LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — Clergy and civil rights advocates in Kansas City are promoting a 21-day cease fire with offers of conflict resolution and on-call spiritual counseling in a city that's undergoing yet another deadly year of gun-related violence.

The cease fire, which began at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, got off to a disappointing start when a woman was shot and killed at her home about 10 a.m. The shooting marked the 68th homicide this year in the city, which&nbsp;<a href="https://hosted.ap.org/semissourian/article/0c66a8a736297a72e4be39483e7ec977/b1f8d6d41b5a33e2e58b305d9ebd6cb4">set a record</a>&nbsp;of 176 homicides last year, according to police department figures.

The shooting was a prime example of why the cease fire is necessary, said the Rev. Vernon Howard, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Kansas City, one of several groups promoting the effort.

“We want to intervene in situations of either retaliation or someone who has been thrust into a situation where mentally or emotionally they have snapped,” Howard said. “Those two scenarios are ravaging us right now.”

Experts from the Center for Conflict Resolution will be available during the “21 Days of Peace,” along with licensed and ordained clergy, who will provide spiritual counseling. Another group will provide a 24/7 ministry and prayer. The effort is scheduled to end at midnight July 3.

Organizers felt the need to react to violence on the ground level, in part because residents living in the city's most violent neighborhoods feel forgotten by local, state and federal officials, Howard said.

He said many residents in those neighborhoods are plagued by low-income jobs, a lack of mental and emotional health services and too-easy access to weapons and drugs.

Besides helping people in difficult situations, the larger goals are to prompt politicians to make systemic changes that truly address the problems, Howard said, as well as engage all of the Kansas City region in confronting the violence.

“We're fighting as hard as we can in the streets for our people," he said. "Our feet are treading the path of the bloodshed, and then we look up to the state and federal government, we're not getting any help with policy and law. That has to change.”

Despite the seemingly overwhelming odds, organizers believe they can make a dent in the violence by giving people alternative paths to violence, Howard said. Group members plan to saturate social media with their message, as well as meet at the site of every homicide in the next three weeks, where they will pray, offer comfort and hand out literature about the program.

“I can't remember the last time we went 21 days without a murder in Kansas City,” Howard said. “But we do believe it’s attainable if we focus on it and get in the trenches and show people we care."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623706128352.png" alt="Dr. Vernon Howard of the&nbsp;Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Kansas City during a press conference last month=photo courtesy KSHB TV" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Vernon Howard of the&nbsp;Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Kansas City during a press conference last month=photo courtesy KSHB TV</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARGARET STAFFORDLIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — Clergy and civil rights advocates in Kansas City are promoting a 21-day cease fire with offers of conflict resolution and on-call spiritual counseling in a city that's undergoing yet another deadly year of gun-related violence.The cease fire, which began at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, got off to a disappointing start when a woman was shot and killed at her home about 10 a.m. The shooting marked the 68th homicide this year in the city, which&nbsp;<a href="https://hosted.ap.org/semissourian/article/0c66a8a736297a72e4be39483e7ec977/b1f8d6d41b5a33e2e58b305d9ebd6cb4">set a record</a>&nbsp;of 176 homicides last year, according to police department figures.The shooting was a prime example of why the cease fire is necessary, said the Rev. Vernon Howard, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Kansas City, one of several groups promoting the effort.“We want to intervene in situations of either retaliation or someone who has been thrust into a situation where mentally or emotionally they have snapped,” Howard said. “Those two scenarios are ravaging us right now.”Experts from the Center for Conflict Resolution will be available during the “21 Days of Peace,” along with licensed and ordained clergy, who will provide spiritual counseling. Another group will provide a 24/7 ministry and prayer. The effort is scheduled to end at midnight July 3.Organizers felt the need to react to violence on the ground level, in part because residents living in the city's most violent neighborhoods feel forgotten by local, state and federal officials, Howard said.He said many residents in those neighborhoods are plagued by low-income jobs, a lack of mental and emotional health services and too-easy access to weapons and drugs.Besides helping people in difficult situations, the larger goals are to prompt politicians to make systemic changes that truly address the problems, Howard said, as well as engage all of the Kansas City region in confronting the violence.“We're fighting as hard as we can in the streets for our people," he said. "Our feet are treading the path of the bloodshed, and then we look up to the state and federal government, we're not getting any help with policy and law. That has to change.”Despite the seemingly overwhelming odds, organizers believe they can make a dent in the violence by giving people alternative paths to violence, Howard said. Group members plan to saturate social media with their message, as well as meet at the site of every homicide in the next three weeks, where they will pray, offer comfort and hand out literature about the program.“I can't remember the last time we went 21 days without a murder in Kansas City,” Howard said. “But we do believe it’s attainable if we focus on it and get in the trenches and show people we care."

Activists call for 21-day cease fire to Kansas City violence

Vaccine maker Novavax said Monday its shot was highly effective against COVID-19 and also protected against variants in a large, late-stage study in the U.S. and Mexico.&nbsp;<a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=3194860-1&amp;h=1002882103&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fvariants%2Fvariant-info.html&amp;a=Click+here+for+CDC+definitions+of+variants" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here for&nbsp;CDC&nbsp;definitions of variants</a>.

The vaccine was about 90% effective overall and preliminary data showed it was safe, the company said.

While demand for COVID-19 shots in the U.S. has dropped off dramatically, the need for more vaccines around the world remains critical. The Novavax vaccine, which is easy to store and transport, is expected to play an important role in boosting vaccine supplies in the developing world.

That help is still months away, however. The company says it plans to seek authorization for the shots in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere by the end of September and be able to produce up to 100 million doses a month by then.

“Many of our first doses will go to … low- and middle-income countries, and that was the goal to begin with,” Novavax Chief Executive Stanley Erck told The Associated Press.

While more than half of the U.S. population has had at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, less than 1 percent of people in the developing world have had one shot, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://ourworldindata.org/covid-vaccinations" target="_blank">Our World In Data</a>.

Novavax’s study involved nearly 30,000 people ages 18 and up in the U.S. and Mexico. Two-thirds received two doses of the vaccine, three weeks apart, and the rest got dummy shots.

There were 77 cases of COVID-19 — 14 in the group that got the vaccine and the rest were in volunteers who received dummy shots. None in the vaccine group had moderate or severe disease, compared to 14 in the placebo group.

The vaccine was similarly effective against several variants including the one first detected in the U.K. that’s dominant in the U.S., and in high-risk populations including the elderly and people with other health problems.

Side effects were mostly mild — tenderness and pain at the injection site. There were no reports of unusual blood clots or heart problems, Erck said.

Novavax reported the results in a press release and plans to publish in a medical journal, where it will be vetted by independent experts. The Maryland-based company previously released findings from smaller studies in Britain and South Africa.

COVID-19 vaccines train the body to recognize the coronavirus, especially the spike protein that coats it, and get ready to fight the virus off. The Novavax vaccine is made with lab-grown copies of that protein. That’s different from some of the other vaccines now widely used, which include genetic instructions for the body to make its own spike protein.

The Novavax vaccine can be stored in standard refrigerators, making it easier to distribute.

Novavax previously announced manufacturing delays due to supply shortages. The company now expects to reach production of 100 million doses a month by the end of September and 150 million doses a month by December.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623670952359.png" alt="Photo courtesy Novavax" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Novavax</figcaption>
 </figure>By LINDA A. JOHNSON, Associated PressVaccine maker Novavax said Monday its shot was highly effective against COVID-19 and also protected against variants in a large, late-stage study in the U.S. and Mexico.&nbsp;<a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=3194860-1&amp;h=1002882103&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fvariants%2Fvariant-info.html&amp;a=Click+here+for+CDC+definitions+of+variants" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here for&nbsp;CDC&nbsp;definitions of variants</a>.The vaccine was about 90% effective overall and preliminary data showed it was safe, the company said.While demand for COVID-19 shots in the U.S. has dropped off dramatically, the need for more vaccines around the world remains critical. The Novavax vaccine, which is easy to store and transport, is expected to play an important role in boosting vaccine supplies in the developing world.That help is still months away, however. The company says it plans to seek authorization for the shots in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere by the end of September and be able to produce up to 100 million doses a month by then.“Many of our first doses will go to … low- and middle-income countries, and that was the goal to begin with,” Novavax Chief Executive Stanley Erck told The Associated Press.While more than half of the U.S. population has had at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, less than 1 percent of people in the developing world have had one shot, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://ourworldindata.org/covid-vaccinations" target="_blank">Our World In Data</a>.Novavax’s study involved nearly 30,000 people ages 18 and up in the U.S. and Mexico. Two-thirds received two doses of the vaccine, three weeks apart, and the rest got dummy shots.There were 77 cases of COVID-19 — 14 in the group that got the vaccine and the rest were in volunteers who received dummy shots. None in the vaccine group had moderate or severe disease, compared to 14 in the placebo group.The vaccine was similarly effective against several variants including the one first detected in the U.K. that’s dominant in the U.S., and in high-risk populations including the elderly and people with other health problems.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623671038532.png" alt="Photo by Matt Feldman, Novavax" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Matt Feldman, Novavax</figcaption>
 </figure>Side effects were mostly mild — tenderness and pain at the injection site. There were no reports of unusual blood clots or heart problems, Erck said.Novavax reported the results in a press release and plans to publish in a medical journal, where it will be vetted by independent experts. The Maryland-based company previously released findings from smaller studies in Britain and South Africa.COVID-19 vaccines train the body to recognize the coronavirus, especially the spike protein that coats it, and get ready to fight the virus off. The Novavax vaccine is made with lab-grown copies of that protein. That’s different from some of the other vaccines now widely used, which include genetic instructions for the body to make its own spike protein.The Novavax vaccine can be stored in standard refrigerators, making it easier to distribute.Novavax previously announced manufacturing delays due to supply shortages. The company now expects to reach production of 100 million doses a month by the end of September and 150 million doses a month by December.

Novavax: New COVID-19 shot also protects against variants

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — Police in western Iowa are seeking a woman they suspect of setting another woman on fire and hitting the victim in the face as another person tried to put out the flames. 

Council Bluffs police say in a news release that the incident happened early Monday morning when officers were called to North 15th Street and found a woman with severe burns outside a homeless services center. The woman was taken to an Omaha, Nebraska, hospital for treatment. 

Police say an investigation showed the victim was involved in a disturbance with a 37-year-old woman who sprayed the victim with a flammable substance and lit her on fire. 

Police are treating the incident as an attempted murder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-platte-post-by-eagle/id1536439700">Download The Post app for iOs</a>

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — Police in western Iowa are seeking a woman they suspect of setting another woman on fire and hitting the victim in the face as another person tried to put out the flames. Council Bluffs police say in a news release that the incident happened early Monday morning when officers were called to North 15th Street and found a woman with severe burns outside a homeless services center. The woman was taken to an Omaha, Nebraska, hospital for treatment. Police say an investigation showed the victim was involved in a disturbance with a 37-year-old woman who sprayed the victim with a flammable substance and lit her on fire. Police are treating the incident as an attempted murder.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-platte-post-by-eagle/id1536439700">Download The Post app for iOs</a><figure>
 <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/OouzxwDURKvyvMVuPpnPpjT4NyDfMrMU8SbAYH_rzoghEpSmar-3iuFagSe8Xy5crQYHobDFKwGUIN1FfOJlYSmINBjXeH3KphroGmJyUCtPea3VYY9xuobmGA00oDneeV06L0hE" alt="" />
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Iowa woman accused of setting another woman on fire

GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — The collector card hobby is taking off. A LeBron James rookie patch autograph card from 2003-04 sold for $5.2 million in April. Pokemon card sales increased nearly 600% from 2019 to 2020. 

The trend has made its way to Wyoming and the Dungeons and Dugouts collector card store in Gillette. 

Some of the store's pricier items cost close to $1,000. 

Store owner Jessie Studle says that's high enough to price many people out of the hobby. 

Studle says she and others who have observed the sports card market for decades can’t explain the national craze and rise in sales.

GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — The collector card hobby is taking off. A LeBron James rookie patch autograph card from 2003-04 sold for $5.2 million in April. Pokemon card sales increased nearly 600% from 2019 to 2020. The trend has made its way to Wyoming and the Dungeons and Dugouts collector card store in Gillette. Some of the store's pricier items cost close to $1,000. Store owner Jessie Studle says that's high enough to price many people out of the hobby. Studle says she and others who have observed the sports card market for decades can’t explain the national craze and rise in sales.

Wyoming store a witness to national collector card craze

HUDSON, S.D. (AP) — Family members say a 10-year-old boy who died in the Big Sioux River in South Dakota saved one of his younger siblings who had fallen into the water. 

Lincoln County sheriff’s officials say the body of Ricky Lee Sneve was recovered Saturday night. 

His mother, Nicole Eufers, tells the Argus Leader that Ricky was out on the river with his dad and siblings when several fell into the river. 

Eufers says Ricky jumped in to save his sister Chevelle and got her to shore, but when his father and siblings turned around, Ricky was missing. 

The boy’s father, Chad Sneve, said his son was the type of boy to do anything for anyone.

HUDSON, S.D. (AP) — Family members say a 10-year-old boy who died in the Big Sioux River in South Dakota saved one of his younger siblings who had fallen into the water. Lincoln County sheriff’s officials say the body of Ricky Lee Sneve was recovered Saturday night. His mother, Nicole Eufers, tells the Argus Leader that Ricky was out on the river with his dad and siblings when several fell into the river. Eufers says Ricky jumped in to save his sister Chevelle and got her to shore, but when his father and siblings turned around, Ricky was missing. The boy’s father, Chad Sneve, said his son was the type of boy to do anything for anyone.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-platte-post-by-eagle/id1536439700">Download The Post app for iOs</a><figure>
 <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/OouzxwDURKvyvMVuPpnPpjT4NyDfMrMU8SbAYH_rzoghEpSmar-3iuFagSe8Xy5crQYHobDFKwGUIN1FfOJlYSmINBjXeH3KphroGmJyUCtPea3VYY9xuobmGA00oDneeV06L0hE" alt="" />
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10-year-old dies in South Dakota river after saving sister

HOUSTON (AP) — A federal judge threw out a lawsuit filed by employees of a Houston hospital system over its requirement that all of its staff be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Houston Methodist Hospital system suspended 178 employees without pay last week over their refusal to get vaccinated. Of them, 117 sued seeking to overturn the requirement and over their suspension and threatened termination.

In a scathing ruling, U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes of Houston deemed lead plaintiff Jennifer Bridges’ contention that the vaccines are “experimental and dangerous” to be false and otherwise irrelevant. He also found that her likening the vaccination requirement to the Nazis’ forced medical experimentation on concentration camp captives during the Holocaust to be “reprehensible.”

Hughes also ruled that making vaccinations a condition of employment was not coercion, as Bridges contended.

“Bridges can freely choose to accept or refuse a COVID-19 vaccine; however, if she refuses, she will simply need to work somewhere else. If a worker refuses an assignment, changed office, earlier start time, or other directive, he may be properly fired. Every employment includes limits on the worker’s behavior in exchange for remuneration. That is all part of the bargain,” Hughes concluded.

Jared Woodfill, a Houston lawyer representing Bridges and the other clients, promised an appeal.

“All of my clients continue to be committed to fighting this unjust policy,” Woodfill said in a statement. “What is shocking is that many of my clients were on the front line treating COVID-positive patients at Texas Methodist Hospital during the height of the pandemic. As a result, many of them contracted COVID-19. As a thank you for their service and sacrifice, Methodist Hospital awards them a pink slip and sentences them to bankruptcy.”

Employees had a June 7 deadline to complete their immunization.

In a Tuesday memo, the hospital system’s CEO, Marc Boom, said that 24,947 employees had complied with the vaccination requirement and that 27 of the 178 others had received the first of a two-dose vaccine and wouldn’t be fired if they got their second. The rest are subject to termination.

He also wrote that 285 other employees received medical or religious exemptions, and 332 were deferred because they were pregnant or for some other reason.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623673580456.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — A federal judge threw out a lawsuit filed by employees of a Houston hospital system over its requirement that all of its staff be vaccinated against COVID-19.The Houston Methodist Hospital system suspended 178 employees without pay last week over their refusal to get vaccinated. Of them, 117 sued seeking to overturn the requirement and over their suspension and threatened termination.In a scathing ruling, U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes of Houston deemed lead plaintiff Jennifer Bridges’ contention that the vaccines are “experimental and dangerous” to be false and otherwise irrelevant. He also found that her likening the vaccination requirement to the Nazis’ forced medical experimentation on concentration camp captives during the Holocaust to be “reprehensible.”Hughes also ruled that making vaccinations a condition of employment was not coercion, as Bridges contended.“Bridges can freely choose to accept or refuse a COVID-19 vaccine; however, if she refuses, she will simply need to work somewhere else. If a worker refuses an assignment, changed office, earlier start time, or other directive, he may be properly fired. Every employment includes limits on the worker’s behavior in exchange for remuneration. That is all part of the bargain,” Hughes concluded.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623674276825.png" alt="Employee protest outside the hospital last week photo courtesy KTRK-TV" />
 <figcaption>Employee protest outside the hospital last week photo courtesy KTRK-TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Jared Woodfill, a Houston lawyer representing Bridges and the other clients, promised an appeal.“All of my clients continue to be committed to fighting this unjust policy,” Woodfill said in a statement. “What is shocking is that many of my clients were on the front line treating COVID-positive patients at Texas Methodist Hospital during the height of the pandemic. As a result, many of them contracted COVID-19. As a thank you for their service and sacrifice, Methodist Hospital awards them a pink slip and sentences them to bankruptcy.”Employees had a June 7 deadline to complete their immunization.In a Tuesday memo, the hospital system’s CEO, Marc Boom, said that 24,947 employees had complied with the vaccination requirement and that 27 of the 178 others had received the first of a two-dose vaccine and wouldn’t be fired if they got their second. The rest are subject to termination.He also wrote that 285 other employees received medical or religious exemptions, and 332 were deferred because they were pregnant or for some other reason.

Federal judge tosses lawsuit by employees who refused vaccine

CAMARILLO, Calif. (AP) — The average U.S. price of regular-grade gasoline rose 2 cents to $3.13 per gallon over the past three weeks. 

Industry analyst Trilby Lundberg of the Lundberg Survey says crude oil prices rose more during the same period but these hikes weren’t passed on to gasoline consumers. She says that’s because of consumer resistance to high prices. 

The price at the pump was 95 cents higher in the June 11 survey than it was a year ago. 

The highest average price in the country was $4.31 a gallon in the San Francisco Bay Area. The lowest average was $2.60 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

CAMARILLO, Calif. (AP) — The average U.S. price of regular-grade gasoline rose 2 cents to $3.13 per gallon over the past three weeks. Industry analyst Trilby Lundberg of the Lundberg Survey says crude oil prices rose more during the same period but these hikes weren’t passed on to gasoline consumers. She says that’s because of consumer resistance to high prices. The price at the pump was 95 cents higher in the June 11 survey than it was a year ago. The highest average price in the country was $4.31 a gallon in the San Francisco Bay Area. The lowest average was $2.60 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Average US price of gas rises 2 cents per gallon to $3.13

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Texas man wanted for robbery in Nebraska following a two state pursuit Saturday night. 

Just before 11p.m., a police officer stopped a 2015 Dodge Durango for a traffic infraction in the 400 Block of Arizona Street in Holton, Kansas, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp;

 The suspect vehicle stopped in the Casey’s General Store parking lot. It was discovered that the driver identified as 23-year-old Davionne Marquise Stark-Briggs of Houston, Texas was wanted out of Nebraska on a felony robbery warrant. 

The suspect was to be considered armed and dangerous. The police officer attempted to arrest Stark-Briggs when he allegedly fled in his vehicle striking the Holton Police vehicle. 

Jackson County Deputies entered into the pursuit with Holton Police north of Holton on U.S. Highway 75. 

The pursuit continued into Brown County and into Nebraska. Several law enforcement agencies attempted to use tire deflation devices to stop the pursuit, however, the pursuit continued through Dawson, Nebraska and then east to Fall City. 

Just north of Fall City, the suspect vehicle left the highway and traveled into the ditch. Starks-Briggs fled on foot from the vehicle heading east into a field.

 Jackson County deputies pursued him on foot capturing him and taking him into custody about 200 yards from where the vehicle pursuit ended. Deputies from Brown County and Richardson County, Nebraska assisted with the incident. Starks-Briggs is currently being held in the Richardson County Jail on requested charges of Operating a Motor Vehicle to Avoid Arrest, Willful Reckless Driving, Driving Under Suspension, Resisting Arrest, Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Prohibited Person. He is also being held on Lancaster County and Douglas County Nebraska warrants. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623586828570.png" alt="Starks-Briggs photo Richardson County" />
 <figcaption>Starks-Briggs photo Richardson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Texas man wanted for robbery in Nebraska following a two state pursuit Saturday night. Just before 11p.m., a police officer stopped a 2015 Dodge Durango for a traffic infraction in the 400 Block of Arizona Street in Holton, Kansas, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp; The suspect vehicle stopped in the Casey’s General Store parking lot. It was discovered that the driver identified as 23-year-old Davionne Marquise Stark-Briggs of Houston, Texas was wanted out of Nebraska on a felony robbery warrant. The suspect was to be considered armed and dangerous. The police officer attempted to arrest Stark-Briggs when he allegedly fled in his vehicle striking the Holton Police vehicle. Jackson County Deputies entered into the pursuit with Holton Police north of Holton on U.S. Highway 75. The pursuit continued into Brown County and into Nebraska. Several law enforcement agencies attempted to use tire deflation devices to stop the pursuit, however, the pursuit continued through Dawson, Nebraska and then east to Fall City. Just north of Fall City, the suspect vehicle left the highway and traveled into the ditch. Starks-Briggs fled on foot from the vehicle heading east into a field. Jackson County deputies pursued him on foot capturing him and taking him into custody about 200 yards from where the vehicle pursuit ended. Deputies from Brown County and Richardson County, Nebraska assisted with the incident. Starks-Briggs is currently being held in the Richardson County Jail on requested charges of Operating a Motor Vehicle to Avoid Arrest, Willful Reckless Driving, Driving Under Suspension, Resisting Arrest, Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Prohibited Person. He is also being held on Lancaster County and Douglas County Nebraska warrants.

Wanted robbery suspect captured after 2-state police chase

BUTLER COUNTY—A Kansas teen injured in a head-on crash just before 11:30p.m. Friday in Butler County has died.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Nissan Rogue driven by Amy L. Brown, 46, Eureka, was eastbound in the westbound lanes of Kansas 254 just west of El Dorado. The Nissan&nbsp; struck a 2009 Chevy Impala driven by Dylan M. Lawson, 19, Augusta,&nbsp; head-on.

EMS transported Brown, Lawson and passengers in the Chevy&nbsp; Alexandria M. Epp, 18 and Lila Fisher, 17, both of El Dorado to Wesley Medical Center.&nbsp; Epp died Saturday night, according to the KHP.

The KHP did nor have complete seat belt information.

BUTLER COUNTY—A Kansas teen injured in a head-on crash just before 11:30p.m. Friday in Butler County has died.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Nissan Rogue driven by Amy L. Brown, 46, Eureka, was eastbound in the westbound lanes of Kansas 254 just west of El Dorado. The Nissan&nbsp; struck a 2009 Chevy Impala driven by Dylan M. Lawson, 19, Augusta,&nbsp; head-on.EMS transported Brown, Lawson and passengers in the Chevy&nbsp; Alexandria M. Epp, 18 and Lila Fisher, 17, both of El Dorado to Wesley Medical Center.&nbsp; Epp died Saturday night, according to the KHP.The KHP did nor have complete seat belt information.

Kan. teen dies from injuries after wrong-way, head-on crash

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman's death in Wyandotte County.

Just before 7a.m. Saturday, a patron at the Turner Boat Access&nbsp; on the Kansas River called 911 to report finding the body of a woman on the ground, according to a media release.

Kansas City police and the Wyandotte County Sheriff's deputies responded and found a black woman in her mid 60s dead of an apparent homicide, according to the sheriff's department.

Authorities have not released her identity or additional details. The Wyandotte County Sheriff's Department is in charge of the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623606833583.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation Saturday photo courtesy Fox4 Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation Saturday photo courtesy Fox4 Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman's death in Wyandotte County.Just before 7a.m. Saturday, a patron at the Turner Boat Access&nbsp; on the Kansas River called 911 to report finding the body of a woman on the ground, according to a media release.Kansas City police and the Wyandotte County Sheriff's deputies responded and found a black woman in her mid 60s dead of an apparent homicide, according to the sheriff's department.Authorities have not released her identity or additional details. The Wyandotte County Sheriff's Department is in charge of the investigation.

Homicide: Woman's body found near Kan. River boat ramp 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Officials in northeast Nebraska continue to press the state to complete it’s long-delayed system of four-lane expressways to connect every community larger than 15.000 people to an Interstate. 

About 178 miles of the 600-mile system remains undone 33 years after the expressway system was launched back in 1988. 

Concerns about the projects prompted a group of state senators and a lobbying group of area businesses and cities , called 4 Lanes 4 Nebraska, to push for progress in the Legislature this spring. 

Transportation Department officials say progress is being made even if it's not coming as fast as some want.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Officials in northeast Nebraska continue to press the state to complete it’s long-delayed system of four-lane expressways to connect every community larger than 15.000 people to an Interstate. About 178 miles of the 600-mile system remains undone 33 years after the expressway system was launched back in 1988. Concerns about the projects prompted a group of state senators and a lobbying group of area businesses and cities , called 4 Lanes 4 Nebraska, to push for progress in the Legislature this spring. Transportation Department officials say progress is being made even if it's not coming as fast as some want.

Nebraska officials push Nebraska to complete long-delayed expressways

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A legislative committee in Wyoming has voted to pursue legislation that would significantly change the way statewide elections are run as early as next year, including a bill that would create a rank-choice system and another bill that would institute an open primary. 

The Casper Star-Tribune reported that the state Legislature’s Joint Committee on Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivision voted Monday. 

The committee voted to pursue these approaches because the ranked-choice and open primary systems do not require runoff elections, which happen if no one candidate gets a certain share of the vote. But not everyone agreed with the proposals.

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A legislative committee in Wyoming has voted to pursue legislation that would significantly change the way statewide elections are run as early as next year, including a bill that would create a rank-choice system and another bill that would institute an open primary. The Casper Star-Tribune reported that the state Legislature’s Joint Committee on Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivision voted Monday. The committee voted to pursue these approaches because the ranked-choice and open primary systems do not require runoff elections, which happen if no one candidate gets a certain share of the vote. But not everyone agreed with the proposals.

Wyoming lawmakers to consider changes to statewide elections

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Police in Austin have arrested one suspect and are searching for another after a mass shooting on a crowded downtown street in which 14 people were wounded. 

Interim Police Chief Joseph Chacon said the shooting took place on a street packed with bars and barricaded off from vehicle traffic occurred at around 1:30 a.m. 

He said investigators believe it started as a dispute between two parties. He said police identified two male suspects, but he declined to disclose details such as whether both are believed to have fired shots. 

It was one of at least three mass shootings in the U.S. overnight.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Police in Austin have arrested one suspect and are searching for another after a mass shooting on a crowded downtown street in which 14 people were wounded. Interim Police Chief Joseph Chacon said the shooting took place on a street packed with bars and barricaded off from vehicle traffic occurred at around 1:30 a.m. He said investigators believe it started as a dispute between two parties. He said police identified two male suspects, but he declined to disclose details such as whether both are believed to have fired shots. It was one of at least three mass shootings in the U.S. overnight.

Police arrest 1 of 2 in Austin mass shooting that wounded 14

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/controversy-over-critical-race-theory-creeping-kansas-schools">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — Kansas schools find themselves entangled in a 
debate about the past and whether critical race theory — the left's 
notion that America has yet to atone for its white supremacist origins 
and the right’s allergy to that world view — ought to guide the teaching
 of history and politics.

The theory marks the latest academic concept to become intensely politicized.

<a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2017/04/19/523563345/a-theory-to-better-understand-diversity-and-who-really-benefits" target="_blank">Critical race theory</a>
 emerged out of the civil rights movement of the 1960s and ’70s. Its 
core idea holds that racism isn’t an individual trait, but rather one 
embedded in American culture and policies.

It became more widely 
known and talked about after the killing of George Floyd, when many 
Americans argued that the police officer convicted of his murder was not
 just “one bad cop,” but part of a racist system in need of fundamental 
reform.

Academics and politicians also pointed to — and clashed over — <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/1619-america-slavery.html" target="_blank">The 1619 Project</a>, a New York Times Magazine piece by Nikole Hannah-Jones that explored the legacy and history of Black Americans and slavery.

According
 to The Times, the project “aims to reframe the country’s history by 
placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black 
Americans at the very center of our national narrative.” Since its 
publication in 2019, it has been debated in Congress and state 
legislatures and held up as an example of critical race theory.

Some
 conservatives argue that the concept is unnecessarily divisive, 
portraying white Americans as oppressors and the United States as 
inherently wicked.

In a recent email to supporters, Kansas Attorney General Derek 
Schmidt, a Republican candidate for governor, called critical race 
theory “a radical new curriculum” and called on the U.S. Department of 
Education to “withdraw its priorities” to teach it in classrooms.

“It’s
 the Far Left’s new strategy to teach our students that they should be 
ashamed of America,” Schmidt said in the email, “and that our skin color
 should define who we are.”

Earlier this month, state Sen. Brenda
 Dietrich, a Topeka Republican, asked the Board of Regents to produce a 
list of courses at Kansas universities that teach critical race theory. 
That sparked a backlash. Some professors and others called it a threat 
to academic freedom.

Journalist David M. Perry posted a screenshot of an email sent to faculty at Pittsburg State University.

“Imagine receiving an email from your chair about whether you teach 
any other set of ideas, a theory, a concept,” Perry wrote. “Even these 
days, an email saying ‘do you teach marxism’ is unlikely (note: We have 
lots of classes on Marxism pretty much everywhere).”

He added that Pittsburg State University leaders “should refuse to comply with this attempt at censorship.”

Dietrich,
 the state lawmaker who made the request, is considered by most to be a 
moderate in the Kansas Statehouse. She said the request wasn’t an 
attempt to quash university courses or discussion, but only to seek 
general information so she could answer constituent emails.

“That’s
 really one of the most important things we do as legislators: we find 
out information and we pass it on to our constituents. I think we have 
an obligation to make sure it’s accurate,” Dietrich <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article251898553.html" target="_blank">told The Kansas City Star</a>.

Kansas university leaders said <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article252001133.html" target="_blank">few if any courses focus on critical race theory</a>, but some professors address it during discussions on race and equity.

Shirley
 Lefever, interim provost at Wichita State University, described 
critical race theory as “an area of study that explores racial 
disparities and their origins, as well as the impact of those 
disparities over time.”

Lefever said the topic could be included 
in various courses or programs at Wichita State. Debates about it should
 be expected, she said.

“History is always in the eyes of the 
beholder,” Lefever said in an email. “When a person’s perspective or 
experience is different from someone else’s, it can create discord or 
discomfort. However, those are also opportunities for learning.

“To see something from another person’s perspective can be enlightening and powerful.”

Lawmakers
 in at least 16 states have introduced or passed legislation seeking to 
limit the teaching of critical race theory. The bills, including <a href="https://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills211/hlrbillspdf/2087H.02C.pdf" target="_blank">one introduced in Missouri</a>, resemble a now-defunct executive order by then-President Donald Trump that prohibited federally funded institutions from <a href="https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/10/07/colleges-cancel-diversity-programs-response-trump-order" target="_blank">teaching “divisive concepts” about race and gender</a>.

Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson said opposition to critical race theory is becoming an issue for local districts.

“All
 of you are getting on probably a daily, weekly basis: What are you 
gonna do about critical race theory?” Watson told state Board of 
Education members at their June meeting. “That is a curriculum that may 
or may not be taught, but it’s not in our standards at all. But they 
want you to do something about it.”

Watson’s comments came during a discussion about legislative action — and potential overreach — in the education realm.

Over the past year, Kansas lawmakers have pushed for curriculum changes or new graduation requirements focused on <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2301/" target="_blank">financial literacy</a>, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-immigration-topeka-bills-a9aa34d63eca9d061a3487f6ccfb07f5" target="_blank">civics</a> and <a href="https://www.ksde.org/Home/Quick-Links/News-Room/board-votes-to-allow-computer-science-to-count-as-core-math-science-credit-1" target="_blank">computer science</a>. Prior to that, the Kansas Legislature weighed in on <a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article1134825.html" target="_blank">Common Core standards</a> for math and reading.

Now the hot topic is critical race theory, Watson said.

“But
 that’s just the topic of the week. I mean, next week it’ll be something
 else,” Watson said. “Because whoever’s emailing you doesn’t like that 
topic. That’s what makes this difficult. Because then if you don’t 
react, where do they go? The Legislature.”

On June 12, educators in more than a dozen states plan to demonstrate as part of <a href="https://www.zinnedproject.org/news/pledge-to-teach-truth#sign" target="_blank">a “Teach the Truth” rally</a> organized by the <a href="https://www.zinnedproject.org/" target="_blank">Zinn Education Project</a> and <a href="https://www.blacklivesmatteratschool.com/" target="_blank">Black Lives Matter at School</a>.
 The groups are urging teachers to sign a pledge saying they “refuse to 
lie to young people about U.S. history and current events— regardless of
 the law.”

“When young people see the inequalities that persist 
today — in income, or education, or justice — they ask, ‘Why?’” said 
Deborah Menkart, co-director of the Zinn Education Project, in a news 
release about the event.

“Under these current laws or proposals, 
teachers would be banned from answering these important questions. 
That’s not teaching history. That’s hiding it.”

Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT&nbsp;or email her at perez@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623421888455.png" alt="Chris, flickr Creative Commons" />
 <figcaption>Chris, flickr Creative Commons</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/controversy-over-critical-race-theory-creeping-kansas-schools">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — Kansas schools find themselves entangled in a 
debate about the past and whether critical race theory — the left's 
notion that America has yet to atone for its white supremacist origins 
and the right’s allergy to that world view — ought to guide the teaching
 of history and politics.The theory marks the latest academic concept to become intensely politicized.<a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2017/04/19/523563345/a-theory-to-better-understand-diversity-and-who-really-benefits" target="_blank">Critical race theory</a>
 emerged out of the civil rights movement of the 1960s and ’70s. Its 
core idea holds that racism isn’t an individual trait, but rather one 
embedded in American culture and policies.It became more widely 
known and talked about after the killing of George Floyd, when many 
Americans argued that the police officer convicted of his murder was not
 just “one bad cop,” but part of a racist system in need of fundamental 
reform.Academics and politicians also pointed to — and clashed over — <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/1619-america-slavery.html" target="_blank">The 1619 Project</a>, a New York Times Magazine piece by Nikole Hannah-Jones that explored the legacy and history of Black Americans and slavery.According
 to The Times, the project “aims to reframe the country’s history by 
placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black 
Americans at the very center of our national narrative.” Since its 
publication in 2019, it has been debated in Congress and state 
legislatures and held up as an example of critical race theory.Some
 conservatives argue that the concept is unnecessarily divisive, 
portraying white Americans as oppressors and the United States as 
inherently wicked.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623421939632.png" alt=" Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who is running for governor in 2022, has been a vocal opponent of critical race theory in schools. Credit Kansas News Service/File photo" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who is running for governor in 2022, has been a vocal opponent of critical race theory in schools. Credit Kansas News Service/File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>In a recent email to supporters, Kansas Attorney General Derek 
Schmidt, a Republican candidate for governor, called critical race 
theory “a radical new curriculum” and called on the U.S. Department of 
Education to “withdraw its priorities” to teach it in classrooms.“It’s
 the Far Left’s new strategy to teach our students that they should be 
ashamed of America,” Schmidt said in the email, “and that our skin color
 should define who we are.”Earlier this month, state Sen. Brenda
 Dietrich, a Topeka Republican, asked the Board of Regents to produce a 
list of courses at Kansas universities that teach critical race theory. 
That sparked a backlash. Some professors and others called it a threat 
to academic freedom.Journalist David M. Perry posted a screenshot of an email sent to faculty at Pittsburg State University.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623421968759.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Imagine receiving an email from your chair about whether you teach 
any other set of ideas, a theory, a concept,” Perry wrote. “Even these 
days, an email saying ‘do you teach marxism’ is unlikely (note: We have 
lots of classes on Marxism pretty much everywhere).”He added that Pittsburg State University leaders “should refuse to comply with this attempt at censorship.”Dietrich,
 the state lawmaker who made the request, is considered by most to be a 
moderate in the Kansas Statehouse. She said the request wasn’t an 
attempt to quash university courses or discussion, but only to seek 
general information so she could answer constituent emails.“That’s
 really one of the most important things we do as legislators: we find 
out information and we pass it on to our constituents. I think we have 
an obligation to make sure it’s accurate,” Dietrich <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article251898553.html" target="_blank">told The Kansas City Star</a>.Kansas university leaders said <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article252001133.html" target="_blank">few if any courses focus on critical race theory</a>, but some professors address it during discussions on race and equity.Shirley
 Lefever, interim provost at Wichita State University, described 
critical race theory as “an area of study that explores racial 
disparities and their origins, as well as the impact of those 
disparities over time.”Lefever said the topic could be included 
in various courses or programs at Wichita State. Debates about it should
 be expected, she said.“History is always in the eyes of the 
beholder,” Lefever said in an email. “When a person’s perspective or 
experience is different from someone else’s, it can create discord or 
discomfort. However, those are also opportunities for learning.“To see something from another person’s perspective can be enlightening and powerful.”Lawmakers
 in at least 16 states have introduced or passed legislation seeking to 
limit the teaching of critical race theory. The bills, including <a href="https://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills211/hlrbillspdf/2087H.02C.pdf" target="_blank">one introduced in Missouri</a>, resemble a now-defunct executive order by then-President Donald Trump that prohibited federally funded institutions from <a href="https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/10/07/colleges-cancel-diversity-programs-response-trump-order" target="_blank">teaching “divisive concepts” about race and gender</a>.Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson said opposition to critical race theory is becoming an issue for local districts.“All
 of you are getting on probably a daily, weekly basis: What are you 
gonna do about critical race theory?” Watson told state Board of 
Education members at their June meeting. “That is a curriculum that may 
or may not be taught, but it’s not in our standards at all. But they 
want you to do something about it.”Watson’s comments came during a discussion about legislative action — and potential overreach — in the education realm.Over the past year, Kansas lawmakers have pushed for curriculum changes or new graduation requirements focused on <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2301/" target="_blank">financial literacy</a>, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-immigration-topeka-bills-a9aa34d63eca9d061a3487f6ccfb07f5" target="_blank">civics</a> and <a href="https://www.ksde.org/Home/Quick-Links/News-Room/board-votes-to-allow-computer-science-to-count-as-core-math-science-credit-1" target="_blank">computer science</a>. Prior to that, the Kansas Legislature weighed in on <a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article1134825.html" target="_blank">Common Core standards</a> for math and reading.Now the hot topic is critical race theory, Watson said.“But
 that’s just the topic of the week. I mean, next week it’ll be something
 else,” Watson said. “Because whoever’s emailing you doesn’t like that 
topic. That’s what makes this difficult. Because then if you don’t 
react, where do they go? The Legislature.”On June 12, educators in more than a dozen states plan to demonstrate as part of <a href="https://www.zinnedproject.org/news/pledge-to-teach-truth#sign" target="_blank">a “Teach the Truth” rally</a> organized by the <a href="https://www.zinnedproject.org/" target="_blank">Zinn Education Project</a> and <a href="https://www.blacklivesmatteratschool.com/" target="_blank">Black Lives Matter at School</a>.
 The groups are urging teachers to sign a pledge saying they “refuse to 
lie to young people about U.S. history and current events— regardless of
 the law.”“When young people see the inequalities that persist 
today — in income, or education, or justice — they ask, ‘Why?’” said 
Deborah Menkart, co-director of the Zinn Education Project, in a news 
release about the event.“Under these current laws or proposals, 
teachers would be banned from answering these important questions. 
That’s not teaching history. That’s hiding it.”Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT&nbsp;or email her at perez@kmuw.org.

Controversy over critical race theory creeping into Kan. schools 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Ann Tillery could see by her own image on the Zoom screen that something was wrong when the left side of her face began to droop. Her speech slurred and her left arm felt heavy. 

All of the signs of a stroke were there, and the technology of the video conferencing platform helped the Lincoln woman realize it fast enough to get lifesaving help. 

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that Tillery was on camera on a Zoom call with state lawmakers on May 18 advocating for the Alzheimer’s Association when her symptoms emerged. 

She was able to call 911 and was rushed to the hospital.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Ann Tillery could see by her own image on the Zoom screen that something was wrong when the left side of her face began to droop. Her speech slurred and her left arm felt heavy. All of the signs of a stroke were there, and the technology of the video conferencing platform helped the Lincoln woman realize it fast enough to get lifesaving help. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that Tillery was on camera on a Zoom call with state lawmakers on May 18 advocating for the Alzheimer’s Association when her symptoms emerged. She was able to call 911 and was rushed to the hospital.

Nebraska woman recognizes stroke symptoms on Zoom

GRETNA, Neb. (AP) — The parents of three girls killed in a traffic crash in 2019 are suing Sarpy County. 

The lawsuit claims the design of the road where the girls were killed was deficient. The families want the county to fix Platteview Road and other parts of the county's southern thoroughfare. 

The lawsuit also challenges Nebraska's $5 million cap on judgments against government entities. 

The lawsuit was filed by the families of 16-year-old Abigail Barth; 15-year-old Alexandria Minardi; and 16-year-old Addisyn Pfeifer, all of Gretna. 

The families of a fourth girl who was killed and another who was injured did not join the lawsuit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623541471399.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>GRETNA, Neb. (AP) — The parents of three girls killed in a traffic crash in 2019 are suing Sarpy County. The lawsuit claims the design of the road where the girls were killed was deficient. The families want the county to fix Platteview Road and other parts of the county's southern thoroughfare. The lawsuit also challenges Nebraska's $5 million cap on judgments against government entities. The lawsuit was filed by the families of 16-year-old Abigail Barth; 15-year-old Alexandria Minardi; and 16-year-old Addisyn Pfeifer, all of Gretna. The families of a fourth girl who was killed and another who was injured did not join the lawsuit.

Parents of 3 Gretna girls killed in crash sue Sarpy County

By Scott Carlson-North Platte Post

LINCOLN, Neb.-Authorities in Lancaster County have identified the human remains found in an area lake.

The Sheriff's office issues the following information in a news release.

On June 10, at 11:54 a.m., the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation into the human remains found at Pawnee Lake, 11500 West Adams Street. 

 Due to the evidence found at the scene, LSO investigators considered the death suspicious.  Crime Scene Technicians have been processing the scene, and areas around the lake had been closed but are now open.

An autopsy was conducted at 1 p.m. on June 11, 2021, and the identity of the deceased person was confirmed to be 23-year-old Carly Schaaf. 

 Carly was reported missing by her mother on May 19, 2021.  During that investigation, investigators determined she had gone missing under suspicious circumstances.  The manner and cause of death are unknown at this time. 

Carly’s family has been notified and we ask the public to respect their privacy as they grieve her death.  Our agency will be keeping them in our thoughts during this difficult time.

At this time, there is not an ongoing threat to general public. 

 This investigation is ongoing, and we encourage anyone with information to call 402-441-6000, the 24-hour tip line at 402-441-9903, or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600. 

A press conference will be held Monday, June 14th at 8:45 a.m. in the Lincoln Police Department Media Briefing room at 575 S 10th Street.

By Scott Carlson-North Platte PostLINCOLN, Neb.-Authorities in Lancaster County have identified the human remains found in an area lake.The Sheriff's office issues the following information in a news release.On June 10, at 11:54 a.m., the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation into the human remains found at Pawnee Lake, 11500 West Adams Street. Due to the evidence found at the scene, LSO investigators considered the death suspicious. Crime Scene Technicians have been processing the scene, and areas around the lake had been closed but are now open.An autopsy was conducted at 1 p.m. on June 11, 2021, and the identity of the deceased person was confirmed to be 23-year-old Carly Schaaf. Carly was reported missing by her mother on May 19, 2021. During that investigation, investigators determined she had gone missing under suspicious circumstances. The manner and cause of death are unknown at this time. Carly’s family has been notified and we ask the public to respect their privacy as they grieve her death. Our agency will be keeping them in our thoughts during this difficult time.At this time, there is not an ongoing threat to general public. This investigation is ongoing, and we encourage anyone with information to call 402-441-6000, the 24-hour tip line at 402-441-9903, or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600. A press conference will be held Monday, June 14th at 8:45 a.m. in the Lincoln Police Department Media Briefing room at 575 S 10th Street.

Lancaster County authorities identify remains found in Lincoln-area lake

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Park officials have launched the first tests of electric vehicles in Yellowstone National Park that are capable of operating without drivers. 

The Billings Gazette reported that the park on Wednesday launched a $360,000 public experiment into the potential future of visitor transportation, unveiling two eight-passenger, cube-shaped vehicles that will be tested at Canyon Village.

 Park Superintendent Cam Sholly said Tuesday that the vehicles are expected to navigate the parking lot of Canyon Village through Aug. 31.

 Each 3D-printed vehicle can carry 1,350 pounds and has $300,000 worth of technology installed inside. 

Similar vehicles have been deployed in Maryland, Italy and Berlin.

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Park officials have launched the first tests of electric vehicles in Yellowstone National Park that are capable of operating without drivers. The Billings Gazette reported that the park on Wednesday launched a $360,000 public experiment into the potential future of visitor transportation, unveiling two eight-passenger, cube-shaped vehicles that will be tested at Canyon Village. Park Superintendent Cam Sholly said Tuesday that the vehicles are expected to navigate the parking lot of Canyon Village through Aug. 31. Each 3D-printed vehicle can carry 1,350 pounds and has $300,000 worth of technology installed inside. Similar vehicles have been deployed in Maryland, Italy and Berlin.

Yellowstone National Park unveils automated electric cars

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Police in Sioux Falls have arrested a man after he allegedly smashed out the windows of two cars with an ax and threatened a teenager. 

The Sioux Falls Argus Leader reports that police got a call late Wednesday afternoon about a man outside an apartment complex with an ax. 

Police said the 34-year-old man used the three-foot ax to smash the window of a 1994 Ford Mustang and a 2018 Honda Civic.

 He also threatened a 15-year-old boy who saw the incident with the ax.

 Officers found the man and arrested him a short time after they arrived.

 Police said he knew somebody at the apartment complex but that person didn't own the cars the man vandalized.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Police in Sioux Falls have arrested a man after he allegedly smashed out the windows of two cars with an ax and threatened a teenager. The Sioux Falls Argus Leader reports that police got a call late Wednesday afternoon about a man outside an apartment complex with an ax. Police said the 34-year-old man used the three-foot ax to smash the window of a 1994 Ford Mustang and a 2018 Honda Civic. He also threatened a 15-year-old boy who saw the incident with the ax. Officers found the man and arrested him a short time after they arrived. Police said he knew somebody at the apartment complex but that person didn't own the cars the man vandalized.

SD man arrested after smashing cars with ax

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged child sex crime and have made an arrest.

The Riley County Police Department reported on Saturday that just before 3:30p.m. June 3, the Johnson County Sheriff's Department arrested 22-year-old Matthew Daniel Smith of Overland Park while he was in Manhattan for an alleged sex crime.

Deputies booked Smith on a $100,000 bond into jail in Johnson County on requested charges of rape of a victim under the age of 14, according to the report.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is no longer in custody. Authorities released no additional details Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623507469402.png" alt="Smith photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Smith photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged child sex crime and have made an arrest.The Riley County Police Department reported on Saturday that just before 3:30p.m. June 3, the Johnson County Sheriff's Department arrested 22-year-old Matthew Daniel Smith of Overland Park while he was in Manhattan for an alleged sex crime.Deputies booked Smith on a $100,000 bond into jail in Johnson County on requested charges of rape of a victim under the age of 14, according to the report.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is no longer in custody. Authorities released no additional details Saturday.

Police report arrest of child sex crime suspect in Manhattan

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Police in Texas say 13 people were injured in a shooting early Saturday in Austin. 

Interim Police Chief Joseph Chacon said at a news conference that two of the injured people were in critical condition. 

As of 4 a.m. local time, no one had died. The gunfire erupted in a busy entertainment district downtown. It's unclear what sparked the shooting. 

The interim chief says officers responded quickly and some transported patients in their police cruisers to local hospitals. The suspected shooter has not been arrested. 

Investigators are looking at surveillance video and other evidence in the area. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Police in Texas say 13 people were injured in a shooting early Saturday in Austin. Interim Police Chief Joseph Chacon said at a news conference that two of the injured people were in critical condition. As of 4 a.m. local time, no one had died. The gunfire erupted in a busy entertainment district downtown. It's unclear what sparked the shooting. The interim chief says officers responded quickly and some transported patients in their police cruisers to local hospitals. The suspected shooter has not been arrested. Investigators are looking at surveillance video and other evidence in the area. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

13 hurt in downtown Austin shooting; suspect not in custody

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A man has been sentenced to at least 40 years in prison for his role in a home invasion that led to the deaths of two people in Lincoln. 

Rubin Thomas, of Lincoln, was sentenced Thursday in the July 2019 break-in that caused the deaths of Audrea Craig and Martae Green. 

Prosecutors alleged Thomas planned the home invasion to rob Craig of drugs and money but was not in the house when the shootings occurred. 

Green and his brother allegedly broke into the home. 

Craig shot Green and he returned fire, killing her. Green died later from his wounds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623458069793.png" alt="Thomas" />
 <figcaption>Thomas</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A man has been sentenced to at least 40 years in prison for his role in a home invasion that led to the deaths of two people in Lincoln. Rubin Thomas, of Lincoln, was sentenced Thursday in the July 2019 break-in that caused the deaths of Audrea Craig and Martae Green. Prosecutors alleged Thomas planned the home invasion to rob Craig of drugs and money but was not in the house when the shootings occurred. Green and his brother allegedly broke into the home. Craig shot Green and he returned fire, killing her. Green died later from his wounds.