DALLAS (AP) —<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southwest-airlines-lowers-outlook-hedge-fund-a8cfdb619410757b96f108b45565ca1b">Southwest Airlines</a>&nbsp;plans to drop its tradition of more than 50 years and start assigning seats and selling premium seating for customers who want more legroom.

The airline said Thursday that it has been studying seating options and is making the changes because passenger preferences have shifted. The moves could also generate revenue and boost financial performance.

Southwest made the announcement on the same day that both it and American Airlines reported a steep drop in second-quarter profit despite higher revenue.

Airlines are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/delta-air-lines-results-travel-airlines-44611dd08ceeb9c5f1bdb030bad7a652">struggling with higher costs</a>&nbsp;and reduced pricing power, especially on flights within the United States, as the industry adds flights faster than the growth in travel demand.

Southwest, based in Dallas, said its second-quarter profit fell 46% from a year earlier, to $367 million, as higher costs for labor, fuel and other expenses outstripped an increase in revenue. The results met Wall Street expectations.

American Airlines also reported a 46% drop in profit, to $717 million, and said it would break even in the third quarter — well below Wall Street expectations of 48 cents per share profit in the July-through-September period.

American “did not perform to our initial expectations” because of a since-abandoned sales strategy and an oversupply of domestic flights, CEO Robert Isom said. He said the airline was responding with a strategy that boosts profits and “makes it easy for customers to do business with American.”

Southwest's unusual boarding process started decades ago as a way for the airline to save money by reducing the amount of time it took for a plane to land, load new passengers, and take off again — turn time, as it is called in the business.

Most airlines assign each passenger to a seat when they buy a ticket. Southwest requires customers to check in exactly 24 hours before departure unless they pay extra to guarantee a better place in the boarding line. Those who hate it call it a “cattle call” but many Southwest loyalists love it.

However, as flights have become more full it has gotten harder to score a window or aisle seat without paying extra. Also, some passengers appear to game the system: They use a wheelchair to get to the gate, where they are given priority in boarding, then miraculously walk off the plane without assistance after the flight.

The airline said in surveys 80% of its customers — and 86% of “potential” customers — want an assigned seat. It said open seating is the top reason that travelers stop flying Southwest and choose another airline.

Southwest also said it will offer redeye flights for the first time.

Southwest said that its first overnight, redeye flights will land on Feb. 14, 2025, on nonstop routes including Las Vegas to Baltimore and Orlando; Los Angeles to Baltimore and Nashville; and Phoenix to Baltimore. It plans to add more redeyes over time.

The changes in seating policy and redeye flights come as Southwest is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southwest-poison-pill-elliott-jordan-2ba470fedf48c56c22984b416bdb7592">under pressure from Elliott Investment Management</a>. The hedge fund argues that the airline lags rivals in financial performance and has failed to change with the times. It wants to replace CEO Robert Jordan and Chairman Gary Kelly.

The airline said it will provide more details about its upcoming changes at an investor day in September.

Shares of all major airlines dipped before the opening bell Thursday. Southwest Airlines Co. fell 6% and American Airlines Group Inc. fell 7%. Delta, JetBlue and United slipped more than 1%.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721915023549.png" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>DALLAS (AP) —<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southwest-airlines-lowers-outlook-hedge-fund-a8cfdb619410757b96f108b45565ca1b">Southwest Airlines</a>&nbsp;plans to drop its tradition of more than 50 years and start assigning seats and selling premium seating for customers who want more legroom.The airline said Thursday that it has been studying seating options and is making the changes because passenger preferences have shifted. The moves could also generate revenue and boost financial performance.Southwest made the announcement on the same day that both it and American Airlines reported a steep drop in second-quarter profit despite higher revenue.Airlines are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/delta-air-lines-results-travel-airlines-44611dd08ceeb9c5f1bdb030bad7a652">struggling with higher costs</a>&nbsp;and reduced pricing power, especially on flights within the United States, as the industry adds flights faster than the growth in travel demand.Southwest, based in Dallas, said its second-quarter profit fell 46% from a year earlier, to $367 million, as higher costs for labor, fuel and other expenses outstripped an increase in revenue. The results met Wall Street expectations.American Airlines also reported a 46% drop in profit, to $717 million, and said it would break even in the third quarter — well below Wall Street expectations of 48 cents per share profit in the July-through-September period.American “did not perform to our initial expectations” because of a since-abandoned sales strategy and an oversupply of domestic flights, CEO Robert Isom said. He said the airline was responding with a strategy that boosts profits and “makes it easy for customers to do business with American.”Southwest's unusual boarding process started decades ago as a way for the airline to save money by reducing the amount of time it took for a plane to land, load new passengers, and take off again — turn time, as it is called in the business.Most airlines assign each passenger to a seat when they buy a ticket. Southwest requires customers to check in exactly 24 hours before departure unless they pay extra to guarantee a better place in the boarding line. Those who hate it call it a “cattle call” but many Southwest loyalists love it.However, as flights have become more full it has gotten harder to score a window or aisle seat without paying extra. Also, some passengers appear to game the system: They use a wheelchair to get to the gate, where they are given priority in boarding, then miraculously walk off the plane without assistance after the flight.The airline said in surveys 80% of its customers — and 86% of “potential” customers — want an assigned seat. It said open seating is the top reason that travelers stop flying Southwest and choose another airline.Southwest also said it will offer redeye flights for the first time.Southwest said that its first overnight, redeye flights will land on Feb. 14, 2025, on nonstop routes including Las Vegas to Baltimore and Orlando; Los Angeles to Baltimore and Nashville; and Phoenix to Baltimore. It plans to add more redeyes over time.The changes in seating policy and redeye flights come as Southwest is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southwest-poison-pill-elliott-jordan-2ba470fedf48c56c22984b416bdb7592">under pressure from Elliott Investment Management</a>. The hedge fund argues that the airline lags rivals in financial performance and has failed to change with the times. It wants to replace CEO Robert Jordan and Chairman Gary Kelly.The airline said it will provide more details about its upcoming changes at an investor day in September.Shares of all major airlines dipped before the opening bell Thursday. Southwest Airlines Co. fell 6% and American Airlines Group Inc. fell 7%. Delta, JetBlue and United slipped more than 1%.

Southwest Airlines breaks with 50-year tradition on seating

KANSAS CIY —A now former Kansas City police officer on Wednesday pleaded guilty to harassment of two citizens and a misdemeanor assault following a December 2023 vehicular encounter in south Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Jason Q. Moran pleaded guilty to Harassment in the 2nd Degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and Assault in the 4th Degree, another Class A misdemeanor. He was placed on probation for 1 year and agreed to special conditions, including his resignation from the Kansas City Police Department, the surrender of his police officer certification and to not contact victims in the case.

According to court records filed this week, on Dec. 5, 2023, three persons flagged down a police officer and reported that a black truck had followed them. The victims reported that the black truck was driving only 10 mph in a 40 mph zone at one point. 

They drove around the truck after it didn't move when a stop light turned green. Then the truck began to follow them. Eventually, the victims told police, the driver of the truck pointed a gun at them and struck one of them with the truck.

Moran, who was not on duty or in uniform, told police he was driving on State Line Road when he started to follow a vehicle that passed him. He followed them into an apartment complex and waited. He told police the citizens approached his truck. He drove away, then returned. One of them struck his vehicle window. He drew his firearm and pointed it at the group, got back in the truck and left again. 

Moran, who has resigned from the police department, called police. Officers observed Moran to be intoxicated. Two victims stated Moran pointed a gun at them, used the "n" word during his verbal confrontation with them and hit one of them with his truck. They added that he smelled like alcohol and his eyes were red. Video cameras in the area captured&nbsp; Moran's vehicle striking the victim.

KANSAS CIY —A now former Kansas City police officer on Wednesday pleaded guilty to harassment of two citizens and a misdemeanor assault following a December 2023 vehicular encounter in south Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Jason Q. Moran pleaded guilty to Harassment in the 2nd Degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and Assault in the 4th Degree, another Class A misdemeanor. He was placed on probation for 1 year and agreed to special conditions, including his resignation from the Kansas City Police Department, the surrender of his police officer certification and to not contact victims in the case.According to court records filed this week, on Dec. 5, 2023, three persons flagged down a police officer and reported that a black truck had followed them. The victims reported that the black truck was driving only 10 mph in a 40 mph zone at one point. They drove around the truck after it didn't move when a stop light turned green. Then the truck began to follow them. Eventually, the victims told police, the driver of the truck pointed a gun at them and struck one of them with the truck.Moran, who was not on duty or in uniform, told police he was driving on State Line Road when he started to follow a vehicle that passed him. He followed them into an apartment complex and waited. He told police the citizens approached his truck. He drove away, then returned. One of them struck his vehicle window. He drew his firearm and pointed it at the group, got back in the truck and left again. Moran, who has resigned from the police department, called police. Officers observed Moran to be intoxicated. Two victims stated Moran pointed a gun at them, used the "n" word during his verbal confrontation with them and hit one of them with his truck. They added that he smelled like alcohol and his eyes were red. Video cameras in the area captured&nbsp; Moran's vehicle striking the victim.

KCPD officer resigns, admits citizen harassment, misdemeanor assault

WASHINGTON — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged in a scathing speech to Congress to achieve “total victory” against Hamas and criticized American opponents of the war in Gaza as “idiots.”

His combative stance comes in a visit the Biden administration hopes can yield progress in negotiations to end the fighting. Netanyahu used the high-profile address on Wednesday to a joint meeting of Congress to emphasize longstanding and close ties between the United States and Israel. But the speech put in sharp relief the divisions in American society stirred by the war, with dozens of Democratic lawmakers boycotting the address and thousands of protesters outside the Capitol condemning the war and the humanitarian crisis created by it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721848957734.png" alt="Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu during the address Wednesday-image from the House Speaker's Office video" />
 <figcaption>Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu during the address Wednesday-image from the House Speaker's Office video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged in a scathing speech to Congress to achieve “total victory” against Hamas and criticized American opponents of the war in Gaza as “idiots.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Israel’s existence is non-negotiable, and our shared adversaries must not doubt the resolve of American support. <a href="https://t.co/awkBKuGEzy">pic.twitter.com/awkBKuGEzy</a>&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1816465076255064217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>His combative stance comes in a visit the Biden administration hopes can yield progress in negotiations to end the fighting. Netanyahu used the high-profile address on Wednesday to a joint meeting of Congress to emphasize longstanding and close ties between the United States and Israel. But the speech put in sharp relief the divisions in American society stirred by the war, with dozens of Democratic lawmakers boycotting the address and thousands of protesters outside the Capitol condemning the war and the humanitarian crisis created by it.

🎥Kan. U.S. Senator responds to Israeli PM's fiery speech to Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) — The gunman in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/election-biden-trump-campaign-updates-07-13-2024">attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is believed to have done a Google search one week before the shooting of “How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?” FBI Director Christopher Wray said Wednesday, revealing new details about a suspect he said had taken a keen interest in public figures but had otherwise not left behind clear clues of an ideological motive.

The July 6 online search, recovered from a laptop the FBI says is tied to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-thomas-matthew-crooks-shooter-881581c46c07025898027143fc9132e5">20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks,</a>&nbsp;is a reference to Lee Harvey Oswald, the shooter who killed President John F. Kennedy from a sniper's perch in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.

"That's a search obviously that is significant in terms of his state of mind. That is the same day that it appears that he registered" for the Trump rally scheduled for July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, Wray told the House Judiciary Committee.

The FBI is investigating the shooting, which killed one rallygoer and seriously injured two others, as an act of domestic terrorism. The investigation has thrust the bureau into a political maelstrom months before the presidential election, with lawmakers and the public pressing for details about what may have motivated Crooks in the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/reagan-assassination-attempt-trump-butler-gunman-bd3c038d706de55a64727f7d15dffbc8">President Ronald Reagan was shot</a>&nbsp;in 1981.

The agency has built out a detailed timeline of Crooks' movements and online activity, but the precise motive — or why Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, was singled out — remains elusive, Wray said. The FBI’s assessment continues to be that Crooks, who was killed by a Secret Service counter sniper, acted alone.

“We do not know the motive. That is obviously one of the central questions in our investigation, and it's been very frustrating to us that a lot of the usual kind of low-hanging-fruit places that we would find that have not yielded significant clues about his motive,” Wray said.

But, he added, the bureau has seen indications that he was interested in public figures — officials said at a private briefing last week that besides Trump,&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/.%20A%20lot%20of%20the%20usual,%20repositories%20of%20information%20have%20not%20yielded,%20[12:02:51]%20anything%20notable%20in%20terms%20of%20motive,%20or%20like%20ideology">Crooks also had photos on his phone of Democratic President Joe Biden and other prominent people</a>&nbsp;— and in the days before the shooting had appeared particularly consumed by Trump and the Butler rally

Crooks is believed to have visited the rally site a week before the event, staying for about 20 minutes, and then returned on the morning of July 13. More than two hours before the shooting, Wray said, Crooks flew a drone about 200 yards from the rally stage for about 11 minutes, using the device to livestream and watch footage.

The use of the drone, which along with a controller were recovered from Crooks' car, so close to the rally site just hours before Trump took the stage add to the questions about the security lapses that preceded the shooting.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-rally-a1bcbaa4a604e09be8cc22893751895b">On the afternoon of the rally</a>, Crooks attracted law enforcement scrutiny because of odd behavior around the edges of the event, including shouldering a backpack and peering into the lens of a range finder toward the rooftops behind the stage where Trump would stand within the hour.

Using what Wray said was mechanical equipment on the ground and vertical piping, Crooks was able to hoist himself up onto the roof of a squat manufacturing building that was within 135 meters (157 yards) of the stage. Crooks fired eight shots from an AR-style rifle before he was killed. (The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archives.gov/research/jfk/warren-commission-report/appendix-10.html#purpose">Warren Commission report</a>&nbsp;that analyzed the Kennedy assassination assessed that Kennedy had been shot through the neck at a range of 174.9 feet to 190.8 feet, or about 53.3 meters to 58.1 meters.)

Trump’s campaign said the GOP nominee was doing “fine” after the shooting, which Trump said pierced the upper part of his right ear. Wray said his understanding was that either a bullet or some shrapnel “is what grazed his ear.”

He pledged that the FBI would “leave no stone unturned” in its investigation.

“I have been saying for some time now that we are living in an elevated threat environment, and tragically the Butler County assassination attempt is another example — a particularly heinous and very public one — of what I have been talking about,” Wray said.

He later added, “I think this is a moment where, in the most stark way possible, all of us as Americans can see how out of control political violence is in this country, and it's an opportunity for everyone to come together and to try to show that this is not the kind of thing we're going to tolerate in this country.”

The hearing had been scheduled well before the shooting as part of the committee’s routine oversight of the FBI and the Justice Department. Questions about the shooting dominated the session, but other topics included the FBI's diversity efforts, election interference,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">the Jan 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;and whether Wray had personally observed any cognitive decline in meetings with Biden that preceded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">the president's announcement Sunday that he would not seek reelection.</a>

After Wray testified that his interactions had been “completely professional,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that the FBI director he appointed in 2017 “has to resign, and NOW, for LYING TO CONGRESS!”

The FBI was not involved in ensuring security for the rally and has therefore avoided the same level of scrutiny directed at the Secret Service over the lapses that preceded the event. On Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/secret-service-director-trump-rally-8b1b13cece2ff25590c81093032dceb4">Kimberly Cheatle</a>&nbsp;resigned as the agency's director.

Even so, Wray was not entirely spared the politically charged and occasionally combative questions he typically receives from the Republican-led committee.

That's a reflection of the lingering perception among some GOP lawmakers that the FBI and Justice Department in the Biden administration have become politicized against Trump — something Wray has consistently denied.

That sentiment was made clear early in the hearing when the committee chairman, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, told Wray, “I’m sure you understand that a significant portion of the country has a healthy skepticism regarding the FBI’s ability to conduct a fair, honest, open and transparent investigation.”

At the conclusion of the daylong hearing, he praised Wray for having “told us some things that weren't even prompted by questions.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The gunman in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/election-biden-trump-campaign-updates-07-13-2024">attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is believed to have done a Google search one week before the shooting of “How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?” FBI Director Christopher Wray said Wednesday, revealing new details about a suspect he said had taken a keen interest in public figures but had otherwise not left behind clear clues of an ideological motive.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">FBI Director Wray on Crooks&#39;: &quot;On July 6th, he did a Google search for &#39;How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?&#39; and so that&#39;s a search that obviously is significant in terms of his state of mind...that is the same day that it appears that he registered for the Butler rally.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/bsygFiTLYu">pic.twitter.com/bsygFiTLYu</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1816149348134084794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The July 6 online search, recovered from a laptop the FBI says is tied to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-thomas-matthew-crooks-shooter-881581c46c07025898027143fc9132e5">20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks,</a>&nbsp;is a reference to Lee Harvey Oswald, the shooter who killed President John F. Kennedy from a sniper's perch in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963."That's a search obviously that is significant in terms of his state of mind. That is the same day that it appears that he registered" for the Trump rally scheduled for July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, Wray told the House Judiciary Committee.The FBI is investigating the shooting, which killed one rallygoer and seriously injured two others, as an act of domestic terrorism. The investigation has thrust the bureau into a political maelstrom months before the presidential election, with lawmakers and the public pressing for details about what may have motivated Crooks in the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/reagan-assassination-attempt-trump-butler-gunman-bd3c038d706de55a64727f7d15dffbc8">President Ronald Reagan was shot</a>&nbsp;in 1981.The agency has built out a detailed timeline of Crooks' movements and online activity, but the precise motive — or why Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, was singled out — remains elusive, Wray said. The FBI’s assessment continues to be that Crooks, who was killed by a Secret Service counter sniper, acted alone.“We do not know the motive. That is obviously one of the central questions in our investigation, and it's been very frustrating to us that a lot of the usual kind of low-hanging-fruit places that we would find that have not yielded significant clues about his motive,” Wray said.But, he added, the bureau has seen indications that he was interested in public figures — officials said at a private briefing last week that besides Trump,&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/.%20A%20lot%20of%20the%20usual,%20repositories%20of%20information%20have%20not%20yielded,%20[12:02:51]%20anything%20notable%20in%20terms%20of%20motive,%20or%20like%20ideology">Crooks also had photos on his phone of Democratic President Joe Biden and other prominent people</a>&nbsp;— and in the days before the shooting had appeared particularly consumed by Trump and the Butler rallyCrooks is believed to have visited the rally site a week before the event, staying for about 20 minutes, and then returned on the morning of July 13. More than two hours before the shooting, Wray said, Crooks flew a drone about 200 yards from the rally stage for about 11 minutes, using the device to livestream and watch footage.The use of the drone, which along with a controller were recovered from Crooks' car, so close to the rally site just hours before Trump took the stage add to the questions about the security lapses that preceded the shooting.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-rally-a1bcbaa4a604e09be8cc22893751895b">On the afternoon of the rally</a>, Crooks attracted law enforcement scrutiny because of odd behavior around the edges of the event, including shouldering a backpack and peering into the lens of a range finder toward the rooftops behind the stage where Trump would stand within the hour.Using what Wray said was mechanical equipment on the ground and vertical piping, Crooks was able to hoist himself up onto the roof of a squat manufacturing building that was within 135 meters (157 yards) of the stage. Crooks fired eight shots from an AR-style rifle before he was killed. (The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archives.gov/research/jfk/warren-commission-report/appendix-10.html#purpose">Warren Commission report</a>&nbsp;that analyzed the Kennedy assassination assessed that Kennedy had been shot through the neck at a range of 174.9 feet to 190.8 feet, or about 53.3 meters to 58.1 meters.)Trump’s campaign said the GOP nominee was doing “fine” after the shooting, which Trump said pierced the upper part of his right ear. Wray said his understanding was that either a bullet or some shrapnel “is what grazed his ear.”He pledged that the FBI would “leave no stone unturned” in its investigation.“I have been saying for some time now that we are living in an elevated threat environment, and tragically the Butler County assassination attempt is another example — a particularly heinous and very public one — of what I have been talking about,” Wray said.He later added, “I think this is a moment where, in the most stark way possible, all of us as Americans can see how out of control political violence is in this country, and it's an opportunity for everyone to come together and to try to show that this is not the kind of thing we're going to tolerate in this country.”The hearing had been scheduled well before the shooting as part of the committee’s routine oversight of the FBI and the Justice Department. Questions about the shooting dominated the session, but other topics included the FBI's diversity efforts, election interference,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">the Jan 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;and whether Wray had personally observed any cognitive decline in meetings with Biden that preceded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">the president's announcement Sunday that he would not seek reelection.</a>After Wray testified that his interactions had been “completely professional,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that the FBI director he appointed in 2017 “has to resign, and NOW, for LYING TO CONGRESS!”The FBI was not involved in ensuring security for the rally and has therefore avoided the same level of scrutiny directed at the Secret Service over the lapses that preceded the event. On Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/secret-service-director-trump-rally-8b1b13cece2ff25590c81093032dceb4">Kimberly Cheatle</a>&nbsp;resigned as the agency's director.Even so, Wray was not entirely spared the politically charged and occasionally combative questions he typically receives from the Republican-led committee.That's a reflection of the lingering perception among some GOP lawmakers that the FBI and Justice Department in the Biden administration have become politicized against Trump — something Wray has consistently denied.That sentiment was made clear early in the hearing when the committee chairman, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, told Wray, “I’m sure you understand that a significant portion of the country has a healthy skepticism regarding the FBI’s ability to conduct a fair, honest, open and transparent investigation.”At the conclusion of the daylong hearing, he praised Wray for having “told us some things that weren't even prompted by questions.”

🎥FBI Director reveals new details about Trump rally shooter

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A man who officials say worked for one of North Korea’s military intelligence agencies has been indicted for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to hack American health care providers, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.

A grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas indicted Rim Jong Hyok, who is accused of laundering ransom money and using the money to fund additional cyber attacks on defense, technology and government entities around the world. The hack on American hospitals on other health care providers disrupted the treatment of patients, officials said.

“While North Korea uses these types of cyber crimes to circumvent international sanctions and fund its political and military ambitions, the impact of these wanton acts have a direct impact on the citizens of Kansas,” said Stephen A. Cyrus, an FBI agent based in Kansas City.

Online court records do not list an attorney for Hyok.

Justice Department officials said an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-health-crime-lisa-monaco-government-and-politics-1c8384b8ea7a4cbe7fc1550c2f2eb110">attack on a Kansas hospital</a>, which they did not identify, happened in May 2021 when hackers encrypted the medical center’s files and servers. The hospital paid about $100,000 in Bitcoin to get its data back.

The department said it recovered that ransom as well as a payment from a Colorado health care provider affected by the same Maui ransomware variant.

The Justice Department has brought multiple criminal cases related to North Korean hacking in recent years, often alleging a profit-driven motive that differentiates the activity from that of hackers in Russia and China.

In 2021, for instance, the department charged three North Korean computer programmers in a broad range of global hacks, including a destructive attack targeting an American movie studio, and in the attempted theft and extortion of more than $1.3 billion from banks and companies.

Investigators said Hyok has been a member of the Andariel Unit of the North Korean government’s Reconnaissance General Bureau, a military intelligence agency. Hyok allegedly conspired to use ransomware software to conduct cyberespionage hacks against American hospitals and other government and technology entities in South Korea, and China.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721926052759.png" alt="A reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of any person who, while acting at the direction or under the control of a foreign government, engages in certain malicious cyber activities against U.S. critical infrastructure in violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act." />
 <figcaption>A reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of any person who, while acting at the direction or under the control of a foreign government, engages in certain malicious cyber activities against U.S. critical infrastructure in violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A man who officials say worked for one of North Korea’s military intelligence agencies has been indicted for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to hack American health care providers, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.A grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas indicted Rim Jong Hyok, who is accused of laundering ransom money and using the money to fund additional cyber attacks on defense, technology and government entities around the world. The hack on American hospitals on other health care providers disrupted the treatment of patients, officials said.“While North Korea uses these types of cyber crimes to circumvent international sanctions and fund its political and military ambitions, the impact of these wanton acts have a direct impact on the citizens of Kansas,” said Stephen A. Cyrus, an FBI agent based in Kansas City.Online court records do not list an attorney for Hyok.Justice Department officials said an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-health-crime-lisa-monaco-government-and-politics-1c8384b8ea7a4cbe7fc1550c2f2eb110">attack on a Kansas hospital</a>, which they did not identify, happened in May 2021 when hackers encrypted the medical center’s files and servers. The hospital paid about $100,000 in Bitcoin to get its data back.The department said it recovered that ransom as well as a payment from a Colorado health care provider affected by the same Maui ransomware variant.The Justice Department has brought multiple criminal cases related to North Korean hacking in recent years, often alleging a profit-driven motive that differentiates the activity from that of hackers in Russia and China.In 2021, for instance, the department charged three North Korean computer programmers in a broad range of global hacks, including a destructive attack targeting an American movie studio, and in the attempted theft and extortion of more than $1.3 billion from banks and companies.Investigators said Hyok has been a member of the Andariel Unit of the North Korean government’s Reconnaissance General Bureau, a military intelligence agency. Hyok allegedly conspired to use ransomware software to conduct cyberespionage hacks against American hospitals and other government and technology entities in South Korea, and China.__Goldberg reported from Minneapolis.

Man charged in Kan. for ransomware attacks on American hospitals

SALINA —Salina Police and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Salina.

Just before 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to 544 N. 12th Street in Salina, after learning a man with a felony warrant was at the location, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

When officers arrived, they made contact with the homeowner, who reported that the subject, Larry J. Wray Jr., 44, of Salina, was in the detached garage, east of the residence. 

Officers entered the garage and placed Wray under arrest for an outstanding warrant.&nbsp; Preliminary information indicates that after Wray was taken into custody an officer heard another person inside the garage. 

Jesse D. Wray, 25, of Salina, was located in the garage. A K9 officer gave commands to Jesse to exit the garage, but he refused. He was holding a gun and made threats to shoot if law enforcement entered the garage. 

Jesse barricaded himself inside the garage. Officers backed away, set a perimeter, and called for the Salina SWAT Team to respond. Troopers from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kshighwayPatrol?__cft__[0]=AZWJj8yT8bE0JSytE1OovZTvavxH6inkgcdgZVOqGOuyovhCGYO6_G7md0la04YQugfpkRWbiZEEs31d26RzIvjC9O34eG5EgWYHXNy0l4R-ktD9eGJjZmhfFKy6-ZHL60ynRswxmaJyrVoNQ72eZK4eqzlfRFxw0I6kepyVYv3yTGPnH0i7ugg_XO4VYayvF3LIrvwaXk84fOY5kyFycNUI&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Highway Patrol</a> (KHP) arrived to assist.

While awaiting for the SWAT team, officers observed a fire and smoke in the garage. The large garage door opened and a woman exited, followed by Jesse. Gunfire was exchanged. Officers from the Salina Police Department and troopers from the KHP fired rounds that struck Jesse. He was pronounced deceased at the scene at 8:45 p.m.&nbsp; The woman was accessed at Salina Regional Health Center and was later released. No law enforcement officers were injured in the shooting.

SALINA —Salina Police and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Salina.

Just before 7:30p.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police were dispatched to the 500 block of N. 12th Street in Salina, in reference to an individual at the location who had an outstanding felony warrant for their arrest, according to a media release from Salina Police.

Officers encountered several subjects, some having warrants and they were taken into custody. One of the initial individuals having the felony warrant barricaded himself and another subject inside the building. 

As police were attempting contact with the barricaded subject, on scene assistance was given by the Kansas Highway Patrol. During the incident, rounds were fired by law enforcement officers. The suspect was shot by law enforcement officers and pronounced dead at the scene. 

The officer involved shooting investigation has been turned over to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. They were on the scene Thursday morning.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660826304117.jpeg" alt="Jesse Wray photo from an August 2022 arrest in Salina" />
 <figcaption>Jesse Wray photo from an August 2022 arrest in Salina</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA —Salina Police and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Salina.Just before 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to 544 N. 12th Street in Salina, after learning a man with a felony warrant was at the location, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.When officers arrived, they made contact with the homeowner, who reported that the subject, Larry J. Wray Jr., 44, of Salina, was in the detached garage, east of the residence. Officers entered the garage and placed Wray under arrest for an outstanding warrant.&nbsp; Preliminary information indicates that after Wray was taken into custody an officer heard another person inside the garage. Jesse D. Wray, 25, of Salina, was located in the garage. A K9 officer gave commands to Jesse to exit the garage, but he refused. He was holding a gun and made threats to shoot if law enforcement entered the garage. Jesse barricaded himself inside the garage. Officers backed away, set a perimeter, and called for the Salina SWAT Team to respond. Troopers from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kshighwayPatrol?__cft__[0]=AZWJj8yT8bE0JSytE1OovZTvavxH6inkgcdgZVOqGOuyovhCGYO6_G7md0la04YQugfpkRWbiZEEs31d26RzIvjC9O34eG5EgWYHXNy0l4R-ktD9eGJjZmhfFKy6-ZHL60ynRswxmaJyrVoNQ72eZK4eqzlfRFxw0I6kepyVYv3yTGPnH0i7ugg_XO4VYayvF3LIrvwaXk84fOY5kyFycNUI&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Highway Patrol</a> (KHP) arrived to assist.While awaiting for the SWAT team, officers observed a fire and smoke in the garage. The large garage door opened and a woman exited, followed by Jesse. Gunfire was exchanged. Officers from the Salina Police Department and troopers from the KHP fired rounds that struck Jesse. He was pronounced deceased at the scene at 8:45 p.m.&nbsp; The woman was accessed at Salina Regional Health Center and was later released. No law enforcement officers were injured in the shooting.----------SALINA —Salina Police and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Salina.Just before 7:30p.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police were dispatched to the 500 block of N. 12th Street in Salina, in reference to an individual at the location who had an outstanding felony warrant for their arrest, according to a media release from Salina Police.Officers encountered several subjects, some having warrants and they were taken into custody. One of the initial individuals having the felony warrant barricaded himself and another subject inside the building. As police were attempting contact with the barricaded subject, on scene assistance was given by the Kansas Highway Patrol. During the incident, rounds were fired by law enforcement officers. The suspect was shot by law enforcement officers and pronounced dead at the scene. The officer involved shooting investigation has been turned over to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. They were on the scene Thursday morning.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

25-year-old dead after Kansas officer-involved shooting

JOHNSON COUNTY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of a Kansas house fire. Just after 9 p.m. Wednesday, crews responded to a house fire at 180th and Canterbury Road, in south Overland Park, according to a media release.

First responders reported heavy smoke and fire visible from the two-story, single-family home. Neighbors reported that the homeowners were away and that no one was inside.

Because of a collapsing roof and unstable walls, crews were forced to fight the fire from outside the home. A second alarm was called for additional manpower. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down, crews were able to get inside to begin overhaul operations and conduct a search to confirm that no one was inside.

It took firefighters about two hours to bring the fire under control. Crews remained on the scene overnight to extinguish hotspots. The home suffered significant fire damage.

No injuries are reported, however firefighters did find one deceased family cat. Another cat is still missing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721907603463.png" alt="Image Overland Park Fire" />
 <figcaption>Image Overland Park Fire</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of a Kansas house fire. Just after 9 p.m. Wednesday, crews responded to a house fire at 180th and Canterbury Road, in south Overland Park, according to a media release.First responders reported heavy smoke and fire visible from the two-story, single-family home. Neighbors reported that the homeowners were away and that no one was inside.Because of a collapsing roof and unstable walls, crews were forced to fight the fire from outside the home. A second alarm was called for additional manpower. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down, crews were able to get inside to begin overhaul operations and conduct a search to confirm that no one was inside.It took firefighters about two hours to bring the fire under control. Crews remained on the scene overnight to extinguish hotspots. The home suffered significant fire damage.No injuries are reported, however firefighters did find one deceased family cat. Another cat is still missing.

2 alarm fire at Kansas home: 1 pet dead, another missing 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted Wednesday to form a task force to investigate the security failures surrounding the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump on July 13.

The vote underscores the bipartisan outrage over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vp-vance-rubio-7c7ba6b99b5f38d2d840ed95b2fdc3e5">shooting</a>&nbsp;at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump came within inches of losing his life. One rallygoer was killed and two others severely injured. Lawmakers have responded quickly with hearings and widespread calls for accountability.

The legislation passed by a vote of 416-0.

“Protecting the safety and security of our nation’s leaders is a responsibility that transcends party lines,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said.

The task force will be composed of 13 members and is expected to include seven Republicans and six Democrats. It will be tasked with determining what went wrong on the day of the attempted assassination and will make recommendations to prevent future security lapses. It will issue a final report before Dec. 13 and has the authority to issue subpoenas.

The bill is sponsored by Republican Rep. Mike Kelly, whose hometown of Butler was the site of the shooting. Kelly was at the rally with his wife and other family members.

“I can tell you that my community is grieving,” Kelly said. “They are shocked by what happened in our backyard. The people of Butler and the people of the United States deserve answers.”

He said he was concerned when the site of the rally was picked because he thought it would be “a difficult place to have a rally of that size.” He called the task force a chance to build trust with Americans that lawmakers can work together to tackle a crisis.

House committees have already held three hearings focusing on the shooting. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/secret-service-director-trump-rally-8b1b13cece2ff25590c81093032dceb4">resigned</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, one day after she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/secret-service-trump-rally-shooting-kimberly-cheatle-fabaf9a0e57d5545e5b60f0b2215778f">appeared</a>&nbsp;before a congressional committee and was berated for hours by both Democrats and Republicans for the security failures. She called the attempt on Trump’s life the Secret Service’s “most significant operational failure” in decades, but she angered lawmakers by failing to answer specific questions about the investigation.

Democrats also voiced support for the task force, saying what happened in Butler was a despicable attack that never should have happened.

“We need to know what happened. We need to get to the truth. We need to prevent this from ever, ever happening again,” said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720972888448.png" alt="Photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted Wednesday to form a task force to investigate the security failures surrounding the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump on July 13.The vote underscores the bipartisan outrage over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vp-vance-rubio-7c7ba6b99b5f38d2d840ed95b2fdc3e5">shooting</a>&nbsp;at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump came within inches of losing his life. One rallygoer was killed and two others severely injured. Lawmakers have responded quickly with hearings and widespread calls for accountability.The legislation passed by a vote of 416-0.“Protecting the safety and security of our nation’s leaders is a responsibility that transcends party lines,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said.The task force will be composed of 13 members and is expected to include seven Republicans and six Democrats. It will be tasked with determining what went wrong on the day of the attempted assassination and will make recommendations to prevent future security lapses. It will issue a final report before Dec. 13 and has the authority to issue subpoenas.The bill is sponsored by Republican Rep. Mike Kelly, whose hometown of Butler was the site of the shooting. Kelly was at the rally with his wife and other family members.“I can tell you that my community is grieving,” Kelly said. “They are shocked by what happened in our backyard. The people of Butler and the people of the United States deserve answers.”He said he was concerned when the site of the rally was picked because he thought it would be “a difficult place to have a rally of that size.” He called the task force a chance to build trust with Americans that lawmakers can work together to tackle a crisis.House committees have already held three hearings focusing on the shooting. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/secret-service-director-trump-rally-8b1b13cece2ff25590c81093032dceb4">resigned</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, one day after she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/secret-service-trump-rally-shooting-kimberly-cheatle-fabaf9a0e57d5545e5b60f0b2215778f">appeared</a>&nbsp;before a congressional committee and was berated for hours by both Democrats and Republicans for the security failures. She called the attempt on Trump’s life the Secret Service’s “most significant operational failure” in decades, but she angered lawmakers by failing to answer specific questions about the investigation.Democrats also voiced support for the task force, saying what happened in Butler was a despicable attack that never should have happened.“We need to know what happened. We need to get to the truth. We need to prevent this from ever, ever happening again,” said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass.<h2>__</h2>

Unanimous vote: House to investigate Trump assassination attempt

KANSAS CITY— The Highway Patrol will continue searching on Thursday for a man who is missing in the Missouri River in Kansas City.

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721910657705.png" alt="Rescue crews working late Wednesday-photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Rescue crews working late Wednesday-photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— The Highway Patrol will continue searching on Thursday for a man who is missing in the Missouri River in Kansas City.Just before 9p.m. Wednesday, the Kansas City Fire Department&nbsp;responded to a possible water rescue on the Missouri River, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. The police department received a call just before 9:00 p.m. from a third party stating that someone had entered the water nearly six hours earlier and was possible stranded on one of many rock outcroppings along the river. The fire department deployed their Rescue Division with three boats along with two drones. On arrival crews began searching for the possible victim on the river from the boat ramp at River Front Park and areas east all the way to the city limits and shortly beyond. Using manual search techniques in conjunction with the drones' thermal imaging capabilities the river, both banks, out-croppings, strainers and islands were checked. The drones identified multiple areas of interest for boat crews to investigate, but physical searches of those areas came back negative. The KCFD spent just over four hours search the river and surrounding area before ceasing operations just after 1:00 a.m.&nbsp;Early Thursday, the victim was identified a 25-year-old man, according to Hopkins.&nbsp; Friends reported he entered the water to swim and could not return to the shore due to the current. The last contact was late afternoon near a rock out cropping offshore from the ramp, according to Hopkins.

Search for missing swimmer continues at river front in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY — The suspect arrested in the July 17, Amber Alert in Kansas is facing multiple charges and remains jailed in Wyandotte County.

&nbsp;Just before 1:30 pm July 17, 2-year-old Jaxon Halley and his mother were forcibly taken at gunpoint by 39-year-old Darryl Livingston, Jr. during a domestic incident at their home, according to Kansas City, Kansas police.

 Jaxon and his mother were driven into Missouri where the mother escaped from Livingston at around 3:28 p.m. However, Livingston kept the child and left in his Kia Forte.

Livingston reportedly made statements to the mother that he would kill her and the child. They were last seen near the intersection of Myer and Wyandotte in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp;At 8:06 p.m., law enforcement confirmed 2-year-old Jaxon was found safe in Missouri and officer took Livingston into custody.

According to online jail records Livingston faces charges that include Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon; Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless situation to child &lt;18; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family member;&nbsp;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Domestic battery; Criminal poss of firearm by felon; Felony/drug conv, firearm used in crime, Criminal restraint,&nbsp;Aggravated robbery and Aggravated intimidation of a witness/victim; Threat of force/violence

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721903059207.png" alt="Livingston photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Livingston photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — The suspect arrested in the July 17, Amber Alert in Kansas is facing multiple charges and remains jailed in Wyandotte County.&nbsp;Just before 1:30 pm July 17, 2-year-old Jaxon Halley and his mother were forcibly taken at gunpoint by 39-year-old Darryl Livingston, Jr. during a domestic incident at their home, according to Kansas City, Kansas police. Jaxon and his mother were driven into Missouri where the mother escaped from Livingston at around 3:28 p.m. However, Livingston kept the child and left in his Kia Forte.Livingston reportedly made statements to the mother that he would kill her and the child. They were last seen near the intersection of Myer and Wyandotte in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp;At 8:06 p.m., law enforcement confirmed 2-year-old Jaxon was found safe in Missouri and officer took Livingston into custody.According to online jail records Livingston faces charges that include Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon; Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless situation to child &lt;18; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family member;&nbsp;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Domestic battery; Criminal poss of firearm by felon; Felony/drug conv, firearm used in crime, Criminal restraint,&nbsp;Aggravated robbery and Aggravated intimidation of a witness/victim; Threat of force/violence

Father in Kan. Amber Alert abduction faces new charges

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country’s democracy. In an address Wednesday he laid out his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

Immediately following the address, first lady Jill Biden used her private social media page to send a thank you note.

During his address, President Biden insisted “the defense of democracy is more important than any title.” He did not directly call out former President Donald Trump, whom he has called an existential threat to democracy. “Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy,” Biden said in his 10-minute address from the Oval Office. “And that includes personal ambition.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country’s democracy. In an address Wednesday he laid out his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.Immediately following the address, first lady Jill Biden used her private social media page to send a thank you note.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">To those who never wavered, to those who refused to doubt, to those who always believed, my heart is full of gratitude. Thank you for the trust you put in Joe—now it’s time to put that trust in Kamala. Love, Jill <a href="https://t.co/NakOWknWlC">pic.twitter.com/NakOWknWlC</a>&mdash; Dr. Jill Biden (@DrBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrBiden/status/1816267831551438858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>During his address, President Biden insisted “the defense of democracy is more important than any title.” He did not directly call out former President Donald Trump, whom he has called an existential threat to democracy. “Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy,” Biden said in his 10-minute address from the Oval Office. “And that includes personal ambition.”

Read thank you note from first lady after Biden's oval office address

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. –&nbsp;NORAD detected, tracked, and intercepted two Russian TU-95 and two People's Republic of China H-6 military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Wednesday, according to a statement from the&nbsp;North American Aerospace Defense Command.&nbsp;

 NORAD fighter jets from the United States and Canada conducted the intercept.

The Russian and Chinese aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace.

&nbsp;In February, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected and tracked four Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone three times over four days.

The presence of Chinese aircraft is a new development.

An ADIZ begins where sovereign airspace ends and is a defined stretch of international airspace that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security.

&nbsp;"NORAD remains ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America."

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. –&nbsp;NORAD detected, tracked, and intercepted two Russian TU-95 and two People's Republic of China H-6 military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Wednesday, according to a statement from the&nbsp;North American Aerospace Defense Command.&nbsp; NORAD fighter jets from the United States and Canada conducted the intercept.The Russian and Chinese aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace.&nbsp;In February, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected and tracked four Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone three times over four days.The presence of Chinese aircraft is a new development.An ADIZ begins where sovereign airspace ends and is a defined stretch of international airspace that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security.&nbsp;"NORAD remains ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America."

U.S. Fighter jets intercept Chinese, Russian bombers near Alaska

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Authorities are working to determine the cause of a house fire in Topeka.

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

Working smoke detectors were not located in the house where the fire originated.&nbsp; Authorities have not released a damage estimate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721846734905.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Authorities are working to determine the cause of a house fire in Topeka.Just before&nbsp;7 a.m. Wednesday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire at 1305 SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols. Firefighters found smoke coming from the home and fire in the basement. Crews were able to extinguish the fire and no occupants were located in the house. No injuries have been reported.Working smoke detectors were not located in the house where the fire originated.&nbsp; Authorities have not released a damage estimate.

Cause of fire in basement of Kan. home under investigation

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Recruit Deputy for alleged domestic battery.

On Tuesday, Haysville&nbsp; Police arrested 22-year-old Brandon Fox and he was booked into jail on a requested charge of Domestic Battery and Assault, according to a statement from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.

&nbsp;Fox has been employed by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office since February 2024 as a detention deputy. On July 22nd, 2024 Fox began the Sheriff’s Office Commissioned Academy.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is currently suspended from duty, pending the outcome of the criminal case and an internal investigation, according to the Sheriff’s Office. He bonded out of jail approximately 30 minutes after he was booked into jail, according to online records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721852285346.png" alt="Fox photo Sedgwick County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Fox photo Sedgwick County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Recruit Deputy for alleged domestic battery.On Tuesday, Haysville&nbsp; Police arrested 22-year-old Brandon Fox and he was booked into jail on a requested charge of Domestic Battery and Assault, according to a statement from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;Fox has been employed by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office since February 2024 as a detention deputy. On July 22nd, 2024 Fox began the Sheriff’s Office Commissioned Academy.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is currently suspended from duty, pending the outcome of the criminal case and an internal investigation, according to the Sheriff’s Office. He bonded out of jail approximately 30 minutes after he was booked into jail, according to online records.

22-year-old Kan. recruit deputy arrested for alleged domestic assault 

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country's democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">drop his bid</a>&nbsp;for reelection and throw his support behind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-campaign-trump-indiana-sorority-031e3afa51f9ed42e0acd979e80019a8">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>.

Insisting that “the defense of democracy is more important than any title,” Biden used his first public address since his announcement Sunday that he was stepping aside to deliver an implicit repudiation of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlotte-north-carolina-harris-7c7e6e405fecc8927a63763c76f2db1e">former President Donald Trump</a>. He did not directly call out Trump, whom he has called an existential threat to democracy. The 10-minute address also gave Biden a chance to try to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-legacy-oval-office-address-harris-0f92ccfe6f948770b760e983869fa989">shape how history will remember</a>&nbsp;his one and only term in office.

“Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy,” Biden said, in a somber coda to his 50 years spent in public office. “And that includes personal ambition.”

It was a moment for the history books — a U.S. president reflecting before the nation on why he was taking the rare step of voluntarily handing off power. It hasn’t been done since 1968, when Lyndon Johnson announced he would not seek reelection in the heat of the Vietnam War.

“I revere this office," Biden said. "But I love my country more.”

Trump, just an hour earlier at a campaign rally, revived his baseless claims of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election, which he lost to Biden. His refusal to concede inspired the Capitol insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021, which Biden called “the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War.”

Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-final-days-of-decision-end-campaign-f891f5a42a70cb616289e874d79eb103">skirted the political reality</a>&nbsp;that brought him to that point: His abysmal performance in a debate against Trump nearly a month ago, where he spoke haltingly, appeared ashen and failed to rebut his predecessor’s attacks, sparked a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-panic-performance-democrats-debate-trump-cnn-fe6546f2c9762e80e6067ba10abedea8">crisis of confidence</a>&nbsp;from Democrats. Lawmakers and ordinary voters questioned not just whether he was capable of beating Trump in November, but also whether, at 81, he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-election-debate-trump-7c366fda83a697265d9ecc77e8a32fd1">still fit</a>&nbsp;for the high-pressure job.

Biden, who said he believed his record was deserving of another term in office, tried to outlast the skepticism and quell the concerns with interviews and tepid rallies, but the pressure to end his campaign only mounted from the party’s political elites and from ordinary voters.

“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,” Biden said, saying he wanted to make room for “fresh voices, yes, younger voices.”

He added, “That is the best way to unite our nation.”

It was a belated fulfillment of his 2020 pledge to be a bridge to a new generation of leaders — and a bow to the drumbeat of calls from within his party to step aside.

Biden’s address was carried live by the major broadcast and cable news networks. He spooled out an weighty to-do list for his last six months in office, pledging to remain focused on being president until his term expires at noon on Jan. 20, 2025. He said he would work to end the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, fight to boost government support to cure cancer, address climate change and push for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-supreme-court-biden-9c1a40b8f989bfa31a08eb3890abb1a7">Supreme Court reform.</a>

The president sought to use the address to outline the stakes in the election, which both Biden and Harris have framed as a choice between freedom and chaos, but he tried to steer clear of overt campaigning from his official office.

“The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule,” Biden said. “The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America — lies in your hands.”

Biden was also making the case for his legacy of sweeping domestic legislation and the renewal of alliances abroad. But the way history will remember his time in office and his historic decision to step aside is intertwined with Harris’ electoral result in November, particularly as the vice president runs tightly on the achievements of the Biden administration.

His advisers say he intends to hold campaign events and fundraisers benefiting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/advertising-presidential-campaign-kamala-harris-trump-aab73a0d9593afebd734c8f708632926">Harris</a>, whom Biden praised as “tough” and “capable," albeit at a far slower pace than if he had remained on the ballot himself.

Harris advisers will ultimately have to decide how to deploy the president, whose popularity sagged as voters in both parties questioned his fitness for office.

Biden, aides say, knows that if Harris loses, he’ll be criticized for staying in the race too long and not giving her or another Democrat time to effectively mount a campaign against Trump. If she wins, she’ll ensure his policy victories are secured and expanded, and he’ll be remembered for a Washingtonian decision to step aside for the next generation of leadership.

Biden said he’s grateful to have served as president — nowhere else would a kid with a stutter grow up to sit in the Oval Office.

“I’ve given my heart and my soul to our nation," he said. “I’ve been blessed a million times in return.”

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday that any question of Biden resigning his office before the election — which would allow Harris to run as an incumbent — was “ridiculous.”

Jean-Pierre said Biden has “no regrets” about his decision to stay in the race as long as he did, or his decision to quit it over the weekend. She said Biden's decision had nothing to do with his health.

Trump, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/harris-biden-trump-election-campaign-updates#00000190-e763-dd62-ab9f-f77fe2450000">watched</a>&nbsp;Biden's remarks from his private jet, posted on his social media platform that the president “was barely understandable, and sooo bad!”

As he spoke inside the Oval Office, Biden was joined off-camera by family members, including his wife, Jill, son Hunter, daughter Ashley and several grandchildren. Hundreds of administration aides held a watch party in the White House and gathered in the Rose Garden afterward to hear Biden thank them for their service. Outside the gates, supporters of Biden gathered holding signs that read “We love Joe,” and a brass band played,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Insisting that “the defense of democracy is more important than any title,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday tried to explain in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and to throw his support behind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-campaign-trump-indiana-sorority-031e3afa51f9ed42e0acd979e80019a8">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>.

The address offered the public their first chance to hear directly from Biden his rationale for dropping out of the 2024 after weeks of insisting he believed himself to be the best candidate to take on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlotte-north-carolina-harris-7c7e6e405fecc8927a63763c76f2db1e">former President Donald Trump</a>, whom he has called an existential threat to the nation's democracy. It also gave Biden a chance to try to shape how history views his one and only term in office.

“The defense of democracy is more important than any title," Biden said. “Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. And that includes personal ambition.”

Said Biden, “I revere this office, but I love my country more.”

Biden's candidacy faced a crisis of confidence from Democrats after his abysmal debate against Trump nearly a month ago, where he spoke haltingly, appeared ashen and failed to rebut his predecessor's attacks. It sparked a mutiny within his party over not just whether he was capable of beating Trump in November, but also whether at 81, he was still fit for the high-pressure job.

Biden tried to outlast the skepticism and quell the concerns with interviews and tepid rallies, but the pressure to step aside only mounted from the party's political elites and from ordinary voters.

On Sunday afternoon, while isolating at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home with COVID-19, Biden finally bowed in a letter posted to his account on X announcing his decision to leave the race, followed up later by an endorsement of Harris.

“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation," Biden said, saying he wanted to make room for “fresh voices, yes, younger voices."

He added, "That is the best way to unite our nation.”

Biden's address was being carried by the major broadcast and cable news networks. He pledge to remain focused on being president until his term expires at noon on Jan. 20, 2025, saying he would work to end the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, fight to boost government support to cure cancer, and call for Supreme Court reform.

The president was hoping to use the address to outline the stakes in the election, which both Biden and Harris have framed as a choice between freedom and chaos, but he tried to steer clear of overt campaigning from his official office and never mentioned Trump by name.

“The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule," Biden said. "The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America — lies in your hands."

Biden was also looking to make the case for his legacy of sweeping domestic legislation and the renewal of alliances abroad. The way history will remember his time in office and his historic decision to step aside is intertwined with Harris’ electoral result in November, particularly as the vice president runs tightly on the achievements of the Biden administration.

His advisers say he intends to hold campaign events and fundraisers benefiting Harris, albeit at a far slower pace than if he had remained on the ballot himself.

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday that any question of Biden resigning his office — which would allow Harris to run as an incumbent — was “ridiculous.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Insisting that “the defense of democracy is more important than any title,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday will explain in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and to throw his support behind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-campaign-trump-indiana-sorority-031e3afa51f9ed42e0acd979e80019a8">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>.

The address will offer the public their first chance to hear directly from Biden his rationale for dropping out of the 2024 after weeks of insisting he believed himself to be the best candidate to take on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlotte-north-carolina-harris-7c7e6e405fecc8927a63763c76f2db1e">former President Donald Trump</a>, whom he has called an existential threat to the nation's democracy. It will also give Biden a chance to try to shape how history views his one and only term in office.

“The defense of democracy is more important than any title," Biden will say according to excerpts released by the White House. "I draw strength, and find joy, in working FOR the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our Union is not about me. It’s about you. Your families. Your futures. It’s about ‘We the People.’”

On Sunday afternoon while isolating at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home with COVID-19, Biden finally bowed in a letter posted to his account on X announcing his decision to leave the race, followed up later by an endorsement of Harris.

“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation," Biden was set to say Wednesday. "That is the best way to unite our nation.”

Biden's address is being carried by the major television news networks. He is set to pledge to remain focused on being president until his term expires at noon on Jan. 20, 2025.

The president was hoping to use the address to outline the stakes in the election, which both Biden and Harris have framed as a choice between freedom and chaos, but was expected to try to steer clear of overt campaigning from his official office or even mentioning Trump by name.

“The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule," Biden was set to say. "The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America — lies in your hands."

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country's democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">drop his bid</a>&nbsp;for reelection and throw his support behind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-campaign-trump-indiana-sorority-031e3afa51f9ed42e0acd979e80019a8">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>.(click below to watch the address)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/93T8biDlaBc?si=HkDNw-9oDSzeYZ0E" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Insisting that “the defense of democracy is more important than any title,” Biden used his first public address since his announcement Sunday that he was stepping aside to deliver an implicit repudiation of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlotte-north-carolina-harris-7c7e6e405fecc8927a63763c76f2db1e">former President Donald Trump</a>. He did not directly call out Trump, whom he has called an existential threat to democracy. The 10-minute address also gave Biden a chance to try to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-legacy-oval-office-address-harris-0f92ccfe6f948770b760e983869fa989">shape how history will remember</a>&nbsp;his one and only term in office.“Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy,” Biden said, in a somber coda to his 50 years spent in public office. “And that includes personal ambition.”It was a moment for the history books — a U.S. president reflecting before the nation on why he was taking the rare step of voluntarily handing off power. It hasn’t been done since 1968, when Lyndon Johnson announced he would not seek reelection in the heat of the Vietnam War.“I revere this office," Biden said. "But I love my country more.”Trump, just an hour earlier at a campaign rally, revived his baseless claims of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election, which he lost to Biden. His refusal to concede inspired the Capitol insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021, which Biden called “the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War.”Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-final-days-of-decision-end-campaign-f891f5a42a70cb616289e874d79eb103">skirted the political reality</a>&nbsp;that brought him to that point: His abysmal performance in a debate against Trump nearly a month ago, where he spoke haltingly, appeared ashen and failed to rebut his predecessor’s attacks, sparked a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-panic-performance-democrats-debate-trump-cnn-fe6546f2c9762e80e6067ba10abedea8">crisis of confidence</a>&nbsp;from Democrats. Lawmakers and ordinary voters questioned not just whether he was capable of beating Trump in November, but also whether, at 81, he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-election-debate-trump-7c366fda83a697265d9ecc77e8a32fd1">still fit</a>&nbsp;for the high-pressure job.Biden, who said he believed his record was deserving of another term in office, tried to outlast the skepticism and quell the concerns with interviews and tepid rallies, but the pressure to end his campaign only mounted from the party’s political elites and from ordinary voters.“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,” Biden said, saying he wanted to make room for “fresh voices, yes, younger voices.”He added, “That is the best way to unite our nation.”It was a belated fulfillment of his 2020 pledge to be a bridge to a new generation of leaders — and a bow to the drumbeat of calls from within his party to step aside.Biden’s address was carried live by the major broadcast and cable news networks. He spooled out an weighty to-do list for his last six months in office, pledging to remain focused on being president until his term expires at noon on Jan. 20, 2025. He said he would work to end the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, fight to boost government support to cure cancer, address climate change and push for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-supreme-court-biden-9c1a40b8f989bfa31a08eb3890abb1a7">Supreme Court reform.</a>The president sought to use the address to outline the stakes in the election, which both Biden and Harris have framed as a choice between freedom and chaos, but he tried to steer clear of overt campaigning from his official office.“The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule,” Biden said. “The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America — lies in your hands.”Biden was also making the case for his legacy of sweeping domestic legislation and the renewal of alliances abroad. But the way history will remember his time in office and his historic decision to step aside is intertwined with Harris’ electoral result in November, particularly as the vice president runs tightly on the achievements of the Biden administration.His advisers say he intends to hold campaign events and fundraisers benefiting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/advertising-presidential-campaign-kamala-harris-trump-aab73a0d9593afebd734c8f708632926">Harris</a>, whom Biden praised as “tough” and “capable," albeit at a far slower pace than if he had remained on the ballot himself.Harris advisers will ultimately have to decide how to deploy the president, whose popularity sagged as voters in both parties questioned his fitness for office.Biden, aides say, knows that if Harris loses, he’ll be criticized for staying in the race too long and not giving her or another Democrat time to effectively mount a campaign against Trump. If she wins, she’ll ensure his policy victories are secured and expanded, and he’ll be remembered for a Washingtonian decision to step aside for the next generation of leadership.Biden said he’s grateful to have served as president — nowhere else would a kid with a stutter grow up to sit in the Oval Office.“I’ve given my heart and my soul to our nation," he said. “I’ve been blessed a million times in return.”Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday that any question of Biden resigning his office before the election — which would allow Harris to run as an incumbent — was “ridiculous.”Jean-Pierre said Biden has “no regrets” about his decision to stay in the race as long as he did, or his decision to quit it over the weekend. She said Biden's decision had nothing to do with his health.Trump, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/harris-biden-trump-election-campaign-updates#00000190-e763-dd62-ab9f-f77fe2450000">watched</a>&nbsp;Biden's remarks from his private jet, posted on his social media platform that the president “was barely understandable, and sooo bad!”As he spoke inside the Oval Office, Biden was joined off-camera by family members, including his wife, Jill, son Hunter, daughter Ashley and several grandchildren. Hundreds of administration aides held a watch party in the White House and gathered in the Rose Garden afterward to hear Biden thank them for their service. Outside the gates, supporters of Biden gathered holding signs that read “We love Joe,” and a brass band played,-------------WASHINGTON (AP) — Insisting that “the defense of democracy is more important than any title,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday tried to explain in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and to throw his support behind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-campaign-trump-indiana-sorority-031e3afa51f9ed42e0acd979e80019a8">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>.The address offered the public their first chance to hear directly from Biden his rationale for dropping out of the 2024 after weeks of insisting he believed himself to be the best candidate to take on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlotte-north-carolina-harris-7c7e6e405fecc8927a63763c76f2db1e">former President Donald Trump</a>, whom he has called an existential threat to the nation's democracy. It also gave Biden a chance to try to shape how history views his one and only term in office.“The defense of democracy is more important than any title," Biden said. “Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. And that includes personal ambition.”Said Biden, “I revere this office, but I love my country more.”Biden's candidacy faced a crisis of confidence from Democrats after his abysmal debate against Trump nearly a month ago, where he spoke haltingly, appeared ashen and failed to rebut his predecessor's attacks. It sparked a mutiny within his party over not just whether he was capable of beating Trump in November, but also whether at 81, he was still fit for the high-pressure job.Biden tried to outlast the skepticism and quell the concerns with interviews and tepid rallies, but the pressure to step aside only mounted from the party's political elites and from ordinary voters.On Sunday afternoon, while isolating at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home with COVID-19, Biden finally bowed in a letter posted to his account on X announcing his decision to leave the race, followed up later by an endorsement of Harris.“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation," Biden said, saying he wanted to make room for “fresh voices, yes, younger voices."He added, "That is the best way to unite our nation.”Biden's address was being carried by the major broadcast and cable news networks. He pledge to remain focused on being president until his term expires at noon on Jan. 20, 2025, saying he would work to end the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, fight to boost government support to cure cancer, and call for Supreme Court reform.The president was hoping to use the address to outline the stakes in the election, which both Biden and Harris have framed as a choice between freedom and chaos, but he tried to steer clear of overt campaigning from his official office and never mentioned Trump by name.“The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule," Biden said. "The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America — lies in your hands."Biden was also looking to make the case for his legacy of sweeping domestic legislation and the renewal of alliances abroad. The way history will remember his time in office and his historic decision to step aside is intertwined with Harris’ electoral result in November, particularly as the vice president runs tightly on the achievements of the Biden administration.His advisers say he intends to hold campaign events and fundraisers benefiting Harris, albeit at a far slower pace than if he had remained on the ballot himself.Harris advisers will ultimately have to decide how to deploy the president, whose popularity sagged as voters in both parties questioned his fitness for office.Biden, aides say, knows that if Harris loses, he’ll be criticized for staying in the race too long and not giving her or another Democrat time to effectively mount a campaign against Trump. If she wins, she’ll ensure his policy victories are secured and expanded, and he’ll be remembered for a Washingtonian decision to step aside for the next generation of leadership.Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday that any question of Biden resigning his office — which would allow Harris to run as an incumbent — was “ridiculous.”Jean-Pierre said Biden has “no regrets” about his decision to stay in the race as long as he did, or his decision to quit it over the weekend. She said Biden's decision had nothing to do with his health.----------------WASHINGTON (AP) — Insisting that “the defense of democracy is more important than any title,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday will explain in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and to throw his support behind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-campaign-trump-indiana-sorority-031e3afa51f9ed42e0acd979e80019a8">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>.The address will offer the public their first chance to hear directly from Biden his rationale for dropping out of the 2024 after weeks of insisting he believed himself to be the best candidate to take on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-charlotte-north-carolina-harris-7c7e6e405fecc8927a63763c76f2db1e">former President Donald Trump</a>, whom he has called an existential threat to the nation's democracy. It will also give Biden a chance to try to shape how history views his one and only term in office.“The defense of democracy is more important than any title," Biden will say according to excerpts released by the White House. "I draw strength, and find joy, in working FOR the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our Union is not about me. It’s about you. Your families. Your futures. It’s about ‘We the People.’”Biden's candidacy faced a crisis of confidence from Democrats after his abysmal debate against Trump nearly a month ago, where he spoke haltingly, appeared ashen and failed to rebut his predecessor's attacks. It sparked a mutiny within his party over not just whether he was capable of beating Trump in November, but also whether at 81, he was still fit for the high-pressure job.Biden tried to outlast the skepticism and quell the concerns with interviews and tepid rallies, but the pressure to step aside only mounted from the party's political elites and from ordinary voters.On Sunday afternoon while isolating at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home with COVID-19, Biden finally bowed in a letter posted to his account on X announcing his decision to leave the race, followed up later by an endorsement of Harris.“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation," Biden was set to say Wednesday. "That is the best way to unite our nation.”Biden's address is being carried by the major television news networks. He is set to pledge to remain focused on being president until his term expires at noon on Jan. 20, 2025.The president was hoping to use the address to outline the stakes in the election, which both Biden and Harris have framed as a choice between freedom and chaos, but was expected to try to steer clear of overt campaigning from his official office or even mentioning Trump by name.“The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule," Biden was set to say. "The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America — lies in your hands."Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday that any question of Biden resigning his office — which would allow Harris to run as an incumbent — was “ridiculous.”Jean-Pierre said Biden has “no regrets” about his decision to stay in the race as long as he did, or his decision to quit it over the weekend. She said Biden's decision had nothing to do with his health.

🎥History: President Biden explains why he did not seek reelection

PAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas man facing child sex crime accusations made his first court appearance in the case Wednesday.

Avian Rincones, 34 of Great Bend, Kansas, appeared in custody in the Pawnee County District Court before Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell on a Criminal Complaint alleging three felony sex crimes, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

The defendant voluntarily turned himself into the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department earlier in the day after his legal guardian was advised charges had been filed and a no-bond arrest warrant issued.

Rincones is charged with two counts of Aggravated Criminal Oral Sodomy of a Child under the age of 14 and one count of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child under the age of 14, according to McNett.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Larned Police Department regarding an alleged incident at the Larned City Pool on July 11, 2024. 

Rincones was interviewed at the scene, but no arrest was made at the time due to concerns with his mental capacity. Agencies assisting with the investigation included the Pawnee County Sheriff's Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the Child Advocacy Center.

On Wednesday,&nbsp;Judge Cowell advised Rincones&nbsp;of the charges, the possible penalties if convicted and his constitutional rights, including his right to counsel. Based on the age of the alleged victim, if convicted Rincones faces a mandatory 25 years to life sentence under the Jessica’s Law sentencing provisions. He would also be subject to registration as a sex offender under the Kansas Offender Registration Act. Rincones' legal guardians advised the Court they intend to retain private counsel.

A Preliminary Hearing has been scheduled for August 7, 2024. Following the First Appearance, the Court released the defendant to his legal guardians on a supervised bond subject to standard reporting and house arrest conditions.

PAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sex assault at public pool in Larned.&nbsp;

According to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett, on July 11, police were called to the Larned City Pool, 100 West First Street, to investigate an alleged sexual assault of a minor at the pool facility.

They advised the adult suspect was interviewed at the scene, but no arrest was made at the time due to concerns with the suspect’s mental capacity.

The crime scene was processed, and staff interviewed. A formal forensic interview will be scheduled with the victim to be performed by the Child Advocacy Center. At this time no formal charging requests have been submitted to the Pawnee County Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721857728987.png" alt="Rincones-photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Rincones-photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas man facing child sex crime accusations made his first court appearance in the case Wednesday.Avian Rincones, 34 of Great Bend, Kansas, appeared in custody in the Pawnee County District Court before Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell on a Criminal Complaint alleging three felony sex crimes, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.The defendant voluntarily turned himself into the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department earlier in the day after his legal guardian was advised charges had been filed and a no-bond arrest warrant issued.Rincones is charged with two counts of Aggravated Criminal Oral Sodomy of a Child under the age of 14 and one count of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child under the age of 14, according to McNett.The charges stem from an investigation by the Larned Police Department regarding an alleged incident at the Larned City Pool on July 11, 2024. Rincones was interviewed at the scene, but no arrest was made at the time due to concerns with his mental capacity. Agencies assisting with the investigation included the Pawnee County Sheriff's Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the Child Advocacy Center.On Wednesday,&nbsp;Judge Cowell advised Rincones&nbsp;of the charges, the possible penalties if convicted and his constitutional rights, including his right to counsel. Based on the age of the alleged victim, if convicted Rincones faces a mandatory 25 years to life sentence under the Jessica’s Law sentencing provisions. He would also be subject to registration as a sex offender under the Kansas Offender Registration Act. Rincones' legal guardians advised the Court they intend to retain private counsel.A Preliminary Hearing has been scheduled for August 7, 2024. Following the First Appearance, the Court released the defendant to his legal guardians on a supervised bond subject to standard reporting and house arrest conditions.----------------PAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sex assault at public pool in Larned.&nbsp;According to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett, on July 11, police were called to the Larned City Pool, 100 West First Street, to investigate an alleged sexual assault of a minor at the pool facility.They advised the adult suspect was interviewed at the scene, but no arrest was made at the time due to concerns with the suspect’s mental capacity.The crime scene was processed, and staff interviewed. A formal forensic interview will be scheduled with the victim to be performed by the Child Advocacy Center. At this time no formal charging requests have been submitted to the Pawnee County Attorney’s Office.