RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli forces rescued two hostages early Monday, storming a heavily guarded apartment in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;and extracting the captives under fire in a dramatic raid that was a small but symbolically significant success for Israel. The men were identified as&nbsp;Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70.

The operation killed at least 67 Palestinians, including women and children, according to Palestinian health officials in the beleaguered territory.

To assist the rescue forces, heavy airstrikes pounded the area near the apartment in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rafah-gaza-evacuation-palestinians-attack-israel-hamas-90bf78cfca6550dc229e7192f6724dfc">Rafah, a city on the southern edge</a>&nbsp;of the Gaza Strip where 1.4 million Palestinians have fled to escape fighting elsewhere in the Israel-Hamas war.

The raid was celebrated in Israel as a victory in the sluggish battle to free the hostages, with more than 100 captives still held by Hamas and other Gaza militants, and briefly lifted the spirits of a nation still reeling from Hamas' cross-border raid last year.

But in Gaza, where civilians have borne a staggering toll since the war erupted on Oct. 7, the operation unleashed another wartime tragedy, with many Palestinians killed or wounded.

More than 12,300 Palestinian minors — children and young teens — have been killed in Israel’s war against Hamas, the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Monday. That means minors make up about 43% of the total number of 28,176 Palestinians killed so far. About 8,400 women were also among those killed.

The ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians, provided the breakdown of minors and women at the request of The Associated Press. Israel claims to have killed thousands of Hamas fighters.

The plight of the hostages has profoundly shaken Israelis and the government has made freeing the dozens of remaining captives a top aim of its war, along with destroying Hamas' military and governing capabilities. But as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the fighting drags on</a>, now in its fifth month, their freedom remains elusive and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-1-19-2024-e5f45fb7b14d3dc8ff64b0aee4b473aa">rifts have emerged in Israel</a>&nbsp;over the best approach to end their ordeal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted persistent military pressure will bring about their freedom — a position he repeated on Monday — even as other top officials have opposed this, saying a deal is the only way to secure their release.

Israel has described Rafah as the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza and signaled that its ground offensive may soon target the densely populated city. On Sunday, the White House said President Joe Biden had warned Netanyahu that Israel should not conduct a military operation against Hamas in Rafah without a “credible and executable” plan to protect civilians.

The army identified the rescued hostages as Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70, abducted by Hamas militants from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak in the Oct. 7 cross-border attack that triggered the war. Netanyahu's office said they also hold Argentinian citizenship.

They were among roughly 250 taken captive during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Hamas' stunning cross-border raid</a>, when an estimated 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, according to Israeli authorities. In addition to the thousands killed, Israeli's retaliatory air and ground offensive has displaced over 80% of the population and set off a massive humanitarian crisis.

Over 100 hostages were freed during a weeklong cease-fire in November. Israel says about 100 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, and Hamas also holds the remains of roughly 30 others who were either killed on Oct. 7 or died in captivity. Three hostages were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-15-2023-072436cece0f2351fadfed892e985554">mistakenly killed by the army</a>&nbsp;after escaping their captors in December.

“Only the continuation of the military pressure, until total victory, will bring about the release of all of our captives,” Netanyahu said in a statement.

Israeli military spokesman Read Adm. Daniel Hagari said special forces broke into a second-floor apartment in Rafah under fire at 1:49 a.m. Monday, accompanied a minute later by airstrikes on surrounding areas. He said the hostages were being guarded by armed Hamas militants and that members of the rescue team shielded the hostages with their bodies as a heavy battle erupted in several places at once with Hamas gunmen.

The hostages were taken to a nearby “safe area,” given a quick medical check and airlifted to Sheba Medical Center in central Israel. Their medical condition was reported to be good. They are just the second and third&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-hostages-0c14750240138853a70e38b0c09ef157">hostages to be rescued safely</a>; a female soldier was rescued in November.

The rescue, which Hagari said was based on precise intelligence and planned for some time, is a morale booster for Israelis but a small step toward winning the release of the remaining hostages, who are believed to be spread out and hidden in tunnels, likely in poor condition.

Har and Marman were kidnapped from a home in southern Israel along with three other relatives who were freed in the late-November deal. No other family members of theirs remain in Gaza, Israeli media reported.

Har's son-in-law, Idan Begerano, who saw the released captives at the hospital, said the two men were thin and pale, but communicating well and aware of their surroundings. Begerano said Har told him immediately upon seeing him: “You have a birthday today, mazal tov."

The airstrikes that backed up the Israeli forces hit the jam-packed Rafah in the middle of the night and dozens of explosions could be heard around 2 a.m. Ashraf al-Qidra, spokesman for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry</a>&nbsp;in Hamas-run Gaza, said at least 67 people were killed in the strikes.

Al-Qidra said rescuers were still searching the rubble; an Associated Press journalist counted at least 50 bodies at the Abu Youssef al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah.

Footage circulating on social media from Rafah's Kuwaiti hospital showed dead or wounded children. The footage could not immediately be verified but was consistent with AP reporting.

The wounded were seen lying on the hospital floor as medics tried to treat them. One wounded man was on the ground with two bloodied children lying beside him. “Rescue the girl,” he screamed.

A young man was also seen carrying the body of an infant who he said was killed in the attacks. He said the girl, the daughter of his neighbor, was born and killed during the war.

“Let Netanyahu come and see: is this (infant) your bank of targets?" he said. "For what is she to blame?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707735845538.png" alt="Louis Har, 70 photo&nbsp; Hostage and Missing Families" />
 <figcaption>Louis Har, 70 photo&nbsp; Hostage and Missing Families</figcaption>
 </figure>RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli forces rescued two hostages early Monday, storming a heavily guarded apartment in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;and extracting the captives under fire in a dramatic raid that was a small but symbolically significant success for Israel. The men were identified as&nbsp;Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70.The operation killed at least 67 Palestinians, including women and children, according to Palestinian health officials in the beleaguered territory.To assist the rescue forces, heavy airstrikes pounded the area near the apartment in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rafah-gaza-evacuation-palestinians-attack-israel-hamas-90bf78cfca6550dc229e7192f6724dfc">Rafah, a city on the southern edge</a>&nbsp;of the Gaza Strip where 1.4 million Palestinians have fled to escape fighting elsewhere in the Israel-Hamas war.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707735819504.png" alt="Fernando Simon Marman, 60, photo Hostage and Missing Families" />
 <figcaption>Fernando Simon Marman, 60, photo Hostage and Missing Families</figcaption>
 </figure>The raid was celebrated in Israel as a victory in the sluggish battle to free the hostages, with more than 100 captives still held by Hamas and other Gaza militants, and briefly lifted the spirits of a nation still reeling from Hamas' cross-border raid last year.But in Gaza, where civilians have borne a staggering toll since the war erupted on Oct. 7, the operation unleashed another wartime tragedy, with many Palestinians killed or wounded.More than 12,300 Palestinian minors — children and young teens — have been killed in Israel’s war against Hamas, the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Monday. That means minors make up about 43% of the total number of 28,176 Palestinians killed so far. About 8,400 women were also among those killed.The ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians, provided the breakdown of minors and women at the request of The Associated Press. Israel claims to have killed thousands of Hamas fighters.The plight of the hostages has profoundly shaken Israelis and the government has made freeing the dozens of remaining captives a top aim of its war, along with destroying Hamas' military and governing capabilities. But as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the fighting drags on</a>, now in its fifth month, their freedom remains elusive and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-1-19-2024-e5f45fb7b14d3dc8ff64b0aee4b473aa">rifts have emerged in Israel</a>&nbsp;over the best approach to end their ordeal.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted persistent military pressure will bring about their freedom — a position he repeated on Monday — even as other top officials have opposed this, saying a deal is the only way to secure their release.Israel has described Rafah as the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza and signaled that its ground offensive may soon target the densely populated city. On Sunday, the White House said President Joe Biden had warned Netanyahu that Israel should not conduct a military operation against Hamas in Rafah without a “credible and executable” plan to protect civilians.The army identified the rescued hostages as Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70, abducted by Hamas militants from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak in the Oct. 7 cross-border attack that triggered the war. Netanyahu's office said they also hold Argentinian citizenship.They were among roughly 250 taken captive during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Hamas' stunning cross-border raid</a>, when an estimated 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, according to Israeli authorities. In addition to the thousands killed, Israeli's retaliatory air and ground offensive has displaced over 80% of the population and set off a massive humanitarian crisis.Over 100 hostages were freed during a weeklong cease-fire in November. Israel says about 100 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, and Hamas also holds the remains of roughly 30 others who were either killed on Oct. 7 or died in captivity. Three hostages were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-15-2023-072436cece0f2351fadfed892e985554">mistakenly killed by the army</a>&nbsp;after escaping their captors in December.“Only the continuation of the military pressure, until total victory, will bring about the release of all of our captives,” Netanyahu said in a statement.A DRAMATIC RAIDIsraeli military spokesman Read Adm. Daniel Hagari said special forces broke into a second-floor apartment in Rafah under fire at 1:49 a.m. Monday, accompanied a minute later by airstrikes on surrounding areas. He said the hostages were being guarded by armed Hamas militants and that members of the rescue team shielded the hostages with their bodies as a heavy battle erupted in several places at once with Hamas gunmen.The hostages were taken to a nearby “safe area,” given a quick medical check and airlifted to Sheba Medical Center in central Israel. Their medical condition was reported to be good. They are just the second and third&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-hostages-0c14750240138853a70e38b0c09ef157">hostages to be rescued safely</a>; a female soldier was rescued in November.The rescue, which Hagari said was based on precise intelligence and planned for some time, is a morale booster for Israelis but a small step toward winning the release of the remaining hostages, who are believed to be spread out and hidden in tunnels, likely in poor condition.Har and Marman were kidnapped from a home in southern Israel along with three other relatives who were freed in the late-November deal. No other family members of theirs remain in Gaza, Israeli media reported.Har's son-in-law, Idan Begerano, who saw the released captives at the hospital, said the two men were thin and pale, but communicating well and aware of their surroundings. Begerano said Har told him immediately upon seeing him: “You have a birthday today, mazal tov."DOZENS KILLED IN STRIKESThe airstrikes that backed up the Israeli forces hit the jam-packed Rafah in the middle of the night and dozens of explosions could be heard around 2 a.m. Ashraf al-Qidra, spokesman for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry</a>&nbsp;in Hamas-run Gaza, said at least 67 people were killed in the strikes.Al-Qidra said rescuers were still searching the rubble; an Associated Press journalist counted at least 50 bodies at the Abu Youssef al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah.Footage circulating on social media from Rafah's Kuwaiti hospital showed dead or wounded children. The footage could not immediately be verified but was consistent with AP reporting.The wounded were seen lying on the hospital floor as medics tried to treat them. One wounded man was on the ground with two bloodied children lying beside him. “Rescue the girl,” he screamed.A young man was also seen carrying the body of an infant who he said was killed in the attacks. He said the girl, the daughter of his neighbor, was born and killed during the war.“Let Netanyahu come and see: is this (infant) your bank of targets?" he said. "For what is she to blame?”

Israel: 2 hostages rescued in special operation, 128 days after capture

KANSAS CITY— Two Parsons, Kansas, men and two Springfield, Missouri men and  have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy after law enforcement officers seized 100 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a vehicle being transported from California, as well as several firearms found at a Springfield residence, according to the United State's Attorney.

Dontrell Anthony Powell, 34, and his brother, Dreshawn Powell, 26, both of Springfield, and Willie Murry, Jr., 41, and Mark Monta Logan, 33, both of Parsons, were charged in a seven-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, on Tuesday Feb. 6. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against the defendants on Jan. 19, 2024, and contains additional charges.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, the Oklahoma State Highway Patrol searched the vehicles on a car hauler at a truck stop in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Jan. 17, 2024. Officers found approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of fake pills believed to contain fentanyl hidden in a subwoofer speaker box in the cargo area of one of the cars, a Dodge Magnum. The driver of the car hauler, whom the affidavit says was not involved in the drug shipment, agreed to deliver the Dodge Magnum to its destination at a parking lot in Springfield.

Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a controlled delivery later the same day. Dontrell and Dreshawn Powell arrived together and Dontrell Powell met with the driver of the car hauler. Murry and Logan arrived together soon afterward. Dontrell Powell attempted to start the Dodge Magnum, but it would not start. Murray and Logan helped him jump start the vehicle, which he then drove out of the parking lot as the other defendants followed in their vehicles. Agents followed the three vehicles to Dontrell Powell’s residence, where they were arrested.

Agents searched the residence and found, in addition to the controlled delivery from the Dodge Magnum, an AM-15 pistol, .223 ammunition, several high-capacity magazines with ammunition, more than $100,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. Agents also found a loaded Glock pistol in one of the vehicles, eight cell phones, two shards of crystal methamphetamine inside two large subwoofer boxes in the garage, four more large subwoofer boxes, and drug paraphernalia.

The federal indictment alleges that Dontrell and Dreshawn Powell, Murry, and Logan participated in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 15 to Jan. 18, 2024. In addition to the conspiracy, all four defendants are charged together in one count of attempting to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

Dontrell Powell is also charged with one count of money laundering, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Powell allegedly possessed an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 multi-caliber semi-automatic pistol and a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on Jan. 18, 2024. Powell allegedly possessed another Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on June 12, 2022. Dontrell Powell has a prior felony conviction for possession of dangerous drugs for sale.

Murry and Logan are also charged together in one count of traveling across state lines from Kansas to Missouri with the intent to carry on or facilitate an unlawful activity (possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine).

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Oklahoma State Highway Patrol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707704062964.png" alt="Dontrell Powell photo Greene Co." />
 <figcaption>Dontrell Powell photo Greene Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— Two Parsons, Kansas, men and two Springfield, Missouri men and have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy after law enforcement officers seized 100 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a vehicle being transported from California, as well as several firearms found at a Springfield residence, according to the United State's Attorney.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707703988242.png" alt="Dreshawn Powell-photo Greene Co." />
 <figcaption>Dreshawn Powell-photo Greene Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Dontrell Anthony Powell, 34, and his brother, Dreshawn Powell, 26, both of Springfield, and Willie Murry, Jr., 41, and Mark Monta Logan, 33, both of Parsons, were charged in a seven-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, on Tuesday Feb. 6. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against the defendants on Jan. 19, 2024, and contains additional charges.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707703731016.png" alt="Logan-photo Greene Co." />
 <figcaption>Logan-photo Greene Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, the Oklahoma State Highway Patrol searched the vehicles on a car hauler at a truck stop in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Jan. 17, 2024. Officers found approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of fake pills believed to contain fentanyl hidden in a subwoofer speaker box in the cargo area of one of the cars, a Dodge Magnum. The driver of the car hauler, whom the affidavit says was not involved in the drug shipment, agreed to deliver the Dodge Magnum to its destination at a parking lot in Springfield.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707703900422.png" alt="Murray photo Greene Co." />
 <figcaption>Murray photo Greene Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a controlled delivery later the same day. Dontrell and Dreshawn Powell arrived together and Dontrell Powell met with the driver of the car hauler. Murry and Logan arrived together soon afterward. Dontrell Powell attempted to start the Dodge Magnum, but it would not start. Murray and Logan helped him jump start the vehicle, which he then drove out of the parking lot as the other defendants followed in their vehicles. Agents followed the three vehicles to Dontrell Powell’s residence, where they were arrested.Agents searched the residence and found, in addition to the controlled delivery from the Dodge Magnum, an AM-15 pistol, .223 ammunition, several high-capacity magazines with ammunition, more than $100,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. Agents also found a loaded Glock pistol in one of the vehicles, eight cell phones, two shards of crystal methamphetamine inside two large subwoofer boxes in the garage, four more large subwoofer boxes, and drug paraphernalia.The federal indictment alleges that Dontrell and Dreshawn Powell, Murry, and Logan participated in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 15 to Jan. 18, 2024. In addition to the conspiracy, all four defendants are charged together in one count of attempting to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.Dontrell Powell is also charged with one count of money laundering, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Powell allegedly possessed an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 multi-caliber semi-automatic pistol and a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on Jan. 18, 2024. Powell allegedly possessed another Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on June 12, 2022. Dontrell Powell has a prior felony conviction for possession of dangerous drugs for sale.Murry and Logan are also charged together in one count of traveling across state lines from Kansas to Missouri with the intent to carry on or facilitate an unlawful activity (possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine).The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Oklahoma State Highway Patrol.

2 Mo. men indicted: Officers seized 100 pounds of meth, illegal firearms

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-prostate-cancer-pentagon-return-work-857738bc68539c2825c6a4aed730dd2e">was hospitalized</a>&nbsp;again Sunday following symptoms pointing to an “emergent bladder issue,” the Pentagon said.

In a statement, the Pentagon said Austin was transported by his security detail to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center around 2:20 p.m.

While Austin initially was set to retain the "functions and duties of his office,” at about 5 p.m. Sunday he transferred those authorities to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. As of Sunday evening, he remained hospitalized, said Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was also notified, as well as the White House and Congress.

Ryder said Austin had traveled to the hospital with the unclassified and classified communications systems needed to perform his job.

Austin was scheduled to depart Tuesday for Brussels to hold a meeting of the Ukraine contact group, which he established in 2022 to coordinate military support for Kyiv after Russia's invasion. After that, Austin was scheduled to attend a regular meeting of NATO defense ministers. It was not immediately clear if this hospitalization would change those plans.

Austin was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-cancer-hospital-privacy-security-7f08cb56c35f349c0bdf35ede183c736">diagnosed with prostate cancer</a>&nbsp;in December and underwent a procedure called a prostatectomy to treat it on Dec. 22.

Over the next week, he developed complications and on Jan. 1, in extreme pain, he was taken to Walter Reed by ambulance where he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/defense-secretary-cancer-hospital-yemen-houthis-biden-cf48b9636829787cff96e3a86b97a131">admitted to the intensive care unit.</a>&nbsp;Austin remained at Walter Reed until Jan. 15. He then continued to recover and work from home, and he returned to the Pentagon Jan. 29.

His doctors have previously said his prognosis against the cancer is “excellent” and that no further treatments will be needed.

Austin has gone back to Walter Reed for follow-ups since his hospitalization but this is his first unscheduled trip due to continued complications from his cancer treatments.

Austin did not tell President Joe Biden, Congress or his deputy defense secretary of his cancer diagnosis or initial hospitalization for weeks.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-hospital-defense-secretary-biden-fe9060f1e277db706d3cee6cae1d2562">That secrecy</a>&nbsp;has become the subject of an inspector general&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-pentagon-cancer-secret-hospital-313255a7126a0482a67ec18b7474a8c1">investigation</a>&nbsp;and a Pentagon internal review. He has previously said he never instructed his staff to keep his hospitalization a secret.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized Sunday following symptoms pointing to an “emergent bladder issue,” the Pentagon said.

In a statement, the Pentagon said Austin was transported by his security detail to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center around 2:20 p.m. He “is retaining the functions and duties of his office,” according to Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, but added that the deputy defense secretary has been notified and is prepared to assume Austin's duties “if required.”

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was also notified, as well as the White House and some members of Congress.

Ryder said Austin traveled to the hospital with the unclassified and classified communications systems needed to perform his job.

Austin was scheduled to depart Tuesday for Brussels to hold a meeting of the Ukraine contact group, which he established in 2022 to coordinate military support for Kyiv after Russia's invasion. After that, Austin was scheduled to attend a regular meeting of NATO defense ministers. It was not immediately clear if his hospitalization would change those plans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706044056961.png" alt="File Secretary Austin in Jan. 24, in his first public appearance since his secret hospitalization -Dept. of Defense" />
 <figcaption>File Secretary Austin in Jan. 24, in his first public appearance since his secret hospitalization -Dept. of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-prostate-cancer-pentagon-return-work-857738bc68539c2825c6a4aed730dd2e">was hospitalized</a>&nbsp;again Sunday following symptoms pointing to an “emergent bladder issue,” the Pentagon said.In a statement, the Pentagon said Austin was transported by his security detail to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center around 2:20 p.m.While Austin initially was set to retain the "functions and duties of his office,” at about 5 p.m. Sunday he transferred those authorities to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. As of Sunday evening, he remained hospitalized, said Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was also notified, as well as the White House and Congress.Ryder said Austin had traveled to the hospital with the unclassified and classified communications systems needed to perform his job.Austin was scheduled to depart Tuesday for Brussels to hold a meeting of the Ukraine contact group, which he established in 2022 to coordinate military support for Kyiv after Russia's invasion. After that, Austin was scheduled to attend a regular meeting of NATO defense ministers. It was not immediately clear if this hospitalization would change those plans.Austin was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-cancer-hospital-privacy-security-7f08cb56c35f349c0bdf35ede183c736">diagnosed with prostate cancer</a>&nbsp;in December and underwent a procedure called a prostatectomy to treat it on Dec. 22.Over the next week, he developed complications and on Jan. 1, in extreme pain, he was taken to Walter Reed by ambulance where he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/defense-secretary-cancer-hospital-yemen-houthis-biden-cf48b9636829787cff96e3a86b97a131">admitted to the intensive care unit.</a>&nbsp;Austin remained at Walter Reed until Jan. 15. He then continued to recover and work from home, and he returned to the Pentagon Jan. 29.His doctors have previously said his prognosis against the cancer is “excellent” and that no further treatments will be needed.Austin has gone back to Walter Reed for follow-ups since his hospitalization but this is his first unscheduled trip due to continued complications from his cancer treatments.Austin did not tell President Joe Biden, Congress or his deputy defense secretary of his cancer diagnosis or initial hospitalization for weeks.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-hospital-defense-secretary-biden-fe9060f1e277db706d3cee6cae1d2562">That secrecy</a>&nbsp;has become the subject of an inspector general&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-pentagon-cancer-secret-hospital-313255a7126a0482a67ec18b7474a8c1">investigation</a>&nbsp;and a Pentagon internal review. He has previously said he never instructed his staff to keep his hospitalization a secret.-----------WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized Sunday following symptoms pointing to an “emergent bladder issue,” the Pentagon said.In a statement, the Pentagon said Austin was transported by his security detail to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center around 2:20 p.m. He “is retaining the functions and duties of his office,” according to Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, but added that the deputy defense secretary has been notified and is prepared to assume Austin's duties “if required.”The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was also notified, as well as the White House and some members of Congress.Ryder said Austin traveled to the hospital with the unclassified and classified communications systems needed to perform his job.Austin was scheduled to depart Tuesday for Brussels to hold a meeting of the Ukraine contact group, which he established in 2022 to coordinate military support for Kyiv after Russia's invasion. After that, Austin was scheduled to attend a regular meeting of NATO defense ministers. It was not immediately clear if his hospitalization would change those plans.

Defense chief back in hospital, now transfers powers to deputy

JEFFERSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on alleged child sex crimes.

On February 8, deputies booked 49-year-old Eric Jones into the Jefferson County jail on requested charges of rape and indecent liberties with a child, according to online jail records. He is being held on a bond of $750,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707486702881.png" alt="Jones-photo Jefferson Co." />
 <figcaption>Jones-photo Jefferson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on alleged child sex crimes.On February 8, deputies booked 49-year-old Eric Jones into the Jefferson County jail on requested charges of rape and indecent liberties with a child, according to online jail records. He is being held on a bond of $750,000.

Kan. man accused of violent sex crimes with a child

Legislation places attorney general in charge of enforcement; legal challenges likely

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

TOPEKA — Katie Scarlett Calcutt was browsing a website at the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library with her 9-year-old son when an advertisement for Britney Spears’ memoir appeared on the computer screen with an image of the topless entertainer using hands and arms to conceal a portion of her body.

Calcutt said she was offended by casual availability on an internet website of what she considered pornographic images harmful to minors.

“I thought I was safe showing a public library website to my son,” she said. “He was visibly disturbed. I felt violated. If this misjudgment occurred on a public library website, I am scared to imagine how the savvy entertainment industry, and worse, the extremely profitable and inhumanly exploitive porn industry, can find their way to the attention of my relatively sheltered son.”

She said in testimony to the Kansas Legislature that lawmakers should create in law a financial disincentive for businesses to capitalize on vulnerability of children.

Bills pending in the House and Senate would allow parents or guardians of anyone under 18 gaining access to online pornography to file lawsuits and seek damages of $50,000 or more against companies that failed to screen minors with commercial identity verification software. The proposed age-verification requirements would apply to consumers in Kansas accessing content offered globally.

The mandates in Senate Bill 394 introduced by Salina Sen. J.R. Claeys and House Bill 2592 sponsored by Wichita Rep. Patrick Penn would apply to websites in which at least one-fourth of the site’s viewed pages in any month contained descriptions, exhibitions or representations of nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement or sadomasochistic abuse.

The legislation would authorize Attorney General Kris Kobach to investigate reports of noncompliance and seek injunctions and civil penalties against alleged violators ranging from $500 to $10,000 for each underage visit to a pornographic site. A minor who eluded age verification software to access pornography wouldn’t be fined or otherwise held accountable under the legislation, nor would an internet service provider be subjected to penalty when a minor consumed online pornography.

The attorney general’s office requested at least $210,000 annually to administer the proposed law, but said there was no way to anticipate the cost of defending the state against likely legal challenges.

Carl Czabo, general counsel to the trade association NetChoice, said enactment of the legislation in Kansas would invite constitutional challenges for violation of the First Amendment. Adoption of the legislation could weaken parental oversight of children and undermine technological innovation useful to keeping kids safe online, he said.

“The bill represents a major government incursion into the traditional role that the family has played in Kansas and American history,” Czabo said. “Parents are the best stewards of their own children. Not the state.”

Ruthie Barko, executive director of Colorado and central United States for TechNet, said the bipartisan network of technology CEOs and senior executives recommended the Kansas bill be amended to model the framework adopted in 2022 by Louisiana. The legislation before Kansas lawmakers, Barko said, was overly broad and capable of snaring private companies that didn’t publish or distribute harmful content to minors.

“Our members are committed to online safety and work very hard to give users the tools to create the online experience that fits their needs,” Barko said. “An educated consumer armed with technology is always the best protection against unwanted online interactions.”

Chuck Weber, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference, endorsed the legislation and argued consumption of nudity or sexual content, particularly by children, was unhealthy. The state government should take a stand against the pornography industry for addicting youth to smut, he said.

“It’s addictive, it’s destructive and it’s just one click away from our kids on their phones,” he said. “While parents are the first and best defenders of their children, society also has an obligation to protect the family, what we often call the ‘domestic church.'”

Iain Corby, executive director the Age Verification Providers Association, said in testimony streamed from London that the association supported the effort in Kansas to intervene. He said the proposed Kansas law would survive constitutional challenge and adult consumers of online pornography would remain free to conveniently access that material without unreasonable cost.

He recommended the legislation be amended to give state regulators authority to block essential business services, including advertising, payment and hosting, from noncompliant companies. Some of the world’s largest pornography websites were based in Europe and could be beyond the reach of a Kansas court injunction or financial judgment.

Brittany Jones, an attorney with the advocacy organization Kansas Family Voice, said pornography should be kept from children because research showed it altered human brains in ways comparable to changes produced by addiction to cocaine, alcohol and methamphetamines.

She said children had no constitutional right to view pornography and eight states had adopted laws comparable to what was proposed for Kansas.

“As the internet has grown, so has access to material that is harmful to children,” she told legislators. “Even the most dedicated parents struggle to protect their children from this predatory industry. That is why it is vital that this body take action and protect our children online.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707515009355.png" alt=" Brittany Jones, an attorney with Kansas Family Voice, urged the Kansas Legislature to create a new section of state law allowing the attorney general and private individuals to seek financial penalties against companies failing to use age-verification software to block minors from looking at internet pornography. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption> Brittany Jones, an attorney with Kansas Family Voice, urged the Kansas Legislature to create a new section of state law allowing the attorney general and private individuals to seek financial penalties against companies failing to use age-verification software to block minors from looking at internet pornography. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Legislation places attorney general in charge of enforcement; legal challenges likely</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Katie Scarlett Calcutt was browsing a website at the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library with her 9-year-old son when an advertisement for Britney Spears’ memoir appeared on the computer screen with an image of the topless entertainer using hands and arms to conceal a portion of her body.Calcutt said she was offended by casual availability on an internet website of what she considered pornographic images harmful to minors.“I thought I was safe showing a public library website to my son,” she said. “He was visibly disturbed. I felt violated. If this misjudgment occurred on a public library website, I am scared to imagine how the savvy entertainment industry, and worse, the extremely profitable and inhumanly exploitive porn industry, can find their way to the attention of my relatively sheltered son.”She said in testimony to the Kansas Legislature that lawmakers should create in law a financial disincentive for businesses to capitalize on vulnerability of children.Bills pending in the House and Senate would allow parents or guardians of anyone under 18 gaining access to online pornography to file lawsuits and seek damages of $50,000 or more against companies that failed to screen minors with commercial identity verification software. The proposed age-verification requirements would apply to consumers in Kansas accessing content offered globally.The mandates in Senate Bill 394 introduced by Salina Sen. J.R. Claeys and House Bill 2592 sponsored by Wichita Rep. Patrick Penn would apply to websites in which at least one-fourth of the site’s viewed pages in any month contained descriptions, exhibitions or representations of nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement or sadomasochistic abuse.The legislation would authorize Attorney General Kris Kobach to investigate reports of noncompliance and seek injunctions and civil penalties against alleged violators ranging from $500 to $10,000 for each underage visit to a pornographic site. A minor who eluded age verification software to access pornography wouldn’t be fined or otherwise held accountable under the legislation, nor would an internet service provider be subjected to penalty when a minor consumed online pornography.The attorney general’s office requested at least $210,000 annually to administer the proposed law, but said there was no way to anticipate the cost of defending the state against likely legal challenges.<h2>Industry perspective</h2>Carl Czabo, general counsel to the trade association NetChoice, said enactment of the legislation in Kansas would invite constitutional challenges for violation of the First Amendment. Adoption of the legislation could weaken parental oversight of children and undermine technological innovation useful to keeping kids safe online, he said.“The bill represents a major government incursion into the traditional role that the family has played in Kansas and American history,” Czabo said. “Parents are the best stewards of their own children. Not the state.”Ruthie Barko, executive director of Colorado and central United States for TechNet, said the bipartisan network of technology CEOs and senior executives recommended the Kansas bill be amended to model the framework adopted in 2022 by Louisiana. The legislation before Kansas lawmakers, Barko said, was overly broad and capable of snaring private companies that didn’t publish or distribute harmful content to minors.“Our members are committed to online safety and work very hard to give users the tools to create the online experience that fits their needs,” Barko said. “An educated consumer armed with technology is always the best protection against unwanted online interactions.”<h2>Regulation justified</h2>Chuck Weber, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference, endorsed the legislation and argued consumption of nudity or sexual content, particularly by children, was unhealthy. The state government should take a stand against the pornography industry for addicting youth to smut, he said.“It’s addictive, it’s destructive and it’s just one click away from our kids on their phones,” he said. “While parents are the first and best defenders of their children, society also has an obligation to protect the family, what we often call the ‘domestic church.'”Iain Corby, executive director the Age Verification Providers Association, said in testimony streamed from London that the association supported the effort in Kansas to intervene. He said the proposed Kansas law would survive constitutional challenge and adult consumers of online pornography would remain free to conveniently access that material without unreasonable cost.He recommended the legislation be amended to give state regulators authority to block essential business services, including advertising, payment and hosting, from noncompliant companies. Some of the world’s largest pornography websites were based in Europe and could be beyond the reach of a Kansas court injunction or financial judgment.Brittany Jones, an attorney with the advocacy organization Kansas Family Voice, said pornography should be kept from children because research showed it altered human brains in ways comparable to changes produced by addiction to cocaine, alcohol and methamphetamines.She said children had no constitutional right to view pornography and eight states had adopted laws comparable to what was proposed for Kansas.“As the internet has grown, so has access to material that is harmful to children,” she told legislators. “Even the most dedicated parents struggle to protect their children from this predatory industry. That is why it is vital that this body take action and protect our children online.”

Kan. bills set penalties for businesses enabling minors to view internet porn

NEW YORK (AP) —ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery announced plans to launch a sports streaming platform in the fall that will include offerings from at least 15 networks and all four major professional sports leagues.

A one-stop app to view most sports should be a welcome sight for fans, who continue to navigate rising costs by subscribing to multiple services.

Kevin Krim, the president and CEO of the ad measurement firm EDO, compared the three companies teaming up for sports like what some networks did when Hulu started in 2008.

“My sense is knowing the cast of characters, they’re looking at the original Hulu concept and thinking, ‘Well, that worked out really well for us.’ So let’s do that again. But for live sports streaming,” he said.

The three companies will each share one-third ownership in the joint venture. A name for the service and pricing will be announced at a later date.

“This new sports service exemplifies our ability as an industry to drive innovation and provide consumers with more choice, enjoyment and value and we’re thrilled to deliver it to sports fans,” Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said in a statement.

The platform will include games from the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, WNBA, NASCAR and college sports, including the men's and women's NCAA Tournament, as well as golf, tennis and the FIFA World Cup.

It will include offerings from 15 linear networks — ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNEWS, ABC, FOX, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network, TNT, TBS, truTV — and ESPN+.

Subscribers would also have the ability to bundle the product with Disney+, Hulu and/or Max.

“We believe the service will provide passionate fans outside of the traditional bundle an array of amazing sports content all in one place,” Fox CEO and Executive Chair Lachlan Murdoch said in a statement.

The announcement of the bundle also comes as ESPN and Warner Bros. Discovery are preparing to enter negotiations to renew their NBA rights, which expire at the end of next season.

“To me, the thing that’s triggering all this is the NBA. We see time and again that the NBA is the second-best franchise on TV behind the NFL,” Krim said. “You're sort of staring at that renegotiation and new bids coming in that could include Google, Amazon, Netflix, Apple and others. It's a good way to team up and stay competitive.”

ESPN has also been searching for strategic partners as it prepares to launch a direct-to-consumer product in the next year or two.

“The launch of this new streaming sports service is a significant moment for Disney and ESPN, a major win for sports fans, and an important step forward for the media business,” Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger said in a statement. “This means the full suite of ESPN channels will be available to consumers alongside the sports programming of other industry leaders as part of a differentiated sports-centric service.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707269109586.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery announced plans to launch a sports streaming platform in the fall that will include offerings from at least 15 networks and all four major professional sports leagues.A one-stop app to view most sports should be a welcome sight for fans, who continue to navigate rising costs by subscribing to multiple services.Kevin Krim, the president and CEO of the ad measurement firm EDO, compared the three companies teaming up for sports like what some networks did when Hulu started in 2008.“My sense is knowing the cast of characters, they’re looking at the original Hulu concept and thinking, ‘Well, that worked out really well for us.’ So let’s do that again. But for live sports streaming,” he said.The three companies will each share one-third ownership in the joint venture. A name for the service and pricing will be announced at a later date.“This new sports service exemplifies our ability as an industry to drive innovation and provide consumers with more choice, enjoyment and value and we’re thrilled to deliver it to sports fans,” Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said in a statement.The platform will include games from the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, WNBA, NASCAR and college sports, including the men's and women's NCAA Tournament, as well as golf, tennis and the FIFA World Cup.It will include offerings from 15 linear networks — ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNEWS, ABC, FOX, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network, TNT, TBS, truTV — and ESPN+.Subscribers would also have the ability to bundle the product with Disney+, Hulu and/or Max.“We believe the service will provide passionate fans outside of the traditional bundle an array of amazing sports content all in one place,” Fox CEO and Executive Chair Lachlan Murdoch said in a statement.The announcement of the bundle also comes as ESPN and Warner Bros. Discovery are preparing to enter negotiations to renew their NBA rights, which expire at the end of next season.“To me, the thing that’s triggering all this is the NBA. We see time and again that the NBA is the second-best franchise on TV behind the NFL,” Krim said. “You're sort of staring at that renegotiation and new bids coming in that could include Google, Amazon, Netflix, Apple and others. It's a good way to team up and stay competitive.”ESPN has also been searching for strategic partners as it prepares to launch a direct-to-consumer product in the next year or two.“The launch of this new streaming sports service is a significant moment for Disney and ESPN, a major win for sports fans, and an important step forward for the media business,” Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger said in a statement. “This means the full suite of ESPN channels will be available to consumers alongside the sports programming of other industry leaders as part of a differentiated sports-centric service.”

ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. new streaming service could change TV forever

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A jury this week convicted a man on parole for murder in the 2019 Christmas Eve murder of his girlfriend.

On Tuesday 43-year-old Ahmad Bey was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of 41-year-old Melinda Sprague, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's offie.

Just after 2p.m. on Christmas Eve in 2019, a co-worker of&nbsp; Sprague contacted police about her not showing up for work, according to Wichita Police Captain Brett Allred. Police made a missing person report.

During the investigation, police located Sprague's missing 2017 Ford Focus behind a business in the 1500 Block of East Harry in Wichita, according to Allred.&nbsp; They also located her body inside the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police developed information that led to Bey's arrest on a requested charge of first-degree murder and a Kansas Department of Corrections warrant.&nbsp; At the time, police also arrested 34-year-old Vanessa&nbsp; Waner on a requested charge of first-degree murder, according to Allred.

Police investigators learned that Sprague and Bey were in a dating relationship, according to Allred.   Bey and Waner lived together. Charges against Waner were later dismissed. 

At the time of the Sprague's murder, Bey was on parole for 2nd degree intentional murder in Crawford County in 1999.&nbsp; He is set to be sentenced on March 22.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She was reported missing on December 24, 2019 after she didn't show up for work. Her body was found in her two days later in the 1500 block of East Harry. Bey and a second suspect were booked into jail on December 27.&nbsp;

Police said Bey and Sprague had been in a relationship. A charge of interference with law enforcement against the second suspect was dismissed in February 2020, records show.

Bey is set to be sentenced on March 22. He faces jury trial in April on two counts of violating the Kansas offender registration act. At the time of Sprague's death, Bey was on parole for a second-degree murder conviction in Crawford County. He was paroled in that case on July 1, 2019.

Online jail records show Bey was also charged with trafficking contraband into a correctional facility in August 2021. A hearing in that case is also scheduled for March 22.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577465236625.png" alt="Bey-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Bey-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A jury this week convicted a man on parole for murder in the 2019 Christmas Eve murder of his girlfriend.On Tuesday 43-year-old Ahmad Bey was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of 41-year-old Melinda Sprague, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's offie.Just after 2p.m. on Christmas Eve in 2019, a co-worker of&nbsp; Sprague contacted police about her not showing up for work, according to Wichita Police Captain Brett Allred. Police made a missing person report.During the investigation, police located Sprague's missing 2017 Ford Focus behind a business in the 1500 Block of East Harry in Wichita, according to Allred.&nbsp; They also located her body inside the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene.Police developed information that led to Bey's arrest on a requested charge of first-degree murder and a Kansas Department of Corrections warrant.&nbsp; At the time, police also arrested 34-year-old Vanessa&nbsp; Waner on a requested charge of first-degree murder, according to Allred.Police investigators learned that Sprague and Bey were in a dating relationship, according to Allred. Bey and Waner lived together. Charges against Waner were later dismissed. At the time of the Sprague's murder, Bey was on parole for 2nd degree intentional murder in Crawford County in 1999.&nbsp; He is set to be sentenced on March 22.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was reported missing on December 24, 2019 after she didn't show up for work. Her body was found in her two days later in the 1500 block of East Harry. Bey and a second suspect were booked into jail on December 27.&nbsp;Police said Bey and Sprague had been in a relationship. A charge of interference with law enforcement against the second suspect was dismissed in February 2020, records show.Bey is set to be sentenced on March 22. He faces jury trial in April on two counts of violating the Kansas offender registration act. At the time of Sprague's death, Bey was on parole for a second-degree murder conviction in Crawford County. He was paroled in that case on July 1, 2019.Online jail records show Bey was also charged with trafficking contraband into a correctional facility in August 2021. A hearing in that case is also scheduled for March 22.

Kan. man on parole for murder killed his girlfriend on Christmas Eve

KANSAS CITY —A  7-year-old girl injured in a crash on February 5 died of her injuries. Friends of the family are working to assist the family.

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/brittany-and-tiler?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=copy_link_all&amp;utm_source=customer">Click here to view </a>the online fundrailer

Just before 5p.m. February 5, a Chevrolet Suburban was eastbound on 23rd Street Trafficway at Stark Avenue, according to KC Police Captain Jake Becchina.

The SUV traveled&nbsp; off the road to the right onto the soft dirt shoulder. The driver overcorrected, causing the SUV to go into a broad slide. It slid across the center median where it was struck on the passenger side by a westbound Ford F150.

EMS transported both drivers and a juvenile passenger of the Suburban&nbsp; to local hospitals. The girl was transported in critical condition and she died Thursday, according to Becchina.&nbsp; Police have not released names of the those involved as the investigation continues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707477651716.png" alt="Photo GoFundMe&nbsp;Tiler Dildine" />
 <figcaption>Photo GoFundMe&nbsp;Tiler Dildine</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A 7-year-old girl injured in a crash on February 5 died of her injuries. Friends of the family are working to assist the family.<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/brittany-and-tiler?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=copy_link_all&amp;utm_source=customer">Click here to view </a>the online fundrailerJust before 5p.m. February 5, a Chevrolet Suburban was eastbound on 23rd Street Trafficway at Stark Avenue, according to KC Police Captain Jake Becchina.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707424975795.png" alt="Scene of the deadly crash photo courtesy Fox4Kansas CIty" />
 <figcaption>Scene of the deadly crash photo courtesy Fox4Kansas CIty</figcaption>
 </figure>The SUV traveled&nbsp; off the road to the right onto the soft dirt shoulder. The driver overcorrected, causing the SUV to go into a broad slide. It slid across the center median where it was struck on the passenger side by a westbound Ford F150.EMS transported both drivers and a juvenile passenger of the Suburban&nbsp; to local hospitals. The girl was transported in critical condition and she died Thursday, according to Becchina.&nbsp; Police have not released names of the those involved as the investigation continues.

Friends helping family of 7-year-old who died in Kansas City crash

By DYLAN LYSEN&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-02-23/kansas-lawmakers-vote-to-restrict-transgender-athletes-and-doctors-treating-gender-identity">Kansas News Service</a>

Excitement around Taylor Swift’s connection to the Chiefs is adding to what is already the biggest sports betting day of the year. But the state of Kansas, where sports gambling is legal, might end up with little tax revenue.

The Kansas City Chiefs are playing in the Super Bowl, and extra excitement surrounding Taylor Swift has Kansas sports bettors again wagering millions of dollars on their local team to win.

But all that excitement and gambling may not translate to big tax collections for the state of Kansas.

So many bets placed in Kansas are for the Chiefs that it could mean the casinos in the state will have to pay out a lot of cash if the local team wins its third Super Bowl in five years. That also means the Kansas Lottery would collect its share of gambling tax revenue from a much smaller pie.

The Super Bowl is already the biggest sports gambling day of the year. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americangaming.org/new/record-68-million-americans-to-wager-23-1b-on-super-bowl-lviii/" target="_blank">American Gaming Association predicts</a>&nbsp;68 million Americans will place bets on the game this year, totaling an estimated $23.1 billion of wagers. That’s a 35% increase from last year.

Additionally, Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeing a significant number of Missouri bettors crossing state lines to place legal wagers because the Show-Me State has not legalized sports gambling.

Tanner Rome, the sportsbook manager for Hollywood Casino, said celebrity culture is also driving bets. That’s because of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce’s high-profile relationship&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2023-12-09/taylor-swift-kansas-city-chiefs-travis-kelce-guide-things-to-do" target="_blank">with pop star Taylor Swift</a>.

While the casino’s customer base is mostly men, Rome said more women are getting in on the action — often placing bets on Kelce to score a touchdown.

“Now some of the girlfriends are coming up and betting on Kelce,” Rome said, “with all the Taylor Swift stuff going on.”

Swift may even attend the game, and some online casinos are trying to capitalize on the hype around the pop music superstar.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2024-02-05/how-often-will-taylor-swift-be-shown-during-the-super-bowl-now-you-can-bet-on-it" target="_blank">NPR reports</a>&nbsp;that BetOnline is offering many bets specifically related to Swift, such as a bet on whether she will be seen eating a hotdog.

Those strange bets — like how long it takes to sing the national anthem and which team wins the coin toss — are a Super Bowl tradition, but not in Kansas. Rome said state law actually prohibits those kinds of bets.

“If it doesn’t involve the game,” Rome said, “Kansas won’t allow bets on it.”

Meanwhile, the betting excitement won’t translate to big tax revenue collections if the Chiefs win. With so many bettors picking the chiefs to win, the casinos could end up paying out a large amount of cash. That will reduce the amount of money the casino see in profit.

Under the law, Kansas takes just 10% of the sports betting revenue. That’s much smaller than the 27% the state collects off of traditional gambling, like blackjack and slot machines.

The smaller portion on sports betting was a concern for some lawmakers. Republican Rep. Paul Waggoner opposed the bill that legalized sports betting in the state and called that arrangement a “bad deal” for Kansas.

Last year, the state saw $194 million in bets&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslottery.com/media/3855/sports-wagering-monthly-revenue-2023-02.p" target="_blank">in February</a>&nbsp;during the Super Bowl. The state earned just over $1,100 off the betting activity — a minuscule amount compared to the state’s $9 billion general fund budget.

Compare that to the rest of the year — the state earns an average of $1 million a month in gambling taxes — and it's easy to see that the Chiefs victory crashed the state’s expected gambling revenue last year. That could again happen this year.

But a Chiefs loss in the Super Bowl could reverse that trend. Cory Thone, a spokesperson for the Kansas Lottery, said the agency would have seen a pretty large spike in revenue if the Chiefs lost last year’s Super Bowl.

“However, we all agreed that it was well worth it for the win,” Thone said in an email. “Go Chiefs!”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707620687273.png" alt="Kansas City Chiefs and Taylor Swift fans are betting millions of dollars on the Super Bowl. If the Chiefs win, Kansas will likely receive much less tax revenue than it usually does from gambling." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs and Taylor Swift fans are betting millions of dollars on the Super Bowl. If the Chiefs win, Kansas will likely receive much less tax revenue than it usually does from gambling.</figcaption>
 </figure>By DYLAN LYSEN&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-02-23/kansas-lawmakers-vote-to-restrict-transgender-athletes-and-doctors-treating-gender-identity">Kansas News Service</a><h2>Excitement around Taylor Swift’s connection to the Chiefs is adding to what is already the biggest sports betting day of the year. But the state of Kansas, where sports gambling is legal, might end up with little tax revenue.</h2>The Kansas City Chiefs are playing in the Super Bowl, and extra excitement surrounding Taylor Swift has Kansas sports bettors again wagering millions of dollars on their local team to win.But all that excitement and gambling may not translate to big tax collections for the state of Kansas.So many bets placed in Kansas are for the Chiefs that it could mean the casinos in the state will have to pay out a lot of cash if the local team wins its third Super Bowl in five years. That also means the Kansas Lottery would collect its share of gambling tax revenue from a much smaller pie.The Super Bowl is already the biggest sports gambling day of the year. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americangaming.org/new/record-68-million-americans-to-wager-23-1b-on-super-bowl-lviii/" target="_blank">American Gaming Association predicts</a>&nbsp;68 million Americans will place bets on the game this year, totaling an estimated $23.1 billion of wagers. That’s a 35% increase from last year.Additionally, Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeing a significant number of Missouri bettors crossing state lines to place legal wagers because the Show-Me State has not legalized sports gambling.Tanner Rome, the sportsbook manager for Hollywood Casino, said celebrity culture is also driving bets. That’s because of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce’s high-profile relationship&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2023-12-09/taylor-swift-kansas-city-chiefs-travis-kelce-guide-things-to-do" target="_blank">with pop star Taylor Swift</a>.While the casino’s customer base is mostly men, Rome said more women are getting in on the action — often placing bets on Kelce to score a touchdown.“Now some of the girlfriends are coming up and betting on Kelce,” Rome said, “with all the Taylor Swift stuff going on.”Swift may even attend the game, and some online casinos are trying to capitalize on the hype around the pop music superstar.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2024-02-05/how-often-will-taylor-swift-be-shown-during-the-super-bowl-now-you-can-bet-on-it" target="_blank">NPR reports</a>&nbsp;that BetOnline is offering many bets specifically related to Swift, such as a bet on whether she will be seen eating a hotdog.Those strange bets — like how long it takes to sing the national anthem and which team wins the coin toss — are a Super Bowl tradition, but not in Kansas. Rome said state law actually prohibits those kinds of bets.“If it doesn’t involve the game,” Rome said, “Kansas won’t allow bets on it.”Meanwhile, the betting excitement won’t translate to big tax revenue collections if the Chiefs win. With so many bettors picking the chiefs to win, the casinos could end up paying out a large amount of cash. That will reduce the amount of money the casino see in profit.Under the law, Kansas takes just 10% of the sports betting revenue. That’s much smaller than the 27% the state collects off of traditional gambling, like blackjack and slot machines.The smaller portion on sports betting was a concern for some lawmakers. Republican Rep. Paul Waggoner opposed the bill that legalized sports betting in the state and called that arrangement a “bad deal” for Kansas.Last year, the state saw $194 million in bets&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslottery.com/media/3855/sports-wagering-monthly-revenue-2023-02.p" target="_blank">in February</a>&nbsp;during the Super Bowl. The state earned just over $1,100 off the betting activity — a minuscule amount compared to the state’s $9 billion general fund budget.Compare that to the rest of the year — the state earns an average of $1 million a month in gambling taxes — and it's easy to see that the Chiefs victory crashed the state’s expected gambling revenue last year. That could again happen this year.But a Chiefs loss in the Super Bowl could reverse that trend. Cory Thone, a spokesperson for the Kansas Lottery, said the agency would have seen a pretty large spike in revenue if the Chiefs lost last year’s Super Bowl.“However, we all agreed that it was well worth it for the win,” Thone said in an email. “Go Chiefs!”

Taylor Swift fans are betting on Chiefs to win the Super Bowl. Kansas may not cash in

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that left two dead.

Just after 3:30pm Friday, police were dispatched to a shooting the 1300 Block of N. Lynn Street in the city of Independence, according to a media release. 

Several callers to 911 advising they were hearing gunshots in the area. First responders located two gunshot victims at a residence, who were determined to be deceased. 

 An area check for the suspect commenced and area schools were placed on lockdown as precaution.  The person believed to be the suspect, who was also shot, was later taken into custody in the area.&nbsp; Police are not looking for any additional individuals.  This case remains under investigation as Detectives work to determine the circumstances around the shooting. Police have not released names of the victim or suspect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707654409898.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that left two dead.Just after 3:30pm Friday, police were dispatched to a shooting the 1300 Block of N. Lynn Street in the city of Independence, according to a media release. Several callers to 911 advising they were hearing gunshots in the area. First responders located two gunshot victims at a residence, who were determined to be deceased. An area check for the suspect commenced and area schools were placed on lockdown as precaution. The person believed to be the suspect, who was also shot, was later taken into custody in the area.&nbsp; Police are not looking for any additional individuals. This case remains under investigation as Detectives work to determine the circumstances around the shooting. Police have not released names of the victim or suspect.

Suspect captured after double-homicide near KC-area school

JERUSALEM (AP) — The U.S. Central Command announced Saturday that the U.S. military conducted self-defense strikes against two mobile unmanned surface vessels, four anti-ship cruise missiles, and one mobile land attack cruise missile that were prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea from Yemen.

The military said the missiles and an unmanned vessel in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region.

Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea over Israel’s offensive in Gaza, imperiling a key route for trade between Asia, the Mideast and Europe. However, many of the vessels attacked have tenuous or no clear links to Israel.

The Houthis’ media office said the U.S.-led coalition launched three airstrikes on Salif district in the Red Sea province of Hodeida on Saturday.

In response, the U.S. and Britain launched several airstrikes on Houthi-held areas across Yemen, including the rebel-held capital of Sanaa.

The Houthis held a mass funeral in Sanaa Saturday for 17 of their fighters who they said were killed in strikes by the U.S.-led coalition, according to the Houthi-run SABA news agency.

The report didn’t say when and where the fighters were killed.

In Syria, Israeli airstrikes hit several sites on the outskirts of the capital, Damascus, the Syrian military said Saturday.

The strikes came from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Syrian state news agency SANA reported, citing an unnamed military official. It added that air defenses shot down some and those that landed resulted in “some material losses.”

Britain-based war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said one of the strikes hit a residential building west of the capital. It reported three unidentified people were killed. Earlier it said casualties could be “figures of non-Syrian nationalities.” The observatory said Saturday's assault was the 10th apparent Israeli strike on Syrian territory since the beginning of the year.

There was no immediate comment from Israel.

Presumed Israeli strikes in Syria in the past have killed high-ranking figures with Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and allied groups. In December, a strike on a Damascus neighborhood&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-israel-iran-irgc-damascus-airstrike-7ee8496d727ba69834002f0444515a36">killed a high-ranking Iranian general</a>, Seyed Razi Mousavi, a longtime adviser to the Revolutionary Guard in Syria.

Tensions have also flared elsewhere in the region. A U.S. airstrike in Baghdad Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-kataib-hezbollah-drone-strike-bddd82ed18dd94f53e81cbc71d25049a">killed a commander</a>&nbsp;of Kataib Hezbollah, one of the most powerful armed groups in Iraq, as part of Washington's retaliation for the killing of three U.S. troops in Jordan last month.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias that has launched numerous attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, issued a call Friday for fighters to join its ranks to drive “occupying forces” out of the country.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has conducted about 170 attacks on bases with U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria over the last four months, saying they were due to Washington’s support of Israel in its war in Gaza and that it aims to expel U.S. forces from the region.

Iraqi and U.S. officials launched formal talks last month to wind down the presence of U.S.-led coalition forces in Iraq, but the talks were paused following the strike in Jordan attributed to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. Officials from both countries announced Thursday that the talks will resume, with the next meeting set for Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705969629635.png" alt="File photo from U.S. strikes earlier this month-U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File photo from U.S. strikes earlier this month-U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM (AP) — The U.S. Central Command announced Saturday that the U.S. military conducted self-defense strikes against two mobile unmanned surface vessels, four anti-ship cruise missiles, and one mobile land attack cruise missile that were prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea from Yemen.The military said the missiles and an unmanned vessel in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region.Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea over Israel’s offensive in Gaza, imperiling a key route for trade between Asia, the Mideast and Europe. However, many of the vessels attacked have tenuous or no clear links to Israel.The Houthis’ media office said the U.S.-led coalition launched three airstrikes on Salif district in the Red Sea province of Hodeida on Saturday.In response, the U.S. and Britain launched several airstrikes on Houthi-held areas across Yemen, including the rebel-held capital of Sanaa.The Houthis held a mass funeral in Sanaa Saturday for 17 of their fighters who they said were killed in strikes by the U.S.-led coalition, according to the Houthi-run SABA news agency.The report didn’t say when and where the fighters were killed.In Syria, Israeli airstrikes hit several sites on the outskirts of the capital, Damascus, the Syrian military said Saturday.The strikes came from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Syrian state news agency SANA reported, citing an unnamed military official. It added that air defenses shot down some and those that landed resulted in “some material losses.”Britain-based war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said one of the strikes hit a residential building west of the capital. It reported three unidentified people were killed. Earlier it said casualties could be “figures of non-Syrian nationalities.” The observatory said Saturday's assault was the 10th apparent Israeli strike on Syrian territory since the beginning of the year.There was no immediate comment from Israel.Presumed Israeli strikes in Syria in the past have killed high-ranking figures with Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and allied groups. In December, a strike on a Damascus neighborhood&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-israel-iran-irgc-damascus-airstrike-7ee8496d727ba69834002f0444515a36">killed a high-ranking Iranian general</a>, Seyed Razi Mousavi, a longtime adviser to the Revolutionary Guard in Syria.Tensions have also flared elsewhere in the region. A U.S. airstrike in Baghdad Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-kataib-hezbollah-drone-strike-bddd82ed18dd94f53e81cbc71d25049a">killed a commander</a>&nbsp;of Kataib Hezbollah, one of the most powerful armed groups in Iraq, as part of Washington's retaliation for the killing of three U.S. troops in Jordan last month.The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias that has launched numerous attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, issued a call Friday for fighters to join its ranks to drive “occupying forces” out of the country.The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has conducted about 170 attacks on bases with U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria over the last four months, saying they were due to Washington’s support of Israel in its war in Gaza and that it aims to expel U.S. forces from the region.Iraqi and U.S. officials launched formal talks last month to wind down the presence of U.S.-led coalition forces in Iraq, but the talks were paused following the strike in Jordan attributed to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. Officials from both countries announced Thursday that the talks will resume, with the next meeting set for Sunday.

US continues to trade attacks with Iran-backed rebels

CLAY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 8p.m. Friday in Clay County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Jeep Wrangler driven by Julie A. Groce, 53, Kansas City, Mo, was northbound on Interstate 435 just south of U.S. 69 interchange.

The Jeep traveled off the right side of the road, struck a guardrail face, traveled off the left side of the road, struck a concrete barrier and rolled.Then a northbound 2014 Dodge Journey driven by Robert W. Patterson, 40, Columbia, struck the Jeep. 

KC Fire transported Groce to North Kansas City Hospital where she was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; KC Fire transported Patterson to Truman Medical Center and a 15-year-old boy in the Dodge to Children's Mercy.&nbsp; All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CLAY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 8p.m. Friday in Clay County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Jeep Wrangler driven by Julie A. Groce, 53, Kansas City, Mo, was northbound on Interstate 435 just south of U.S. 69 interchange.The Jeep traveled off the right side of the road, struck a guardrail face, traveled off the left side of the road, struck a concrete barrier and rolled.Then a northbound 2014 Dodge Journey driven by Robert W. Patterson, 40, Columbia, struck the Jeep. KC Fire transported Groce to North Kansas City Hospital where she was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; KC Fire transported Patterson to Truman Medical Center and a 15-year-old boy in the Dodge to Children's Mercy.&nbsp; All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman dies after Jeep strikes guardrail, rolls

KANSAS CITY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a baby&nbsp; who died when her mother mistakenly put her down for a nap in an oven, according to Jackson County District Attorney Jean Peters Baker.

Mariah Thomas, 26,&nbsp; Kansas City, was charged Saturday with endangering the welfare of a child.&nbsp;

Just after 1:30p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a home at 41st and Forest in Kansas City on a medical call regarding an infant not breathing, according to KCPD Captain Jacob Becchina.

Officers and EMS were led into a residence there where they were directed to a baby that was unresponsive.&nbsp;&nbsp;A probable cause statement said responders found the child with apparent burns.&nbsp;

&nbsp;EMS rendered aid and ultimately declared the baby deceased at the scene.

The statement said responders were told by a witness that the mother “put the child down for a nap and accidentally placed her in the oven instead of the crib."

The statement did not offer an explanation about how that mistake was made.

&nbsp;Baker said, "We appreciate all first responders who worked this scene and the prosecutors who went to the scene in order to issue these charges. We acknowledge the gruesome nature of this tragedy and our hearts are weighted by the loss of this precious life."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707608579485.png" alt="Thomas-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Thomas-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a baby&nbsp; who died when her mother mistakenly put her down for a nap in an oven, according to Jackson County District Attorney Jean Peters Baker.Mariah Thomas, 26,&nbsp; Kansas City, was charged Saturday with endangering the welfare of a child.&nbsp;Just after 1:30p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a home at 41st and Forest in Kansas City on a medical call regarding an infant not breathing, according to KCPD Captain Jacob Becchina.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707610736327.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers and EMS were led into a residence there where they were directed to a baby that was unresponsive.&nbsp;&nbsp;A probable cause statement said responders found the child with apparent burns.&nbsp;&nbsp;EMS rendered aid and ultimately declared the baby deceased at the scene.The statement said responders were told by a witness that the mother “put the child down for a nap and accidentally placed her in the oven instead of the crib."The statement did not offer an explanation about how that mistake was made.&nbsp;Baker said, "We appreciate all first responders who worked this scene and the prosecutors who went to the scene in order to issue these charges. We acknowledge the gruesome nature of this tragedy and our hearts are weighted by the loss of this precious life."

Baby at KC home dies after mother mistakenly put her in an oven

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug allegations.

On Feb. 4, a&nbsp;Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on an Acura passenger car for a traffic infraction near 162nd and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 During the stop the deputy located illegal contraband.  The driver, Paula Louise Michael, 60, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael has three previous convictions for drug possession in 2005 and 2010, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707399598744.png" alt="Michael photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Michael photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug allegations.On Feb. 4, a&nbsp;Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on an Acura passenger car for a traffic infraction near 162nd and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. During the stop the deputy located illegal contraband. The driver, Paula Louise Michael, 60, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.Michael has three previous convictions for drug possession in 2005 and 2010, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Sheriff: Kansas felon had illegal drugs in her car

NEW YORK (AP) — The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-24-17A1.pdf">outlawed robocalls</a>&nbsp;that contain voices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-science-fires-artificial-intelligence-misinformation-26cabd20dcacbd68c8f38610fec39f5b">generated by artificial intelligence</a>, a decision that sends a clear message that exploiting the technology to scam people and mislead voters won’t be tolerated.

The unanimous ruling targets robocalls made with AI voice-cloning tools under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, a 1991 law restricting junk calls that use artificial and prerecorded voice messages.

The announcement comes as New Hampshire authorities are advancing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-robocalls-artificial-intelligence-new-hampshire-texas-a8665277d43d05380d2c7594edf27617">their investigation</a>&nbsp;into AI-generated robocalls that mimicked President Joe Biden’s voice to discourage people from voting in the state's first-in-the-nation primary last month.

Effective immediately, the regulation empowers the FCC to fine companies that use AI voices in their calls or block the service providers that carry them. It also opens the door for call recipients to file lawsuits and gives state attorneys general a new mechanism to crack down on violators, according to the FCC.

The agency's chairwoman,&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-24-17A2.pdf">Jessica Rosenworcel,</a>&nbsp;said bad actors have been using AI-generated voices in robocalls to misinform voters, impersonate celebrities and extort family members.

“It seems like something from the far-off future, but this threat is already here,” Rosenworcel told The Associated Press on Wednesday as the commission was considering the regulations. “All of us could be on the receiving end of these faked calls, so that’s why we felt the time to act was now.”

Under the consumer protection law, telemarketers generally cannot use automated dialers or artificial or prerecorded voice messages to call cellphones, and they cannot make such calls to landlines without prior written consent from the call recipient.

The new ruling classifies AI-generated voices in robocalls as “artificial” and thus enforceable by the same standards, the FCC said.

Those who break the law can face steep fines, maxing out at more than $23,000 per call, the FCC said. The agency has previously used the consumer law to clamp down on robocallers interfering in elections, including imposing a $5 million fine on two conservative hoaxers for falsely warning people in predominantly Black areas that voting by mail could heighten their risk of arrest, debt collection and forced vaccination.

The law also gives call recipients the right to take legal action and potentially recover up to $1,500 in damages for each unwanted call.

Rosenworcel said the commission started looking at making robocalls with AI-generated voices illegal because it saw a rise in these types of calls. It sought public comment on the issue last November and in January, a bipartisan group of 26 state attorneys general wrote to the FCC urging it to move forward with a ruling.

Sophisticated generative AI tools, from voice-cloning software to image generators, already are in use in elections in the U.S. and around the world.

Last year, as the U.S. presidential race got underway, several campaign advertisements used AI-generated audio or imagery, and some candidates experimented with using AI chatbots to communicate with voters.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-24-17A1.pdf">outlawed robocalls</a>&nbsp;that contain voices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-science-fires-artificial-intelligence-misinformation-26cabd20dcacbd68c8f38610fec39f5b">generated by artificial intelligence</a>, a decision that sends a clear message that exploiting the technology to scam people and mislead voters won’t be tolerated.The unanimous ruling targets robocalls made with AI voice-cloning tools under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, a 1991 law restricting junk calls that use artificial and prerecorded voice messages.The announcement comes as New Hampshire authorities are advancing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-robocalls-artificial-intelligence-new-hampshire-texas-a8665277d43d05380d2c7594edf27617">their investigation</a>&nbsp;into AI-generated robocalls that mimicked President Joe Biden’s voice to discourage people from voting in the state's first-in-the-nation primary last month.Effective immediately, the regulation empowers the FCC to fine companies that use AI voices in their calls or block the service providers that carry them. It also opens the door for call recipients to file lawsuits and gives state attorneys general a new mechanism to crack down on violators, according to the FCC.The agency's chairwoman,&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-24-17A2.pdf">Jessica Rosenworcel,</a>&nbsp;said bad actors have been using AI-generated voices in robocalls to misinform voters, impersonate celebrities and extort family members.“It seems like something from the far-off future, but this threat is already here,” Rosenworcel told The Associated Press on Wednesday as the commission was considering the regulations. “All of us could be on the receiving end of these faked calls, so that’s why we felt the time to act was now.”Under the consumer protection law, telemarketers generally cannot use automated dialers or artificial or prerecorded voice messages to call cellphones, and they cannot make such calls to landlines without prior written consent from the call recipient.The new ruling classifies AI-generated voices in robocalls as “artificial” and thus enforceable by the same standards, the FCC said.Those who break the law can face steep fines, maxing out at more than $23,000 per call, the FCC said. The agency has previously used the consumer law to clamp down on robocallers interfering in elections, including imposing a $5 million fine on two conservative hoaxers for falsely warning people in predominantly Black areas that voting by mail could heighten their risk of arrest, debt collection and forced vaccination.The law also gives call recipients the right to take legal action and potentially recover up to $1,500 in damages for each unwanted call.Rosenworcel said the commission started looking at making robocalls with AI-generated voices illegal because it saw a rise in these types of calls. It sought public comment on the issue last November and in January, a bipartisan group of 26 state attorneys general wrote to the FCC urging it to move forward with a ruling.Sophisticated generative AI tools, from voice-cloning software to image generators, already are in use in elections in the U.S. and around the world.Last year, as the U.S. presidential race got underway, several campaign advertisements used AI-generated audio or imagery, and some candidates experimented with using AI chatbots to communicate with voters.Bipartisan efforts in Congress have sought to regulate AI in political campaigns, but no federal legislation has passed, with the general election nine months away.The AI-generated robocalls that sought to influence New Hampshire’s Jan. 23 primary election used a voice similar to Biden’s, employed his often-used phrase, “What a bunch of malarkey” and falsely suggested that voting in the primary would preclude voters from casting a ballot in November.New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella said Tuesday that investigators had identified the Texas-based Life Corp. and its owner, Walter Monk as the source of the calls, which went to thousands of state residents, mostly registered Democrats. He said the calls were transmitted by another Texas-based company, Lingo Telecom.New Hampshire issued cease-and-desist orders and subpoenas to both companies, while the Federal Communications Commission issued a cease-and-desist letter to the telecommunications company, Formella said. A task force of attorneys general in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., sent a letter to Life Corp. warning it to stop originating illegal calls immediately.According to the FCC, both Lingo Telecom and Life Corp. have been investigated for illegal robocalls in the past. In 2003, FCC issued a citation to Life Corp. for delivering illegal pre-recorded and unsolicited advertisements to residential lines.More recently, the task force of attorneys general has accused Lingo of being the gateway provider for 61 suspected illegal calls from overseas. The Federal Trade Commission issued a cease and desist order against Lingo’s prior corporate name, Matrix Telecom, in 2022. The next year, the task force demanded that it take steps to protect its network.Lingo Telecom said in a statement Tuesday that it “acted immediately” to help with the investigation into the robocalls impersonating Biden and quickly identified and suspended Life Corporation when contacted by the task force. A man who answered the business line for Life Corp. declined to comment on Thursday.