street, and disrupted a large Mexican drug-trafficking organization in the Kansas City metropolitan area,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. “State, local, and federal law enforcement agencies worked together in this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces operation to bring drug traffickers to justice and protect our community from the violence and other harms that result from the flow of illegal drugs.”On June 8, 2022, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led an operation that involved 140 officers and agents from 14 state, local and federal law enforcement agencies. The takedown resulted in the arrests of 31 defendants charged in the indictment as well as three additional felony state arrests. Three of the federal defendants were already in custody at the time of the takedown and five of the federal defendants remain fugitives from justice.On the day of the takedown, officers executed 16 search warrants and seized 84.4 kilograms of methamphetamine, 4.5 kilograms of heroin, 10.4 kilograms of fentanyl, 7.6 kilograms of cocaine, 10.5 kilograms of marijuana, 687 Xanax pills, 3.1 kilograms of unknown pills, a quantity of bulk cash, five firearms, a 3D printer with manufactured ghost gun parts, and a liquid methamphetamine conversion lab.“This indictment represents HSI and our law enforcement partners’ dedication to removing deadly narcotics from our community,” said Special Agent in Charge of the Kansas City area of responsibility Katherine Greer. “We stand alongside our community leaders, stakeholders and the public, to continue our work toward a safer community without the significant dangers associated with these illegal substances.”The 91-count indictment was returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on June 1, 2022. The indictment was unsealed and made public following the arrests and initial court appearances of the defendants.The federal indictment charges Jose Jesus Sanchez-Mendez, also known as “Michoacano,” 41, Jesus Morales-Garcia, also known as “Don Jesus,” 43, Luis Eduardo Pineda-Zarao, 26, Juan Bernardo Galeana-Aguilar, 45, Baltazar Flores-Norzagaray, also known as “Sinaloa,” 50, Rafael Perez-Esquivel, 51, Jose Eliazar Valle-Rivera, 39, Uziel Morales-Baltazar, 31, Erick Fernando Martinez Contreras, also known as “Alex,” 34, Joel Enrique Roman, also known as “Pelon,” 44, Miguel Angel Juarez-Lopez, also known as “Chapo,” 47, Jonathan Zuniga-Villafuerte, 30, Sergio Armando Valencia-Ochoa, 36, Juan Humberto Lemus-Mejia, 24, Yuliana Del Carmen Perez Ciprian, 38, Trinidad Torres-Meza, 41, Miriam Veronica Bustos-Martinez, 37, and Liliana Valencia-Mendoza, 40, addresses unknown and all citizens of Mexico; Flor Gonzalez-Celestine, 52, a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City, Mo.; and Jose Bernabe Zamora-Cardenas, also known as “Mufa,” 52, a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City, Kan.The federal indictment also charges Tina Marie Cruces, 36, Lisbet Espino, 24, Frank Anthony Valdivia, 43, Melissa A. Bates, 55, and Monica L. McCubbin, 39, all of Kansas City, Mo.; Santiago Raul Mendieta-Sanchez, 41, a citizen of Honduras residing in Kansas City, Mo., Jennifer S. Lawson, 35, of Buckner, Mo.; Felton Stone Jr., 45, Donald R. Moses, also known as “Moe,” 51, Felipe Antonio Alcala, 30, Anthony C. Hughes, 37, Maria Nancy Valdez, 32, Ignacio Barragan-Vazquez, 32, Yvonne Guzman-Carpio, also known as “Morena,” 39, Kongmhink Her, 41, addresses unknown;&nbsp; Marco Antonio Salazar, also known as “Tono,” 29, and Nelson Alirio Garcia-Guerra, 28, both citizens of Guatemala, addresses unknown; Arantxa Sabrina Valderrama-Barros, also known as “Sabri,” 25, a citizen of Venezuela, address unknown; and Daniel Felipe Suarez-Reinoso, 30, a citizen of Colombia, address unknown.All of the defendants are charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin from Feb. 28, 2020, to June 1, 2022.In addition to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, Sanchez-Mendez, Zamora-Cardenas, Valencia-Ochoa, Valencia-Mendoza and Suarez-Reinoso are charged with participating in a money-laundering conspiracy related to transporting or transferring the proceeds of the drug-trafficking conspiracy to Mexico.Sanchez-Mendez and Morales-Garcia are also charged with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise related to the drug-trafficking and money-laundering conspiracies and other offenses alleged in the indictment. The indictment alleges Sanchez-Mendez and Morales-Garcia occupied a position of organizer, supervisor, or manager of the ongoing criminal enterprise, from which they obtained substantial income.The federal indictment charges various defendants in various counts of distributing heroin and fentanyl, distributing methamphetamine, possessing methamphetamine and heroin with the intent to distribute, possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, being a felon in possession of a firearm, money laundering, reentry by an illegal alien, and using cell phones to facilitate drug-trafficking crimes.The indictment also contains forfeiture allegations that would require the defendants to forfeit to the government $4,718,700, which represents the proceeds of the alleged drug-trafficking conspiracy and criminal enterprise. The indictment alleges the conspiracy involved the distribution of more than 335.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, with an average street price of $300 per ounce, and more than 22.1 kilograms of heroin, with an average street price of $1,500 per ounce.The forfeiture allegations would also require the defendants to forfeit to the government $277,440 that was seized by law enforcement officers from a vehicle driven by Suarez-Reinoso and $51,445 that was seized by law enforcement officers while executing two search warrants at Kansas City, Mo., residences.

20 Mexican nationals accused in Kansas City heroin, meth conspiracy

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling over 2.9 million vehicles to fix a transmission problem that can increase the risk of inadvertent rollaway crashes.

The recall covers certain 2013 to 2019 Escape, 2013 to 2018 C-Max, 2013 to 2016 Fusion, 2013 to 2021 Transit Connect, and 2015 to 2018 Edge vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says in documents posted on its website Wednesday that a bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission can degrade or detach. That can stop the vehicles from shifting into the intended gear. A vehicle thought to have been shifted into park may actually be in a different gear, allowing it to roll away.

Ford says in documents that it knows of four injury reports due to the problem, and another six property damage claims. The company has 1,630 warranty reports and 233 complaints about the problem.

Dealers will replace the bushing and add a protective cap. Owners will be notified by letter starting June 27.

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling over 2.9 million vehicles to fix a transmission problem that can increase the risk of inadvertent rollaway crashes.The recall covers certain 2013 to 2019 Escape, 2013 to 2018 C-Max, 2013 to 2016 Fusion, 2013 to 2021 Transit Connect, and 2015 to 2018 Edge vehicles.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says in documents posted on its website Wednesday that a bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission can degrade or detach. That can stop the vehicles from shifting into the intended gear. A vehicle thought to have been shifted into park may actually be in a different gear, allowing it to roll away.Ford says in documents that it knows of four injury reports due to the problem, and another six property damage claims. The company has 1,630 warranty reports and 233 complaints about the problem.Dealers will replace the bushing and add a protective cap. Owners will be notified by letter starting June 27.

Ford recalls over 2.9M vehicles at risk of roll away crashes

TOPEKA —On Wednesday, the Kansas Board of Regents voted to hold tuition flat at state universities during the upcoming school year, something they were able to do because of the historic level of funding provided by the budget Governor Laura Kelly signed in May.

As part of her budget, Governor Kelly restored university funding to pre-pandemic levels to enable state universities to freeze tuition and knock down barriers to higher education.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The Regents are excited that students at state universities in Kansas will see no tuition increases next academic year,” said KBOR Chair Cheryl Harrison-Lee.

 “I’m thankful that Governor Kelly and the Legislature provided funding for flat tuition. Their partnership in this area, coupled with their support for increased need-based student financial aid, has helped us ensure affordability for Kansas families.”

This is the fourth year in a row that the Board has approved flat tuition for undergraduate resident students at the University of Kansas. Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University and Wichita State University have had no undergraduate resident tuition increases in three of the past four years.

“I’m pleased that my call to freeze tuition at state universities has been taken up, especially as pandemic-induced inflation impacts the lives of Kansan students and their families,” Governor Kelly said. “Continuing the streak of low-to-no tuition growth under my Administration ensures our state can maintain its workforce pipeline and keep higher education degrees attainable.”&nbsp;

TOPEKA —On Wednesday, the Kansas Board of Regents voted to hold tuition flat at state universities during the upcoming school year, something they were able to do because of the historic level of funding provided by the budget Governor Laura Kelly signed in May.As part of her budget, Governor Kelly restored university funding to pre-pandemic levels to enable state universities to freeze tuition and knock down barriers to higher education.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The Regents are excited that students at state universities in Kansas will see no tuition increases next academic year,” said KBOR Chair Cheryl Harrison-Lee. “I’m thankful that Governor Kelly and the Legislature provided funding for flat tuition. Their partnership in this area, coupled with their support for increased need-based student financial aid, has helped us ensure affordability for Kansas families.”This is the fourth year in a row that the Board has approved flat tuition for undergraduate resident students at the University of Kansas. Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University and Wichita State University have had no undergraduate resident tuition increases in three of the past four years.“I’m pleased that my call to freeze tuition at state universities has been taken up, especially as pandemic-induced inflation impacts the lives of Kansan students and their families,” Governor Kelly said. “Continuing the streak of low-to-no tuition growth under my Administration ensures our state can maintain its workforce pipeline and keep higher education degrees attainable.”&nbsp;

Students at Kan. 6 state universities will not see a tuition increase

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — U.S. cities and states have lined up with tax breaks and millions of dollars in both public and private investments for a chance at hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup games,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-soccer-united-states-mexico-new-york-87a327b61d5cd8e29004b04868de49ae">set to be announced Thursday</a>.

The prize is a share of what FIFA&nbsp;<a href="https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/3c077448dcd5c0ab/original/w3yjeu7dadt5erw26wmu-pdf.pdf" target="_blank">expects</a>&nbsp;to be more than $5 billion in short-term economic activity generated from the tournament throughout North America.

In hopes of scoring a deal, state lawmakers and city leaders are cutting sales taxes on tickets and pumping millions of dollars into stadium renovations.

Missouri is among a handful of states that preemptively passed a bill to exempt FIFA tickets from sales taxes. Kansas City-area Democratic state Sen. John Rizzo said he expects revenue generated from Kansas City hosting the event to “more than offset” any losses on sales taxes for tickets.

“There are a lot of excited soccer fans that are hoping that we can get this done,” Rizzo said. “I’m hopeful, too.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-nfl-winter-olympics-sports-soccer-a46ea1286192e6364ab1efb1fb03438d">Seventeen stadiums in 16 areas</a>&nbsp;remain in contention to be among 10-12 selected from the U.S. for the tournament, which will be co-hosted with Mexico and Canada. The U.S. will host 60 of the 80 games under FIFA’s plan, including all from the quarterfinals on, and there was little doubt over the venues for 10 games each in the other nations.

FIFA’s calls for tax breaks and other funding assistance led cities including Minneapolis, Chicago and Glendale, Arizona, to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup/story/4670737/world-cup-2026-host-venues-to-be-revealed-by-fifa-on-june-16" target="_blank">drop out of the running</a>&nbsp;in 2018.

Lawmakers and city officials elsewhere appear more willing to make concessions.

The Republican governors of Georgia and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-soccer-sports-business-florida-c8a80012f7b691cb9f11836db8fddfab">Florida</a>&nbsp;in May signed legislation eliminating sales taxes on tickets for World Cup soccer matches.

Missouri lawmakers sent similar legislation to Republican Gov. Mike Parson last month. He has not indicated whether he’ll sign it.

“I know there’s probably some people out there that are like, why are we doing that?” Rizzo said. “The reason for that is in the past, there have been other places that have hiked the sales tax on the tickets just before they went on sale.”

Tickets to sporting events aren’t subject to sales tax in Ohio, although Cincinnati, which is vying to be named a host city, is among municipalities that subjects them to a local admissions tax.

Alan Rothenberg, head of World Cup USA 1994, anticipates many of the U.S. states and cities will refuse to comply with FIFA’s demands for ticket tax breaks.

“I think that’s a fair assumption in most of the jurisdictions,” he said. “Some of them, they may just build it into the stadium price and other things, but getting an actual waiver may be difficult. Ultimately, it just means another cost that the host committee, host city, is going to be responsible for.”

Other states and cities have either cobbled together private funding or are pulling from designated public funding set aside specifically to attract large events.

Georgia also appropriated $250,000 in the budget beginning July 1 for security if Atlanta wins a bid. Money from hotel taxes collected by the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau also could be used to support the bid.

In April, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signed a bill to increase bond authorization for M&amp;T Bank Stadium, home to the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens and a proposed World Cup site. The bill allows borrowing of up to $600 million, up from a current cap of $235 million.

In Cincinnati, Ohio, officials have pledged $10 million for soccer-specific upgrades to Paul Brown Stadium, and another $40 million to $50 million in improvements to the 22-year-old facility have been folded into Hamilton County’s negotiations of a new contract with the NFL’s Bengals.

Private business leaders in the region also have said they are working to raise an additional $35 million to $50 million to enhance the experience for spectators.

Ohio created a special fund for luring this type of sporting event in 2019, and the most recent state budget calls for two infusions of up to $5 million into it over the next two years.

Texas also has a tax-funded program designed to help cities host major sports events, and FIFA and World Cup matches already qualify to apply for millions.

The Major Events Reimbursement Program allows hosting cities and local organizers to apply for money to cover costs related to the event, including any rights fees they have to pay. For the World Cup, organizers in Dallas and Houston could apply to the program to draw millions in tax money that would help cover any rights fees demanded by FIFA.

Other states are leaning on private funding.

In an April letter to FIFA officials, Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf said Philadelphia Soccer 2026 has so far raised $50 million in private funding to cover the city’s hosting responsibilities, an amount he said the state would supplement.

The Denver Sports Commission’s executive director, Matthew Payne, said the city estimates it would cost $40 million to $45 million in private funds to host Cup games and that “we are about at the halfway point in that budget.”

Payne insisted no taxpayer dollars were involved in the bid — though taxpayer-funded city projects, such as renovations to Denver International Airport and ongoing road and light rail construction, did feature as selling points.

The cost estimate includes creating fan venues outside the stadium, hiring or paying for extra security and training fields for visiting teams, Payne said.

Private fundraising is heavy on corporate involvement; he declined to reveal prospective donors ahead of Thursday’s announcement.

“We feel really, really strongly that we’ll generate the dollars needed privately to provide for all elements of staging World Cup games,” Payne said. “It is doable.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591022129290.jpeg" alt="Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, is among 23 venues across the nation bidding to host the World Cup matches in 2026" />
 <figcaption>Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, is among 23 venues across the nation bidding to host the World Cup matches in 2026</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUMMER BALLENTINE and RONALD BLUMJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — U.S. cities and states have lined up with tax breaks and millions of dollars in both public and private investments for a chance at hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup games,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-soccer-united-states-mexico-new-york-87a327b61d5cd8e29004b04868de49ae">set to be announced Thursday</a>.The prize is a share of what FIFA&nbsp;<a href="https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/3c077448dcd5c0ab/original/w3yjeu7dadt5erw26wmu-pdf.pdf" target="_blank">expects</a>&nbsp;to be more than $5 billion in short-term economic activity generated from the tournament throughout North America.In hopes of scoring a deal, state lawmakers and city leaders are cutting sales taxes on tickets and pumping millions of dollars into stadium renovations.Missouri is among a handful of states that preemptively passed a bill to exempt FIFA tickets from sales taxes. Kansas City-area Democratic state Sen. John Rizzo said he expects revenue generated from Kansas City hosting the event to “more than offset” any losses on sales taxes for tickets.“There are a lot of excited soccer fans that are hoping that we can get this done,” Rizzo said. “I’m hopeful, too.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-nfl-winter-olympics-sports-soccer-a46ea1286192e6364ab1efb1fb03438d">Seventeen stadiums in 16 areas</a>&nbsp;remain in contention to be among 10-12 selected from the U.S. for the tournament, which will be co-hosted with Mexico and Canada. The U.S. will host 60 of the 80 games under FIFA’s plan, including all from the quarterfinals on, and there was little doubt over the venues for 10 games each in the other nations.FIFA’s calls for tax breaks and other funding assistance led cities including Minneapolis, Chicago and Glendale, Arizona, to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup/story/4670737/world-cup-2026-host-venues-to-be-revealed-by-fifa-on-june-16" target="_blank">drop out of the running</a>&nbsp;in 2018.Lawmakers and city officials elsewhere appear more willing to make concessions.The Republican governors of Georgia and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-soccer-sports-business-florida-c8a80012f7b691cb9f11836db8fddfab">Florida</a>&nbsp;in May signed legislation eliminating sales taxes on tickets for World Cup soccer matches.Missouri lawmakers sent similar legislation to Republican Gov. Mike Parson last month. He has not indicated whether he’ll sign it.“I know there’s probably some people out there that are like, why are we doing that?” Rizzo said. “The reason for that is in the past, there have been other places that have hiked the sales tax on the tickets just before they went on sale.”Tickets to sporting events aren’t subject to sales tax in Ohio, although Cincinnati, which is vying to be named a host city, is among municipalities that subjects them to a local admissions tax.Alan Rothenberg, head of World Cup USA 1994, anticipates many of the U.S. states and cities will refuse to comply with FIFA’s demands for ticket tax breaks.“I think that’s a fair assumption in most of the jurisdictions,” he said. “Some of them, they may just build it into the stadium price and other things, but getting an actual waiver may be difficult. Ultimately, it just means another cost that the host committee, host city, is going to be responsible for.”Other states and cities have either cobbled together private funding or are pulling from designated public funding set aside specifically to attract large events.Georgia also appropriated $250,000 in the budget beginning July 1 for security if Atlanta wins a bid. Money from hotel taxes collected by the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau also could be used to support the bid.In April, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signed a bill to increase bond authorization for M&amp;T Bank Stadium, home to the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens and a proposed World Cup site. The bill allows borrowing of up to $600 million, up from a current cap of $235 million.In Cincinnati, Ohio, officials have pledged $10 million for soccer-specific upgrades to Paul Brown Stadium, and another $40 million to $50 million in improvements to the 22-year-old facility have been folded into Hamilton County’s negotiations of a new contract with the NFL’s Bengals.Private business leaders in the region also have said they are working to raise an additional $35 million to $50 million to enhance the experience for spectators.Ohio created a special fund for luring this type of sporting event in 2019, and the most recent state budget calls for two infusions of up to $5 million into it over the next two years.Texas also has a tax-funded program designed to help cities host major sports events, and FIFA and World Cup matches already qualify to apply for millions.The Major Events Reimbursement Program allows hosting cities and local organizers to apply for money to cover costs related to the event, including any rights fees they have to pay. For the World Cup, organizers in Dallas and Houston could apply to the program to draw millions in tax money that would help cover any rights fees demanded by FIFA.Other states are leaning on private funding.In an April letter to FIFA officials, Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf said Philadelphia Soccer 2026 has so far raised $50 million in private funding to cover the city’s hosting responsibilities, an amount he said the state would supplement.The Denver Sports Commission’s executive director, Matthew Payne, said the city estimates it would cost $40 million to $45 million in private funds to host Cup games and that “we are about at the halfway point in that budget.”Payne insisted no taxpayer dollars were involved in the bid — though taxpayer-funded city projects, such as renovations to Denver International Airport and ongoing road and light rail construction, did feature as selling points.The cost estimate includes creating fan venues outside the stadium, hiring or paying for extra security and training fields for visiting teams, Payne said.Private fundraising is heavy on corporate involvement; he declined to reveal prospective donors ahead of Thursday’s announcement.“We feel really, really strongly that we’ll generate the dollars needed privately to provide for all elements of staging World Cup games,” Payne said. “It is doable.”

States offer tax breaks, funds for chance to host World Cup

FORD COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and the Ford County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the murders of a mother and daughter from Spearville, Kansas.

Just before 1:30p.m. Wednesday, deputies responded to 203 West Avenue B in Spearville, according to a media release from the Ford County Sheriff's Department. A man at the residence told deputies his girlfriend 31-year-old Kayla Vasquez and daughter 4-year-old Aalilyah were missing.

While they were inside the home, law enforcement officers noticed evidence that a crime had occurred in the residence. The man, identified as Michael A. Peterson, 31, of Spearville, was detained for questioning.

Just before 4 p.m., the Ford County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to the scene to investigate.

KBI agents and deputies from the Ford County Sheriff’s Office began an extensive search for Kayla and Aalilyah Vasquez. They were later assisted by the Edwards County Sheriff’s Office.

Just after 4 a.m. Thursday, authorities located the body of Kayla Vasquez in rural Ford County. Then at around 5:40 a.m., the body of Aalilyah Vasquez was discovered in Kinsley. Autopsies will be conducted.

At approximately 7:35 a.m. Thursday,&nbsp; authorities arrested Peterson on requested charges of capital murder connected to the deaths.

No threat to the public is believed to exist related to this incident.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME, or the Ford County Sheriff’s Office at 620-227-4501.

FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the disappearance of a Kansas woman and 4-year-old girl.

The sheriff's office requested assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to assist them in the investigation.

Kayla Vasquez is described as 5-foot-5 inches tall, 200 pounds, with dark hair and hazel eyes.&nbsp; Aalilyah is 3-foot-five inches tall with brown hair and eyes. Anyone with information on the disappearance is asked to call law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655373990456.png" alt="Kayla and Aalilyah Vasquez-photo Ford Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Kayla and Aalilyah Vasquez-photo Ford Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and the Ford County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the murders of a mother and daughter from Spearville, Kansas.Just before 1:30p.m. Wednesday, deputies responded to 203 West Avenue B in Spearville, according to a media release from the Ford County Sheriff's Department. A man at the residence told deputies his girlfriend 31-year-old Kayla Vasquez and daughter 4-year-old Aalilyah were missing.While they were inside the home, law enforcement officers noticed evidence that a crime had occurred in the residence. The man, identified as Michael A. Peterson, 31, of Spearville, was detained for questioning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655398104068.png" alt="Peterson-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Peterson-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 4 p.m., the Ford County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to the scene to investigate.KBI agents and deputies from the Ford County Sheriff’s Office began an extensive search for Kayla and Aalilyah Vasquez. They were later assisted by the Edwards County Sheriff’s Office.Just after 4 a.m. Thursday, authorities located the body of Kayla Vasquez in rural Ford County. Then at around 5:40 a.m., the body of Aalilyah Vasquez was discovered in Kinsley. Autopsies will be conducted.At approximately 7:35 a.m. Thursday,&nbsp; authorities arrested Peterson on requested charges of capital murder connected to the deaths.No threat to the public is believed to exist related to this incident.Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME, or the Ford County Sheriff’s Office at 620-227-4501.--------FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the disappearance of a Kansas woman and 4-year-old girl.Just before 1:30p.m. Wednesday, deputies responded to 203 West Avenue B in Spearville, according to a media release from the Ford County Sheriff's Department. A man at the residence told deputies his girlfriend 31-year-old Kayla Vasquez and daughter 4-year-old Aalilyah were missing.The sheriff's office requested assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to assist them in the investigation.Kayla Vasquez is described as 5-foot-5 inches tall, 200 pounds, with dark hair and hazel eyes.&nbsp; Aalilyah is 3-foot-five inches tall with brown hair and eyes. Anyone with information on the disappearance is asked to call law enforcement.

Update KBI: Man arrested after bodies of SW Kan. woman, daughter found 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Jan. 6 committee plunged into Donald Trump’s last-ditch effort to salvage the 2020 election by pressuring Vice President Mike Pence to reject the electoral count.

(Click below to watch a replay of Thursday's hearing)

Gripping new evidence also detailed how the mob that stormed the Capitol that day came within 40 feet of where Pence and his team were sheltering, highlighting the danger Trump had put him in. Thursday's witnesses, including Pence's counsel, dissected a strategy Trump embraced from conservative law professor John Eastman to have Pence refuse to certify Joe Biden’s election victory in a Jan. 6 joint session of Congress.”

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">The 1/6 committee</a>&nbsp;is set to plunge into Donald Trump’s last-ditch effort to salvage the 2020 election by pressuring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/michael-pence">Vice President Mike Pence</a>&nbsp;to reject the electoral count — powers Pence didn’t have — in the run-up to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-merrick-garland-government-and-politics-conspiracy-crime-c2e427dc0fa16077d7fb98c06e61149f">the U.S. Capitol riot</a>.

Click below to watch a replay of the hearing

With two witnesses Thursday, the House panel intends to show how Trump’s false claims of a fraudulent election left him grasping for alternatives as courts turned back dozens of lawsuits challenging the vote.

Trump latched onto&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-elections-california-donald-trump-election-2020-f37b212a35ab87ddce10d141bb80ae28">conservative law professor John Eastman’s obscure plan</a>&nbsp;and launched a public and private pressure campaign on Pence days before the vice president was to preside over the Jan. 6 joint session of Congress to certify Joe Biden’s election victory. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-elections-crime-donald-trump-presidential-elections-7b25a5f116f56f73d60b6cb298386bb9">federal judge has said it is “more likely than not” Trump committed crimes</a>&nbsp;in his attempt to stop the certification.

“The illegality of the plan was obvious,” the Jan. 6 panel said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-crime-donald-trump-united-states-presidential-elections-d6f316446682ea36e85e2fc4e0581a87">court filing against Eastman</a>. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., committee co-chair, said in her opening statement last week: “What President Trump demanded that Mike Pence do wasn’t just wrong, it was illegal and it was unconstitutional.”

The committee will hear from Greg Jacob, the vice president’s counsel who fended off Eastman’s ideas for Pence to carry out the plan; and retired federal judge Michael Luttig, who called the plan from Eastman, his former law clerk, “incorrect at every turn.”

Thursday’s session is also expected to divulge new evidence about the danger Pence faced that day as the mob stormed the Capitol shouting “hang Mike Pence!” with a gallows on the Capitol grounds as the vice president fled with senators into hiding. Nine people died in the riot and its aftermath.

The session is expected to show how Trump’s pressure on Pence “directly contributed” to the attack on the Capitol, according to a committee aide who insisted on anonymity to discuss the upcoming hearing.

Ahead of the hearing, Pence’s former chief of staff, Marc Short, said his boss was determined to stay at the Capitol that night and finish the job, despite the threats.

“He knew his job was to stay at his post,” Short said on CNN on Wednesday.

Short said Pence didn’t want the world seeing the vice president leaving the Capitol when “a hallmark of democracy” was under siege.

“He thought it was important that he stay there and make sure the work of the American people was completed that night,” said Short, who testified under subpoena to the committee for eight hours, but has not yet appeared as a live witness.

The panel is reconvening for a third hearing this month after a blockbuster prime-time start last week, followed by logistical setbacks in recent days. Monday’s key witness, former Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien, abruptly declined to appear in person because his wife was in labor with their child. Wednesday’s scheduled hearing with witnesses from the Justice Department who tried to convince Trump that his claims of voter fraud were just not true was postponed.

Nevertheless, the panel’s yearlong investigation is showcasing Trump’s final weeks in office as the defeated president clung to “the big lie” of a rigged election even as those around him — his family, his top aides, officials at the highest levels of government — were telling him he simply lost the election.

Former Attorney General William Barr, who resigned at the end of 2020 rather than be part of Trump’s plans, testified earlier that the president was becoming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-capitol-siege-donald-trump-campaigns-presidential-070ced9a013c58cf001d6d4137e4abc0">“detached from reality”</a>&nbsp;if he believed the lies. He said he told the president his claims of voter fraud were “bull-—.”

With 1,000 interviews and reams of 140,000 documents, the committee is connecting the dots, showing how Trump’s false claims of election fraud became a battle cry as he summoned thousands of Americans to Washington for a Jan. 6 rally and then sent them to Capitol Hill to “fight like hell” for his presidency.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-merrick-garland-government-and-politics-conspiracy-crime-c2e427dc0fa16077d7fb98c06e61149f">More than 800 people have been arrested</a>&nbsp;in the Capitol siege, and the panel is considering whether to send a referral for criminal charges against Trump to the Justice Department. No president or former president has ever been indicted by the Justice Department, and Attorney General Merrick Garland has said he and his team are following the proceedings in Congress.

For now, the panel is pressing ahead with its hearings, with more scheduled for next week.

Thursday’s will unpack the Eastman plan to have the states send alternative slates of electors from the five or seven states Trump was disputing, including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. With competing slates for Trump or Biden, Pence would be forced to reject them, returning them to the states to sort it out, under the plan.

Pence refused the plan, believing the founding fathers would not have left it to one person, the vice president, to decide the outcome, Jacob told the panel in previous testimony. Jacob said the idea was utterly against some 130 years of precedent in American history, “entirely made up.”

The committee in hearings ahead will be delving into the roles of extremist groups and others who heeded Trump’s call to Washington. Leaders and others from the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys face&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/michael-pence">rare sedition charges</a>&nbsp;over their roles in the Capitol attack.

Several members of Congress are also under scrutiny, including Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., whom the committee has asked for an interview to discuss a Capitol tour he gave that included basement tunnels to a group of people the day before the attack.

The panel is also probing several candidates for elected office, including the Republican nominee for governor in Pennsylvania, who were among the rioters.

The panel, which is expected to deliver a final report on its findings later this year, intends for its work to be a record for history of the most violent attack on the Capitol since the War of 1812. Unlike other national traumas that have pulled the country together, the Jan. 6 Capitol attack appears to have left many Americans divided. Congress splintered over forming the committee, which most Republicans opposed.

The panel’s two Republicans,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-capitol-siege-donald-trump-wyoming-presidential-4fd397e5ba68de1924f52c79507eff2f">Cheney</a>&nbsp;and Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, have been shunned by the GOP for their work with Democrats leading the investigation into Trump and his role in the Capitol attack.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609956651601.png" alt="Former Vice President Mike Pence as he&nbsp;presided over the Jan. 6 joint session of Congress to certify Joe Biden’s election victory-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Former Vice President Mike Pence as he&nbsp;presided over the Jan. 6 joint session of Congress to certify Joe Biden’s election victory-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Jan. 6 committee plunged into Donald Trump’s last-ditch effort to salvage the 2020 election by pressuring Vice President Mike Pence to reject the electoral count.(Click below to watch a replay of Thursday's hearing)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vBjUWVKuDj0?start=250" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Gripping new evidence also detailed how the mob that stormed the Capitol that day came within 40 feet of where Pence and his team were sheltering, highlighting the danger Trump had put him in. Thursday's witnesses, including Pence's counsel, dissected a strategy Trump embraced from conservative law professor John Eastman to have Pence refuse to certify Joe Biden’s election victory in a Jan. 6 joint session of Congress.”----------WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">The 1/6 committee</a>&nbsp;is set to plunge into Donald Trump’s last-ditch effort to salvage the 2020 election by pressuring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/michael-pence">Vice President Mike Pence</a>&nbsp;to reject the electoral count — powers Pence didn’t have — in the run-up to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-merrick-garland-government-and-politics-conspiracy-crime-c2e427dc0fa16077d7fb98c06e61149f">the U.S. Capitol riot</a>.Click below to watch a replay of the hearing<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vBjUWVKuDj0?start=250" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>With two witnesses Thursday, the House panel intends to show how Trump’s false claims of a fraudulent election left him grasping for alternatives as courts turned back dozens of lawsuits challenging the vote.Trump latched onto&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-elections-california-donald-trump-election-2020-f37b212a35ab87ddce10d141bb80ae28">conservative law professor John Eastman’s obscure plan</a>&nbsp;and launched a public and private pressure campaign on Pence days before the vice president was to preside over the Jan. 6 joint session of Congress to certify Joe Biden’s election victory. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-elections-crime-donald-trump-presidential-elections-7b25a5f116f56f73d60b6cb298386bb9">federal judge has said it is “more likely than not” Trump committed crimes</a>&nbsp;in his attempt to stop the certification.“The illegality of the plan was obvious,” the Jan. 6 panel said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-crime-donald-trump-united-states-presidential-elections-d6f316446682ea36e85e2fc4e0581a87">court filing against Eastman</a>. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., committee co-chair, said in her opening statement last week: “What President Trump demanded that Mike Pence do wasn’t just wrong, it was illegal and it was unconstitutional.”The committee will hear from Greg Jacob, the vice president’s counsel who fended off Eastman’s ideas for Pence to carry out the plan; and retired federal judge Michael Luttig, who called the plan from Eastman, his former law clerk, “incorrect at every turn.”Thursday’s session is also expected to divulge new evidence about the danger Pence faced that day as the mob stormed the Capitol shouting “hang Mike Pence!” with a gallows on the Capitol grounds as the vice president fled with senators into hiding. Nine people died in the riot and its aftermath.The session is expected to show how Trump’s pressure on Pence “directly contributed” to the attack on the Capitol, according to a committee aide who insisted on anonymity to discuss the upcoming hearing.Ahead of the hearing, Pence’s former chief of staff, Marc Short, said his boss was determined to stay at the Capitol that night and finish the job, despite the threats.“He knew his job was to stay at his post,” Short said on CNN on Wednesday.Short said Pence didn’t want the world seeing the vice president leaving the Capitol when “a hallmark of democracy” was under siege.“He thought it was important that he stay there and make sure the work of the American people was completed that night,” said Short, who testified under subpoena to the committee for eight hours, but has not yet appeared as a live witness.The panel is reconvening for a third hearing this month after a blockbuster prime-time start last week, followed by logistical setbacks in recent days. Monday’s key witness, former Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien, abruptly declined to appear in person because his wife was in labor with their child. Wednesday’s scheduled hearing with witnesses from the Justice Department who tried to convince Trump that his claims of voter fraud were just not true was postponed.Nevertheless, the panel’s yearlong investigation is showcasing Trump’s final weeks in office as the defeated president clung to “the big lie” of a rigged election even as those around him — his family, his top aides, officials at the highest levels of government — were telling him he simply lost the election.Former Attorney General William Barr, who resigned at the end of 2020 rather than be part of Trump’s plans, testified earlier that the president was becoming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-capitol-siege-donald-trump-campaigns-presidential-070ced9a013c58cf001d6d4137e4abc0">“detached from reality”</a>&nbsp;if he believed the lies. He said he told the president his claims of voter fraud were “bull-—.”With 1,000 interviews and reams of 140,000 documents, the committee is connecting the dots, showing how Trump’s false claims of election fraud became a battle cry as he summoned thousands of Americans to Washington for a Jan. 6 rally and then sent them to Capitol Hill to “fight like hell” for his presidency.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-merrick-garland-government-and-politics-conspiracy-crime-c2e427dc0fa16077d7fb98c06e61149f">More than 800 people have been arrested</a>&nbsp;in the Capitol siege, and the panel is considering whether to send a referral for criminal charges against Trump to the Justice Department. No president or former president has ever been indicted by the Justice Department, and Attorney General Merrick Garland has said he and his team are following the proceedings in Congress.For now, the panel is pressing ahead with its hearings, with more scheduled for next week.Thursday’s will unpack the Eastman plan to have the states send alternative slates of electors from the five or seven states Trump was disputing, including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. With competing slates for Trump or Biden, Pence would be forced to reject them, returning them to the states to sort it out, under the plan.Pence refused the plan, believing the founding fathers would not have left it to one person, the vice president, to decide the outcome, Jacob told the panel in previous testimony. Jacob said the idea was utterly against some 130 years of precedent in American history, “entirely made up.”The committee in hearings ahead will be delving into the roles of extremist groups and others who heeded Trump’s call to Washington. Leaders and others from the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys face&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/michael-pence">rare sedition charges</a>&nbsp;over their roles in the Capitol attack.Several members of Congress are also under scrutiny, including Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., whom the committee has asked for an interview to discuss a Capitol tour he gave that included basement tunnels to a group of people the day before the attack.The panel is also probing several candidates for elected office, including the Republican nominee for governor in Pennsylvania, who were among the rioters.The panel, which is expected to deliver a final report on its findings later this year, intends for its work to be a record for history of the most violent attack on the Capitol since the War of 1812. Unlike other national traumas that have pulled the country together, the Jan. 6 Capitol attack appears to have left many Americans divided. Congress splintered over forming the committee, which most Republicans opposed.The panel’s two Republicans,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-capitol-siege-donald-trump-wyoming-presidential-4fd397e5ba68de1924f52c79507eff2f">Cheney</a>&nbsp;and Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, have been shunned by the GOP for their work with Democrats leading the investigation into Trump and his role in the Capitol attack.

🎥 Day 3 replay: 1/6 panel probes Trump pressure on Pence to reject election

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY —A Kansas teenager died in a accident just after 12:30p.m. Wednesday northwest of Salina.

According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, a 15-year-old boy was riding a four-wheeler in a field behind his family's home in the 4700 block of W. Pleasant Hill Road.

The boy attempted to ride through a gate and instead struck a wire fence.

EMS transported the boy to Salina Regional Health Center where he later died.&nbsp; Soldan did not release the boy's name.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY —A Kansas teenager died in a accident just after 12:30p.m. Wednesday northwest of Salina.According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, a 15-year-old boy was riding a four-wheeler in a field behind his family's home in the 4700 block of W. Pleasant Hill Road.The boy attempted to ride through a gate and instead struck a wire fence.EMS transported the boy to Salina Regional Health Center where he later died.&nbsp; Soldan did not release the boy's name.

Sheriff: Kansas teen dies after 4-wheeler strikes a fence

RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged criminal damage to property in the 700 block of Highland Ridge Dr. in Manhattan.

Just before 3:30p.m Wednesday, MH Development and a 52-year-old woman reported carpet, light fixtures, walls, a refrigerator, doors, cabinets, couch, mattress, glass tables, dresser, weight bench and more were damaged&nbsp; inside of an apartment, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. 

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $100,000.

RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged criminal damage to property in the 700 block of Highland Ridge Dr. in Manhattan.Just before 3:30p.m Wednesday, MH Development and a 52-year-old woman reported carpet, light fixtures, walls, a refrigerator, doors, cabinets, couch, mattress, glass tables, dresser, weight bench and more were damaged&nbsp; inside of an apartment, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $100,000.

Police investigate $100,000 damage to apartment in Manhattan

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Republican candidate Kris Kobach on Wednesday endorsed lowering Kansas’ legal drinking age to 18 and promised that if he’s elected attorney general this year, he will challenge the federal policy preventing such a move.

(Click below to watch a replay of the debate courtesy KCPT)

Kobach criticized a 1980s federal law that threatens states with the loss of highway dollars if their drinking ages are below 21. He said he believes the U.S. Supreme Court is now conservative enough that it would overturn that law and allow states to set their own policies.

The issue arose during a debate in Overland Park between Kobach and the other two GOP attorney general candidates, state Sen. Kellie Warren and former federal prosecutor Tony Mattivi. All three candidates support gun rights, and a viewer of the public television station livestreaming the debate asked whether the drinking age also should be 18 if people can buy guns at that age.

“When you’re 18 years old and you can vote — you can fight for this country — you should have all of the rights that other citizens enjoy,” Kobach said.

Both Warren and Mattivi said the issues are different because gun rights are protected by the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment while there is no constitutional right to drink alcohol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655322316826.png" alt="The issue arose during a debate in Overland Park between Kobach and the other two GOP attorney general candidates, state Sen. Kellie Warren and former federal prosecutor Tony Mattivi.-image courtesy Kansas City PBS" />
 <figcaption>The issue arose during a debate in Overland Park between Kobach and the other two GOP attorney general candidates, state Sen. Kellie Warren and former federal prosecutor Tony Mattivi.-image courtesy Kansas City PBS</figcaption>
 </figure>OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Republican candidate Kris Kobach on Wednesday endorsed lowering Kansas’ legal drinking age to 18 and promised that if he’s elected attorney general this year, he will challenge the federal policy preventing such a move.(Click below to watch a replay of the debate courtesy KCPT)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkansascitypbs%2Fvideos%2F430578798915600%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=443" 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>Kobach criticized a 1980s federal law that threatens states with the loss of highway dollars if their drinking ages are below 21. He said he believes the U.S. Supreme Court is now conservative enough that it would overturn that law and allow states to set their own policies.The issue arose during a debate in Overland Park between Kobach and the other two GOP attorney general candidates, state Sen. Kellie Warren and former federal prosecutor Tony Mattivi. All three candidates support gun rights, and a viewer of the public television station livestreaming the debate asked whether the drinking age also should be 18 if people can buy guns at that age.“When you’re 18 years old and you can vote — you can fight for this country — you should have all of the rights that other citizens enjoy,” Kobach said.Both Warren and Mattivi said the issues are different because gun rights are protected by the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment while there is no constitutional right to drink alcohol.___

🎥Kansas AG's race: Kobach backs lowering drinking age to 18

Sturgis, Mich. (AP) —Severe weather has forced Abbott Nutrition to pause production at a Michigan baby formula factory that had just restarted after being closed for several months.

The facility is closely tied to the recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/storms-health-thunderstorms-weather-f7d8a9df5ac176a6ac7e97802e05673b" target="_blank">baby formula shortage</a>.

Production for its EleCare specialty formula has been suspended, but there is enough supply to meet demand until production is restarted, the company said. The company put a priority on ramping up production of the specialty formula for infants with severe food allergies and digestive problems who have few other options for nutrition.

Abbott says it needs to assess damage and re-sanitize the factory after severe thunderstorms and heavy rains swept through southwestern Michigan late Monday. The company didn’t indicate how much damage the factory sustained.

Abbott had restarted the Sturgis, Michigan, factory on June 4 after it had been closed since February due to contamination.

The factory was closed after the Food and Drug Administration began investigating four bacterial infections among infants who consumed powdered formula from the plant. Two of the babies died. The company continues to state that its products have not been directly linked to the infections, which involved different bacterial strains.

FDA inspectors eventually uncovered a host of violations at the plant, including bacterial contamination, a leaky roof and lax safety protocols.

Abbott recalled several leading brands of formula in February, including Similac. That squeezed squeezed supplies that had already been strained by supply chain disruptions and stockpiling during COVID-19 shutdowns.

The company offered no time frame in its statement for when production will resume.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648164055231.png" alt="In February Abbott, one of the country’s largest infant formula makers announced a recall of Similac made at the plant in Sturgis, Michigan-FDA image" />
 <figcaption>In February Abbott, one of the country’s largest infant formula makers announced a recall of Similac made at the plant in Sturgis, Michigan-FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>Sturgis, Mich. (AP) —Severe weather has forced Abbott Nutrition to pause production at a Michigan baby formula factory that had just restarted after being closed for several months.The facility is closely tied to the recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/storms-health-thunderstorms-weather-f7d8a9df5ac176a6ac7e97802e05673b" target="_blank">baby formula shortage</a>.Production for its EleCare specialty formula has been suspended, but there is enough supply to meet demand until production is restarted, the company said. The company put a priority on ramping up production of the specialty formula for infants with severe food allergies and digestive problems who have few other options for nutrition.Abbott says it needs to assess damage and re-sanitize the factory after severe thunderstorms and heavy rains swept through southwestern Michigan late Monday. The company didn’t indicate how much damage the factory sustained.Abbott had restarted the Sturgis, Michigan, factory on June 4 after it had been closed since February due to contamination.The factory was closed after the Food and Drug Administration began investigating four bacterial infections among infants who consumed powdered formula from the plant. Two of the babies died. The company continues to state that its products have not been directly linked to the infections, which involved different bacterial strains.FDA inspectors eventually uncovered a host of violations at the plant, including bacterial contamination, a leaky roof and lax safety protocols.Abbott recalled several leading brands of formula in February, including Similac. That squeezed squeezed supplies that had already been strained by supply chain disruptions and stockpiling during COVID-19 shutdowns.The company offered no time frame in its statement for when production will resume.

Production at recently opened baby formula factory stopped again

KANSAS CITY—Charges have been filed against a 19-year-old suspect in connection with a threat that closed ten Kansas City-area schools on Wednesday.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker thanked Blue Springs police department, Chief Bob Muenz and the FBI for their quick action regarding a threat of a mass shooting on Wednesday. "Their handling of this case was thoughtful and professional and I appreciate their partnership," Baker said.

"Their work however only came from an anonymous reporter of the threat. This brave individual deserves everyone’s praise and gratitude for reporting this social media post to law enforcement. &nbsp;This case shows that citizens can make a difference. Taking someone’s threat seriously is the best way to mitigate potential harm."

"My ask today is pretty simple – if you see a credible threat, please report it to law enforcement. School districts are working through stressful times knowing that their main priority is to keep kids safe and they did so."

Baker made the public announcement of charges but she said, "I intentionally am not going to use the suspect’s name or likeness in the statement. We will carry this case affording him with proper due process but he does not deserve to be made famous for his threat. Likewise I would ask that you consider not using his name or likeness in your reporting of this charge."

We charged him with the single count of making a terroristic threat and asked for a bond to hold him in custody. Further, we have been assured that mental health services will be offered to him while incarcerated.

KANSAS CITY—Charges have been filed against a 19-year-old suspect in connection with a threat that closed ten Kansas City-area schools on Wednesday.Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker thanked Blue Springs police department, Chief Bob Muenz and the FBI for their quick action regarding a threat of a mass shooting on Wednesday. "Their handling of this case was thoughtful and professional and I appreciate their partnership," Baker said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">FBI Kansas City was made aware of a threat received by the Blue Springs Police Department yesterday. We take all threats of violence seriously and work with our local partners to provide resources as needed. <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueSpringsPD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BlueSpringsPD</a> is the lead investigative agency regarding this matter.&mdash; FBI Kansas City (@FBIKansasCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIKansasCity/status/1537060955837804545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Their work however only came from an anonymous reporter of the threat. This brave individual deserves everyone’s praise and gratitude for reporting this social media post to law enforcement. &nbsp;This case shows that citizens can make a difference. Taking someone’s threat seriously is the best way to mitigate potential harm.""My ask today is pretty simple – if you see a credible threat, please report it to law enforcement. School districts are working through stressful times knowing that their main priority is to keep kids safe and they did so."Baker made the public announcement of charges but she said, "I intentionally am not going to use the suspect’s name or likeness in the statement. We will carry this case affording him with proper due process but he does not deserve to be made famous for his threat. Likewise I would ask that you consider not using his name or likeness in your reporting of this charge."We charged him with the single count of making a terroristic threat and asked for a bond to hold him in custody. Further, we have been assured that mental health services will be offered to him while incarcerated.

Felony charges filed for threats that closed KC-area schools

WASHINGTON (AP) The first COVID-19 shots for U.S. infants, toddlers and preschoolers moved a step closer Wednesday.

The Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine advisers gave a thumbs-up to vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer for the littlest kids.

The outside experts voted unanimously that the benefits of the shots outweigh any risks for children under 5 — that’s roughly 18 million youngsters. They are the last age group in the U.S. without access to COVID-19 vaccines and many parents have been anxious to protect their little children.

If all the regulatory steps are cleared,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-government-and-politics-152ad81fe8b76025772f0659e521acee">shots should be available next week.</a>

“This is a long-awaited vaccine,” said one panel member, Dr. Jay Portnoy of Children’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. “There are so many parents who are absolutely desperate to get this vaccine and I think we owe it to them to give them a choice to have the vaccine if they want to.”

Dr. Peter Marks, FDA’s vaccine chief, opened the meeting with data showing a “quite troubling surge” in young children’s hospitalizations during the omicron wave, and noted 442 children under 4 have died during the pandemic. That’s far fewer than adult deaths, but should not be dismissed in considering the need for vaccinating the youngest kids, he said.

“Each child that’s lost essentially fractures a family,” Marks said.

While endorsing the vaccines, some panel members said they believe chances are minimal for severe illness and death in young children.

“Risks from vaccination are very low, but so are risks from COVID-19 for the youngest kids,” said Dr. Cody Meissner of Tufts University.

FDA reviewers said both brands appear to be safe and effective for children as young as 6 months old in&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/web/search/text?all=false&amp;sourceType=allSources&amp;dateRangeType=live&amp;mediaSortType=newest&amp;pagesize=100&amp;viewType=conversation&amp;keyword=tags:sam&amp;storyType=all&amp;mediatype=text&amp;pagenumber=0" target="_blank">analyses posted</a>&nbsp;ahead of the all-day meeting. Side effects, including fever and fatigue, were generally minor in both, and less common than seen in adults.

The two vaccines use the same technology but there are differences. In a call with reporters earlier this week, vaccine experts noted that the shots haven’t been tested against each other, so there’s no way to tell parents if one is superior.

“You can’t compare the vaccines directly,” said Dr. Jesse Goodman of Georgetown University, a former FDA vaccine chief.

If the FDA agrees with its advisers and authorizes the shots, there’s one more step. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will decide on a formal recommendation after its own advisers vote on Saturday. If the CDC signs off, shots could be available as soon as Monday or Tuesday at doctor’s offices, hospitals and pharmacies.

Pfizer’s vaccine is for children 6 months through 4 years; Moderna’s vaccine is for 6 months through 5 years.

Moderna’s shots are one-quarter the dose of the company’s adult shots. Two doses appeared strong enough to prevent severe illness but only about 40% to 50% effective at preventing milder infections. Moderna added a booster to its tests and expects to eventually offer one.

Pfizer’s shots are just one-tenth its adult dose. Pfizer and partner BioNTech found that two shots didn’t provide enough protection in testing, so a third was added during the omicron wave.

Pfizer’s submitted data found no safety concerns and suggested that three shots were 80% effective in preventing symptomatic coronavirus infections. But that was based on just 10 COVID-19 cases; the calculation could change as more cases occur in the company’s ongoing studies.

Several advisers, noting that protection is low after two Pfizer doses, worried that some parents might end up skipping the third shot, or mistakenly thinking their kids are better protected between shots, leaving them vulnerable.

Educating parents must be done “very very carefully so that they are not misled about what the vaccines actually provide,” said Dr. Archana Chatterjee of Rosalind Franklin University.

The same&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-316714ee5cc37b87def488c41877ce38">FDA panel on Tuesday backed Moderna’s half-sized shots for ages 6 to 11 and full-sized doses for teens.</a>&nbsp;If authorized by the FDA, it would be the second option for those age groups. Currently Pfizer vaccine is their only choice.

The nation’s vaccination campaign started in December 2020 with the rollout of adult vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, with health care workers and nursing home residents first in line. Teens and school-age children were added last year.

Moderna said in April that it is also seeking regulatory approval outside the U.S. for its little kid shots. According to the World Health Organization, 12 countries already vaccinate kids under 5, with other brands.

In the U.S., it remains uncertain how many parents want their youngest vaccinated. By some estimates, three-quarters of all children have already been infected. And only about 29% of children aged 5 to 11 have been vaccinated since Pfizer’s shots opened to them last November, a rate far lower than public health authorities consider ideal.

Dr. Nimmi Rajagopal, a family medicine physician at Cook County Health in Chicago, said she’s been preparing parents for months.

“We have some that are hesitant, and some that are just raring to go,” she said.

WASHINGTON (AP) The first COVID-19 shots for U.S. infants, toddlers and preschoolers moved a step closer Wednesday.The Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine advisers gave a thumbs-up to vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer for the littlest kids.The outside experts voted unanimously that the benefits of the shots outweigh any risks for children under 5 — that’s roughly 18 million youngsters. They are the last age group in the U.S. without access to COVID-19 vaccines and many parents have been anxious to protect their little children.If all the regulatory steps are cleared,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-government-and-politics-152ad81fe8b76025772f0659e521acee">shots should be available next week.</a>“This is a long-awaited vaccine,” said one panel member, Dr. Jay Portnoy of Children’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. “There are so many parents who are absolutely desperate to get this vaccine and I think we owe it to them to give them a choice to have the vaccine if they want to.”Dr. Peter Marks, FDA’s vaccine chief, opened the meeting with data showing a “quite troubling surge” in young children’s hospitalizations during the omicron wave, and noted 442 children under 4 have died during the pandemic. That’s far fewer than adult deaths, but should not be dismissed in considering the need for vaccinating the youngest kids, he said.“Each child that’s lost essentially fractures a family,” Marks said.While endorsing the vaccines, some panel members said they believe chances are minimal for severe illness and death in young children.“Risks from vaccination are very low, but so are risks from COVID-19 for the youngest kids,” said Dr. Cody Meissner of Tufts University.FDA reviewers said both brands appear to be safe and effective for children as young as 6 months old in&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/web/search/text?all=false&amp;sourceType=allSources&amp;dateRangeType=live&amp;mediaSortType=newest&amp;pagesize=100&amp;viewType=conversation&amp;keyword=tags:sam&amp;storyType=all&amp;mediatype=text&amp;pagenumber=0" target="_blank">analyses posted</a>&nbsp;ahead of the all-day meeting. Side effects, including fever and fatigue, were generally minor in both, and less common than seen in adults.The two vaccines use the same technology but there are differences. In a call with reporters earlier this week, vaccine experts noted that the shots haven’t been tested against each other, so there’s no way to tell parents if one is superior.“You can’t compare the vaccines directly,” said Dr. Jesse Goodman of Georgetown University, a former FDA vaccine chief.If the FDA agrees with its advisers and authorizes the shots, there’s one more step. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will decide on a formal recommendation after its own advisers vote on Saturday. If the CDC signs off, shots could be available as soon as Monday or Tuesday at doctor’s offices, hospitals and pharmacies.Pfizer’s vaccine is for children 6 months through 4 years; Moderna’s vaccine is for 6 months through 5 years.Moderna’s shots are one-quarter the dose of the company’s adult shots. Two doses appeared strong enough to prevent severe illness but only about 40% to 50% effective at preventing milder infections. Moderna added a booster to its tests and expects to eventually offer one.Pfizer’s shots are just one-tenth its adult dose. Pfizer and partner BioNTech found that two shots didn’t provide enough protection in testing, so a third was added during the omicron wave.Pfizer’s submitted data found no safety concerns and suggested that three shots were 80% effective in preventing symptomatic coronavirus infections. But that was based on just 10 COVID-19 cases; the calculation could change as more cases occur in the company’s ongoing studies.Several advisers, noting that protection is low after two Pfizer doses, worried that some parents might end up skipping the third shot, or mistakenly thinking their kids are better protected between shots, leaving them vulnerable.Educating parents must be done “very very carefully so that they are not misled about what the vaccines actually provide,” said Dr. Archana Chatterjee of Rosalind Franklin University.The same&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-316714ee5cc37b87def488c41877ce38">FDA panel on Tuesday backed Moderna’s half-sized shots for ages 6 to 11 and full-sized doses for teens.</a>&nbsp;If authorized by the FDA, it would be the second option for those age groups. Currently Pfizer vaccine is their only choice.The nation’s vaccination campaign started in December 2020 with the rollout of adult vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, with health care workers and nursing home residents first in line. Teens and school-age children were added last year.Moderna said in April that it is also seeking regulatory approval outside the U.S. for its little kid shots. According to the World Health Organization, 12 countries already vaccinate kids under 5, with other brands.In the U.S., it remains uncertain how many parents want their youngest vaccinated. By some estimates, three-quarters of all children have already been infected. And only about 29% of children aged 5 to 11 have been vaccinated since Pfizer’s shots opened to them last November, a rate far lower than public health authorities consider ideal.Dr. Nimmi Rajagopal, a family medicine physician at Cook County Health in Chicago, said she’s been preparing parents for months.“We have some that are hesitant, and some that are just raring to go,” she said.

1st COVID-19 shots for kids under 5 could be available next week

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Two U.S. veterans from Alabama who were in Ukraine assisting in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war</a>&nbsp;against Russia haven’t been heard from in days and are missing, members of the state’s congressional delegation said Wednesday.

Relatives of Andy Tai Ngoc Huynh, 27, of Trinity and Alexander Drueke, 39, of Tuscaloosa have been in contact with both Senate and House offices seeking information about the men’s whereabouts, press aides said.

Rep. Robert Aderholt said Huynh had volunteered to go fight with the Ukrainian army against Russia, but relatives haven’t heard from him since June 8, when he was in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine, which is near the Russian border. Huynh and Drueke were together, an aide to Aderholt said.

“As you can imagine, his loved ones are very concerned about him,” Aderholt said in a statement. “My office has placed inquires with both the United States Department of State and the Federal Bureau of Investigation trying to get any information possible.”

Rep. Terri Sewell said Drueke’s mother reached out to her office earlier this week after she lost contact with her son.

The U.S. State Department said it was looking into reports that Russian or Russian-backed separatist forces in Ukraine had captured at least two American citizens. If confirmed, they would be the first Americans fighting for Ukraine known to have been captured since the war began Feb. 24.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and are in contact with Ukrainian authorities,” the department said in a statement emailed to reporters. It declined further comment, citing privacy considerations.

John Kirby, a national security spokesman at the White House, said Wednesday that the administration wasn’t able to confirm the reports about missing Americans.

“We’ll do the best we can to monitor this and see what we can learn about it,” he said.

However, he reiterated his warnings against Americans going to Ukraine.

“Ukraine is not the place for Americans to be traveling,” he said. “If you feel passionate about supporting Ukraine, there’s any number of ways to do that that that are safer and just as effective.”

A court in Donetsk, under separatist control,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-london-moscow-donetsk-9284bb1ee2c215ed8a3920941a67eb16">sentenced two Britons and a Moroccan man to death last week</a>. The Britons and Moroccan were accused of being mercenaries and seeking the violent overthrow of the separatist government in the Donetsk region. The Russian military has said it considers foreigners fighting with Ukraine to be mercenaries and claims they are not protected as combatants under the Geneva Convention.

Huynh’s fiancee, Joy Black, posted publicly on Facebook that his family was in contact with the Drueke family and government officials, and that nothing had been confirmed other than that the two were missing.

“Please keep Andy, and Alex, and all of their loved ones in prayer. We just want them to come home,” she wrote.

U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger tweeted that the Americans “have enlisted in the Ukrainian army, and thus are afforded legal combatant protections. As such, we expect members of the Legion to be treated in accordance with the Geneva convention.” It was unclear whether Kinzinger, an Illinois Republican, had any further information about the men.

He was commenting on a tweet sent earlier Wednesday by Task Force Baguette, a group of former U.S. and French servicemen, saying that two Americans fighting with them were captured a week ago. The group said Ukrainian intelligence confirmed the information.

Early in the war, Ukraine created the International Legion for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-afghanistan-europe-united-states-5757a2eb0d9774a35e63edce491a06e9">foreign citizens</a>&nbsp;who wanted to help defend against the Russian invasion.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Two U.S. veterans from Alabama who were in Ukraine assisting in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war</a>&nbsp;against Russia haven’t been heard from in days and are missing, members of the state’s congressional delegation said Wednesday.Relatives of Andy Tai Ngoc Huynh, 27, of Trinity and Alexander Drueke, 39, of Tuscaloosa have been in contact with both Senate and House offices seeking information about the men’s whereabouts, press aides said.Rep. Robert Aderholt said Huynh had volunteered to go fight with the Ukrainian army against Russia, but relatives haven’t heard from him since June 8, when he was in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine, which is near the Russian border. Huynh and Drueke were together, an aide to Aderholt said.“As you can imagine, his loved ones are very concerned about him,” Aderholt said in a statement. “My office has placed inquires with both the United States Department of State and the Federal Bureau of Investigation trying to get any information possible.”Rep. Terri Sewell said Drueke’s mother reached out to her office earlier this week after she lost contact with her son.The U.S. State Department said it was looking into reports that Russian or Russian-backed separatist forces in Ukraine had captured at least two American citizens. If confirmed, they would be the first Americans fighting for Ukraine known to have been captured since the war began Feb. 24.“We are closely monitoring the situation and are in contact with Ukrainian authorities,” the department said in a statement emailed to reporters. It declined further comment, citing privacy considerations.John Kirby, a national security spokesman at the White House, said Wednesday that the administration wasn’t able to confirm the reports about missing Americans.“We’ll do the best we can to monitor this and see what we can learn about it,” he said.However, he reiterated his warnings against Americans going to Ukraine.“Ukraine is not the place for Americans to be traveling,” he said. “If you feel passionate about supporting Ukraine, there’s any number of ways to do that that that are safer and just as effective.”A court in Donetsk, under separatist control,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-london-moscow-donetsk-9284bb1ee2c215ed8a3920941a67eb16">sentenced two Britons and a Moroccan man to death last week</a>. The Britons and Moroccan were accused of being mercenaries and seeking the violent overthrow of the separatist government in the Donetsk region. The Russian military has said it considers foreigners fighting with Ukraine to be mercenaries and claims they are not protected as combatants under the Geneva Convention.Huynh’s fiancee, Joy Black, posted publicly on Facebook that his family was in contact with the Drueke family and government officials, and that nothing had been confirmed other than that the two were missing.“Please keep Andy, and Alex, and all of their loved ones in prayer. We just want them to come home,” she wrote.U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger tweeted that the Americans “have enlisted in the Ukrainian army, and thus are afforded legal combatant protections. As such, we expect members of the Legion to be treated in accordance with the Geneva convention.” It was unclear whether Kinzinger, an Illinois Republican, had any further information about the men.He was commenting on a tweet sent earlier Wednesday by Task Force Baguette, a group of former U.S. and French servicemen, saying that two Americans fighting with them were captured a week ago. The group said Ukrainian intelligence confirmed the information.Early in the war, Ukraine created the International Legion for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-afghanistan-europe-united-states-5757a2eb0d9774a35e63edce491a06e9">foreign citizens</a>&nbsp;who wanted to help defend against the Russian invasion.Huynh spoke to his local newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.decaturdaily.com/news/morgan_county/hartselle/hartselle-man-leaving-friday-for-europe-to-join-ukrainian-foreign-legion/article_2f5663de-3cf8-5012-bf42-ba9ff47feb92.html" target="_blank">the Decatur Daily</a>, shortly before flying to Eastern Europe in April.He explained that he was studying robotics at Calhoun Community College but couldn’t stop thinking about Russia’s invasion.“I know it wasn’t my problem, but there was that gut feeling that I felt I had to do something,” Huynh told the Decatur Daily. “Two weeks after the war began, it kept eating me up inside and it just felt wrong. I was losing sleep. ... All I could think about was the situation in Ukraine.”He said he decided to fly out once he learned that young Ukrainians were being drafted into service.“Right when they turned 18, they were forced to enlist in the military to defend their homeland,” Huynh said. “Honestly, that broke my heart. I would say that is probably the moment where I decided that I have to do something.”According to the newspaper, Huynh enlisted in the Marines when he was 19 and served for four years, though he did not see active combat.He was born and raised in Orange County, California, to Vietnamese immigrants and moved to northern Alabama two years ago to be closer to his fiancee, the newspaper reported.___