SEDGWICK COUNTY — A distracted driver and Kansas State Trooper avoided injury after a rear-end crash earlier this week.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a distracted driver struck the rear drivers side of a Troop F patrol vehicle that had come to a stop. Troop F includes a portion of 13 counties in south central Kansas. There were no injuries.&nbsp;

The KHP reminded drivers, "Please put your cell phones and other devices away while driving. Distracted driving crashes are preventable."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709776453129.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A distracted driver and Kansas State Trooper avoided injury after a rear-end crash earlier this week.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FkshighwayPatrol%2Fvideos%2F370058252527002%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=14" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a distracted driver struck the rear drivers side of a Troop F patrol vehicle that had come to a stop. Troop F includes a portion of 13 counties in south central Kansas. There were no injuries.&nbsp;The KHP reminded drivers, "Please put your cell phones and other devices away while driving. Distracted driving crashes are preventable."

🎥KHP: Distracted driver rear-ends State Trooper

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and ARNIE STAPLETON&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Some of the people who attended the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dolphins-chiefs-score-playoffs-mahomes-e3a23736da0c791ff4ec2067fc5a9ff2">near-record cold Kansas City Chiefs playoff game</a>&nbsp;in January had to undergo amputations, a Missouri hospital said Friday.

Research Medical Center didn't provide exact numbers but said in a statement that some of the 12 people who had to undergo amputations after the cold snap had been at the game. The amputations involved mostly fingers and toes. And the hospital said more surgeries are expected over the next two to four weeks as “injuries evolve.”

The University of Kansas hospital said it also treated frostbite victims after the game but didn't report any amputations.

The temperature for the Dolphins-Chiefs wild-card playoff game was minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 20 Celsius), and wind gusts made for a windchill of minus 27 degrees F (minus 33 C). That shattered the record for the coldest game in Arrowhead Stadium history, which had been 1 degree F (minus 17 C), set in a 1983 game against Denver and matched in 2016 against Tennessee.

The wild-card game was played the same day the Buffalo Bills were supposed to host the Pittsburgh Steelers, but that game was pushed back a day because a snowstorm in New York made traveling to the game too dangerous.

The game in Kansas City went on as scheduled because the frigid weather didn’t present similar problems getting to Arrowhead Stadium.

While a blizzard dumped up to 2 feet (0.61 meters) of snow in Buffalo that weekend, the snow wasn’t the problem in Kansas City, where the big concern was what the National Weather Service called “dangerously cold” windchills.

Frostbite can occur on exposed skin within 30 minutes, said Dr. Megan Garcia, the medical director of the Grossman Burn Center at Research, in answering one of the top questions she is asked. The timing can be even shorter if there is a windchill, she said.

Fans were allowed to bring heated blankets into the stadium and small pieces of cardboard to place under their feet on the cold concrete.

The coldest game in NFL history remains minus 13 Fahrenheit (minus 25 Celsius) for the 1967 NFL championship, when the Packers beat the Cowboys at Lambeau Field in a game that came to be known as the Ice Bowl. The windchill that day was 48 below zero (minus 44 Celsius).

The Chiefs didn’t immediately respond to email messages from The Associated Press seeking comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705210705842.jpeg" alt="File photo- fan holds up a sign before an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>File photo- fan holds up a sign before an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and ARNIE STAPLETON&nbsp;KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Some of the people who attended the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dolphins-chiefs-score-playoffs-mahomes-e3a23736da0c791ff4ec2067fc5a9ff2">near-record cold Kansas City Chiefs playoff game</a>&nbsp;in January had to undergo amputations, a Missouri hospital said Friday.Research Medical Center didn't provide exact numbers but said in a statement that some of the 12 people who had to undergo amputations after the cold snap had been at the game. The amputations involved mostly fingers and toes. And the hospital said more surgeries are expected over the next two to four weeks as “injuries evolve.”The University of Kansas hospital said it also treated frostbite victims after the game but didn't report any amputations.The temperature for the Dolphins-Chiefs wild-card playoff game was minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 20 Celsius), and wind gusts made for a windchill of minus 27 degrees F (minus 33 C). That shattered the record for the coldest game in Arrowhead Stadium history, which had been 1 degree F (minus 17 C), set in a 1983 game against Denver and matched in 2016 against Tennessee.The wild-card game was played the same day the Buffalo Bills were supposed to host the Pittsburgh Steelers, but that game was pushed back a day because a snowstorm in New York made traveling to the game too dangerous.The game in Kansas City went on as scheduled because the frigid weather didn’t present similar problems getting to Arrowhead Stadium.While a blizzard dumped up to 2 feet (0.61 meters) of snow in Buffalo that weekend, the snow wasn’t the problem in Kansas City, where the big concern was what the National Weather Service called “dangerously cold” windchills.Frostbite can occur on exposed skin within 30 minutes, said Dr. Megan Garcia, the medical director of the Grossman Burn Center at Research, in answering one of the top questions she is asked. The timing can be even shorter if there is a windchill, she said.Fans were allowed to bring heated blankets into the stadium and small pieces of cardboard to place under their feet on the cold concrete.The coldest game in NFL history remains minus 13 Fahrenheit (minus 25 Celsius) for the 1967 NFL championship, when the Packers beat the Cowboys at Lambeau Field in a game that came to be known as the Ice Bowl. The windchill that day was 48 below zero (minus 44 Celsius).The Chiefs didn’t immediately respond to email messages from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Hospital: Some fans at frigid Chiefs playoff game underwent amputations

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)— The U.S. military confirmed early Saturday that humanitarian airdrops into the Gaza Strip carried out by other countries into the Gaza Strip killed civilians.

The military’s Central Command, which oversees the Mideast, issued the statement on X, formerly Twitter.

It did not identify the countries involved.

“We are aware of reports of civilians killed as a result of humanitarian airdrops,” the statement read. “We express sympathies to the families of those who were killed. Contrary to some reports, this was not the result of U.S. airdrops.”

The U.S. military airdropped food Friday from a U.S. C-130, the equivalent of 11,500 meals donated by Jordan, into the northern part of the Gaza Strip.

Earlier, Palestinian officials said five people were killed and several others injured when airdrops malfunctioned and hit people and landed on homes.

Meanwhile, the U.S. military will deploy about 1,000 troops to transport and build a floating pier on the Gaza shore in order to get critically needed food and aid delivered to citizens there.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, told reporters on Friday that it will take weeks for this to come together, but that the U.S. is working as quickly as possible to get troops and equipment deployed and the pier constructed.

There will not be any U.S. forces on the ground in Israel, Ryder said, adding that details about who will be taking the supplies ashore from the causeway are still being worked out.

He said elements of the Army’s 7th Transportation Brigade, along with assistance from Military Sealift Command, will take part in the mission.

The troops, he said, will build an offshore pier where large ships can offload food and supplies. Then smaller military vessels will transport that aid from the floating pier to a temporary causeway that will be driven into the ground at the shoreline.

He added that the U.S. is also talking with allies and others about the food distribution and other elements of the operation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709675027182.png" alt="Photo of a video of the March 5 air drop from U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo of a video of the March 5 air drop from U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)— The U.S. military confirmed early Saturday that humanitarian airdrops into the Gaza Strip carried out by other countries into the Gaza Strip killed civilians.The military’s Central Command, which oversees the Mideast, issued the statement on X, formerly Twitter.It did not identify the countries involved.“We are aware of reports of civilians killed as a result of humanitarian airdrops,” the statement read. “We express sympathies to the families of those who were killed. Contrary to some reports, this was not the result of U.S. airdrops.”The U.S. military airdropped food Friday from a U.S. C-130, the equivalent of 11,500 meals donated by Jordan, into the northern part of the Gaza Strip.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709945249525.png" alt="Preparing for the Friday airdrop -photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Preparing for the Friday airdrop -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>Earlier, Palestinian officials said five people were killed and several others injured when airdrops malfunctioned and hit people and landed on homes.Meanwhile, the U.S. military will deploy about 1,000 troops to transport and build a floating pier on the Gaza shore in order to get critically needed food and aid delivered to citizens there.Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, told reporters on Friday that it will take weeks for this to come together, but that the U.S. is working as quickly as possible to get troops and equipment deployed and the pier constructed.There will not be any U.S. forces on the ground in Israel, Ryder said, adding that details about who will be taking the supplies ashore from the causeway are still being worked out.He said elements of the Army’s 7th Transportation Brigade, along with assistance from Military Sealift Command, will take part in the mission.The troops, he said, will build an offshore pier where large ships can offload food and supplies. Then smaller military vessels will transport that aid from the floating pier to a temporary causeway that will be driven into the ground at the shoreline.He added that the U.S. is also talking with allies and others about the food distribution and other elements of the operation.

U S Military confirms civilians killed by airdrops of aid into Gaza 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Four Missouri prison workers were fired after an investigation into the death of an inmate whose family is demanding to know what happened.

Othel Moore died Dec. 8 at the Jefferson City Correctional Center after a cellphone search, Missouri Department of Corrections spokesperson Karen Pojmann said in an email Friday.

She said a cause of death hasn’t been determined. She declined to release additional details about the terminations, saying that the Cole County Sheriff’s Department is investigating. The Associated Press left messages for the county sheriff, prosecutor and medical examiner seeking comment.

The family's attorney, Andrew M. Stroth, said Moore, a 38-year old Black man, was pepper-sprayed, strapped in a restraint device and had blood coming out of his ears and nose. He blamed members of the prison’s Corrections Emergency Response Team, which handles disturbances and emergency situations. Stroth said several inmates heard Moore screaming that he couldn't breathe and alleged that he was left to die.

No litigation has been filed, but Stroth alleged that Moore’s death was part of a broader problem.

“The Missouri prison system has a pattern and practice of abusing Black inmates,” he said. “So it’s a big civil rights issue. And Othel Moore is just one of the most egregious cases.”

He said the family is calling for authorities to provide video, investigative reports and the names of the terminated officers.

Pojmann declined to release the names of the workers, who were terminated Feb. 22, saying that individually identifiable personnel records are closed to the public.

Moore, who grew up in St. Louis, was serving a 30-year sentence for second-degree domestic assault, first-degree robbery, armed criminal action, possession of a controlled substance and violence to an inmate or employee of Corrections Department, Pojmann said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709923728407.png" alt="Moore-photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Moore-photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Four Missouri prison workers were fired after an investigation into the death of an inmate whose family is demanding to know what happened.Othel Moore died Dec. 8 at the Jefferson City Correctional Center after a cellphone search, Missouri Department of Corrections spokesperson Karen Pojmann said in an email Friday.She said a cause of death hasn’t been determined. She declined to release additional details about the terminations, saying that the Cole County Sheriff’s Department is investigating. The Associated Press left messages for the county sheriff, prosecutor and medical examiner seeking comment.The family's attorney, Andrew M. Stroth, said Moore, a 38-year old Black man, was pepper-sprayed, strapped in a restraint device and had blood coming out of his ears and nose. He blamed members of the prison’s Corrections Emergency Response Team, which handles disturbances and emergency situations. Stroth said several inmates heard Moore screaming that he couldn't breathe and alleged that he was left to die.No litigation has been filed, but Stroth alleged that Moore’s death was part of a broader problem.“The Missouri prison system has a pattern and practice of abusing Black inmates,” he said. “So it’s a big civil rights issue. And Othel Moore is just one of the most egregious cases.”He said the family is calling for authorities to provide video, investigative reports and the names of the terminated officers.Pojmann declined to release the names of the workers, who were terminated Feb. 22, saying that individually identifiable personnel records are closed to the public.Moore, who grew up in St. Louis, was serving a 30-year sentence for second-degree domestic assault, first-degree robbery, armed criminal action, possession of a controlled substance and violence to an inmate or employee of Corrections Department, Pojmann said.

4 prison workers fired after investigation into the death of Mo. inmate

WASHINGTON — (AP) — The Senate on Friday approved a $460 billion package of spending bills in time to meet a midnight deadline for avoiding a shutdown of many key federal agencies, a vote that gets lawmakers about halfway home in wrapping up their appropriations work for the 2024 budget year.

The measure contains six annual spending bills and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-funding-deadline-congress-2533c1a6b6eb25cc63e78f089e27d3a0">has already passed the House.</a>&nbsp;It now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. Meanwhile, lawmakers are negotiating a second package of six bills, including defense, in an effort to have all federal agencies fully funded by a March 22 deadline.

“To folks who worry that divided government means nothing ever gets done, this bipartisan package says otherwise," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY.

He said the bill's passage would allow for the hiring of more air traffic controllers and rail safety inspectors, give federal firefighters a raise and boost support for homeless veterans, among other things.

The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 75-22. The chamber labored to get to a final vote just hours before the midnight deadline for the first set of appropriations bills. Lawmakers sought votes on several amendments and wanted to have their say on the bill and other priorities during debate on the floor. It was unclear midday if senators would be able to avert a short shutdown, though eventual passage was never really in doubt.

“I would urge my colleagues to stop playing with fire here,” said Sen. Susan Collins, the top-ranking Republican member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “It would be irresponsible for us not to clear these bills and do the fundamental job that we have of funding government. What is more important?”

The votes this week come more than five months into the current fiscal year after congressional leaders relied on a series of stopgap bills to keep federal agencies funded for a few more weeks or months at a time while they struggled to reach agreement on full-year spending.

In the end, total discretionary spending set by Congress is expected to come in at about $1.66 trillion for the full budget year ending Sept. 30.

Republicans were able to keep non-defense spending relatively flat compared to the previous year. Supporters say that's progress in an era when annual federal deficits exceeding $1 trillion have become the norm. But many Republican lawmakers were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-house-republicans-spending-cuts-deff84c0e2ff7d3bd076b8c38e14cca4">seeking</a>&nbsp;much steeper cuts and more policy victories.

The House Freedom Caucus, which contains dozens of the GOP’s most conservative members, urged Republicans to vote against the first spending package and the second one still being negotiated.

Democrats staved off most of the policy riders that Republicans sought to include in the package. For example, they beat back an effort to block new rules that expand access to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;pill mifepristone. They were also able to fully fund a nutrition program for low-income women, infants and children, providing about $7 billion for what is known as the WIC program. That's a $1 billion increase from the previous year.

Republicans were able to achieve some policy wins, however. One provision, for example, will prevent the sale of oil in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China. Another policy mandate prohibits the Justice Department from investigating parents who exercise free speech at local school board meetings.

Another provision strengthens&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/veterans-guns-congress-spending-bill-93919a8f43357152a90b5de9f61c08c1">gun rights for certain veterans</a>, though opponents of the move said it could make it easier for those with very serious mental health conditions like dementia to obtain a firearm.

”This isn't the package I would have written on my own," said Sen. Patty Murray, the Democratic chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “But I am proud that we have protected absolutely vital funding that the American people rely on in their daily lives.”

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said one problem he sees with the bill is that there was too much compromise, and that led to too much spending.

“A lot of people don't understand this. They think there is no cooperation in Washington and the opposite is true. There is compromise every day on every spending bill," Paul said.

“It's compromise between big-government Democrats and big-government Republicans,” he added.

Still, with a divided Congress and a Democratic-led White House, any bill that doesn't have buy-in from members of both political parties stands no chance of passage.

The bill also includes more than 6,600 projects requested by individual lawmakers with a price tag of about $12.7 billion. The projects attracted criticism from some Republican members, though members from both parties broadly participated in requesting them on behalf of their states and congressional districts. Paul called the spending "sort of the grease that eases in billions and trillions of other dollars, because you get people to buy into the total package by giving them a little bit of pork for their town, a little bit of pork for their donors.”

But an effort by Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla, to strip out the projects mustered only 32 votes with 64 against. Murray said Scott's effort would overrule “all the hard work, all the input we asked everyone to provide us about projects that would help their constituents."

Even though lawmakers find themselves passing spending bills five months into the fiscal year, Republicans are framing the process as improved nonetheless because they broke the cycle of passing all the spending bills in one massive package that lawmakers have little time to study before being asked to vote on it or risk a government shutdown. Still, others said that breaking up funding into two chunks of legislation war hardly a breakthrough.

The first package now making its way to Biden's desk covers the departments of Justice, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Interior and Transportation, among others.

WASHINGTON — (AP) — The Senate on Friday approved a $460 billion package of spending bills in time to meet a midnight deadline for avoiding a shutdown of many key federal agencies, a vote that gets lawmakers about halfway home in wrapping up their appropriations work for the 2024 budget year.The measure contains six annual spending bills and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-funding-deadline-congress-2533c1a6b6eb25cc63e78f089e27d3a0">has already passed the House.</a>&nbsp;It now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. Meanwhile, lawmakers are negotiating a second package of six bills, including defense, in an effort to have all federal agencies fully funded by a March 22 deadline.“To folks who worry that divided government means nothing ever gets done, this bipartisan package says otherwise," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY.He said the bill's passage would allow for the hiring of more air traffic controllers and rail safety inspectors, give federal firefighters a raise and boost support for homeless veterans, among other things.The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 75-22. The chamber labored to get to a final vote just hours before the midnight deadline for the first set of appropriations bills. Lawmakers sought votes on several amendments and wanted to have their say on the bill and other priorities during debate on the floor. It was unclear midday if senators would be able to avert a short shutdown, though eventual passage was never really in doubt.“I would urge my colleagues to stop playing with fire here,” said Sen. Susan Collins, the top-ranking Republican member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “It would be irresponsible for us not to clear these bills and do the fundamental job that we have of funding government. What is more important?”The votes this week come more than five months into the current fiscal year after congressional leaders relied on a series of stopgap bills to keep federal agencies funded for a few more weeks or months at a time while they struggled to reach agreement on full-year spending.In the end, total discretionary spending set by Congress is expected to come in at about $1.66 trillion for the full budget year ending Sept. 30.Republicans were able to keep non-defense spending relatively flat compared to the previous year. Supporters say that's progress in an era when annual federal deficits exceeding $1 trillion have become the norm. But many Republican lawmakers were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-house-republicans-spending-cuts-deff84c0e2ff7d3bd076b8c38e14cca4">seeking</a>&nbsp;much steeper cuts and more policy victories.The House Freedom Caucus, which contains dozens of the GOP’s most conservative members, urged Republicans to vote against the first spending package and the second one still being negotiated.Democrats staved off most of the policy riders that Republicans sought to include in the package. For example, they beat back an effort to block new rules that expand access to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion</a>&nbsp;pill mifepristone. They were also able to fully fund a nutrition program for low-income women, infants and children, providing about $7 billion for what is known as the WIC program. That's a $1 billion increase from the previous year.Republicans were able to achieve some policy wins, however. One provision, for example, will prevent the sale of oil in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China. Another policy mandate prohibits the Justice Department from investigating parents who exercise free speech at local school board meetings.Another provision strengthens&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/veterans-guns-congress-spending-bill-93919a8f43357152a90b5de9f61c08c1">gun rights for certain veterans</a>, though opponents of the move said it could make it easier for those with very serious mental health conditions like dementia to obtain a firearm.”This isn't the package I would have written on my own," said Sen. Patty Murray, the Democratic chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “But I am proud that we have protected absolutely vital funding that the American people rely on in their daily lives.”Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said one problem he sees with the bill is that there was too much compromise, and that led to too much spending.“A lot of people don't understand this. They think there is no cooperation in Washington and the opposite is true. There is compromise every day on every spending bill," Paul said.“It's compromise between big-government Democrats and big-government Republicans,” he added.Still, with a divided Congress and a Democratic-led White House, any bill that doesn't have buy-in from members of both political parties stands no chance of passage.The bill also includes more than 6,600 projects requested by individual lawmakers with a price tag of about $12.7 billion. The projects attracted criticism from some Republican members, though members from both parties broadly participated in requesting them on behalf of their states and congressional districts. Paul called the spending "sort of the grease that eases in billions and trillions of other dollars, because you get people to buy into the total package by giving them a little bit of pork for their town, a little bit of pork for their donors.”But an effort by Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla, to strip out the projects mustered only 32 votes with 64 against. Murray said Scott's effort would overrule “all the hard work, all the input we asked everyone to provide us about projects that would help their constituents."Even though lawmakers find themselves passing spending bills five months into the fiscal year, Republicans are framing the process as improved nonetheless because they broke the cycle of passing all the spending bills in one massive package that lawmakers have little time to study before being asked to vote on it or risk a government shutdown. Still, others said that breaking up funding into two chunks of legislation war hardly a breakthrough.The first package now making its way to Biden's desk covers the departments of Justice, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Interior and Transportation, among others.

Senate passes first government funding package hours before shutdown 

JERUSALEM—U.S. forces continue to face attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Between 3:35 p.m. and 4:55 p.m. Thursday, U.S. warships conducted self-defense strikes against four mobile Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) and one Houthi unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

Additionally, during this timeframe CENTCOM forces shot down three UAVs launched from Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Gulf of Aden.

These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels.

Meanwhile, efforts ramped up on Friday to deliver more desperately needed aid to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-war-news-03-08-2024-196b1e1bdef8ce28449799759c797d39">war-ravaged Gaza, with the United States and Europe focused on opening a sea route</a>, underscoring the West's growing frustration with Israel’s conduct in the war.

A top European Union official said a charity ship will head to Gaza as a pilot operation for a new humanitarian sea corridor. Ursula von der Leyen spoke in Cyprus, where she came to inspect preparations to send more aid to Gaza by sea.

Just hours earlier, President Joe Biden announced that the U.S. military will set up a temporary pier on Gaza’s Mediterranean coast. He unveiled the plan during his State of the Union address to Congress after last week approving the U.S. military&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-meloni-white-house-ukraine-112dacd932a45f42621a25b304ae5d99">airdropping aid into Gaza</a>.

The plans follow an announcement Thursday by Hamas that negotiations over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-hostages-endgame-0b4720545d294b4eb25eb97055c238eb">a cease-fire</a>&nbsp;in Gaza and the release of more Israeli hostages&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-03-07-24-5657eedc005040694a9ab935ce3e39e5">will resume next week</a>, dimming hopes that mediators could broker a truce before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin at sundown Sunday.

After more than five months of war, much of Gaza is in ruins, and international pressure is growing for Israel and Hamas to reach a deal that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-03-05-2024-a13c5fa6e23fedbda42e3028a96ca14e">would halt the fighting and release the remaining Israeli hostages</a>&nbsp;held by Hamas.

Israel’s near-total blockade of Gaza and the fighting have made it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-humanitarian-aid-gaza-1ce556a8a839803c8a1624b1b69b0a13">nearly impossible to deliver aid</a>&nbsp;in most of Gaza, aid groups say. Many of the estimated 300,000 people still living in northern Gaza have been reduced to eating animal fodder to survive.

Israel launched its offensive after Hamas-led militants stormed across the border on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250. Over 100 hostages were released during a temporary cease-fire in November in exchange for 240 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

The number of Palestinians killed has climbed above 30,800. That's according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Gaza’s Health Ministry</a>, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its figures but says women and children make up around two-thirds of all casualties.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703990687604.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM—U.S. forces continue to face attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Between 3:35 p.m. and 4:55 p.m. Thursday, U.S. warships conducted self-defense strikes against four mobile Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) and one Houthi unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.Additionally, during this timeframe CENTCOM forces shot down three UAVs launched from Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Gulf of Aden.These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels.Meanwhile, efforts ramped up on Friday to deliver more desperately needed aid to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-war-news-03-08-2024-196b1e1bdef8ce28449799759c797d39">war-ravaged Gaza, with the United States and Europe focused on opening a sea route</a>, underscoring the West's growing frustration with Israel’s conduct in the war.A top European Union official said a charity ship will head to Gaza as a pilot operation for a new humanitarian sea corridor. Ursula von der Leyen spoke in Cyprus, where she came to inspect preparations to send more aid to Gaza by sea.Just hours earlier, President Joe Biden announced that the U.S. military will set up a temporary pier on Gaza’s Mediterranean coast. He unveiled the plan during his State of the Union address to Congress after last week approving the U.S. military&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-meloni-white-house-ukraine-112dacd932a45f42621a25b304ae5d99">airdropping aid into Gaza</a>.The plans follow an announcement Thursday by Hamas that negotiations over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-hostages-endgame-0b4720545d294b4eb25eb97055c238eb">a cease-fire</a>&nbsp;in Gaza and the release of more Israeli hostages&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-03-07-24-5657eedc005040694a9ab935ce3e39e5">will resume next week</a>, dimming hopes that mediators could broker a truce before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin at sundown Sunday.After more than five months of war, much of Gaza is in ruins, and international pressure is growing for Israel and Hamas to reach a deal that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-03-05-2024-a13c5fa6e23fedbda42e3028a96ca14e">would halt the fighting and release the remaining Israeli hostages</a>&nbsp;held by Hamas.Israel’s near-total blockade of Gaza and the fighting have made it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-humanitarian-aid-gaza-1ce556a8a839803c8a1624b1b69b0a13">nearly impossible to deliver aid</a>&nbsp;in most of Gaza, aid groups say. Many of the estimated 300,000 people still living in northern Gaza have been reduced to eating animal fodder to survive.Israel launched its offensive after Hamas-led militants stormed across the border on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250. Over 100 hostages were released during a temporary cease-fire in November in exchange for 240 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.The number of Palestinians killed has climbed above 30,800. That's according to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Gaza’s Health Ministry</a>, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its figures but says women and children make up around two-thirds of all casualties.

U.S. warships strike against 4 mobile anti-ship cruise missiles

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating fatal officer involved shooting that occurred on March 6, in the area of 21st&nbsp;Street North and Arkansas in Wichita.

Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, Sedgwick County 911 received a call reporting someone was in a house pointing a gun at another person in the 2300 block of North Fairview, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff Lt. Nathan Gibbs.

The suspect left the residence prior to the officer’s arrival. Several Wichita Police Officers arrived in the area at approximately 7:54 PM and located a man later identified as 35-year-old Luis A. Rivera, in the street holding a gun to his head, according to Gibbs.

Officers attempted to talk to Rivera and get him to put the gun down. He walked away from the officers, going south on Fairview, still holding a gun to his head and yelling at the officers. 

Some officers followed Rivera on foot while others followed in police vehicles. A Crisis Negotiator was on scene and utilized the patrol car’s public address speaker to communicate with Rivera and ordered him to drop the gun.

Rivera walked west on 21st&nbsp;Street, continuing to hold the gun to his head and refusing to comply with the multiple requests to drop the gun. Other officers in the area attempted to divert traffic on 21st&nbsp;street to reduce the danger to the public, officers, and Rivera.

At approximately 8:04 PM a supervisor requested less lethal munitions as Rivera walked to a parking lot of a vacant building at 21st&nbsp;and Arkansas. An officer deployed a less lethal 40mm foam projectile, striking the suspect in the back in an attempt to have him comply. 

While the officer was announcing the deployment of the less lethal round, Rivera stated he was going to make it lethal. Rivera turned toward the officers, leveling his gun toward the officers, and fired multiple rounds. Eight officers returned fire and struck Rivera multiple times.

Officers rendered aid to Rivera until the Wichita Fire Department and Sedgwick County EMS arrived on scene at approximately 8:14 PM. Rivera was pronounced dead on scene at approximately 8:21 PM.

No officers were injured during this incident.

Once the investigation is complete, it will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for review.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709935073364.png" alt="Police body camera images released by Sedgwick Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Police body camera images released by Sedgwick Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating fatal officer involved shooting that occurred on March 6, in the area of 21st&nbsp;Street North and Arkansas in Wichita.Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, Sedgwick County 911 received a call reporting someone was in a house pointing a gun at another person in the 2300 block of North Fairview, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff Lt. Nathan Gibbs.The suspect left the residence prior to the officer’s arrival. Several Wichita Police Officers arrived in the area at approximately 7:54 PM and located a man later identified as 35-year-old Luis A. Rivera, in the street holding a gun to his head, according to Gibbs.Officers attempted to talk to Rivera and get him to put the gun down. He walked away from the officers, going south on Fairview, still holding a gun to his head and yelling at the officers. Some officers followed Rivera on foot while others followed in police vehicles. A Crisis Negotiator was on scene and utilized the patrol car’s public address speaker to communicate with Rivera and ordered him to drop the gun.Rivera walked west on 21st&nbsp;Street, continuing to hold the gun to his head and refusing to comply with the multiple requests to drop the gun. Other officers in the area attempted to divert traffic on 21st&nbsp;street to reduce the danger to the public, officers, and Rivera.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709779578724.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>At approximately 8:04 PM a supervisor requested less lethal munitions as Rivera walked to a parking lot of a vacant building at 21st&nbsp;and Arkansas. An officer deployed a less lethal 40mm foam projectile, striking the suspect in the back in an attempt to have him comply. While the officer was announcing the deployment of the less lethal round, Rivera stated he was going to make it lethal. Rivera turned toward the officers, leveling his gun toward the officers, and fired multiple rounds. Eight officers returned fire and struck Rivera multiple times.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709935262312.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Officers rendered aid to Rivera until the Wichita Fire Department and Sedgwick County EMS arrived on scene at approximately 8:14 PM. Rivera was pronounced dead on scene at approximately 8:21 PM.No officers were injured during this incident.Once the investigation is complete, it will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for review.

Investigators ID suspect in deadly Kan. officer shooting

SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas home was damaged in a fire early Friday.

just before 1 a.m., crews responded to a house fire at 4324 SE Massachusetts Court in Topeka, according to department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

First responders found a single-story house with smoke and flames coming from the rear of the structure. Firefighters performed a primary search and found no occupants were home at the&nbsp; time of the fire. The fire was extinguished and contained to the home.

Investigators determined the&nbsp;cause of the fire was accidental. The total loss was approximately $80,000. The home had no working smoke detectors, according to Nichols.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas home was damaged in a fire early Friday.just before 1 a.m., crews responded to a house fire at 4324 SE Massachusetts Court in Topeka, according to department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.First responders found a single-story house with smoke and flames coming from the rear of the structure. Firefighters performed a primary search and found no occupants were home at the&nbsp; time of the fire. The fire was extinguished and contained to the home.Investigators determined the&nbsp;cause of the fire was accidental. The total loss was approximately $80,000. The home had no working smoke detectors, according to Nichols.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.

$80,000 damage after accident caused Kansas house fire

SEWARD COUNTY– Federal investigators determined a Liberal, Kansas truck washing company failed to protect workers from hydrogen sulfide gas as they entered over-the-road tanker trailers to clean them out, causing one worker’s fatal injuries and hospitalizing two co-workers, according to a statement from the agency.

On Sept. 1, 2023,&nbsp; police responded to an EMS call at the the Red Barn Truck Wash,&nbsp; 1200 East Pancake in Liberal.

First responders found 3 men unconscious in a tanker trailer. EMS transported the men to Southwest Medical Center. One of the men died and another was transferred to a Wichita Hospital.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osha.gov/">Occupational Safety and Health Administration</a>&nbsp;responded to the incident and found Red Barn Truck Wash &amp; Service Center LLC failed to evaluate the tanker trailers for hazardous conditions – including testing the atmosphere – and did not train workers on potential hazards before letting them enter the confined spaces, both violations of OSHA regulations.

“Wherever organic matter such as crops and other materials are stored, hydrogen sulfide may be present as a natural byproduct. Workers must never enter storage facilities, tankers or other confined spaces without doing atmospheric testing and wearing protective equipment such as respirators&nbsp;capable of preventing inhalation of this colorless and toxic gas,”&nbsp;explained&nbsp;OSHA Area Director Todd Underwood in Wichita, Kansas. “Red Barn Truck Wash &amp; Service Center must implement procedures and training immediately to protect its employees from these preventable injuries.”

Inspectors found multiple violations of OSHA’s confined space regulations and noted Red Barn Truck Wash lacked both respiratory and hearing protection programs and exposed workers to fall hazards of up to nine feet while cleaning the trailers.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OPA/newsreleases/2024/03/OSHA20240446.pdf">OSHA cited the company for two willful and 24 serious violations and proposed $171,680 in penalties.</a>&nbsp;

OSHA provides information on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osha.gov/confined-spaces">confined space,</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osha.gov/noise">hearing conservation</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osha.gov/respiratory-protection">respiratory protection</a>&nbsp;for&nbsp;use by employers to understand how to protect workers from these hazards.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oshrc.gov/" target="_blank">Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693596984353.png" alt="Red Barn Truck Wash, 1200 East Pancake in Liberal.-Google image" />
 <figcaption>Red Barn Truck Wash, 1200 East Pancake in Liberal.-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SEWARD COUNTY– Federal investigators determined a Liberal, Kansas truck washing company failed to protect workers from hydrogen sulfide gas as they entered over-the-road tanker trailers to clean them out, causing one worker’s fatal injuries and hospitalizing two co-workers, according to a statement from the agency.On Sept. 1, 2023,&nbsp; police responded to an EMS call at the the Red Barn Truck Wash,&nbsp; 1200 East Pancake in Liberal.First responders found 3 men unconscious in a tanker trailer. EMS transported the men to Southwest Medical Center. One of the men died and another was transferred to a Wichita Hospital.The U.S. Department of Labor’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osha.gov/">Occupational Safety and Health Administration</a>&nbsp;responded to the incident and found Red Barn Truck Wash &amp; Service Center LLC failed to evaluate the tanker trailers for hazardous conditions – including testing the atmosphere – and did not train workers on potential hazards before letting them enter the confined spaces, both violations of OSHA regulations.“Wherever organic matter such as crops and other materials are stored, hydrogen sulfide may be present as a natural byproduct. Workers must never enter storage facilities, tankers or other confined spaces without doing atmospheric testing and wearing protective equipment such as respirators&nbsp;capable of preventing inhalation of this colorless and toxic gas,”&nbsp;explained&nbsp;OSHA Area Director Todd Underwood in Wichita, Kansas. “Red Barn Truck Wash &amp; Service Center must implement procedures and training immediately to protect its employees from these preventable injuries.”Inspectors found multiple violations of OSHA’s confined space regulations and noted Red Barn Truck Wash lacked both respiratory and hearing protection programs and exposed workers to fall hazards of up to nine feet while cleaning the trailers.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OPA/newsreleases/2024/03/OSHA20240446.pdf">OSHA cited the company for two willful and 24 serious violations and proposed $171,680 in penalties.</a>&nbsp;OSHA provides information on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osha.gov/confined-spaces">confined space,</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osha.gov/noise">hearing conservation</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osha.gov/respiratory-protection">respiratory protection</a>&nbsp;for&nbsp;use by employers to understand how to protect workers from these hazards.The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oshrc.gov/" target="_blank">Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission</a>.

OSHA: Kansas truck wash at fault in death of worker

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — The younger brother of Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been sentenced to six months' probation in a case alleging an assault on a woman.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patrick-mahomes-brother-charges-chiefs-812506d230c0964df8ff7feecf4c359f">Jackson Mahomes</a>, 23, appeared Thursday for his sentencing hearing via video conference and pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor count of battery, according to online court records. Following his sentence, Jackson Mahomes was taken into the custody of the Johnson County Sheriff's office, which will determine whether he's eligible for work release.

The sentencing came more than two months after prosecutors&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charges-dropped-jackson-mahomes-sexual-assault-e342afb174f0567499b9458504b79c2b">dismissed three felony charges</a>&nbsp;for aggravated sexual battery related to accusations that Jackson Mahomes grabbed a woman by the neck and kissed her against her will inside an Overland Park, Kansas, restaurant in February 2023. Those more serious charges were dropped due to a lack of cooperation from the woman, according to a court filing.

The remaining misdemeanor battery charge said Jackson Mahomes shoved a waiter who tried to come into a room where he was with the woman, according to investigators.

Prosecutors dropped the felony charges after the accuser, who was the owner of the restaurant, refused to testify in the case. The woman reported that she endured death threats and harassment and that her restaurant was vandalized in the wake of the charges. She closed the restaurant in August.

Jackson Mahomes is not the only relative of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes' family to face recent brushes with the law. The NFL player's father, former Major League Baseball pitcher Patrick Mahomes Sr., was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-patrick-mahomes-father-arrest-cfcca2814d423c6411948c30e38d98cf">arrested in Texas</a>&nbsp;on Feb. 3, accused of driving while intoxicated.

A week later, Patrick Mahomes earned his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-49ers-chiefs-mahomes-d2878a311b13408ebc186638256e703e">third Super Bowl championship ring</a>&nbsp;in February, leading the Chiefs to a 25-22 win over the San Francisco 49ers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684270297047.png" alt="File photo Jackson Mahomes was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patrick-mahomes-brother-charges-chiefs-812506d230c0964df8ff7feecf4c359f">charged</a>&nbsp;with three counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of battery after the incident at Aspens Restaurant and Lounge in Overland Park, Kansas, on Feb. 25.&nbsp;photo AP" />
 <figcaption>File photo Jackson Mahomes was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patrick-mahomes-brother-charges-chiefs-812506d230c0964df8ff7feecf4c359f">charged</a>&nbsp;with three counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of battery after the incident at Aspens Restaurant and Lounge in Overland Park, Kansas, on Feb. 25.&nbsp;photo AP</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — The younger brother of Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been sentenced to six months' probation in a case alleging an assault on a woman.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patrick-mahomes-brother-charges-chiefs-812506d230c0964df8ff7feecf4c359f">Jackson Mahomes</a>, 23, appeared Thursday for his sentencing hearing via video conference and pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor count of battery, according to online court records. Following his sentence, Jackson Mahomes was taken into the custody of the Johnson County Sheriff's office, which will determine whether he's eligible for work release.The sentencing came more than two months after prosecutors&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charges-dropped-jackson-mahomes-sexual-assault-e342afb174f0567499b9458504b79c2b">dismissed three felony charges</a>&nbsp;for aggravated sexual battery related to accusations that Jackson Mahomes grabbed a woman by the neck and kissed her against her will inside an Overland Park, Kansas, restaurant in February 2023. Those more serious charges were dropped due to a lack of cooperation from the woman, according to a court filing.The remaining misdemeanor battery charge said Jackson Mahomes shoved a waiter who tried to come into a room where he was with the woman, according to investigators.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683125496286.png" alt="Jackson Mahomes-Johnson Co. booking photo" />
 <figcaption>Jackson Mahomes-Johnson Co. booking photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Prosecutors dropped the felony charges after the accuser, who was the owner of the restaurant, refused to testify in the case. The woman reported that she endured death threats and harassment and that her restaurant was vandalized in the wake of the charges. She closed the restaurant in August.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707097553263.png" alt="-Paatrick&nbsp;Mahomes , Sr. -photo Smith County, Texas Jail" />
 <figcaption>-Paatrick&nbsp;Mahomes , Sr. -photo Smith County, Texas Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Jackson Mahomes is not the only relative of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes' family to face recent brushes with the law. The NFL player's father, former Major League Baseball pitcher Patrick Mahomes Sr., was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-patrick-mahomes-father-arrest-cfcca2814d423c6411948c30e38d98cf">arrested in Texas</a>&nbsp;on Feb. 3, accused of driving while intoxicated.A week later, Patrick Mahomes earned his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-49ers-chiefs-mahomes-d2878a311b13408ebc186638256e703e">third Super Bowl championship ring</a>&nbsp;in February, leading the Chiefs to a 25-22 win over the San Francisco 49ers.

No jail time for brother of KC Chiefs quarterback in assault case

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of 1-year-old girl and have arrested her parents.

On Thursday, officers with the Riley County Police arrested 24-year-old Matthew Paul Wesley Miller of Junction City and 26-year-old Sonya Simone Monae Lark Williams of Ogden in connection with the death of their one-year-old daughter, Ziya Miller, according to a media release from the RCPD.

In April of 2023, officers with the Junction City Police Department responded to a call for a report of a child not breathing. &nbsp;Upon arrival, they discovered the child had died in Manhattan but had been transported to Junction City by Miller. 

As a result of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, both parents of the deceased child have been charged with first-degree murder, among other charges.

Miller has been charged with murder in the first degree, aggravated endangering a child, and distribution of opiates while Williams is charged with murder in the first degree and aggravated endangering a child. &nbsp;

Miller who has has previous felony convictions for aggravated battery and burglary is being held on a total bond of $1,250,000 and is currently confined at Riley County Jail. The total bond set for Williams is $1,100,00 and she too is currently confined in Riley County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709918899353.jpeg" alt="Matthew Paul Wesley Miller has previous felony convictions for aggravated battery and burglary- photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Matthew Paul Wesley Miller has previous felony convictions for aggravated battery and burglary- photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of 1-year-old girl and have arrested her parents.On Thursday, officers with the Riley County Police arrested 24-year-old Matthew Paul Wesley Miller of Junction City and 26-year-old Sonya Simone Monae Lark Williams of Ogden in connection with the death of their one-year-old daughter, Ziya Miller, according to a media release from the RCPD.In April of 2023, officers with the Junction City Police Department responded to a call for a report of a child not breathing. &nbsp;Upon arrival, they discovered the child had died in Manhattan but had been transported to Junction City by Miller. As a result of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, both parents of the deceased child have been charged with first-degree murder, among other charges.Miller has been charged with murder in the first degree, aggravated endangering a child, and distribution of opiates while Williams is charged with murder in the first degree and aggravated endangering a child. &nbsp;Miller who has has previous felony convictions for aggravated battery and burglary is being held on a total bond of $1,250,000 and is currently confined at Riley County Jail. The total bond set for Williams is $1,100,00 and she too is currently confined in Riley County.

Kansas couple accused in death of 1-year-old daughter

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a prisoner for alleged battery on a jail deputy.

Just after 4:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for aggravated battery on LEO, battery on LEO, and criminal destruction of property at the Riley County Jail, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 A 37-year-old female RCPD Corrections Officer reported a 32-year-old female inmate attempted to strangle the corrections officer. 

Tiffany Ryals of Manhattan is accused of aggravated battery on LEO, battery on LEO, and criminal destruction of property. She was issued a $25,000 bond for these charge and remains confined in the Riley County Jail.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a prisoner for alleged battery on a jail deputy.Just after 4:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for aggravated battery on LEO, battery on LEO, and criminal destruction of property at the Riley County Jail, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A 37-year-old female RCPD Corrections Officer reported a 32-year-old female inmate attempted to strangle the corrections officer. Tiffany Ryals of Manhattan is accused of aggravated battery on LEO, battery on LEO, and criminal destruction of property. She was issued a $25,000 bond for these charge and remains confined in the Riley County Jail.

Prisoner attempted to strangle Kansas jail deputy

Washington, D.C. -&nbsp;U.S. Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt, members of the Missouri congressional delegation and Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas were quick to respond to President Biden's State of the Union address to the nation.&nbsp;

In a statement from his office Marshall wrote, "Tonight, Joe Biden gave his final State of the Union address. America watched as he tried to rewrite history as part of a last-ditch effort to save his political future that's in free fall."&nbsp;Senator Marshall said.&nbsp;

"The fact of the matter is, there is no amount of 'spin' Joe Biden can give that will hide the damage he's done to our nation: destroying a recovering economy, a secure border, and an energy-independent nation. His vacuum of leadership has allowed war through weakness and empowered Russia, Iran, and the Chinese Communist Party to sow chaos throughout the world."

"In Joe Biden's America, we are less safe, and the American dream is further out of reach by the day,"&nbsp;Senator Marshall said.&nbsp;"Mr. President, actions speak louder than words, and your actions have proven you are not up for this job. November cannot come soon enough."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709862655297.png" alt="Senator Roger Marshall entering the House chamber ahead of the State of the Union address" />
 <figcaption>Senator Roger Marshall entering the House chamber ahead of the State of the Union address</figcaption>
 </figure>Washington, D.C. -&nbsp;U.S. Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt, members of the Missouri congressional delegation and Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas were quick to respond to President Biden's State of the Union address to the nation.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We stand on business when standing for human rights. We’re demanding <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> facilitate a lasting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CeasefireNow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CeasefireNow</a> <a href="https://t.co/cvaWdy7qvl">pic.twitter.com/cvaWdy7qvl</a>&mdash; Congresswoman Cori Bush (@RepCori) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepCori/status/1765959433484439980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My favorite part of Biden’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a> speech was knowing it’s the last one he’ll give.&mdash; Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/1765948845849026830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">That about sums it up <a href="https://t.co/XpEnDuRxMy">https://t.co/XpEnDuRxMy</a>&mdash; Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1765945371467960462?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The world has just watched more lies and deception from Joe Biden. Here&#39;s our response to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a>: presenting the truth to the American people. 👇👇👇 <a href="https://t.co/XdRflKP5lU">pic.twitter.com/XdRflKP5lU</a>&mdash; Mark Alford (@RepMarkAlford) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMarkAlford/status/1765944631269683567?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yet, President Biden decided to give an angry, divisive campaign speech filled with empty promises that don&#39;t actually solve the many crises he&#39;s created. It&#39;s disappointing, but not surprising.&mdash; Rep. Sam Graves (@RepSamGraves) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepSamGraves/status/1765952811039117626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Did I miss the part where this is supposed to unite America? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1765943213196447977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Someone needs to tell Joe Biden this is an address for America, not Ukraine. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1765927821581373642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the land, stating otherwise undermines our democracy and shows your blatant disrespect for our Constitution. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a> <a href="https://t.co/F2fqpUzM6I">pic.twitter.com/F2fqpUzM6I</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1765931802311446751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a statement from his office Marshall wrote, "Tonight, Joe Biden gave his final State of the Union address. America watched as he tried to rewrite history as part of a last-ditch effort to save his political future that's in free fall."&nbsp;Senator Marshall said.&nbsp;"The fact of the matter is, there is no amount of 'spin' Joe Biden can give that will hide the damage he's done to our nation: destroying a recovering economy, a secure border, and an energy-independent nation. His vacuum of leadership has allowed war through weakness and empowered Russia, Iran, and the Chinese Communist Party to sow chaos throughout the world."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We&#39;re halfway through Biden&#39;s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a> speech and he has not mentioned the crisis at the border ONCE. That says everything you need to know about his priorities. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU2024</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1765937171381289058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pay your fair share in taxes but not your own student loan debt... Make that make sense? 🤔 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1765935708605133036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Joe Biden has destroyed America&#39;s economy from the middle out and from the bottom up. FACT: Nearly 72 percent of all job gains since 2021 were simply jobs that were being recovered from the pandemic, not new job creation.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU2024</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1765932890968277140?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">These are the victims of your border crisis, Mr. President. Say their names: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a> <a href="https://t.co/EJfqVLan6O">https://t.co/EJfqVLan6O</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1765938695817908726?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"In Joe Biden's America, we are less safe, and the American dream is further out of reach by the day,"&nbsp;Senator Marshall said.&nbsp;"Mr. President, actions speak louder than words, and your actions have proven you are not up for this job. November cannot come soon enough."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Numbers speak for themselves. <a href="https://t.co/BqlYSz0yvR">pic.twitter.com/BqlYSz0yvR</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1765922193735659807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Mo., Kansas lawmakers quick to criticize State of the Union address

The funeral service for Police Officer Cody Allen will be held on Friday at 11:00a.m. at Community of Christ - The Auditorium, 1001 W Walnut Street, Independence, Missouri.

&nbsp;Allen and  16th Circuit Court process server Drexel Mack were shot and killed Feb. 29, while working at a residence in rural Jackson County.

All vehicles arriving for the service must enter from the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Walnut Street and will follow parking detail directions from there.

A procession to the cemetery for graveside services will follow the funeral on March 8, The procession will leave from The Auditorium, 1001 W Walnut Street, Independence, Missouri and proceed east on Walnut Street to Memorial Drive to Truman Road to Lee’s Summit Road to 39th Street to Little Blue Parkway to I-70 East to Exit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/37a?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVJOZCyf-Z5Umwp_mONSJ5H9D7w3fIF5_GFbWvpiH78UGPI_GhJdWu7jAYe2Ri6LlTEmiVIEfHiIabuIcVdnWXZsUSRlpjj-P5Xhz0y22GGH6rx-6LHbCVkzdV-NQi0_AK_wmhn1c5pWAurj09wG1G5DR5s8bePwcfLhqrKf1YJeQ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#37A</a>&nbsp;where the procession will continue through Odessa to Odessa Cemetery.

From there, a parking detail will be onsite to assist. All professional law enforcement honors will take place at the cemetery.The public should expect traffic delays if traveling around the venues listed above and near the procession route on Friday, March 8.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Independence Police Department received the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesHonorFlag?__cft__[0]=AZUXUk35ZM9pPRgK0SHb5DAGfuTbULv8TF5CloCNAR09Hk2Raz_w5O4KS99EjoIYwsJmuM_c4XCnl7SHc0jx87E-wW6UHdNPgIe6L6jpevEuWhDmRh3-5U9q4Ugiftdpil6j_Hbo0Tz9cAd48gtTJFPXXe3keGOXTaK3cGiSI1coWkr6moqWdzB5zk6lqyLJIjs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">The United States Honor Flag</a>&nbsp;at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FlyKansasCity?__cft__[0]=AZUXUk35ZM9pPRgK0SHb5DAGfuTbULv8TF5CloCNAR09Hk2Raz_w5O4KS99EjoIYwsJmuM_c4XCnl7SHc0jx87E-wW6UHdNPgIe6L6jpevEuWhDmRh3-5U9q4Ugiftdpil6j_Hbo0Tz9cAd48gtTJFPXXe3keGOXTaK3cGiSI1coWkr6moqWdzB5zk6lqyLJIjs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas City International Airport</a>.

The Honor Flag travels across the country honoring America's fallen heroes. The flag arrived via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/United?__cft__[0]=AZUXUk35ZM9pPRgK0SHb5DAGfuTbULv8TF5CloCNAR09Hk2Raz_w5O4KS99EjoIYwsJmuM_c4XCnl7SHc0jx87E-wW6UHdNPgIe6L6jpevEuWhDmRh3-5U9q4Ugiftdpil6j_Hbo0Tz9cAd48gtTJFPXXe3keGOXTaK3cGiSI1coWkr6moqWdzB5zk6lqyLJIjs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">United</a>&nbsp;and was presented to Deputy Chief Michelle Sumstad by the Captain of the arriving flight. The Flag will be at Officer Cody Allen's side throughout the funeral service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709258563931.png" alt="Cody Allen courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cody Allen courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The funeral service for Police Officer Cody Allen will be held on Friday at 11:00a.m. at Community of Christ - The Auditorium, 1001 W Walnut Street, Independence, Missouri.&nbsp;Allen and 16th Circuit Court process server Drexel Mack were shot and killed Feb. 29, while working at a residence in rural Jackson County.All vehicles arriving for the service must enter from the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Walnut Street and will follow parking detail directions from there.A procession to the cemetery for graveside services will follow the funeral on March 8, The procession will leave from The Auditorium, 1001 W Walnut Street, Independence, Missouri and proceed east on Walnut Street to Memorial Drive to Truman Road to Lee’s Summit Road to 39th Street to Little Blue Parkway to I-70 East to Exit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/37a?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVJOZCyf-Z5Umwp_mONSJ5H9D7w3fIF5_GFbWvpiH78UGPI_GhJdWu7jAYe2Ri6LlTEmiVIEfHiIabuIcVdnWXZsUSRlpjj-P5Xhz0y22GGH6rx-6LHbCVkzdV-NQi0_AK_wmhn1c5pWAurj09wG1G5DR5s8bePwcfLhqrKf1YJeQ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#37A</a>&nbsp;where the procession will continue through Odessa to Odessa Cemetery.From there, a parking detail will be onsite to assist. All professional law enforcement honors will take place at the cemetery.The public should expect traffic delays if traveling around the venues listed above and near the procession route on Friday, March 8.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709764444899.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday afternoon, the Independence Police Department received the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesHonorFlag?__cft__[0]=AZUXUk35ZM9pPRgK0SHb5DAGfuTbULv8TF5CloCNAR09Hk2Raz_w5O4KS99EjoIYwsJmuM_c4XCnl7SHc0jx87E-wW6UHdNPgIe6L6jpevEuWhDmRh3-5U9q4Ugiftdpil6j_Hbo0Tz9cAd48gtTJFPXXe3keGOXTaK3cGiSI1coWkr6moqWdzB5zk6lqyLJIjs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">The United States Honor Flag</a>&nbsp;at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FlyKansasCity?__cft__[0]=AZUXUk35ZM9pPRgK0SHb5DAGfuTbULv8TF5CloCNAR09Hk2Raz_w5O4KS99EjoIYwsJmuM_c4XCnl7SHc0jx87E-wW6UHdNPgIe6L6jpevEuWhDmRh3-5U9q4Ugiftdpil6j_Hbo0Tz9cAd48gtTJFPXXe3keGOXTaK3cGiSI1coWkr6moqWdzB5zk6lqyLJIjs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas City International Airport</a>.The Honor Flag travels across the country honoring America's fallen heroes. The flag arrived via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/United?__cft__[0]=AZUXUk35ZM9pPRgK0SHb5DAGfuTbULv8TF5CloCNAR09Hk2Raz_w5O4KS99EjoIYwsJmuM_c4XCnl7SHc0jx87E-wW6UHdNPgIe6L6jpevEuWhDmRh3-5U9q4Ugiftdpil6j_Hbo0Tz9cAd48gtTJFPXXe3keGOXTaK3cGiSI1coWkr6moqWdzB5zk6lqyLJIjs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">United</a>&nbsp;and was presented to Deputy Chief Michelle Sumstad by the Captain of the arriving flight. The Flag will be at Officer Cody Allen's side throughout the funeral service.

Funeral Friday for fallen KC area police officer

JOHNSON COUNTY —Carless discard of smoking materials is being blamed for a Kansas house fire.

Just before 5a.m. Thursday, crews responded to a fire at a home in the 10100 Block of West 99th Street in Overland Park, according to a media release. First responders observed smoke coming from a second story bedroom window of the single family home.&nbsp;

It took crews 20 minutes to bring the fire under control. The resident reported she was awakened to the sound of a smoke alarm, exited the home and called 911.

Upon further investigation, the resident's home oxygen system, originally thought to have fed the fire, was likely not involved in the room and contents fire that displaced the resident and two dogs. There were no injuries. The resident and dogs will stay with family until they are able to return to the home.

With the approach of Daylight Savings Time this weekend, this fire serves and a perfect reminder to change your smoke alarm batteries, push the test button and&nbsp; check the age of your alarm. Manufacturers recommend replacing smoke alarms every ten years.

Smoke alarms provide your best chance for early warning in the event of a fire. Smoke alarms save lives.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709840869180.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Carless discard of smoking materials is being blamed for a Kansas house fire.Just before 5a.m. Thursday, crews responded to a fire at a home in the 10100 Block of West 99th Street in Overland Park, according to a media release. First responders observed smoke coming from a second story bedroom window of the single family home.&nbsp;It took crews 20 minutes to bring the fire under control. The resident reported she was awakened to the sound of a smoke alarm, exited the home and called 911.Upon further investigation, the resident's home oxygen system, originally thought to have fed the fire, was likely not involved in the room and contents fire that displaced the resident and two dogs. There were no injuries. The resident and dogs will stay with family until they are able to return to the home.With the approach of Daylight Savings Time this weekend, this fire serves and a perfect reminder to change your smoke alarm batteries, push the test button and&nbsp; check the age of your alarm. Manufacturers recommend replacing smoke alarms every ten years.Smoke alarms provide your best chance for early warning in the event of a fire. Smoke alarms save lives.

Smoke alarm saved homeowner, dogs from Kansas house fire

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double homicide in Kansas City.

Just before 1a.m. Thursday, police were called to KU Medical Center and told two victims, suffering from gunshot trauma, had succumbed to injuries, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.

A private vehicle transported both to the hospital.

Police have a suspect in custody but have not confirmed an arrest.&nbsp; Investigators believe the incident occurred in a wooded area in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double homicide in Kansas City.Just before 1a.m. Thursday, police were called to KU Medical Center and told two victims, suffering from gunshot trauma, had succumbed to injuries, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.A private vehicle transported both to the hospital.Police have a suspect in custody but have not confirmed an arrest.&nbsp; Investigators believe the incident occurred in a wooded area in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Double homicide: 2 KC shooting victims died at hospital

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6p.m. Thursday in Montgomery County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Ford Ranger driven by Laura G.. Erbe, 29, Altoona, Kansas, was northbound on U.S. 169 just north of 5800 Road.

The pickup traveled left of center and side swiped a southbound 2008 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Garrett M.&nbsp;Novotny, 22, Thayer.

Erbe was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics.&nbsp;Novotny had a minor injury. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6p.m. Thursday in Montgomery County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Ford Ranger driven by Laura G.. Erbe, 29, Altoona, Kansas, was northbound on U.S. 169 just north of 5800 Road.The pickup traveled left of center and side swiped a southbound 2008 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Garrett M.&nbsp;Novotny, 22, Thayer.Erbe was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics.&nbsp;Novotny had a minor injury. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman dies after pickup side swiped truck

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden delivered a defiant argument for a second term in his State of the Union speech Thursday night, lacing into GOP front-runner Donald Trump for espousing “resentment, revenge and retribution" and for jeopardizing freedom at home and abroad.

(Click below to watch a replay of the address)

Reveling in the political moment, Biden fired multiple broadsides at “my predecessor” without ever mentioning Trump by name — 13 times in all — raising his voice repeatedly as he worked to quell voter concerns about his age and job performance while sharpening the contrast with his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-tuesday-trump-biden-rematch-primaries-2024-e36971a222a2b50d35cb0a2c603ce4d5">all-but-certain</a>&nbsp;November rival.

The scrappy tone from Biden was a sharp break from his often humdrum daily appearances and was intended to banish&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-state-of-union-mental-capacity-trump-reelection-66d8784586d21f30885d8153f949510c">doubts</a>&nbsp;about whether the 81-year-old president, the country's oldest ever, is still up to the job.

For 68 minutes in the House chamber, Biden goaded Republicans over their policies on immigration, taxes and more, invited call-and-response banter with fellow Democrats and seemed to relish the fight.

“I know I may not look like it, but I’ve been around a while," Biden deadpanned. “And when you get to my age certain things become clearer than ever before.”

Noting he was born during World War II and came of political age during the upheaval of the 1960s, Biden declared: “My lifetime has taught me to embrace freedom and democracy. A future based on the core values that have defined America: honesty, decency, dignity, equality. To respect everyone. To give everyone a fair shot. To give hate no safe harbor. Now some other people my age see a different story: an American story of resentment, revenge, and retribution. That’s not me.”

The president linked Trump's praise for those who overran the Capitol in an attempt to subvert the 2020 election with antidemocratic threats abroad.

“Freedom and democracy are under attack both at home and overseas at the very same time,” Biden said as he appealed for Congress to support Ukraine's efforts to defend itself against Russia's two-year-old invasion. “History is watching.”

Biden directly referenced the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol, calling out those who have played it down.

“My predecessor — and some of you here — seek to bury the truth about Jan. 6 — I will not do that," Biden said. “This is a moment to speak the truth and to bury the lies. Here’s a simple truth. You can’t love your country only when you win.”

The State of the Union address is the marquee night on the White House calendar, offering presidents a direct line to a captive audience of lawmakers and dignitaries in the House chamber and tens of millions of viewers at home — almost certain to be Biden’s largest audience of the year. Biden knew he would be watched not just for his message, but for whether he could deliver it with vigor and command.

Aides said Biden was aiming to prove his doubters wrong by flashing his combative side and trying to needle Republicans over positions he believes are out of step with the country, particularly on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/roe-biden-abortion-reproductive-rights-election-3d184285cc6edbe733311b26445db2a0">access to abortion</a>, but also tax policy and healthcare.

Taking a victory lap in selling his legislative accomplishments, including funding to bolster manufacturing of computer chips nationwide, Biden veered from his prepared script to take a dig at Republicans who voted against such policies but nonetheless take credit for them back home.

“If any of you don’t want that money in your districts,” Biden said, “just let me know.”

The president was speaking before a historically ineffective Congress. In the GOP-led House, Speaker Mike Johnson took power five months ago after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-ousted-mccarthy-3fccfca11fe61c36fe399880f2679f12">chaotic ouster</a>&nbsp;of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Legislators are still struggling to approve funding bills for the current year and have been deadlocked for months on foreign assistance bills to help Ukraine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-2-years-what-to-know-d0f1c1bd57f7ebbe5f7335738acbc6b4">stave off Russia’s invasion</a>&nbsp;and to support&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s fight against Hamas</a>.

Johnson urged Republicans in a private meeting Wednesday to show “decorum” during the speech, but he appeared to have limited success. A number of House Republicans began to stand up and leave the chamber as Biden discussed raising taxes on billionaires and corporations. Others remained in their chairs and shook their heads, while Johnson didn't disguise his emotions, raising his eyebrows and occasionally rolling his eyes.

Biden engaged in a loud call and response with lawmakers as he rhetorically questioned whether the tax code was fair and whether billionaires and corporations need “another $2 trillion in tax breaks,” as he charged Republicans want.

Biden also highlighted his efforts to fight “shrinkflation” — companies putting fewer pretzels in the jar and less yogurt in sealed cups — and so-called “junk fees” on services. Neither is a prime driver of inflation, but the White House hoped to show consumers that Biden is fighting for them.

Congressional Republican leaders showcased one of their newest lawmakers through the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/katie-britt-state-of-union-40cd6634bb0343d8c3c7d70dbd9524d1">State of the Union rebuttal</a>, hoping to make a generational contrast with Biden. Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, the youngest Republican woman elected to the Senate, painted a picture of a nation that “seems to be slipping away” and one where “our families are hurting.”

“Right now, our commander-in-chief is not in command. The free world deserves better than a dithering and diminished leader,” Britt said, speaking deliberately in an address from her home kitchen. “America deserves leaders who recognize that secure borders, stable prices, safe streets, and a strong defense are the cornerstones of a great nation.”

Biden, by contrast, insisted the state of the union was “strong and getting stronger.”

Trump responded to the speech in real time on his Truth Social site, defending himself and blasting Biden for what he said “may be the Angriest, Least Compassionate, and Worst State of the Union Speech ever made. It was an Embarrassment to our Country!”

This year, Biden faced heightened emotions — particularly among his base supporters — over his staunch backing for Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. Biden had initially hoped a short-term cease-fire would be in place by the speech to allow for the release of more hostages and surge sorely needed aid into the territory. The White House blames Hamas for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-03-05-2024-a13c5fa6e23fedbda42e3028a96ca14e">not yet accepting a deal</a>&nbsp;brokered by the U.S. and its allies.

“Israel must allow more aid into Gaza and ensure that humanitarian workers aren’t caught in the crossfire,” Biden said, delivering a warning that Israel should not use aid as a “bargaining chip” with Hamas, even as he reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself from attacks by the militant group.

As Biden ran through the endorsements by conservative groups of the legislation, some in the audience appeared to yell and interject, and Biden shot back, “I know you know how to read.”

A slew of Democrats and Republicans wore pins and stickers in honor of the Israeli hostages still being held captive in Gaza. Meanwhile, several House progressives wore Palestinian keffiyehs, the black and white checkered scarfs that have come to symbolize Palestinian solidarity. Heading to the address, Biden’s motorcade took a circuitous route to the Capitol, as hundreds of pro-cease-fire demonstrators tried to disrupt its path from the White House.

Immigration was another flashpoint during the night.

The GOP-controlled House has refused to act on a Senate-passed version of the aid legislation, insisting on new stiffer measures to limit migration at the U.S.-Mexico border, after Trump used his influence to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-aid-border-security-386dcc54b29a5491f8bd87b727a284f8">help sink a bipartisan compromise</a>&nbsp;that would have done just that.

As Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, wearing pro-Trump paraphernalia, continued to shout at Biden, the president held up a white button that the Georgia Republican had handed him earlier bearing the name of the slain Laken Riley. Authorities say the Georgia nursing student was killed by a Venezuelan national who unlawfully crossed into the U.S. in September 2022.

“Laken Riley,” Biden said, calling her an “innocent young woman who was killed by an illegal.” He expressed condolences to her family, saying his heart goes out to them.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709869258044.png" alt="Images courtesy CSPAN" />
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 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden delivered a defiant argument for a second term in his State of the Union speech Thursday night, lacing into GOP front-runner Donald Trump for espousing “resentment, revenge and retribution" and for jeopardizing freedom at home and abroad.(Click below to watch a replay of the address)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFVUPAEF-sw?si=bkuuCuoGXlEccYQu&amp;start=2399" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Reveling in the political moment, Biden fired multiple broadsides at “my predecessor” without ever mentioning Trump by name — 13 times in all — raising his voice repeatedly as he worked to quell voter concerns about his age and job performance while sharpening the contrast with his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-tuesday-trump-biden-rematch-primaries-2024-e36971a222a2b50d35cb0a2c603ce4d5">all-but-certain</a>&nbsp;November rival.<figure>
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 </figure>The scrappy tone from Biden was a sharp break from his often humdrum daily appearances and was intended to banish&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-state-of-union-mental-capacity-trump-reelection-66d8784586d21f30885d8153f949510c">doubts</a>&nbsp;about whether the 81-year-old president, the country's oldest ever, is still up to the job.For 68 minutes in the House chamber, Biden goaded Republicans over their policies on immigration, taxes and more, invited call-and-response banter with fellow Democrats and seemed to relish the fight.“I know I may not look like it, but I’ve been around a while," Biden deadpanned. “And when you get to my age certain things become clearer than ever before.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709869340712.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Noting he was born during World War II and came of political age during the upheaval of the 1960s, Biden declared: “My lifetime has taught me to embrace freedom and democracy. A future based on the core values that have defined America: honesty, decency, dignity, equality. To respect everyone. To give everyone a fair shot. To give hate no safe harbor. Now some other people my age see a different story: an American story of resentment, revenge, and retribution. That’s not me.”The president linked Trump's praise for those who overran the Capitol in an attempt to subvert the 2020 election with antidemocratic threats abroad.“Freedom and democracy are under attack both at home and overseas at the very same time,” Biden said as he appealed for Congress to support Ukraine's efforts to defend itself against Russia's two-year-old invasion. “History is watching.”Biden directly referenced the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol, calling out those who have played it down.“My predecessor — and some of you here — seek to bury the truth about Jan. 6 — I will not do that," Biden said. “This is a moment to speak the truth and to bury the lies. Here’s a simple truth. You can’t love your country only when you win.”The State of the Union address is the marquee night on the White House calendar, offering presidents a direct line to a captive audience of lawmakers and dignitaries in the House chamber and tens of millions of viewers at home — almost certain to be Biden’s largest audience of the year. Biden knew he would be watched not just for his message, but for whether he could deliver it with vigor and command.Aides said Biden was aiming to prove his doubters wrong by flashing his combative side and trying to needle Republicans over positions he believes are out of step with the country, particularly on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/roe-biden-abortion-reproductive-rights-election-3d184285cc6edbe733311b26445db2a0">access to abortion</a>, but also tax policy and healthcare.Taking a victory lap in selling his legislative accomplishments, including funding to bolster manufacturing of computer chips nationwide, Biden veered from his prepared script to take a dig at Republicans who voted against such policies but nonetheless take credit for them back home.“If any of you don’t want that money in your districts,” Biden said, “just let me know.”The president was speaking before a historically ineffective Congress. In the GOP-led House, Speaker Mike Johnson took power five months ago after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-ousted-mccarthy-3fccfca11fe61c36fe399880f2679f12">chaotic ouster</a>&nbsp;of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Legislators are still struggling to approve funding bills for the current year and have been deadlocked for months on foreign assistance bills to help Ukraine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-2-years-what-to-know-d0f1c1bd57f7ebbe5f7335738acbc6b4">stave off Russia’s invasion</a>&nbsp;and to support&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s fight against Hamas</a>.Johnson urged Republicans in a private meeting Wednesday to show “decorum” during the speech, but he appeared to have limited success. A number of House Republicans began to stand up and leave the chamber as Biden discussed raising taxes on billionaires and corporations. Others remained in their chairs and shook their heads, while Johnson didn't disguise his emotions, raising his eyebrows and occasionally rolling his eyes.Biden engaged in a loud call and response with lawmakers as he rhetorically questioned whether the tax code was fair and whether billionaires and corporations need “another $2 trillion in tax breaks,” as he charged Republicans want.Biden also highlighted his efforts to fight “shrinkflation” — companies putting fewer pretzels in the jar and less yogurt in sealed cups — and so-called “junk fees” on services. Neither is a prime driver of inflation, but the White House hoped to show consumers that Biden is fighting for them.Congressional Republican leaders showcased one of their newest lawmakers through the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/katie-britt-state-of-union-40cd6634bb0343d8c3c7d70dbd9524d1">State of the Union rebuttal</a>, hoping to make a generational contrast with Biden. Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, the youngest Republican woman elected to the Senate, painted a picture of a nation that “seems to be slipping away” and one where “our families are hurting.”“Right now, our commander-in-chief is not in command. The free world deserves better than a dithering and diminished leader,” Britt said, speaking deliberately in an address from her home kitchen. “America deserves leaders who recognize that secure borders, stable prices, safe streets, and a strong defense are the cornerstones of a great nation.”Biden, by contrast, insisted the state of the union was “strong and getting stronger.”Trump responded to the speech in real time on his Truth Social site, defending himself and blasting Biden for what he said “may be the Angriest, Least Compassionate, and Worst State of the Union Speech ever made. It was an Embarrassment to our Country!”This year, Biden faced heightened emotions — particularly among his base supporters — over his staunch backing for Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. Biden had initially hoped a short-term cease-fire would be in place by the speech to allow for the release of more hostages and surge sorely needed aid into the territory. The White House blames Hamas for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-03-05-2024-a13c5fa6e23fedbda42e3028a96ca14e">not yet accepting a deal</a>&nbsp;brokered by the U.S. and its allies.“Israel must allow more aid into Gaza and ensure that humanitarian workers aren’t caught in the crossfire,” Biden said, delivering a warning that Israel should not use aid as a “bargaining chip” with Hamas, even as he reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself from attacks by the militant group.As Biden ran through the endorsements by conservative groups of the legislation, some in the audience appeared to yell and interject, and Biden shot back, “I know you know how to read.”A slew of Democrats and Republicans wore pins and stickers in honor of the Israeli hostages still being held captive in Gaza. Meanwhile, several House progressives wore Palestinian keffiyehs, the black and white checkered scarfs that have come to symbolize Palestinian solidarity. Heading to the address, Biden’s motorcade took a circuitous route to the Capitol, as hundreds of pro-cease-fire demonstrators tried to disrupt its path from the White House.Immigration was another flashpoint during the night.The GOP-controlled House has refused to act on a Senate-passed version of the aid legislation, insisting on new stiffer measures to limit migration at the U.S.-Mexico border, after Trump used his influence to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-aid-border-security-386dcc54b29a5491f8bd87b727a284f8">help sink a bipartisan compromise</a>&nbsp;that would have done just that.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709864540792.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>As Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, wearing pro-Trump paraphernalia, continued to shout at Biden, the president held up a white button that the Georgia Republican had handed him earlier bearing the name of the slain Laken Riley. Authorities say the Georgia nursing student was killed by a Venezuelan national who unlawfully crossed into the U.S. in September 2022.“Laken Riley,” Biden said, calling her an “innocent young woman who was killed by an illegal.” He expressed condolences to her family, saying his heart goes out to them.Access to abortion and fertility treatments was also a key component of Biden’s speech, especially in light of a controversial ruling from Alabama’s Supreme Court that has upended access to in vitro fertilization treatment in the state."To my friends across the aisle, don’t keep families waiting any longer," Biden said, recognizing Latorya Beasley, a guest of first lady Jill Biden’s whose IVF treatments were cancelled after the Alabama ruling. “Guarantee the right to IVF nationwide!”Another guest was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-texas-court-kate-cox-complications-3e24f473b0eab907993ddcad189e8115">Kate Cox</a>, who sued Texas, and ultimately left her home state, to obtain an emergency abortion after a severe fetal anomaly was detected, in a case that drew national attention.--------