NEW YORK (AP) — Carl Weathers, a former NFL linebacker who became a Hollywood action&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/movies">movie</a>&nbsp;and comedy star, playing nemesis-turned-ally Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” movies, facing off against Arnold Schwarzenegger in “Predator” and teaching golf in “Happy Gilmore,” has died. He was 76.

Matt Luber, his manager, said Weathers died Thursday. His family issued a statement saying he died “peacefully in his sleep."

Comfortable flexing his muscles on the big screen in “Action Jackson” as he was joking around on the small screen in such shows as “Arrested Development,” Weathers was perhaps most closely associated with Creed, who made his first appearance as the cocky, undisputed heavyweight world champion in 1976’s “Rocky,” starring Sylvester Stallone.

“It puts you on the map and makes your career, so to speak. But that’s a one-off, so you’ve got to follow it up with something. Fortunately those movies kept coming, and Apollo Creed became more and more in people’s consciousness and welcome in their lives, and it was just the right guy at the right time,” he told The Daily Beast in 2017.

Most recently, Weathers has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f78d5d415c5b40f69a12b2cfb83637f8">starred in the Disney+ hit “The Mandalorian,”</a>&nbsp;appearing in all three seasons.

“We lost an icon,” former “Predator” co-star Jesse Ventura wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Carl Weathers was a phenomenal talent, a true professional and a dear friend.”

Creed, who appeared in the first four “Rocky” movies, memorably died in the ring of 1984’s “Rocky IV,” going toe-to-toe with the hulking, steroided-using Soviet Ivan Drago, played by Dolph Lundgren. Before he entered the ring, James Brown sang “Living in America” with showgirls and Creed popped up on a balcony in a Star-Spangled Banner shorts and waistcoat combo and an Uncle Sam hat, dancing and taunting Drago.

A bloodied Creed collapses in the ring after taking a vicious beating, twitches and is cradled by Rocky as he dies, inevitably setting up a fight between Drago and Rocky. But while Creed is gone, his character’s son, Michael B. Jordan’s Adonis Creed, would lead his own boxing trilogy starting in 2015.

Weathers went on to 1987’s “Predator,” where he flexed his pecs alongside Ventura, Schwarzenegger and a host of others, and 1988’s nouveau blaxploitation flick “Action Jackson,” where he trains his flamethrower on a bad guy and asks, “How do you like your ribs?” before broiling him.

He later added a false wooden hand to play a golf pro for the 1996 comedy classic “Happy Gilmore” opposite Adam Sandler and starred in Dick Wolf’s short-lived spin-off series “Chicago Justice” in 2017 and in Disney’s “The Mandalorian,” earning an Emmy Award nomination in 2021. He also voiced Combat Carl in the “Toy Story” franchise.

Sandler hailed his friend on social media, calling him a "great man" and "a true legend” — "So much fun to be around always. Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Funny as hell."

Weathers grew up admiring actors such as Woody Strode, whose combination of physique and acting prowess in “Spartacus” made an early impression. Others he idolized included actors Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte and athletes Jim Brown and Muhammad Ali, stars who broke the mold and the color barrier.

“There are so many people that came before me who I admired and whose success I wanted to emulate, and just kind of hit the benchmarks they hit in terms of success, who created a pathway that I’ve been able to walk and find success as a result. And hopefully I can inspire someone else to do good work as well,” he told the Detroit News 2023. “I guess I’m just a lucky guy.”

Growing up in New Orleans, Weathers started performing in plays as early as grade school. In high school, athletics took him down another path but he would reunite with his first love later in life.

Weathers played college football at San Diego State University — he majored in theater — and went on to play for one season in the NFL, for the Oakland Raiders, in 1970.

“When I found football, it was a completely different outlet,” says Weathers told the Detroit News. “It was more about the physicality, although one does feed the other. You needed some smarts because there were playbooks to study and film to study, to learn about the opposition on any given week.”

After the Raiders, he joined the Canadian Football League, playing for two years while finishing up his studies during the offseason at San Francisco State University. He graduated with a B.A. in drama in 1974.

After appearing in several films and TV shows, including “Good Times,” “The Six Million Dollar Man,” “In the Heat of the Night” and “Starsky &amp; Hutch,” as well as fighting Nazis alongside Harrison Ford in “Force 10 From Navarone,” Weathers landed his knockout role — Creed. He told The Hollywood Reporter that his start in the iconic franchise was not auspicious.

He was asked to read with the writer, Stallone, then unknown. Weathers read the scene but felt it didn’t land and so he blurted out: “I could do a lot better if you got me a real actor to work with,” he recalled. “So I just insulted the star of the movie without really knowing it and not intending to.” He also lied that he had any boxing experience.

Later in life, Weathers developed a passion for directing, helming episodes of “Silk Stalkings” and and the Lorenzo Lamas vehicle “Renegade.” He directed a season three episode of “The Mandalorian.”

Weathers introduced himself to another generation when he portrayed himself as an opportunistic and extremely thrifty actor who becomes involved with the dysfunctional clan at the heart of “Arrested Development.”

The Weathers character likes to save money by making broth from discarded food — "There’s still plenty of meat on that bone” and “Baby, you got a stew going!” — and, for the right price, agrees to become an acting coach for delusional and talent-free thespian Tobias Funke, played by David Cross.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706904085160.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Carl Weathers, a former NFL linebacker who became a Hollywood action&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/movies">movie</a>&nbsp;and comedy star, playing nemesis-turned-ally Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” movies, facing off against Arnold Schwarzenegger in “Predator” and teaching golf in “Happy Gilmore,” has died. He was 76.Matt Luber, his manager, said Weathers died Thursday. His family issued a statement saying he died “peacefully in his sleep."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/AuuJOfrsFr">pic.twitter.com/AuuJOfrsFr</a>&mdash; Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) <a href="https://twitter.com/Raiders/status/1753539143232335918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Comfortable flexing his muscles on the big screen in “Action Jackson” as he was joking around on the small screen in such shows as “Arrested Development,” Weathers was perhaps most closely associated with Creed, who made his first appearance as the cocky, undisputed heavyweight world champion in 1976’s “Rocky,” starring Sylvester Stallone.“It puts you on the map and makes your career, so to speak. But that’s a one-off, so you’ve got to follow it up with something. Fortunately those movies kept coming, and Apollo Creed became more and more in people’s consciousness and welcome in their lives, and it was just the right guy at the right time,” he told The Daily Beast in 2017.Most recently, Weathers has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f78d5d415c5b40f69a12b2cfb83637f8">starred in the Disney+ hit “The Mandalorian,”</a>&nbsp;appearing in all three seasons.“We lost an icon,” former “Predator” co-star Jesse Ventura wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Carl Weathers was a phenomenal talent, a true professional and a dear friend.”Creed, who appeared in the first four “Rocky” movies, memorably died in the ring of 1984’s “Rocky IV,” going toe-to-toe with the hulking, steroided-using Soviet Ivan Drago, played by Dolph Lundgren. Before he entered the ring, James Brown sang “Living in America” with showgirls and Creed popped up on a balcony in a Star-Spangled Banner shorts and waistcoat combo and an Uncle Sam hat, dancing and taunting Drago.A bloodied Creed collapses in the ring after taking a vicious beating, twitches and is cradled by Rocky as he dies, inevitably setting up a fight between Drago and Rocky. But while Creed is gone, his character’s son, Michael B. Jordan’s Adonis Creed, would lead his own boxing trilogy starting in 2015.Weathers went on to 1987’s “Predator,” where he flexed his pecs alongside Ventura, Schwarzenegger and a host of others, and 1988’s nouveau blaxploitation flick “Action Jackson,” where he trains his flamethrower on a bad guy and asks, “How do you like your ribs?” before broiling him.He later added a false wooden hand to play a golf pro for the 1996 comedy classic “Happy Gilmore” opposite Adam Sandler and starred in Dick Wolf’s short-lived spin-off series “Chicago Justice” in 2017 and in Disney’s “The Mandalorian,” earning an Emmy Award nomination in 2021. He also voiced Combat Carl in the “Toy Story” franchise.Sandler hailed his friend on social media, calling him a "great man" and "a true legend” — "So much fun to be around always. Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Funny as hell."Weathers grew up admiring actors such as Woody Strode, whose combination of physique and acting prowess in “Spartacus” made an early impression. Others he idolized included actors Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte and athletes Jim Brown and Muhammad Ali, stars who broke the mold and the color barrier.“There are so many people that came before me who I admired and whose success I wanted to emulate, and just kind of hit the benchmarks they hit in terms of success, who created a pathway that I’ve been able to walk and find success as a result. And hopefully I can inspire someone else to do good work as well,” he told the Detroit News 2023. “I guess I’m just a lucky guy.”Growing up in New Orleans, Weathers started performing in plays as early as grade school. In high school, athletics took him down another path but he would reunite with his first love later in life.Weathers played college football at San Diego State University — he majored in theater — and went on to play for one season in the NFL, for the Oakland Raiders, in 1970.“When I found football, it was a completely different outlet,” says Weathers told the Detroit News. “It was more about the physicality, although one does feed the other. You needed some smarts because there were playbooks to study and film to study, to learn about the opposition on any given week.”After the Raiders, he joined the Canadian Football League, playing for two years while finishing up his studies during the offseason at San Francisco State University. He graduated with a B.A. in drama in 1974.After appearing in several films and TV shows, including “Good Times,” “The Six Million Dollar Man,” “In the Heat of the Night” and “Starsky &amp; Hutch,” as well as fighting Nazis alongside Harrison Ford in “Force 10 From Navarone,” Weathers landed his knockout role — Creed. He told The Hollywood Reporter that his start in the iconic franchise was not auspicious.He was asked to read with the writer, Stallone, then unknown. Weathers read the scene but felt it didn’t land and so he blurted out: “I could do a lot better if you got me a real actor to work with,” he recalled. “So I just insulted the star of the movie without really knowing it and not intending to.” He also lied that he had any boxing experience.Later in life, Weathers developed a passion for directing, helming episodes of “Silk Stalkings” and and the Lorenzo Lamas vehicle “Renegade.” He directed a season three episode of “The Mandalorian.”Weathers introduced himself to another generation when he portrayed himself as an opportunistic and extremely thrifty actor who becomes involved with the dysfunctional clan at the heart of “Arrested Development.”The Weathers character likes to save money by making broth from discarded food — "There’s still plenty of meat on that bone” and “Baby, you got a stew going!” — and, for the right price, agrees to become an acting coach for delusional and talent-free thespian Tobias Funke, played by David Cross.

Carl Weathers, actor who starred in 'Rocky' movies and 'The Mandalorian,' dies

GRAY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating after receiving a tip about gambling devices at a southwest Kansas gas station- convenience store.

The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission followed up on the tip and determined the activity at the Corner Market, 111 Avenue A in Cimarron&nbsp; was illegal,&nbsp;according to Randy Evans with the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission.

On Wednesday, Gray County sheriff's deputies assisted agents from the&nbsp; Gaming Commission to execute a search warrant at the business, according to Gray County Undersheriff Colby Ellis.

The agents seized $3,000 cash,&nbsp;2 electronic gambling devices, documents and computer equipment, according to Evans.. Deputies made no arrests.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706888819949.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>GRAY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating after receiving a tip about gambling devices at a southwest Kansas gas station- convenience store.The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission followed up on the tip and determined the activity at the Corner Market, 111 Avenue A in Cimarron&nbsp; was illegal,&nbsp;according to Randy Evans with the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission.On Wednesday, Gray County sheriff's deputies assisted agents from the&nbsp; Gaming Commission to execute a search warrant at the business, according to Gray County Undersheriff Colby Ellis.The agents seized $3,000 cash,&nbsp;2 electronic gambling devices, documents and computer equipment, according to Evans.. Deputies made no arrests.

Illegal gambling machines, cash seized at Kansas gas station

RUSSELL COUNTY —Lucas, Kansas continues to climb the list on the USA Today 10 Best Small Town Arts Scene contest.

&nbsp;Lucas does have a great art scene and is worthy of votes.

You may vote once a day. <a href="https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-small-town-arts-scene-2024/lucas-kansas/?fbclid=IwAR1049P-0mJUl06pyELW3gdkHNf6T7zSTemUELUX1kBanciaL5vna-DZ1GI">Click here </a>to participate.

In 2023, USA Today wrote about the community, “Lucas, the Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas, showcases the ingenuity of largely self-taught artists. Start at the Grassroots Arts Center for an introduction before wandering through the funky sculpture garden known as the Garden of Eden. Other points of interest include Fork Art Park, Bowl Plaza and Miller’s Park.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706884658782.png" alt="Lucas-photo courtesy Chamber of Commerce" />
 <figcaption>Lucas-photo courtesy Chamber of Commerce</figcaption>
 </figure>RUSSELL COUNTY —Lucas, Kansas continues to climb the list on the USA Today 10 Best Small Town Arts Scene contest.&nbsp;Lucas does have a great art scene and is worthy of votes.You may vote once a day. <a href="https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-small-town-arts-scene-2024/lucas-kansas/?fbclid=IwAR1049P-0mJUl06pyELW3gdkHNf6T7zSTemUELUX1kBanciaL5vna-DZ1GI">Click here </a>to participate.In 2023, USA Today wrote about the community, “Lucas, the Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas, showcases the ingenuity of largely self-taught artists. Start at the Grassroots Arts Center for an introduction before wandering through the funky sculpture garden known as the Garden of Eden. Other points of interest include Fork Art Park, Bowl Plaza and Miller’s Park.”

Kan. community moving up list of Best Small Town Arts Scene contest

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for an alleged attack at a grocery store in Salina.

Just after 9p.m. Wednesday, police responded to the Dillons, 1201 W. Crawford Street,&nbsp; after an employee called police to report a disorderly man who refused to leave the store.

According to Police Captain James Feldman, 27-year-old Kish Cox of Salina entered the store and became disruptive with employees, and after a 59-year-old employee told Kish to leave, he became aggressive.

"The employee got her phone and told Cox she was calling police," Feldman said. "Cox knocked the phone out of her hand and punched her in the shoulder.

Feldman said the employee called out for help, and another 29-year-old Dillons employee went to assist. According to Feldman, Cox then slapped the employee across the face with his belt, and when a woman customer attempted to confront Cox, he struck her in the face with a belt, too.

Officers then arrived at the scene and arrested Cox without further incident.

The three victims had minor injuries. Cox was jailed requested charges&nbsp; of aggravated intimidation of a witness, four counts of battery, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706793056185.jpeg" alt="Cox photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Cox photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for an alleged attack at a grocery store in Salina.Just after 9p.m. Wednesday, police responded to the Dillons, 1201 W. Crawford Street,&nbsp; after an employee called police to report a disorderly man who refused to leave the store.According to Police Captain James Feldman, 27-year-old Kish Cox of Salina entered the store and became disruptive with employees, and after a 59-year-old employee told Kish to leave, he became aggressive."The employee got her phone and told Cox she was calling police," Feldman said. "Cox knocked the phone out of her hand and punched her in the shoulder.Feldman said the employee called out for help, and another 29-year-old Dillons employee went to assist. According to Feldman, Cox then slapped the employee across the face with his belt, and when a woman customer attempted to confront Cox, he struck her in the face with a belt, too.Officers then arrived at the scene and arrested Cox without further incident.The three victims had minor injuries. Cox was jailed requested charges&nbsp; of aggravated intimidation of a witness, four counts of battery, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct.

Police: Kan. man allegedly struck Dillons employee with a belt

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A bipartisan group of Kansas senators failed to summon enough support this week for a maneuver that could have led to a vote to nullify salary and compensation increases in 2025 for members of the Kansas Legislature that were recommended by a special commission.

A state law approved last year said the commission’s pay plan, in which rank-and-file legislators would have annual compensation increased from about $29,000 to $57,000, would be implemented unless a majority in the House and Senate voted to reject the package by Feb. 7.

If the plan was defeated by the Legislature, the nine-member commission would have authority to craft an alternative for consideration.

The motion to withdraw the package from the Senate Ways and Means Committee and add it to the Kansas Senate’s calendar didn’t receive the minimum required 24 votes, but did draw support from 18 Republicans, two Democrats and one independent. Three GOP senators voted to let the measure stay on idle in the budget committee. Sixteen senators didn’t vote on the motion as four were absent and a dozen decided to pass.

There was no public debate on Senate Concurrent Resolution 1615, which was sponsored by seven Republicans. Even if there were 24 votes in the Senate to draw the measure away from the budget committee, a supermajority of 27 senators would be subsequently needed to force Senate leadership to call a vote on the commission’s plan.

In the House, comparable steps would be necessary to enable representatives to weigh in on fate of compensation adjustments scheduled to start in 2025. The entire House and Senate is up for election in November, meaning anyone receiving a raise next January would have to survive a primary and general election prior to the near doubling of compensation for members of the Legislature.

Under the pay plan adopted by the commission, Republicans and Democrats in leadership positions would receive elevated salaries. The Senate president and the House speaker, for example, would have salaries climb to $85,000 a year from the current $44,000.

The salary increases could substantially raise retirement benefits for legislators enrolled in the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System.

Commissioners defended the compensation adjustments as an attempt to address complaints about the difficulty of recruiting candidates for the Legislature and the goal of bringing more diversity to the Legislature.

The 2023 Legislature approved and Gov. Laura Kelly signed into law a bill linking salaries of statewide elected officials in Kansas to changes in the salary paid to members in Congress. Under that scheme, the governor’s salary was reset to $174,000, the attorney general would be paid $169,650, and the secretary of state, state treasurer and insurance commissioner were to be paid $160,950 annually.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706824668810.png" alt=" The Kansas Senate voted against a procedural step necessary to force a vote on an independent commission’s plan to nearly double compensation of the Kansas legislators in 2025. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> The Kansas Senate voted against a procedural step necessary to force a vote on an independent commission’s plan to nearly double compensation of the Kansas legislators in 2025. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A bipartisan group of Kansas senators failed to summon enough support this week for a maneuver that could have led to a vote to nullify salary and compensation increases in 2025 for members of the Kansas Legislature that were recommended by a special commission.A state law approved last year said the commission’s pay plan, in which rank-and-file legislators would have annual compensation increased from about $29,000 to $57,000, would be implemented unless a majority in the House and Senate voted to reject the package by Feb. 7.If the plan was defeated by the Legislature, the nine-member commission would have authority to craft an alternative for consideration.The motion to withdraw the package from the Senate Ways and Means Committee and add it to the Kansas Senate’s calendar didn’t receive the minimum required 24 votes, but did draw support from 18 Republicans, two Democrats and one independent. Three GOP senators voted to let the measure stay on idle in the budget committee. Sixteen senators didn’t vote on the motion as four were absent and a dozen decided to pass.There was no public debate on Senate Concurrent Resolution 1615, which was sponsored by seven Republicans. Even if there were 24 votes in the Senate to draw the measure away from the budget committee, a supermajority of 27 senators would be subsequently needed to force Senate leadership to call a vote on the commission’s plan.In the House, comparable steps would be necessary to enable representatives to weigh in on fate of compensation adjustments scheduled to start in 2025. The entire House and Senate is up for election in November, meaning anyone receiving a raise next January would have to survive a primary and general election prior to the near doubling of compensation for members of the Legislature.Under the pay plan adopted by the commission, Republicans and Democrats in leadership positions would receive elevated salaries. The Senate president and the House speaker, for example, would have salaries climb to $85,000 a year from the current $44,000.The salary increases could substantially raise retirement benefits for legislators enrolled in the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System.Commissioners defended the compensation adjustments as an attempt to address complaints about the difficulty of recruiting candidates for the Legislature and the goal of bringing more diversity to the Legislature.The 2023 Legislature approved and Gov. Laura Kelly signed into law a bill linking salaries of statewide elected officials in Kansas to changes in the salary paid to members in Congress. Under that scheme, the governor’s salary was reset to $174,000, the attorney general would be paid $169,650, and the secretary of state, state treasurer and insurance commissioner were to be paid $160,950 annually.

Kan. Senate sidesteps attempt to derail legislator pay raises scheduled for 2025

BAGHDAD (AP)— In a statement released Friday, one of Iraq’s strongest Iran-backed militias, Harakat al-Nujaba, announced its plans to continue military operations against U.S. troops, despite allied factions having called off their attacks in the wake of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-jordan-drone-attack-iran-tower-22-israel-hamas-war-0265beed527e3009a966c0531c08838e">drone strike</a>&nbsp;that killed three U.S. service members in Jordan Sunday.

Kataib Hezbollah, another powerful Iranian-backed Iraqi militia, which has been watched closely by U.S. officials, said Tuesday it would “suspend military and security operations against the occupying forces” to avoid embarrassing the Iraqi government.

Akram al-Kaabi, leader of the Harakat al-Nujaba militia said in a statement Friday that “we respect their decision” but announced the continuation of his group’s military operations against U.S. troops. He dismissed U.S. threats of retaliation.

Al-Nujaba, which emerged from the larger Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq militia in 2013, has fought both opposition forces in Syria and the Islamic State militant group in Iraq.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iranian-backed militias that the U.S. has blamed for the deadly attack in Jordan, has launched more than 160 attacks on bases hosting U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 7, amid tensions over U.S. support for Israel in the ongoing war in Gaza.

BAGHDAD (AP)— In a statement released Friday, one of Iraq’s strongest Iran-backed militias, Harakat al-Nujaba, announced its plans to continue military operations against U.S. troops, despite allied factions having called off their attacks in the wake of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-jordan-drone-attack-iran-tower-22-israel-hamas-war-0265beed527e3009a966c0531c08838e">drone strike</a>&nbsp;that killed three U.S. service members in Jordan Sunday.Kataib Hezbollah, another powerful Iranian-backed Iraqi militia, which has been watched closely by U.S. officials, said Tuesday it would “suspend military and security operations against the occupying forces” to avoid embarrassing the Iraqi government.Akram al-Kaabi, leader of the Harakat al-Nujaba militia said in a statement Friday that “we respect their decision” but announced the continuation of his group’s military operations against U.S. troops. He dismissed U.S. threats of retaliation.Al-Nujaba, which emerged from the larger Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq militia in 2013, has fought both opposition forces in Syria and the Islamic State militant group in Iraq.The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iranian-backed militias that the U.S. has blamed for the deadly attack in Jordan, has launched more than 160 attacks on bases hosting U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 7, amid tensions over U.S. support for Israel in the ongoing war in Gaza.

Iran-backed terrorists warn they will continue attacks on U.S. troops

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) — Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring Friday in Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania, the scene of the country’s largest and best known&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/groundhog-day-punxsutawney-pennsylvania-phil-winter-b037d58615f7b5f0007a7153a888e263">Groundhog Day</a>&nbsp;celebration in the United States.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/groundhog-day-updates">annual event</a>&nbsp;is a tongue-in-cheek ritual in which Phil’s handlers, members of a club with roots in the late 19th century, reveal whether the groundhog has seen his shadow.

Just after sunrise Friday, the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club announced Phil did not see his shadow, which will usher in early springlike weather. The groundhog seeing his shadow presages six more weeks of winter, according to the group.

About 10,000 people have made their way in recent years to Punxsutawney, where festivities begin in the dead of night and culminate in the midwinter forecast. A bundled-up crowd, some wearing groundhog-themed hats, watched musical performances and fireworks as they waited for sunrise and the appearance of Punxsutawney Phil.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro took the stage before Phil to urge people around the world watching the festivities to come to Punxsutawney next year. Shapiro also announced the famed groundhog is the new official meteorologist for Pennsylvania.

“Punxsutawney is the center of the universe right now and I love that you’re all here,” Shapiro said.

Phil predicts more winter far more often than he sees an early spring, not a bad bet for February and March in western Pennsylvania. A federal agency took a look at his record last year and put his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/groundhog-day-forecasts-and-climate-history">accuracy rate</a>&nbsp;at about 40%.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/st-brigid-1500-ireland-catholic-pagan-explain-a6a41566acca80033c3514f180d6443e">tradition of celebrating the midpoint</a>&nbsp;between the shortest day of the year on the winter solstice and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spring-equinox-first-day-31b3a4556ae68855c7bfd16f15a3127b">spring equinox</a>&nbsp;goes back many centuries in European farm life.

There are more than a dozen active groundhog clubs in Pennsylvania, some dating back to the 1930s, and weather-predicting groundhogs have appeared in at least 28 U.S. states and Canadian provinces.

The 1993 blockbuster film “Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray, fueled interest in Punxsutawney Phil and inspired informal observations far and wide.

When he's not making his annual prognostication, Phil lives in a customized space beside the Punxsutawney Memorial Library, with a window where library patrons can check out his burrow. Back in 2009, library workers said Phil had somehow managed to escape three times, climbing into the library ceiling and dropping into offices about 50 feet (15 meters) away. He wasn’t injured.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706877393113.png" alt="Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow -image from the live video provided by the Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow -image from the live video provided by the Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) — Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring Friday in Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania, the scene of the country’s largest and best known&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/groundhog-day-punxsutawney-pennsylvania-phil-winter-b037d58615f7b5f0007a7153a888e263">Groundhog Day</a>&nbsp;celebration in the United States.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UAmXoNVQ9Zc?si=S4qtJBkgGUq7icQT&amp;start=6822" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/groundhog-day-updates">annual event</a>&nbsp;is a tongue-in-cheek ritual in which Phil’s handlers, members of a club with roots in the late 19th century, reveal whether the groundhog has seen his shadow.Just after sunrise Friday, the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club announced Phil did not see his shadow, which will usher in early springlike weather. The groundhog seeing his shadow presages six more weeks of winter, according to the group.About 10,000 people have made their way in recent years to Punxsutawney, where festivities begin in the dead of night and culminate in the midwinter forecast. A bundled-up crowd, some wearing groundhog-themed hats, watched musical performances and fireworks as they waited for sunrise and the appearance of Punxsutawney Phil.Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro took the stage before Phil to urge people around the world watching the festivities to come to Punxsutawney next year. Shapiro also announced the famed groundhog is the new official meteorologist for Pennsylvania.“Punxsutawney is the center of the universe right now and I love that you’re all here,” Shapiro said.Phil predicts more winter far more often than he sees an early spring, not a bad bet for February and March in western Pennsylvania. A federal agency took a look at his record last year and put his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/groundhog-day-forecasts-and-climate-history">accuracy rate</a>&nbsp;at about 40%.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/st-brigid-1500-ireland-catholic-pagan-explain-a6a41566acca80033c3514f180d6443e">tradition of celebrating the midpoint</a>&nbsp;between the shortest day of the year on the winter solstice and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spring-equinox-first-day-31b3a4556ae68855c7bfd16f15a3127b">spring equinox</a>&nbsp;goes back many centuries in European farm life.There are more than a dozen active groundhog clubs in Pennsylvania, some dating back to the 1930s, and weather-predicting groundhogs have appeared in at least 28 U.S. states and Canadian provinces.The 1993 blockbuster film “Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray, fueled interest in Punxsutawney Phil and inspired informal observations far and wide.When he's not making his annual prognostication, Phil lives in a customized space beside the Punxsutawney Memorial Library, with a window where library patrons can check out his burrow. Back in 2009, library workers said Phil had somehow managed to escape three times, climbing into the library ceiling and dropping into offices about 50 feet (15 meters) away. He wasn’t injured.

🎥 Groundhog Day 2024: Punxsutawney Phil has good news

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a. homicide in Topeka have identified the victim as&nbsp;33-year-old Gabriel Martinez-Meraz of Topeka.

Just after 4a.m. Thursday, police&nbsp;responded to a shooting at an apartment complex in the 2100 block of SE 12th Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

Officers located Martinez-Meraz of Topeka. suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Police have released no suspect information or additional details&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706795135183.png" alt="Photo of the crime scene courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo of the crime scene courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a. homicide in Topeka have identified the victim as&nbsp;33-year-old Gabriel Martinez-Meraz of Topeka.Just after 4a.m. Thursday, police&nbsp;responded to a shooting at an apartment complex in the 2100 block of SE 12th Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.Officers located Martinez-Meraz of Topeka. suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.Police have released no suspect information or additional details&nbsp;

Homicide: Police ID victim in Kan. apartment complex shooting

JERUSALEM (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday it's time to further disable Iran-backed militias that have struck at U.S. forces and ships in the Middle East and the U.S. is preparing to take significant action in response to the deaths of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-jordan-drone-attack-iran-tower-22-israel-hamas-war-0265beed527e3009a966c0531c08838e">three U.S. service members</a>&nbsp;in Jordan.

For days the U.S. has hinted strikes are imminent. While the threat of retaliation for Sunday's deaths has driven some militant groups to say they were stopping hostilities, as late as Thursday Yemen’s Houthi rebels were still attacking vessels and fired a ballistic missile at a Liberian-flagged container ship in the Red Sea.

“At this point, it’s time to take away even more capability than we’ve taken in the past,” Austin said Thursday in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-pentagon-cancer-secret-hospital-313255a7126a0482a67ec18b7474a8c1">first press conference</a>&nbsp;since he was hospitalized on Jan. 1 due to complications from prostate cancer treatment.

Previous U.S. strikes have not deterred the attacks. Since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out in October, Iranian-backed militant groups have struck U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria at least 166 times with rockets, missiles and one-way attack drones, drawing about a half-dozen U.S. counterstrikes on militant facilities in both countries. The U.S. military also has carried out airstrikes targeting the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The U.S. has attributed the attack on Tower 22 in Jordan to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias that includes the militant group Kataib Hezbollah.

While Iran has denied involvement, Austin said Thursday that “how much Iran knew or didn’t know, we don’t know. But it really doesn’t matter because Iran sponsors these groups.”

Austin said “without that facilitation, these kinds of things don’t happen.” He said the Pentagon is still looking at the forensics of the drone that struck Tower 22, a secretive base in northeastern Jordan that’s been crucial to the American presence in neighboring Syria.

“I don’t think the adversaries are of a ‘one and done’ mindset. And so they have a lot of capability. I have a lot more,” Austin said. "We’re going to do what’s necessary to protect our troops."

In the Red Sea, the Houthis have fired on commercial and military ships almost 40 times since November. In the latest attack, they fired a ballistic missile at a Liberian-flagged container ship on Thursday, U.S. defense officials said.

The attack happened west of Hodeida, a port city in Yemen long held by the rebels, said the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, a British military group overseeing Mideast waterways. It said the crew and the vessel were safe and the blast came far off the vessel's starboard side.

The U.S. defense officials identified the targeted container ship as the Koi, a Bermuda-owned vessel. Its management could not be immediately reached for comment. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters. The Houthis did not claim responsibility for the assault.

The Houthis say they are targeting ships over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s offensive in Gaza against Hamas</a>. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade between Asia, the Mideast and Europe.

The Houthis hit a commercial vessel with a missile on Jan. 26,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-red-sea-israel-hamas-war-attacks-f36fc8911e069a5b4dbc4d9e67f31e50">sparking a fire that burned for hours</a>.

The Pentagon has the aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower in the region, along with at least a half dozen other major U.S. warships, U.S. Air Force fighter jets and radar aircraft. It has already been regularly using those assets to conduct strikes and defend ships.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705112808392.png" alt="View of aircraft launch for the attack Jan. 11 -image U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>View of aircraft launch for the attack Jan. 11 -image U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday it's time to further disable Iran-backed militias that have struck at U.S. forces and ships in the Middle East and the U.S. is preparing to take significant action in response to the deaths of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-jordan-drone-attack-iran-tower-22-israel-hamas-war-0265beed527e3009a966c0531c08838e">three U.S. service members</a>&nbsp;in Jordan.For days the U.S. has hinted strikes are imminent. While the threat of retaliation for Sunday's deaths has driven some militant groups to say they were stopping hostilities, as late as Thursday Yemen’s Houthi rebels were still attacking vessels and fired a ballistic missile at a Liberian-flagged container ship in the Red Sea.“At this point, it’s time to take away even more capability than we’ve taken in the past,” Austin said Thursday in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-pentagon-cancer-secret-hospital-313255a7126a0482a67ec18b7474a8c1">first press conference</a>&nbsp;since he was hospitalized on Jan. 1 due to complications from prostate cancer treatment.Previous U.S. strikes have not deterred the attacks. Since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out in October, Iranian-backed militant groups have struck U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria at least 166 times with rockets, missiles and one-way attack drones, drawing about a half-dozen U.S. counterstrikes on militant facilities in both countries. The U.S. military also has carried out airstrikes targeting the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.The U.S. has attributed the attack on Tower 22 in Jordan to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias that includes the militant group Kataib Hezbollah.While Iran has denied involvement, Austin said Thursday that “how much Iran knew or didn’t know, we don’t know. But it really doesn’t matter because Iran sponsors these groups.”Austin said “without that facilitation, these kinds of things don’t happen.” He said the Pentagon is still looking at the forensics of the drone that struck Tower 22, a secretive base in northeastern Jordan that’s been crucial to the American presence in neighboring Syria.“I don’t think the adversaries are of a ‘one and done’ mindset. And so they have a lot of capability. I have a lot more,” Austin said. "We’re going to do what’s necessary to protect our troops."In the Red Sea, the Houthis have fired on commercial and military ships almost 40 times since November. In the latest attack, they fired a ballistic missile at a Liberian-flagged container ship on Thursday, U.S. defense officials said.The attack happened west of Hodeida, a port city in Yemen long held by the rebels, said the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, a British military group overseeing Mideast waterways. It said the crew and the vessel were safe and the blast came far off the vessel's starboard side.The U.S. defense officials identified the targeted container ship as the Koi, a Bermuda-owned vessel. Its management could not be immediately reached for comment. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters. The Houthis did not claim responsibility for the assault.The Houthis say they are targeting ships over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s offensive in Gaza against Hamas</a>. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade between Asia, the Mideast and Europe.The Houthis hit a commercial vessel with a missile on Jan. 26,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-red-sea-israel-hamas-war-attacks-f36fc8911e069a5b4dbc4d9e67f31e50">sparking a fire that burned for hours</a>.The Pentagon has the aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower in the region, along with at least a half dozen other major U.S. warships, U.S. Air Force fighter jets and radar aircraft. It has already been regularly using those assets to conduct strikes and defend ships.

Pentagon: New plans in place for US strikes against Iran-backed militias

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The State of Kansas ends January 2024 with total tax collections at $928.6 million. That is $64.1 million, or 6.5%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 11.3% from January 2023, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Revenue.

Collections in December were 3.4%, below the estimate and&nbsp;2.1%, below the estimate for November.

Click to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYnVkZ2V0LmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzA3X0phbnVhcnlfUmV2ZW51ZV9GWTIwMjRfMDItMDEtMjAyNF9GaW5hbC5wZGYiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjAxLjg5NTEzODYxIn0.CnFazZrSS1nYbxdcsUsTqsPaWMSFy3ecg81JznQoDtE/s/1303160919/br/236402344204-l" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;view the January 2024 revenue numbers.

"Coming short of the estimates for the third month in a row emphasizes that tax cuts must be done in a fiscally responsible way,"&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. "The bipartisan tax package that I've proposed to the legislature provides substantive and direct tax relief to all Kansans – without putting at risk our overall economy."

Governor Kelly’s bipartisan tax plan was&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZ292ZXJub3Iua2Fuc2FzLmdvdi9nb3Zlcm5vci1rZWxseXMtYmlwYXJ0aXNhbi10YXgtcGxhbi1pbnRyb2R1Y2VkLWluLWthbnNhcy1ob3VzZS1hbmQtc2VuYXRlLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMDEuODk1MTM4NjEifQ.BovyWpOF6wKvQ5Qungx8eJdX2mFrBlZ9bQXQO4syJ24/s/1303160919/br/236402344204-l" target="_blank">introduced</a>&nbsp;in the Kansas House and Senate last month.

Individual income tax collections were $475.9 million. That is $19.1 million, or 3.9%, below the estimate, and down 3.9% from January 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $89.8 million. That is $25.2 million, or 21.9%, below the estimate and down 45.9% from January 2023.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $344.3 million, which is $18.7 million, or 5.1%, below the estimate and down $16.9 million, or 4.7%, from January 2023.&nbsp;

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The State of Kansas ends January 2024 with total tax collections at $928.6 million. That is $64.1 million, or 6.5%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 11.3% from January 2023, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Revenue.Collections in December were 3.4%, below the estimate and&nbsp;2.1%, below the estimate for November.Click to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYnVkZ2V0LmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzA3X0phbnVhcnlfUmV2ZW51ZV9GWTIwMjRfMDItMDEtMjAyNF9GaW5hbC5wZGYiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjAxLjg5NTEzODYxIn0.CnFazZrSS1nYbxdcsUsTqsPaWMSFy3ecg81JznQoDtE/s/1303160919/br/236402344204-l" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;view the January 2024 revenue numbers."Coming short of the estimates for the third month in a row emphasizes that tax cuts must be done in a fiscally responsible way,"&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. "The bipartisan tax package that I've proposed to the legislature provides substantive and direct tax relief to all Kansans – without putting at risk our overall economy."Governor Kelly’s bipartisan tax plan was&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZ292ZXJub3Iua2Fuc2FzLmdvdi9nb3Zlcm5vci1rZWxseXMtYmlwYXJ0aXNhbi10YXgtcGxhbi1pbnRyb2R1Y2VkLWluLWthbnNhcy1ob3VzZS1hbmQtc2VuYXRlLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMDEuODk1MTM4NjEifQ.BovyWpOF6wKvQ5Qungx8eJdX2mFrBlZ9bQXQO4syJ24/s/1303160919/br/236402344204-l" target="_blank">introduced</a>&nbsp;in the Kansas House and Senate last month.Individual income tax collections were $475.9 million. That is $19.1 million, or 3.9%, below the estimate, and down 3.9% from January 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $89.8 million. That is $25.2 million, or 21.9%, below the estimate and down 45.9% from January 2023.Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $344.3 million, which is $18.7 million, or 5.1%, below the estimate and down $16.9 million, or 4.7%, from January 2023.&nbsp;

Kan. tax collections below estimate for 3rd month in a row

WASHINGTON – Three men pleaded guilty yesterday to felony charges related to their actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Their actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election., according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Kyle Kumer, 43, of Kansas City and William “Jessie” Stover, 46, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia to one count of civil disorder, a felony. Alan Michael St. Onge, 36, of Brevard, North Carolina pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia to two counts of civil disorder, a felony. U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Nichols will sentence Stover on May 3, 2024, and St. Onge and Kumer on May 17, 2024.

&nbsp;According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, beginning at 2:42 p.m., numerous members of the mob illegally assembled on the Capitol grounds and attacked members of the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who were lawfully engaged in the performance of their official duties defending an entrance to the U.S. Capitol on the Lower West Terrace known as the “Tunnel.”

The Tunnel was the site of some of the most violent attacks against police on January 6th.&nbsp; Over the course of more than two hours, the mob struck police with thrown items, sprayed police with chemical irritants, pushed against the police, and stole items from the police defending the Tunnel. St. Onge, Kumer, and Stover were members of the mob that relentlessly pushed against police officers in the Lower West Terrace tunnel to breach the line of law enforcement defending Congress. St. Onge also pushed against the line of police officers in the West Plaza prior to the police line falling in that location.

St. Onge initially approached the Capitol from the east before moving to the West Front of the Capitol. At approximately 2:12 p.m., as officers in the West Plaza were resisting the efforts of the mob to overcome the police line there, St. Onge pushed against the police barricade and the police who were trying to resist the rioters’ efforts. After the police line fell on the West Front, St. Onge made his way up the Inaugural Stage before arriving at the Lower West Terrace tunnel. 

St. Onge was initially outside the entrance to the tunnel beginning at 2:55 p.m.&nbsp; At 3:09 p.m., St. Onge made his way further into the tunnel and joined in with the crowd’s concerted push against the police line. Specifically, surveillance video footage captured images of St. Onge pushing, with great effort, against other rioters in an attempt to collectively breach the police line. At approximately 3:18 p.m., the police inside the tunnel gained momentum and successfully pushed the rioters, including St. Onge, out of the tunnel.&nbsp;St. Onge was arrested June 16, 2023, in Brevard, N.C.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Kumer, accompanied by his mother, made this way up to the Lower West Terrace and onto the Inaugural Stage at about the same time. As the crowd began to push in unison against the police line at 3:08 p.m., Kumer turned his body so that his back was pushing up against the rioters between him and the police and began to push against them. As he pushed, Kumer called out, “Let’s go! C’mon! Let’s go!” to the rioters around them to encourage them to join the push against the police.&nbsp; At 3:11 p.m., another group push began in the tunnel against the police. 

Kumer joined in again. This group push effort caused a MPD officer to be crushed between the crowd and the door. At 3:15 p.m., numerous rioters left the tunnel leaving ample open space for Kumer and his mother to also leave, but they remained in the tunnel. At&nbsp; 3:16 p.m., another group push effort was made against the police line by the rioters inside the tunnel. Kumer joined again. By 3:18 p.m., the police inside the tunnel succeeded in pushing all of the rioters back to the entrance of the tunnel. Kumer and his mother were two of the last rioters to be cleared from inside the tunnel. Kumer was arrested June 21, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo.

&nbsp;Stover arrived at the tunnel entrance at 3:16 p.m. and joined with others in the fracas to push again the police line. Stover, along with the other rioters, was eventually expelled from the tunnel entrance by police. But Stover returned with others to push against police, this time grabbing onto the side of the tunnel entrance to leverage his weight and increase his force. Stover then reached over the heads of the other rioters to grab the helmet of a police officer. 

Moments later, Stover received a U.S. Capitol Police riot shield which he then handed to another rioter who climbed up behind him. That rioter took the shield from Stover and used it to attack police. Stover remained at the entrance to the tunnel as the rioters fought police for 20 more minutes. At about 4:10 p.m., he was pushed away from the mouth of the tunnel by the crowd. Stover was arrested July 10, 2023, in Elizabethtown, Ky.

In the 36 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,265 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 440 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706826492286.png" alt="Kyke Kumer-&nbsp; image from the Nov. release of Jan 6 videos from House Speaker Mike Johnson&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kyke Kumer-&nbsp; image from the Nov. release of Jan 6 videos from House Speaker Mike Johnson&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON – Three men pleaded guilty yesterday to felony charges related to their actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Their actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election., according to the U.S. Department of Justice.Kyle Kumer, 43, of Kansas City and William “Jessie” Stover, 46, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia to one count of civil disorder, a felony. Alan Michael St. Onge, 36, of Brevard, North Carolina pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia to two counts of civil disorder, a felony. U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Nichols will sentence Stover on May 3, 2024, and St. Onge and Kumer on May 17, 2024.&nbsp;According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, beginning at 2:42 p.m., numerous members of the mob illegally assembled on the Capitol grounds and attacked members of the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who were lawfully engaged in the performance of their official duties defending an entrance to the U.S. Capitol on the Lower West Terrace known as the “Tunnel.”The Tunnel was the site of some of the most violent attacks against police on January 6th.&nbsp; Over the course of more than two hours, the mob struck police with thrown items, sprayed police with chemical irritants, pushed against the police, and stole items from the police defending the Tunnel. St. Onge, Kumer, and Stover were members of the mob that relentlessly pushed against police officers in the Lower West Terrace tunnel to breach the line of law enforcement defending Congress. St. Onge also pushed against the line of police officers in the West Plaza prior to the police line falling in that location.St. Onge initially approached the Capitol from the east before moving to the West Front of the Capitol. At approximately 2:12 p.m., as officers in the West Plaza were resisting the efforts of the mob to overcome the police line there, St. Onge pushed against the police barricade and the police who were trying to resist the rioters’ efforts. After the police line fell on the West Front, St. Onge made his way up the Inaugural Stage before arriving at the Lower West Terrace tunnel. St. Onge was initially outside the entrance to the tunnel beginning at 2:55 p.m.&nbsp; At 3:09 p.m., St. Onge made his way further into the tunnel and joined in with the crowd’s concerted push against the police line. Specifically, surveillance video footage captured images of St. Onge pushing, with great effort, against other rioters in an attempt to collectively breach the police line. At approximately 3:18 p.m., the police inside the tunnel gained momentum and successfully pushed the rioters, including St. Onge, out of the tunnel.&nbsp;St. Onge was arrested June 16, 2023, in Brevard, N.C.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kumer, accompanied by his mother, made this way up to the Lower West Terrace and onto the Inaugural Stage at about the same time. As the crowd began to push in unison against the police line at 3:08 p.m., Kumer turned his body so that his back was pushing up against the rioters between him and the police and began to push against them. As he pushed, Kumer called out, “Let’s go! C’mon! Let’s go!” to the rioters around them to encourage them to join the push against the police.&nbsp; At 3:11 p.m., another group push began in the tunnel against the police. Kumer joined in again. This group push effort caused a MPD officer to be crushed between the crowd and the door. At 3:15 p.m., numerous rioters left the tunnel leaving ample open space for Kumer and his mother to also leave, but they remained in the tunnel. At&nbsp; 3:16 p.m., another group push effort was made against the police line by the rioters inside the tunnel. Kumer joined again. By 3:18 p.m., the police inside the tunnel succeeded in pushing all of the rioters back to the entrance of the tunnel. Kumer and his mother were two of the last rioters to be cleared from inside the tunnel. Kumer was arrested June 21, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo.&nbsp;Stover arrived at the tunnel entrance at 3:16 p.m. and joined with others in the fracas to push again the police line. Stover, along with the other rioters, was eventually expelled from the tunnel entrance by police. But Stover returned with others to push against police, this time grabbing onto the side of the tunnel entrance to leverage his weight and increase his force. Stover then reached over the heads of the other rioters to grab the helmet of a police officer. Moments later, Stover received a U.S. Capitol Police riot shield which he then handed to another rioter who climbed up behind him. That rioter took the shield from Stover and used it to attack police. Stover remained at the entrance to the tunnel as the rioters fought police for 20 more minutes. At about 4:10 p.m., he was pushed away from the mouth of the tunnel by the crowd. Stover was arrested July 10, 2023, in Elizabethtown, Ky.In the 36 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,265 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 440 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

KC man who went with mom to Capitol on Jan. 6 enters plea

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man has been found guilty in a drug deal killing of a teenager.

Last week, 27-year-old Jaron Palmer of Wichita was found guilty of first-degree murder in the April 2021 death of Eric Stokes Jr. at a west Wichita apartment complex, according to the Sedgwick County district attorney's office.

In April of 2021 , police were dispatched to report of a shooting at the&nbsp;Morgan's Landing Apartments complex in the 3800 Block of West 13th Street in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.

When officers arrived, they learned there were five individuals inside the apartment at the time of the incident including 17-year-old Eric Stokes of Wichita who was shot and killed.

Through the investigation, detectives determined two suspects and possibly others were involved in the incident.

EMS transported a second shooting victim identified as a 17-year-old boy to a local hospital. He was treated for minor injuries and released, according to Stephens.

Investigators learned that three unknown, armed suspects arrived at the apartment, forced their way in and fired several shots that killed Stokes.&nbsp; The suspects fled on foot from the apartment complex.&nbsp; It was not a random incident and drugs are believed to have played a part, according to Stephens.

Police released a video of two suspects involved in the homicide.&nbsp; After the release, police received numerous tips from the community, which led to the identification and arrest of 18-year-old Easton Palmer&nbsp; and&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20070532">18-year-old Breckyn I. Elliot</a>&nbsp;both of Wichita. They were originally charged with first degree murder and&nbsp; aggravated robbery.&nbsp;Elliott charge were later reduced to attempted obstruction and attempted possession of marijuana.

On June 21, police arrested Jaron Palmer.&nbsp; He is scheduled for sentencing in March, according to the district attorney's office.

Stokes was killed at Morgan's Landing Apartments near 13th and West Street. Police say Stokes and four others were in an apartment when three armed suspects in masks forced their way inside.&nbsp;Stokes and the others&nbsp;went into a bedroom, and police allege the suspects fired several shots. A second teen suffered minor injuries in the shooting.

Investigators said they believed the shooting to be drug-related.

Easton Shaner-Palmer, 21, Jaron's brother, was also arrested in connection to the shooting. He pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and attempted robbery in August of 2023 and was sentenced to five years and five months in prison. The third suspect, 21-year-old Breckyn Elliott, is charged with attempted obstruction and attempted possession of marijuana.&nbsp;

Palmer is scheduled for sentencing on March 8.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624361905393.png" alt="Palmer-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Palmer-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man has been found guilty in a drug deal killing of a teenager.Last week, 27-year-old Jaron Palmer of Wichita was found guilty of first-degree murder in the April 2021 death of Eric Stokes Jr. at a west Wichita apartment complex, according to the Sedgwick County district attorney's office.In April of 2021 , police were dispatched to report of a shooting at the&nbsp;Morgan's Landing Apartments complex in the 3800 Block of West 13th Street in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706540892595.png" alt="Security camera image Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>When officers arrived, they learned there were five individuals inside the apartment at the time of the incident including 17-year-old Eric Stokes of Wichita who was shot and killed.Through the investigation, detectives determined two suspects and possibly others were involved in the incident.EMS transported a second shooting victim identified as a 17-year-old boy to a local hospital. He was treated for minor injuries and released, according to Stephens.Investigators learned that three unknown, armed suspects arrived at the apartment, forced their way in and fired several shots that killed Stokes.&nbsp; The suspects fled on foot from the apartment complex.&nbsp; It was not a random incident and drugs are believed to have played a part, according to Stephens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619618101953.png" alt="Palmer photo Sedgwick Countuy" />
 <figcaption>Palmer photo Sedgwick Countuy</figcaption>
 </figure>Police released a video of two suspects involved in the homicide.&nbsp; After the release, police received numerous tips from the community, which led to the identification and arrest of 18-year-old Easton Palmer&nbsp; and&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20070532">18-year-old Breckyn I. Elliot</a>&nbsp;both of Wichita. They were originally charged with first degree murder and&nbsp; aggravated robbery.&nbsp;Elliott charge were later reduced to attempted obstruction and attempted possession of marijuana. On June 21, police arrested Jaron Palmer.&nbsp; He is scheduled for sentencing in March, according to the district attorney's office.Stokes was killed at Morgan's Landing Apartments near 13th and West Street. Police say Stokes and four others were in an apartment when three armed suspects in masks forced their way inside.&nbsp;Stokes and the others&nbsp;went into a bedroom, and police allege the suspects fired several shots. A second teen suffered minor injuries in the shooting.Investigators said they believed the shooting to be drug-related.Easton Shaner-Palmer, 21, Jaron's brother, was also arrested in connection to the shooting. He pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and attempted robbery in August of 2023 and was sentenced to five years and five months in prison. The third suspect, 21-year-old Breckyn Elliott, is charged with attempted obstruction and attempted possession of marijuana.&nbsp;Palmer is scheduled for sentencing on March 8.&nbsp;

Security camera image led to conviction in murder of Kan. teen

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's high court entertained arguments Thursday on whether to force changes to the state's Senate districts in a case that has divided majority-party Republicans over how to apply new voter-approved redistricting criteria.

The lawsuit brought by voters contends that Senate districts in suburban St. Louis and western Missouri's Buchanan County violate the state constitution by needlessly splitting cities or counties into multiple districts. It seeks revised districts before this year's elections.

Missouri is one of a dozen states where legal challenges are still pending against congressional or state legislative boundaries that were redrawn based on the 2020 census. In many states, those fights have pitted Democrats against Republicans as each party strains to shape districts to its advantage.

But the Missouri lawsuit has divided Republicans into two camps. A Republican Senate committee supports&nbsp;<a href="https://oa.mo.gov/sites/default/files/Senate_StatewideSpringfield.pdf">the map</a>&nbsp;enacted in 2022 by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-redistricting-elections-census-2020-a522adc541fedfe42cace39440a29ca8?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">a panel of appeals court judges</a>. But a GOP House committee sided with Democratic-aligned voters suing for the districts to be overturned.

Each side contends its approach best&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/redistricting-gerrymandering-2022-elections-e576c35ee37ef7ae14337953a42541c2?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">discourages gerrymandering</a>, in which mapmakers manipulate boundaries to benefit a particular political party, racial group or incumbent lawmakers. The outcome of the case won't affect immediate control of the Senate, where Republicans hold a 24-10 majority over Democrats.

“But what it will do is affect the next redistricting and how we do it” after the 2030 census by establishing which criteria are most important, plaintiffs' attorney Chuck Hatfield said after Thursday's arguments.

It’s unclear how quickly the court will rule. Candidate filing for the August primary elections is scheduled to run from Feb. 27 to March 26.

At issue are revised redistricting criteria approved by voters in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-voter-dump-redistricting-reform-a9e177612d135176ff53718b9b0e5436?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">2020 ballot measure</a>. The first criterion says districts must be nearly equal as practical in population but can deviate up to 3% “if necessary to follow political subdivision lines,” such as counties and cities.

The second criterion requires compliance with the federal Voting Rights Act, the third prioritizes “contiguous” and “compact” districts, and the fourth requires communities to be kept whole in districts if possible under the equal population guidelines.

The lawsuit contends it was unconstitutional to split Buchanan County into two districts represented by Republicans and the St. Louis suburb of Hazelwood into two districts represented by Democrats. A trial judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-senate-redistricting-lawsuit-990b0d6bfde970a5686879a01cf466ca?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">rejected that assertion</a>&nbsp;in September, ruling the map was reasonable because the constitution places a higher priority on compact districts than intact communities.

But Hatfield argued to Supreme Court judges that it's more important to keep counties and cities intact than to draw compact districts. Otherwise, it will "enable efforts to gerrymander state legislative districts for nefarious political purposes” by splitting communities, Hatfield wrote in a court brief.

The state attorney general's office defended the current Senate map. Deputy Solicitor General Maria Lanahan told judges that various other Senate districts — though not challenged by plaintiffs — also split counties while not following political subdivision lines. She said the plaintiffs were suggesting a standard that would be particularly hard to follow in heavily populated counties.

Prior to Thursday's arguments, the Missouri House Republican Campaign Committee filed a court brief supporting the appeal. It asserted the community splits in the Senate map are “completely unnecessary" and that the House map — which avoided such splits — could be open to lawsuits if the court prioritized compactness.

The Republicans' Missouri Senate Campaign Committee countered with its own court brief, contending that House Republicans had “aligned with Democratic interests” and that individual representatives may have “personal interest in tailoring Senate districts in which they hope to run in the future.”

Senate Republicans asserted that the current map avoids partisan manipulation that can occur when overemphasizing communities.

"Compact, contiguous territory is the first and most powerful line of defense against political and racial gerrymanders,” Senate Republicans wrote in a brief filed by attorney Eddie Greim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706831969221.png" alt="Missouri Senate Map" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Senate Map</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's high court entertained arguments Thursday on whether to force changes to the state's Senate districts in a case that has divided majority-party Republicans over how to apply new voter-approved redistricting criteria.The lawsuit brought by voters contends that Senate districts in suburban St. Louis and western Missouri's Buchanan County violate the state constitution by needlessly splitting cities or counties into multiple districts. It seeks revised districts before this year's elections.Missouri is one of a dozen states where legal challenges are still pending against congressional or state legislative boundaries that were redrawn based on the 2020 census. In many states, those fights have pitted Democrats against Republicans as each party strains to shape districts to its advantage.But the Missouri lawsuit has divided Republicans into two camps. A Republican Senate committee supports&nbsp;<a href="https://oa.mo.gov/sites/default/files/Senate_StatewideSpringfield.pdf">the map</a>&nbsp;enacted in 2022 by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-redistricting-elections-census-2020-a522adc541fedfe42cace39440a29ca8?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">a panel of appeals court judges</a>. But a GOP House committee sided with Democratic-aligned voters suing for the districts to be overturned.Each side contends its approach best&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/redistricting-gerrymandering-2022-elections-e576c35ee37ef7ae14337953a42541c2?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">discourages gerrymandering</a>, in which mapmakers manipulate boundaries to benefit a particular political party, racial group or incumbent lawmakers. The outcome of the case won't affect immediate control of the Senate, where Republicans hold a 24-10 majority over Democrats.“But what it will do is affect the next redistricting and how we do it” after the 2030 census by establishing which criteria are most important, plaintiffs' attorney Chuck Hatfield said after Thursday's arguments.It’s unclear how quickly the court will rule. Candidate filing for the August primary elections is scheduled to run from Feb. 27 to March 26.At issue are revised redistricting criteria approved by voters in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-voter-dump-redistricting-reform-a9e177612d135176ff53718b9b0e5436?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">2020 ballot measure</a>. The first criterion says districts must be nearly equal as practical in population but can deviate up to 3% “if necessary to follow political subdivision lines,” such as counties and cities.The second criterion requires compliance with the federal Voting Rights Act, the third prioritizes “contiguous” and “compact” districts, and the fourth requires communities to be kept whole in districts if possible under the equal population guidelines.The lawsuit contends it was unconstitutional to split Buchanan County into two districts represented by Republicans and the St. Louis suburb of Hazelwood into two districts represented by Democrats. A trial judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-senate-redistricting-lawsuit-990b0d6bfde970a5686879a01cf466ca?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">rejected that assertion</a>&nbsp;in September, ruling the map was reasonable because the constitution places a higher priority on compact districts than intact communities.But Hatfield argued to Supreme Court judges that it's more important to keep counties and cities intact than to draw compact districts. Otherwise, it will "enable efforts to gerrymander state legislative districts for nefarious political purposes” by splitting communities, Hatfield wrote in a court brief.The state attorney general's office defended the current Senate map. Deputy Solicitor General Maria Lanahan told judges that various other Senate districts — though not challenged by plaintiffs — also split counties while not following political subdivision lines. She said the plaintiffs were suggesting a standard that would be particularly hard to follow in heavily populated counties.Prior to Thursday's arguments, the Missouri House Republican Campaign Committee filed a court brief supporting the appeal. It asserted the community splits in the Senate map are “completely unnecessary" and that the House map — which avoided such splits — could be open to lawsuits if the court prioritized compactness.The Republicans' Missouri Senate Campaign Committee countered with its own court brief, contending that House Republicans had “aligned with Democratic interests” and that individual representatives may have “personal interest in tailoring Senate districts in which they hope to run in the future.”Senate Republicans asserted that the current map avoids partisan manipulation that can occur when overemphasizing communities."Compact, contiguous territory is the first and most powerful line of defense against political and racial gerrymanders,” Senate Republicans wrote in a brief filed by attorney Eddie Greim.

Missouri Republicans are split over changes to state Senate districts

JERUSALEM (AP) — Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired two ballistic missiles Thursday at a Liberian-flagged container ship in the Red Sea, a U.S. defense official said, the latest attack by the rebels as America launches airstrikes targeting them.

The attack happened west of Hodeida, a port city in Yemen long held by the rebels, said the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, a British military group overseeing Mideast waterways. It said the crew and the vessel were safe and the blast came far off the vessel’s starboard side.

The U.S. defense official identified the targeted container ship as the Koi. Its management could not be immediately reached for comment. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters.

The Houthis did not immediately claim responsibility for the assault. The private security firm Ambrey reported Wednesday night that a ship was targeted with a missile southwest of Aden, Yemen, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis claimed that attack also targeted the Koi, though American officials had no immediate information on any attack Wednesday night.

Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s offensive in Gaza against Hamas</a>. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade between Asia, the Mideast and Europe.

Late Wednesday, American F/A-18 fighter jets struck and destroyed 10 Houthi drones that were prepared to launch, as well as a ground control station used by the rebels, the U.S. military said. The U.S. also intercepted a ballistic missile and other drones already in the air during the day.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired two ballistic missiles Thursday at a Liberian-flagged container ship in the Red Sea, a U.S. defense official said, the latest attack by the rebels as America launches airstrikes targeting them.The attack happened west of Hodeida, a port city in Yemen long held by the rebels, said the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, a British military group overseeing Mideast waterways. It said the crew and the vessel were safe and the blast came far off the vessel’s starboard side.The U.S. defense official identified the targeted container ship as the Koi. Its management could not be immediately reached for comment. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters.The Houthis did not immediately claim responsibility for the assault. The private security firm Ambrey reported Wednesday night that a ship was targeted with a missile southwest of Aden, Yemen, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis claimed that attack also targeted the Koi, though American officials had no immediate information on any attack Wednesday night.Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s offensive in Gaza against Hamas</a>. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade between Asia, the Mideast and Europe.The Houthis hit a commercial vessel with a missile on Jan. 26,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-red-sea-israel-hamas-war-attacks-f36fc8911e069a5b4dbc4d9e67f31e50">sparking a fire that burned for hours</a>.Late Wednesday, American F/A-18 fighter jets struck and destroyed 10 Houthi drones that were prepared to launch, as well as a ground control station used by the rebels, the U.S. military said. The U.S. also intercepted a ballistic missile and other drones already in the air during the day.

Iran-backed rebels continue missile attacks in the Red Sea 

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp;

Just after 4p.m. Wednesday, sheriff's deputies received a call of a theft that occurred on US 281 Highway, somewhere south of the City of Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

The victim was flagged down by a motorist who claimed to need assistance getting to New York. The motorist claimed he was broke and needed money for the trip. The motorist conned the victim into purchasing fake jewelry to fund his travels. The victim found out the jewelry was fake after the transaction.

The two suspects appear to be of Middle Eastern descent and one of them was wearing a blue sport coat. They were seen driving a late model, white Chevrolet Traverse with a Texas license TVF 8226. Additional possible license is Texas SPN 9592, also on a white Chevrolet Traverse.

Several similar incidents have occurred in nearby counties in Kansas with the same descriptions. The public is cautioned to not interact with these people if encountered and call 911 immediately to report.

The photo above shows body cam footage from another sheriff’s office also investigating this series of thefts. Barton County Sheriff’s detectives are working to identify these suspects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706797059909.jpeg" alt="The photo shows body cam footage from another sheriff’s office also investigating this series of thefts.-Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>The photo shows body cam footage from another sheriff’s office also investigating this series of thefts.-Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp;Just after 4p.m. Wednesday, sheriff's deputies received a call of a theft that occurred on US 281 Highway, somewhere south of the City of Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.The victim was flagged down by a motorist who claimed to need assistance getting to New York. The motorist claimed he was broke and needed money for the trip. The motorist conned the victim into purchasing fake jewelry to fund his travels. The victim found out the jewelry was fake after the transaction.The two suspects appear to be of Middle Eastern descent and one of them was wearing a blue sport coat. They were seen driving a late model, white Chevrolet Traverse with a Texas license TVF 8226. Additional possible license is Texas SPN 9592, also on a white Chevrolet Traverse.Several similar incidents have occurred in nearby counties in Kansas with the same descriptions. The public is cautioned to not interact with these people if encountered and call 911 immediately to report.The photo above shows body cam footage from another sheriff’s office also investigating this series of thefts. Barton County Sheriff’s detectives are working to identify these suspects.

Sheriff warns of highway jewelry sales scam across Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY – A used car dealership in Maize and its owner have entered into a consent judgment with the Office of the District Attorney, resolving allegations of violations of the Kansas Consumer protection Act. 

The District Attorney’s Office investigated Maize Motors, LLC,&nbsp; 5203 N Maize Rd, Maize,  and Gabriel Nicholson after receiving a consumer complaint when a buyer could not register and title a vehicle.

The Consumer Protection Division alleged Nicholson and Maize Motors failed to deliver title to a Mustang within 60 days as required by Kansas law and failed to disclose to the consumers that the dealership could not provide title within 60 days of the purchase. The investigation identified the dealership sold the Mustang on two prior occasions and attempted to transfer title to the vehicle via a “Permit to Sell” obtained from a Louisiana seller.

 However, both prior buyers returned the Mustang to the dealership when they could not register it. The dealership maintains it believed the “Permit to Sell” was sufficient to transfer title in Kansas. Prior to settlement, the dealership obtained quiet title to the Mustang and delivered title to the consumers outside the 60 days required by Kansas law.

While both Nicholson and the dealership denied intentionally violating the Kansas Consumer Protection Act, they agreed to enter a consent judgment to resolve the allegations. Both will be on probation for 12 months with the Consumer Protection Division during which they will be liable for $5,000 in civil penalties as well as additional investigative expenses and court costs. They also agreed to pay $1,000 in restitution to the impacted consumers. As part of the consent judgment, Nicholson and the dealership agreed to cooperate with any future complaints and are enjoined for five years from deceptive and unconscionable acts in consumer transactions. Both agreed in the future to provide full refunds to consumers if the dealership fails to deliver title within 60 days and the customer elects to void the transaction.

The District Attorney reminds that buyers should receive certificates of title within 60 days of vehicle purchase so they can register the vehicle. Failure to provide title within 60 days makes the transaction “fraudulent and void” entitling buyers to a full refund. K.S.A. 8-135(c)(7). Used vehicles that do not have a Kansas title must pass inspection with the Kansas Highway Patrol prior to being registered with the County Treasurer. 

The consent judgment was approved by Judge Stephen Ternes and filed on January 23, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706629505174.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY – A used car dealership in Maize and its owner have entered into a consent judgment with the Office of the District Attorney, resolving allegations of violations of the Kansas Consumer protection Act. The District Attorney’s Office investigated Maize Motors, LLC,&nbsp; 5203 N Maize Rd, Maize, and Gabriel Nicholson after receiving a consumer complaint when a buyer could not register and title a vehicle.The Consumer Protection Division alleged Nicholson and Maize Motors failed to deliver title to a Mustang within 60 days as required by Kansas law and failed to disclose to the consumers that the dealership could not provide title within 60 days of the purchase. The investigation identified the dealership sold the Mustang on two prior occasions and attempted to transfer title to the vehicle via a “Permit to Sell” obtained from a Louisiana seller. However, both prior buyers returned the Mustang to the dealership when they could not register it. The dealership maintains it believed the “Permit to Sell” was sufficient to transfer title in Kansas. Prior to settlement, the dealership obtained quiet title to the Mustang and delivered title to the consumers outside the 60 days required by Kansas law.While both Nicholson and the dealership denied intentionally violating the Kansas Consumer Protection Act, they agreed to enter a consent judgment to resolve the allegations. Both will be on probation for 12 months with the Consumer Protection Division during which they will be liable for $5,000 in civil penalties as well as additional investigative expenses and court costs. They also agreed to pay $1,000 in restitution to the impacted consumers. As part of the consent judgment, Nicholson and the dealership agreed to cooperate with any future complaints and are enjoined for five years from deceptive and unconscionable acts in consumer transactions. Both agreed in the future to provide full refunds to consumers if the dealership fails to deliver title within 60 days and the customer elects to void the transaction.The District Attorney reminds that buyers should receive certificates of title within 60 days of vehicle purchase so they can register the vehicle. Failure to provide title within 60 days makes the transaction “fraudulent and void” entitling buyers to a full refund. K.S.A. 8-135(c)(7). Used vehicles that do not have a Kansas title must pass inspection with the Kansas Highway Patrol prior to being registered with the County Treasurer. The consent judgment was approved by Judge Stephen Ternes and filed on January 23, according to the district attorney's office.

Kan. car dealer on probation with DA after complaint about sale

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a. homicide in Topeka.&nbsp;

Officers located one individual suffering from a gunshot wound. This individual was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Police release no additional details. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706795135183.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a. homicide in Topeka.&nbsp;Just after 4a.m. Thursday, police&nbsp;responded to a shooting at an apartment complex in the 2100 block of SE 12th Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.Officers located one individual suffering from a gunshot wound. This individual was pronounced deceased at the scene.Police release no additional details. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

Police: One dead after shooting at Kansas apartment complex 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday he never told his staff to keep his cancer surgery and hospitalization secret from the White House, but acknowledged he should have handled it differently and he apologized for keeping President Joe Biden and others in the dark for weeks.

“We did not handle this right and I did not handle this right. I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis. I take full responsibility,” Austin told reporters in a lengthy Pentagon briefing. “I have apologized directly to President Biden and I’ve told him that I’m deeply sorry for not letting him know immediately that I received a heavy diagnosis and was getting treatment.”

Known as an intensely private man, Austin provided his most extensive comments to date on the secrecy surrounding his cancer diagnosis and struggles with complications since his surgery on Dec. 22. It was the first time he has answered questions from reporters since his cancer surgery, and his answers were often bluntly personal, offering rare insights into the deeply private matter.

“The news shook me,” Austin, 70, said about getting the initial diagnosis in early December. “It was a gut punch. And, frankly my first instinct was to keep it private.”

While he said he "never directed anyone to keep my January hospitalization from the White House,” Austin dodged questions about any repercussions on his staff or any decisions they made about disclosing it.

He said he doesn't believe he has created “a culture of secrecy” in his office. And he said he did not tell his aides to ask first responders to avoid using lights and sirens when calling for an ambulance on Jan. 1. But, he acknowledged, “there will be security officers, there will be other staff members who may perceive that they’re doing things in my best interest.”

His lack of disclosure prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-white-house-lloyd-austin-cabinet-f3e03c04ff7d9a0ab062a57ac181bb8f">changes in federal guidelines</a>&nbsp;and triggered an internal Pentagon review and an inspector general review into his department’s notification procedures. Both reviews are ongoing, and members of Congress have called for hearings on the matter.

Austin was taken by ambulance to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Jan. 1 after experiencing extreme pain due to complications from the surgery. He was admitted to the intensive care unit the next day. He was released from the hospital on Jan. 15.

He transferred decision-making authorities to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, but did not tell her why. Some top staff members were told about his hospitalization on Jan. 2, but no one told the White House or the president until two days later. His hospitalization was publicly announced on Jan. 5, but his cancer diagnosis and surgery were not disclosed until the following week.

A key question is why Austin's chief of staff Kelly Magsamen or his senior military assistant, Lt. Gen. Ron Clark, didn't inform the White House or key leaders more quickly.

Austin's solo appearance in the Pentagon briefing room was also a rare moment. He is known for avoiding the media as much as possible. But he appeared calm and even joked a few times during the 35-minute press conference. His ongoing leg pain was evident as he walked carefully to the podium, but he said he expects to recover, although it will be incremental and take time.

Pressed on why he didn't tell the president and others about his diagnosis and surgery, Austin said, “I’m a pretty private guy. I never like burdening others with my problems. It’s just not my way.” He added that the president has a lot of things on his plate and he didn't want to add his personal issue to that.

“I apologize to my teammates and to the American people,” he said.

He said he has learned from the experience. “Taking this kind of job means losing some of the privacy that most of us expect,” he said. “The American people have a right to know if their leaders are facing health challenges that might affect their ability to perform their duties even temporarily. So a wider circle should have been notified, especially the president.”

Austin also acknowledged that he missed a crucial opportunity to use his prostate check and early discovery of the cancer as a teaching moment, for his many male troops and workers across the department, and, even more importantly, for the African American population.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men. It affects 1 in every 8 men — and 1 in every 6 African American men — during their lifetime.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday he never told his staff to keep his cancer surgery and hospitalization secret from the White House, but acknowledged he should have handled it differently and he apologized for keeping President Joe Biden and others in the dark for weeks.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDef</a> Austin on his recent cancer diagnosis and transparency: &quot;We did not handle this right. I did not handle this right. I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis, and I should have also told my team and the American public. I take full responsibility.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/rt3WjjjJdl">pic.twitter.com/rt3WjjjJdl</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1753085290221076661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“We did not handle this right and I did not handle this right. I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis. I take full responsibility,” Austin told reporters in a lengthy Pentagon briefing. “I have apologized directly to President Biden and I’ve told him that I’m deeply sorry for not letting him know immediately that I received a heavy diagnosis and was getting treatment.”Known as an intensely private man, Austin provided his most extensive comments to date on the secrecy surrounding his cancer diagnosis and struggles with complications since his surgery on Dec. 22. It was the first time he has answered questions from reporters since his cancer surgery, and his answers were often bluntly personal, offering rare insights into the deeply private matter.“The news shook me,” Austin, 70, said about getting the initial diagnosis in early December. “It was a gut punch. And, frankly my first instinct was to keep it private.”While he said he "never directed anyone to keep my January hospitalization from the White House,” Austin dodged questions about any repercussions on his staff or any decisions they made about disclosing it.He said he doesn't believe he has created “a culture of secrecy” in his office. And he said he did not tell his aides to ask first responders to avoid using lights and sirens when calling for an ambulance on Jan. 1. But, he acknowledged, “there will be security officers, there will be other staff members who may perceive that they’re doing things in my best interest.”His lack of disclosure prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-white-house-lloyd-austin-cabinet-f3e03c04ff7d9a0ab062a57ac181bb8f">changes in federal guidelines</a>&nbsp;and triggered an internal Pentagon review and an inspector general review into his department’s notification procedures. Both reviews are ongoing, and members of Congress have called for hearings on the matter.Austin was taken by ambulance to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Jan. 1 after experiencing extreme pain due to complications from the surgery. He was admitted to the intensive care unit the next day. He was released from the hospital on Jan. 15.He transferred decision-making authorities to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, but did not tell her why. Some top staff members were told about his hospitalization on Jan. 2, but no one told the White House or the president until two days later. His hospitalization was publicly announced on Jan. 5, but his cancer diagnosis and surgery were not disclosed until the following week.A key question is why Austin's chief of staff Kelly Magsamen or his senior military assistant, Lt. Gen. Ron Clark, didn't inform the White House or key leaders more quickly.Austin's solo appearance in the Pentagon briefing room was also a rare moment. He is known for avoiding the media as much as possible. But he appeared calm and even joked a few times during the 35-minute press conference. His ongoing leg pain was evident as he walked carefully to the podium, but he said he expects to recover, although it will be incremental and take time.Pressed on why he didn't tell the president and others about his diagnosis and surgery, Austin said, “I’m a pretty private guy. I never like burdening others with my problems. It’s just not my way.” He added that the president has a lot of things on his plate and he didn't want to add his personal issue to that.“I apologize to my teammates and to the American people,” he said.He said he has learned from the experience. “Taking this kind of job means losing some of the privacy that most of us expect,” he said. “The American people have a right to know if their leaders are facing health challenges that might affect their ability to perform their duties even temporarily. So a wider circle should have been notified, especially the president.”Austin also acknowledged that he missed a crucial opportunity to use his prostate check and early discovery of the cancer as a teaching moment, for his many male troops and workers across the department, and, even more importantly, for the African American population.Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men. It affects 1 in every 8 men — and 1 in every 6 African American men — during their lifetime.“I’m here with a clear message to other men, especially older men,” Austin said. “Get screened, get your regular checkups. Prostate cancer has a glass jaw. If your doctor can spot it, they can treat it and beat it.”Asked about the matter earlier in January, Biden said it was a lapse in judgment for Austin not to tell him about his hospitalization, but he said he still has confidence in his Pentagon chief.Austin, who worked from home for two weeks after his release from the hospital, returned to work in the Pentagon on Monday. He had not been in the building since Dec. 21.