DOUGLAS COUNTY —A Kansas man was sentenced Friday for violence against corrections officers.

&nbsp;Brandon M. Frye, 30, of Lawrence, was sentenced to 122 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections, according to&nbsp;Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez.

Judge Sally Pokorny also sentenced Frye, who pleaded no contest on October 17, 2023, to serve 24 months on post-release supervision.

Charges are from an incident on May 5, 2023, when Frye was in custody at the Douglas County Jail. Frye first struck a corrections officer with a closed fist. Frye then struck another officer when he kicked a cell door. While being moved to the maximum-security housing unit, Frye struck a third corrections officer with his forehead, injuring the officer. Frye then spit on a fourth corrections officer. The next day, Frye spit on a fifth officer who was trying to retrieve Frye’s breakfast tray.

Frye has previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated assault and obstruction, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702137712790.png" alt="Frye has previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated assault and obstruction, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Frye has previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated assault and obstruction, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —A Kansas man was sentenced Friday for violence against corrections officers.&nbsp;Brandon M. Frye, 30, of Lawrence, was sentenced to 122 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections, according to&nbsp;Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez.Judge Sally Pokorny also sentenced Frye, who pleaded no contest on October 17, 2023, to serve 24 months on post-release supervision.Charges are from an incident on May 5, 2023, when Frye was in custody at the Douglas County Jail. Frye first struck a corrections officer with a closed fist. Frye then struck another officer when he kicked a cell door. While being moved to the maximum-security housing unit, Frye struck a third corrections officer with his forehead, injuring the officer. Frye then spit on a fourth corrections officer. The next day, Frye spit on a fifth officer who was trying to retrieve Frye’s breakfast tray.Frye has previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated assault and obstruction, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kan. felon sentenced for attack on corrections officers

HARPER COUNTY —One person was injured in a an accident just after 7:30p.m. Monday in Harper County.

According to Sheriff Tracy Chance the small plane struck power lines on approach to the Municipal Airport,&nbsp;15 NW 20 Avenue, Anthony, Kansas.

EMS transported the pilot, the only one on board, to Patterson Health Center.&nbsp; The sheriff's office is waiting for officials from the FAA to arrive for further investigation.&nbsp; &nbsp;The sheriff did not have details on the extent of the pilot's injuries or the type of small plane involved.

HARPER COUNTY —One person was injured in a an accident just after 7:30p.m. Monday in Harper County.According to Sheriff Tracy Chance the small plane struck power lines on approach to the Municipal Airport,&nbsp;15 NW 20 Avenue, Anthony, Kansas.EMS transported the pilot, the only one on board, to Patterson Health Center.&nbsp; The sheriff's office is waiting for officials from the FAA to arrive for further investigation.&nbsp; &nbsp;The sheriff did not have details on the extent of the pilot's injuries or the type of small plane involved.

Kansas pilot hospitalized after small plane crash

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — Harvard President Claudine Gay will remain leader of the prestigious Ivy League school following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ivy-league-presidents-backlash-women-021ec60af6a5a5279c644376de065738">her comments last week</a>&nbsp;at a congressional hearing on antisemitism, the university's highest governing body announced Tuesday.

“Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal and to address the very serious societal issues we are facing,” the Harvard Corporation said in a statement following its meeting Monday night.

Only months into her leadership, Gay came under intense scrutiny following the hearing in which she and two of her peers struggled to answer questions about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-hamas-college-protest-tulane-29dca6e670639b73f5bfe7bfcf6befee">campus antisemitism</a>. Their academic responses provoked a backlash from Republican opponents, along with alumni and donors who say the university leaders are failing to stand up for Jewish students on their campuses.

Some lawmakers and donors to the the university called for Gay to step down, following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-governor-antisemitism-colleges-israel-gaza-ae1294d644b3305cc51e8d9bb7252766">the resignation of Liz Magill</a>&nbsp;as president of the University of Pennsylvania on Saturday.

The Harvard Crimson student newspaper first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2023/12/12/gay-stays-in-office-corporation-support/">reported Tuesday</a>&nbsp;that Gay, who became Harvard’s first Black president in July, will remain in office with the support of the Harvard Corporation following the conclusion of the board’s meeting. It cited an unnamed source familiar with the decision.

A petition signed by more than 600 faculty members&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-penn-mit-antisemitism-ivy-league-aff2c8e58088654953cac9c334170444">asked the school's governing body</a>&nbsp;to keep Gay in charge.

“So many people have suffered tremendous damage and pain because of Hamas's brutal terrorist attack, and the university's initial statement should have been an immediate, direct, and unequivocal condemnation,” the corporation's statement said. “Calls for genocide are despicable and contrary to fundamental human values. President Gay has apologized for how she handled her congressional testimony and has committed to redoubling the university's fight against antisemitism."

In an interview with The Crimson last week, Gay said she got caught up in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-mit-penn-campus-antisemitism-backlash-2c89312cdd0d2652a9b57ce71f1533fd">a heated exchange at the House committee hearing</a>&nbsp;and failed to properly denounce threats of violence against Jewish students.

“What I should have had the presence of mind to do in that moment was return to my guiding truth, which is that calls for violence against our Jewish community — threats to our Jewish students — have no place at Harvard, and will never go unchallenged,” Gay said.

Testimony from Gay and Magill drew intense national backlash, as have similar responses from the president of MIT, who also testified before the Republican-led House Education and Workforce Committee.

The corporation also addressed allegations of plagiarism against Gay, saying that Harvard became aware of them in late October regarding three articles she had written. It initiated an independent review at Gay's request.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — Harvard President Claudine Gay will remain leader of the prestigious Ivy League school following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ivy-league-presidents-backlash-women-021ec60af6a5a5279c644376de065738">her comments last week</a>&nbsp;at a congressional hearing on antisemitism, the university's highest governing body announced Tuesday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">University of Pennsylvania President Elizabeth Magill resigned Saturday after facing backlash from her congressional testimony earlier this week on antisemitism on college campuses. Here&#39;s the exchange. <a href="https://t.co/EVrAMy33qh">pic.twitter.com/EVrAMy33qh</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1733607598803292487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal and to address the very serious societal issues we are facing,” the Harvard Corporation said in a statement following its meeting Monday night.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702390765330.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Only months into her leadership, Gay came under intense scrutiny following the hearing in which she and two of her peers struggled to answer questions about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-hamas-college-protest-tulane-29dca6e670639b73f5bfe7bfcf6befee">campus antisemitism</a>. Their academic responses provoked a backlash from Republican opponents, along with alumni and donors who say the university leaders are failing to stand up for Jewish students on their campuses.Some lawmakers and donors to the the university called for Gay to step down, following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-governor-antisemitism-colleges-israel-gaza-ae1294d644b3305cc51e8d9bb7252766">the resignation of Liz Magill</a>&nbsp;as president of the University of Pennsylvania on Saturday.The Harvard Crimson student newspaper first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2023/12/12/gay-stays-in-office-corporation-support/">reported Tuesday</a>&nbsp;that Gay, who became Harvard’s first Black president in July, will remain in office with the support of the Harvard Corporation following the conclusion of the board’s meeting. It cited an unnamed source familiar with the decision.A petition signed by more than 600 faculty members&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-penn-mit-antisemitism-ivy-league-aff2c8e58088654953cac9c334170444">asked the school's governing body</a>&nbsp;to keep Gay in charge.“So many people have suffered tremendous damage and pain because of Hamas's brutal terrorist attack, and the university's initial statement should have been an immediate, direct, and unequivocal condemnation,” the corporation's statement said. “Calls for genocide are despicable and contrary to fundamental human values. President Gay has apologized for how she handled her congressional testimony and has committed to redoubling the university's fight against antisemitism."In an interview with The Crimson last week, Gay said she got caught up in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harvard-mit-penn-campus-antisemitism-backlash-2c89312cdd0d2652a9b57ce71f1533fd">a heated exchange at the House committee hearing</a>&nbsp;and failed to properly denounce threats of violence against Jewish students.“What I should have had the presence of mind to do in that moment was return to my guiding truth, which is that calls for violence against our Jewish community — threats to our Jewish students — have no place at Harvard, and will never go unchallenged,” Gay said.Testimony from Gay and Magill drew intense national backlash, as have similar responses from the president of MIT, who also testified before the Republican-led House Education and Workforce Committee.The corporation also addressed allegations of plagiarism against Gay, saying that Harvard became aware of them in late October regarding three articles she had written. It initiated an independent review at Gay's request.

🎥Why Harvard won't fire president following antisemitism testimony

TOPEKA – On Monday, the Kansas Early Childhood Transition Task Force (ECTTF), established by Governor Laura Kelly through the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZ292ZXJub3Iua2Fuc2FzLmdvdi93cC1jb250ZW50L3VwbG9hZHMvMjAyMy8wMS9FTy0yMy0wMS1TaWduZWQtRXhlY3V0ZWQucGRmIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTIxMS44Njk1NDk0MSJ9.U7Mhs4E6ksw7h5t9qpyf-u9mjgseCfQBPzorU1Jllrg/s/1303160919/br/232753984573-l" target="_blank">first executive order</a>&nbsp;of her second term, presented its final report outlining how the State of Kansas can better serve children and families.

<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kansas-Early-Childhood-Transition-Task-Force-Final-Report.pdf">Click here to read the final report</a> from the Task Force

The purpose of the Task Force was to examine Kansas’ early childhood system and identify steps the state can take to reduce burdens placed on families, increase accountability for early childhood programs, and eliminate inefficiencies and gaps in service.

“A key component of making Kansas the best state to raise a family is giving our children the strongest possible start to life,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Thank you to the Early Childhood Transition Task Force members for their hard work, for listening to Kansans across the state this past summer, and for putting together a blueprint for action. Their final report will help me determine the best path forward to make early childhood services more accessible and affordable for all Kansas families.”

The Task Force’s final report, drawing from a series of public input sessions held across the state this past summer, highlights the need to consolidate services to reduce red tape and bureaucratic burdens on families navigating the system. Currently, four different state agencies are involved in providing early childhood services. The report recommends that Kansas unify its “early childhood care and education services into a single state entity.”

“I’m proud to have guided the Early Childhood Transition Task Force through its work this past year,&nbsp;said Sam Huenergardt, Co-Chair of the ECTTF.&nbsp;“Our final recommendation to consolidate Kansas’ early childhood care and education services into one entity would reduce the burden on children and families attempting to navigate the current system. Thank you to Governor Kelly and the Task Force for their dedication to Kansas families and future generations."

Other recommendations include collecting and sharing data that could improve the provision and accountability of services and providing greater support for families and businesses looking to access or provide child care. &nbsp;

“It has been a true honor to serve as Co-Chair of the Early Childhood Transition Task Force,”&nbsp;said Cornelia Stevens, Co-Chair of the ECTTF. “The group’s commitment to improving systems and processes that will positively impact Kansas children and families was evident in every discussion. The recommendations provided were well thought out and will result in a more efficient and effective system for Kansas children and families.”

Governor Kelly will take the Task Force’s recommendations under advisement and now determine next steps for beginning the process of unifying Kansas’ early childhood services. The Task Force included&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZ292ZXJub3Iua2Fuc2FzLmdvdi9nb3Zlcm5vci1rZWxseS1hbm5vdW5jZXMtYXBwb2ludG1lbnRzLXRvLWVhcmx5LWNoaWxkaG9vZC10cmFuc2l0aW9uLXRhc2stZm9yY2UvIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTIxMS44Njk1NDk0MSJ9.Kxb5TqavyajyDOV9anIcFzm-vdPma8ihIrhBTEIAkOQ/s/1303160919/br/232753984573-l" target="_blank">representatives</a>&nbsp;from business, government, advocacy, and early childhood sectors, as well as members of the Kansas Legislature. The Hunt Institute provided operational support and policy expertise to the Task Force’s efforts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702347029300.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – On Monday, the Kansas Early Childhood Transition Task Force (ECTTF), established by Governor Laura Kelly through the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZ292ZXJub3Iua2Fuc2FzLmdvdi93cC1jb250ZW50L3VwbG9hZHMvMjAyMy8wMS9FTy0yMy0wMS1TaWduZWQtRXhlY3V0ZWQucGRmIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTIxMS44Njk1NDk0MSJ9.U7Mhs4E6ksw7h5t9qpyf-u9mjgseCfQBPzorU1Jllrg/s/1303160919/br/232753984573-l" target="_blank">first executive order</a>&nbsp;of her second term, presented its final report outlining how the State of Kansas can better serve children and families.<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kansas-Early-Childhood-Transition-Task-Force-Final-Report.pdf">Click here to read the final report</a> from the Task ForceThe purpose of the Task Force was to examine Kansas’ early childhood system and identify steps the state can take to reduce burdens placed on families, increase accountability for early childhood programs, and eliminate inefficiencies and gaps in service.“A key component of making Kansas the best state to raise a family is giving our children the strongest possible start to life,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Thank you to the Early Childhood Transition Task Force members for their hard work, for listening to Kansans across the state this past summer, and for putting together a blueprint for action. Their final report will help me determine the best path forward to make early childhood services more accessible and affordable for all Kansas families.”The Task Force’s final report, drawing from a series of public input sessions held across the state this past summer, highlights the need to consolidate services to reduce red tape and bureaucratic burdens on families navigating the system. Currently, four different state agencies are involved in providing early childhood services. The report recommends that Kansas unify its “early childhood care and education services into a single state entity.”“I’m proud to have guided the Early Childhood Transition Task Force through its work this past year,&nbsp;said Sam Huenergardt, Co-Chair of the ECTTF.&nbsp;“Our final recommendation to consolidate Kansas’ early childhood care and education services into one entity would reduce the burden on children and families attempting to navigate the current system. Thank you to Governor Kelly and the Task Force for their dedication to Kansas families and future generations."Other recommendations include collecting and sharing data that could improve the provision and accountability of services and providing greater support for families and businesses looking to access or provide child care. &nbsp;“It has been a true honor to serve as Co-Chair of the Early Childhood Transition Task Force,”&nbsp;said Cornelia Stevens, Co-Chair of the ECTTF. “The group’s commitment to improving systems and processes that will positively impact Kansas children and families was evident in every discussion. The recommendations provided were well thought out and will result in a more efficient and effective system for Kansas children and families.”Governor Kelly will take the Task Force’s recommendations under advisement and now determine next steps for beginning the process of unifying Kansas’ early childhood services. The Task Force included&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZ292ZXJub3Iua2Fuc2FzLmdvdi9nb3Zlcm5vci1rZWxseS1hbm5vdW5jZXMtYXBwb2ludG1lbnRzLXRvLWVhcmx5LWNoaWxkaG9vZC10cmFuc2l0aW9uLXRhc2stZm9yY2UvIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTIxMS44Njk1NDk0MSJ9.Kxb5TqavyajyDOV9anIcFzm-vdPma8ihIrhBTEIAkOQ/s/1303160919/br/232753984573-l" target="_blank">representatives</a>&nbsp;from business, government, advocacy, and early childhood sectors, as well as members of the Kansas Legislature. The Hunt Institute provided operational support and policy expertise to the Task Force’s efforts.

Read the Kansas Early Childhood Transition Task Force final report

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels slammed into a Norwegian-flagged tanker in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen near a key maritime chokepoint, the rebels and authorities said Tuesday.

The assault on the oil and chemical tanker Strinda expands a campaign by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-houthi-yemen-ships-attack-israel-hamas-war-gaza-strip-716770f0a780160e9abed98d3c48fbde">Iranian-backed rebels targeting ships</a>&nbsp;close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait into apparently now striking those that have no clear ties to Israel. That potentially imperils cargo and energy shipments coming through the Suez Canal and further widens the international impact of the Israel-Hamas war now raging in the Gaza Strip.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-attacks-iran-ships-retaliation-15d10ed74c7f3cc7fd36fa0f77f73e54">Houthi</a>&nbsp;military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree issued a video statement saying the rebels only fired on the vessel when it “rejected all warning calls.”

The U.S. military's Central Command issued a statement Tuesday saying an anti-ship cruise missile “launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen” hit the Strinda.

“There were no U.S. ships in the vicinity at the time of the attack, but the USS Mason responded … and is currently rendering assistance,” Central Command said. The Mason is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer that has been involved in several of the recent incidents off Yemen.

The private intelligence firms Ambrey and Dryad Global had earlier confirmed the attack happened near the crucial Bab el-Mandeb Strait separating East Africa from the Arabian Peninsula.

Geir Belsnes, the CEO of the Strinda's operator, J. Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi, also confirmed the attack took place.

“All crew members are unhurt and safe,” Belsnes said. “The vessel is now proceeding to a safe port.”

The Strinda was coming from Malaysia and was bound for the Suez Canal and then on to Italy with a cargo of palm oil, Belsnes said. Saree alleged without offering any evidence that the ship was bound for Israel.

The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which provides warnings to sailors in the Middle East, earlier reported a fire aboard an unidentified vessel off Mokha, Yemen, with all the crew aboard being safe. The coordinates of that fire correspond to the last known location of the Strinda based off satellite tracking data analyzed by The Associated Press.

The Houthis have carried out a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and also launched drones and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-israeli-houthi-gaza-war-3e48ff43f1225ccd98c9a56929fb8f57">missiles targeting Israel</a>. In recent days, they have threatened to attack any vessel they believe is either going to or coming from Israel, though there was no immediate apparent link between the Strinda and Israel.

Israel’s national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, said over the weekend that Israel has called on its Western allies to address the threats from Yemen and would give them “some time” to organize a response. But he said if the threats persist, “we will act to remove this blockade.”

Analysts suggest the Houthis hope to shore up waning popular support after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-saudi-rebels-exchange-537ea06a0ecbf90d57ede80a50aacd6e">years of civil war in Yemen</a>&nbsp;between it and Saudi-backed forces.

France and the United States have stopped short of saying their ships were targeted in rebel attacks, but have said Houthi drones have headed toward their ships and were shot down in self-defense. Washington so far has declined to directly respond to the attacks, as has Israel, whose military continues to describe the ships as not having links to their country.

Global shipping has increasingly been targeted as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;threatens to become a wider regional conflict — even during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-ceasefire-what-to-know-af1cfbc9dcaa1485ed7a9efaca7ec2b7">brief pause in fighting</a>&nbsp;during which Hamas exchanged hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The collapse of the truce and the resumption of a punishing Israeli ground offensive and airstrikes on Gaza have raised the risk of more sea attacks.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is only 29 kilometers (18 miles) wide at its narrowest point, limiting traffic to two channels for inbound and outbound shipments, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Nearly 10% of all oil traded at sea passes through it.

In November, Houthis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-red-sea-ship-yemen-houthis-65b611ff878a411900037e7c9a8ee17b">seized a vehicle transport ship</a>&nbsp;linked to Israel in the Red Sea off Yemen. The rebels still hold the vessel near the port city of Hodeida. Separately, a container ship owned by an Israeli billionaire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-ship-drone-attack-symi-39929cae42a191b2f242896a053123a7">came under attack</a>&nbsp;by a suspected Iranian drone in the Indian Ocean.

A separate, tentative cease-fire between the Houthis and a Saudi-led coalition fighting on behalf of Yemen's exiled government has held for months despite that country's long war. That's raised concerns that any wider conflict in the sea — or a potential reprisal strike from Western forces — could reignite those tensions in the Arab world's poorest nation.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels slammed into a Norwegian-flagged tanker in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen near a key maritime chokepoint, the rebels and authorities said Tuesday.The assault on the oil and chemical tanker Strinda expands a campaign by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-houthi-yemen-ships-attack-israel-hamas-war-gaza-strip-716770f0a780160e9abed98d3c48fbde">Iranian-backed rebels targeting ships</a>&nbsp;close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait into apparently now striking those that have no clear ties to Israel. That potentially imperils cargo and energy shipments coming through the Suez Canal and further widens the international impact of the Israel-Hamas war now raging in the Gaza Strip.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-attacks-iran-ships-retaliation-15d10ed74c7f3cc7fd36fa0f77f73e54">Houthi</a>&nbsp;military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree issued a video statement saying the rebels only fired on the vessel when it “rejected all warning calls.”The U.S. military's Central Command issued a statement Tuesday saying an anti-ship cruise missile “launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen” hit the Strinda.“There were no U.S. ships in the vicinity at the time of the attack, but the USS Mason responded … and is currently rendering assistance,” Central Command said. The Mason is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer that has been involved in several of the recent incidents off Yemen.The private intelligence firms Ambrey and Dryad Global had earlier confirmed the attack happened near the crucial Bab el-Mandeb Strait separating East Africa from the Arabian Peninsula.Geir Belsnes, the CEO of the Strinda's operator, J. Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi, also confirmed the attack took place.“All crew members are unhurt and safe,” Belsnes said. “The vessel is now proceeding to a safe port.”The Strinda was coming from Malaysia and was bound for the Suez Canal and then on to Italy with a cargo of palm oil, Belsnes said. Saree alleged without offering any evidence that the ship was bound for Israel.The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which provides warnings to sailors in the Middle East, earlier reported a fire aboard an unidentified vessel off Mokha, Yemen, with all the crew aboard being safe. The coordinates of that fire correspond to the last known location of the Strinda based off satellite tracking data analyzed by The Associated Press.The Houthis have carried out a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and also launched drones and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-israeli-houthi-gaza-war-3e48ff43f1225ccd98c9a56929fb8f57">missiles targeting Israel</a>. In recent days, they have threatened to attack any vessel they believe is either going to or coming from Israel, though there was no immediate apparent link between the Strinda and Israel.Israel’s national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, said over the weekend that Israel has called on its Western allies to address the threats from Yemen and would give them “some time” to organize a response. But he said if the threats persist, “we will act to remove this blockade.”Analysts suggest the Houthis hope to shore up waning popular support after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-saudi-rebels-exchange-537ea06a0ecbf90d57ede80a50aacd6e">years of civil war in Yemen</a>&nbsp;between it and Saudi-backed forces.France and the United States have stopped short of saying their ships were targeted in rebel attacks, but have said Houthi drones have headed toward their ships and were shot down in self-defense. Washington so far has declined to directly respond to the attacks, as has Israel, whose military continues to describe the ships as not having links to their country.Global shipping has increasingly been targeted as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;threatens to become a wider regional conflict — even during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-ceasefire-what-to-know-af1cfbc9dcaa1485ed7a9efaca7ec2b7">brief pause in fighting</a>&nbsp;during which Hamas exchanged hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The collapse of the truce and the resumption of a punishing Israeli ground offensive and airstrikes on Gaza have raised the risk of more sea attacks.The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is only 29 kilometers (18 miles) wide at its narrowest point, limiting traffic to two channels for inbound and outbound shipments, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Nearly 10% of all oil traded at sea passes through it.In November, Houthis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-red-sea-ship-yemen-houthis-65b611ff878a411900037e7c9a8ee17b">seized a vehicle transport ship</a>&nbsp;linked to Israel in the Red Sea off Yemen. The rebels still hold the vessel near the port city of Hodeida. Separately, a container ship owned by an Israeli billionaire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-ship-drone-attack-symi-39929cae42a191b2f242896a053123a7">came under attack</a>&nbsp;by a suspected Iranian drone in the Indian Ocean.A separate, tentative cease-fire between the Houthis and a Saudi-led coalition fighting on behalf of Yemen's exiled government has held for months despite that country's long war. That's raised concerns that any wider conflict in the sea — or a potential reprisal strike from Western forces — could reignite those tensions in the Arab world's poorest nation.

U.S. destroyer responds after missile hits tanker in Red Sea 

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman after she allegedly attacked her boyfriend with a knife.

Just after 1a.m. Friday, police responded to the Salina Regional Health Center on for a stabbing victim, according to Salina Police&nbsp;Lt. Kyle Tonniges. 

The 32-year-old male victim reported his wound occurred during an argument with his girlfriend at the 1400 block of Cheyenne Avenue.

During this argument, the suspect identified as 35-year-old Erica Wroten took a kitchen knife and stabbed him in the chest, according to Tonniges. "Then Wroten gave him a ride to the hospital and left.

The emergency room staff treated the victim and released him.

Later Friday, police we were able to locate Wroten in the 500 block of Russell Avenue and arrested her on requested charges of attempted first-degree murder, domestic battery, interference with law enforcement and violating a protection order.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697549423728.jpeg" alt="Wroten-photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Wroten-photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman after she allegedly attacked her boyfriend with a knife.Just after 1a.m. Friday, police responded to the Salina Regional Health Center on for a stabbing victim, according to Salina Police&nbsp;Lt. Kyle Tonniges. The 32-year-old male victim reported his wound occurred during an argument with his girlfriend at the 1400 block of Cheyenne Avenue.During this argument, the suspect identified as 35-year-old Erica Wroten took a kitchen knife and stabbed him in the chest, according to Tonniges. "Then Wroten gave him a ride to the hospital and left.The emergency room staff treated the victim and released him.Later Friday, police we were able to locate Wroten in the 500 block of Russell Avenue and arrested her on requested charges of attempted first-degree murder, domestic battery, interference with law enforcement and violating a protection order.

Police: Kan. woman stabbed boyfriend, drove him to hospital

FINNEY COUNTY— The Garden City Police Department and USD 457 are aware of a recent fight between two students at one of the schools in the district, according to a media release from the Garden City Police Department.

During the fight, a School Resource Officer responded and restrained one of the students. The student was evaluated and cleared by EMS at the scene, according to the statement from police.

As a matter of standard procedure, every use of force incident is documented and investigated. Any use of force incident which raises concerns or allegations of misconduct is investigated by the Office of Professional Standards, culminating with a legal review from the City Attorney.

 The Garden City Police Department and USD 457 collaborate to provide a safe environment for students and staff in the community.&nbsp;

FINNEY COUNTY— The Garden City Police Department and USD 457 are aware of a recent fight between two students at one of the schools in the district, according to a media release from the Garden City Police Department.During the fight, a School Resource Officer responded and restrained one of the students. The student was evaluated and cleared by EMS at the scene, according to the statement from police.As a matter of standard procedure, every use of force incident is documented and investigated. Any use of force incident which raises concerns or allegations of misconduct is investigated by the Office of Professional Standards, culminating with a legal review from the City Attorney. The Garden City Police Department and USD 457 collaborate to provide a safe environment for students and staff in the community.&nbsp;

Investigation: Kan. school resource officer restrained student during fight 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting and hace identified the victim as 25-year-old John B. Zamora of Kansas City, Kansas.

Just after 3a.m. Friday, police responded to a report of gunshots in&nbsp;900 Block of Greeley Avenue, according to a media release.

&nbsp;After arriving on scene dispatch advised that a gunshot victim&nbsp; later identified as Zamora was being transported to an area hospital.&nbsp; victim later died of his injuries.

This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). All tips remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.This is our 22nd homicide of the year. This time last year we were at 35 homicides.There is nothing further to report at this time

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting and hace identified the victim as 25-year-old John B. Zamora of Kansas City, Kansas.Just after 3a.m. Friday, police responded to a report of gunshots in&nbsp;900 Block of Greeley Avenue, according to a media release.&nbsp;After arriving on scene dispatch advised that a gunshot victim&nbsp; later identified as Zamora was being transported to an area hospital.&nbsp; victim later died of his injuries.This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). All tips remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.This is our 22nd homicide of the year. This time last year we were at 35 homicides.There is nothing further to report at this time

Homicide: Police ID Kansas man who died in shooting

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jack-smith-special-counsel-prosecutor-donald-trump-garland-e1fdb71cfc258bc2be48a8b890a9269b">Special counsel Jack Smith</a>&nbsp;on Monday asked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">the Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;to take up and rule quickly on whether former President Donald Trump can be prosecuted on charges he plotted to overturn the 2020 election results.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/23/23-624/292946/20231211115417267_No.%2023-624%20U.S.%20v.%20Donald%20J.%20Trump%20Petition.pdf">Click here to read</a> the petition before the Supreme Court

Smith made his request for the court to act with unusual speed to prevent any delays that could push back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">the trial</a>&nbsp;of the 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner, currently set to begin March 4, until after next year’s presidential election.

Later Monday, the justices indicated they would decide quickly whether to hear the case, ordering Trump's lawyers to respond by Dec. 20. The court's brief order did not signal what it ultimately would do.

A federal judge ruled the case could go forward, but Trump said he would ask the federal appeals court in Washington to reverse that outcome. Smith is attempting to bypass the appeals court, the usual next step in the process, and have the Supreme Court take up the matter directly.

“This case presents a fundamental question at the heart of our democracy: whether a former President is absolutely immune from federal prosecution for crimes committed while in office or is constitutionally protected from federal prosecution when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">has been impeached</a>&nbsp;but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-riots-trials-impeachments-b245b52fd7d4a079ae199c954baba452">not convicted</a>&nbsp;before the criminal proceedings begin,” prosecutors wrote.

Trump's presidential campaign criticized Smith for trying to go around the appeals court. “There is absolutely no reason to rush this sham to trial except to injure President Trump and tens of millions of his supporters. President Trump will continue to fight for Justice and oppose these authoritarian tactics,” the campaign said in a statement.

The court is next scheduled to meet privately on Jan. 5, 2024. It's unclear whether the justices would convene sooner to take up Smith's request.

Underscoring the urgency for prosecutors in securing a quick resolution that can push the case forward, Smith and his team wrote: “It is of imperative public importance that respondent’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-9528a29b2dbebb6ee4a4ebd26780f98c">claims of immunity</a>&nbsp;be resolved by this Court and that respondent’s trial proceed as promptly as possible if his claim of immunity is rejected.”

At issue is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-donald-trump-a98872759762c95fa925ff831df27388">a Dec. 1 ruling</a>&nbsp;from U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan that rejected arguments by Trump’s lawyers that he was immune from federal prosecution. In her order, Chutkan, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, wrote that the office of the president “does not confer a lifelong ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ pass.”

“Former Presidents enjoy no special conditions on their federal criminal liability,” Chutkan wrote. “Defendant may be subject to federal investigation, indictment, prosecution, conviction, and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken while in office."

If the justices get involved, they would have an opportunity to rule for the first time ever on whether ex-presidents enjoy immunity from prosecution. Justice Department policy prohibits the indictment of a sitting president. Though there’s no such bar against prosecution for a former commander in chief, lawyers for Trump say that he cannot be charged for actions that fell within his official duties as president — a claim that prosecutors have vigorously rejected.

Smith’s team stressed that if the court did not expedite the matter, there would not be an opportunity to consider and resolve the question in the current term.

“The United States recognizes that this is an extraordinary request. This is an extraordinary case,” prosecutors wrote. “The Court should grant certiorari and set a briefing schedule that would permit this case to be argued and resolved as promptly as possible.”

Prosecutors are also asking the court to take up Trump’s claim, also already rejected by Chutkan, that he cannot be prosecuted in court for conduct for which he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">already impeached</a>&nbsp;— and acquitted — before Congress.

Trump faces charges accusing him of working&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-hearings-trump-capitol-10351fe6d555eaee7554379ceed8bb24">to overturn the results</a>&nbsp;of the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">violent riot</a>&nbsp;by his supporters at the U.S. Capitol. He has denied any wrongdoing.

A Supreme Court case usually lasts several months, from the time the justices agree to hear it until a final decision. Smith is asking the court to move with unusual, but not unprecedented, speed.

Nearly 50 years ago, the justices acted within two months of being asked to force President Richard Nixon to turn over Oval Office recordings in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/john-dean-richard-nixon-government-and-politics-crime-c7a7b99cca7c685cfc239f5e08b53378">the Watergate scandal</a>. The tapes were then used later in 1974 in the corruption prosecutions of Nixon's former aides.

It took the high court just a few days to effectively decide the 2000 presidential election for Republican George W. Bush over Democrat Al Gore.

If the justices decline to step in at this point, Trump's appeal would continue at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Smith already has asked for quick review there, too. But he said even a rapid appellate decision might not get to the Supreme Court in time for review and final word before the court's traditional summer break.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702331469560.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jack-smith-special-counsel-prosecutor-donald-trump-garland-e1fdb71cfc258bc2be48a8b890a9269b">Special counsel Jack Smith</a>&nbsp;on Monday asked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">the Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;to take up and rule quickly on whether former President Donald Trump can be prosecuted on charges he plotted to overturn the 2020 election results.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/23/23-624/292946/20231211115417267_No.%2023-624%20U.S.%20v.%20Donald%20J.%20Trump%20Petition.pdf">Click here to read</a> the petition before the Supreme CourtSmith made his request for the court to act with unusual speed to prevent any delays that could push back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">the trial</a>&nbsp;of the 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner, currently set to begin March 4, until after next year’s presidential election.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702338990290.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Later Monday, the justices indicated they would decide quickly whether to hear the case, ordering Trump's lawyers to respond by Dec. 20. The court's brief order did not signal what it ultimately would do.A federal judge ruled the case could go forward, but Trump said he would ask the federal appeals court in Washington to reverse that outcome. Smith is attempting to bypass the appeals court, the usual next step in the process, and have the Supreme Court take up the matter directly.“This case presents a fundamental question at the heart of our democracy: whether a former President is absolutely immune from federal prosecution for crimes committed while in office or is constitutionally protected from federal prosecution when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">has been impeached</a>&nbsp;but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-riots-trials-impeachments-b245b52fd7d4a079ae199c954baba452">not convicted</a>&nbsp;before the criminal proceedings begin,” prosecutors wrote.Trump's presidential campaign criticized Smith for trying to go around the appeals court. “There is absolutely no reason to rush this sham to trial except to injure President Trump and tens of millions of his supporters. President Trump will continue to fight for Justice and oppose these authoritarian tactics,” the campaign said in a statement.The court is next scheduled to meet privately on Jan. 5, 2024. It's unclear whether the justices would convene sooner to take up Smith's request.Underscoring the urgency for prosecutors in securing a quick resolution that can push the case forward, Smith and his team wrote: “It is of imperative public importance that respondent’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-9528a29b2dbebb6ee4a4ebd26780f98c">claims of immunity</a>&nbsp;be resolved by this Court and that respondent’s trial proceed as promptly as possible if his claim of immunity is rejected.”At issue is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-donald-trump-a98872759762c95fa925ff831df27388">a Dec. 1 ruling</a>&nbsp;from U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan that rejected arguments by Trump’s lawyers that he was immune from federal prosecution. In her order, Chutkan, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, wrote that the office of the president “does not confer a lifelong ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ pass.”“Former Presidents enjoy no special conditions on their federal criminal liability,” Chutkan wrote. “Defendant may be subject to federal investigation, indictment, prosecution, conviction, and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken while in office."If the justices get involved, they would have an opportunity to rule for the first time ever on whether ex-presidents enjoy immunity from prosecution. Justice Department policy prohibits the indictment of a sitting president. Though there’s no such bar against prosecution for a former commander in chief, lawyers for Trump say that he cannot be charged for actions that fell within his official duties as president — a claim that prosecutors have vigorously rejected.Smith’s team stressed that if the court did not expedite the matter, there would not be an opportunity to consider and resolve the question in the current term.“The United States recognizes that this is an extraordinary request. This is an extraordinary case,” prosecutors wrote. “The Court should grant certiorari and set a briefing schedule that would permit this case to be argued and resolved as promptly as possible.”Prosecutors are also asking the court to take up Trump’s claim, also already rejected by Chutkan, that he cannot be prosecuted in court for conduct for which he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">already impeached</a>&nbsp;— and acquitted — before Congress.Trump faces charges accusing him of working&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-hearings-trump-capitol-10351fe6d555eaee7554379ceed8bb24">to overturn the results</a>&nbsp;of the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">violent riot</a>&nbsp;by his supporters at the U.S. Capitol. He has denied any wrongdoing.A Supreme Court case usually lasts several months, from the time the justices agree to hear it until a final decision. Smith is asking the court to move with unusual, but not unprecedented, speed.Nearly 50 years ago, the justices acted within two months of being asked to force President Richard Nixon to turn over Oval Office recordings in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/john-dean-richard-nixon-government-and-politics-crime-c7a7b99cca7c685cfc239f5e08b53378">the Watergate scandal</a>. The tapes were then used later in 1974 in the corruption prosecutions of Nixon's former aides.It took the high court just a few days to effectively decide the 2000 presidential election for Republican George W. Bush over Democrat Al Gore.If the justices decline to step in at this point, Trump's appeal would continue at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Smith already has asked for quick review there, too. But he said even a rapid appellate decision might not get to the Supreme Court in time for review and final word before the court's traditional summer break.

Trump responds to Supreme Court decision to rule on his immunity claim

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-us-emergency-sale-tank-ammunition-war-d3e9b41528433f2da9814d3293996cd5">defended the emergency sale</a>&nbsp;to Israel of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition and also called for quick congressional approval of more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">$100 billion in aid</a>&nbsp;for Israel, Ukraine and other national security priorities.

Blinken said the needs of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s military operations in Gaza</a>&nbsp;justify the rare decision to bypass Congress. “Israel is in combat right now with Hamas,” he said during television interviews on Sunday. “And we want to make sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Hamas.”

The tank ammunition and related support constitute only a small portion of military sales to Israel and the rest remains subject to congressional review, Blinken said. “It’s very important that Congress‘ voice be heard in this,” he said.

The decision to proceed with the sale of more than $106 million in tank shells came as the Biden administration’s larger aid package is caught up in a debate over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-border-immigration-ukraine-6bdcc5dde4dadb48b43ace75b5a55242">U.S. immigration policy and border security.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702300715756.png" alt="U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a meeting with Israel President Isaac Herzog in November.-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a meeting with Israel President Isaac Herzog in November.-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-us-emergency-sale-tank-ammunition-war-d3e9b41528433f2da9814d3293996cd5">defended the emergency sale</a>&nbsp;to Israel of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition and also called for quick congressional approval of more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">$100 billion in aid</a>&nbsp;for Israel, Ukraine and other national security priorities.Blinken said the needs of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s military operations in Gaza</a>&nbsp;justify the rare decision to bypass Congress. “Israel is in combat right now with Hamas,” he said during television interviews on Sunday. “And we want to make sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Hamas.”The tank ammunition and related support constitute only a small portion of military sales to Israel and the rest remains subject to congressional review, Blinken said. “It’s very important that Congress‘ voice be heard in this,” he said.The decision to proceed with the sale of more than $106 million in tank shells came as the Biden administration’s larger aid package is caught up in a debate over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-border-immigration-ukraine-6bdcc5dde4dadb48b43ace75b5a55242">U.S. immigration policy and border security.</a>

Biden ammunition sale to Israel did not have Congressional approval

JOHNSON COUNTY — A Kansas teenager was sentenced Friday for involuntary manslaughter in the 2022 death of a man.

The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office sentenced 16-year-old Kingston Blaze Kohlieber to six months of probation for involuntary manslaughter and criminal use of weapons, following the death of 29-year-old Daniel Ward in August 2022.

Kohlieber was adjudicated for a level 5 person felony, which allowed for placement at the juvenile correctional facility for a term of 9-18 months.

As of Friday, Kohlieber had served approximately 16 months in custody, which is more than 70 percent of his maximum juvenile correctional facility sentence, according to District Attorney Steve Howe.

The probation period is six months and he will be reassessed when that period is up.

JOHNSON COUNTY —A jury this week found a Kansas teen guilty in the July 2022 death&nbsp; of 29-year-old Daniel Ward.

Kingston Blaze Kohlieber 15, Olathe, was found guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter and Criminal Use of a Weapon in Ward's death, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

First responders found Ward with head trauma that police investigators determined was a gunshot wound.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702246969804.png" alt="Daniel Ward photo Highland Park Funeral home" />
 <figcaption>Daniel Ward photo Highland Park Funeral home</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY — A Kansas teenager was sentenced Friday for involuntary manslaughter in the 2022 death of a man.The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office sentenced 16-year-old Kingston Blaze Kohlieber to six months of probation for involuntary manslaughter and criminal use of weapons, following the death of 29-year-old Daniel Ward in August 2022.Kohlieber was adjudicated for a level 5 person felony, which allowed for placement at the juvenile correctional facility for a term of 9-18 months.As of Friday, Kohlieber had served approximately 16 months in custody, which is more than 70 percent of his maximum juvenile correctional facility sentence, according to District Attorney Steve Howe.The probation period is six months and he will be reassessed when that period is up.--------------JOHNSON COUNTY —A jury this week found a Kansas teen guilty in the July 2022 death&nbsp; of 29-year-old Daniel Ward.Kingston Blaze Kohlieber 15, Olathe, was found guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter and Criminal Use of a Weapon in Ward's death, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.First responders found Ward with head trauma that police investigators determined was a gunshot wound.

16-year-old Kan. boy sentenced for shooting death

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A pregnant Texas woman who sought court permission for an abortion in an unprecedented challenge to one of the most restrictive bans in the U.S. has left the state to obtain the procedure, her attorneys said Monday.

The announcement came as Kate Cox, 31, was awaiting a ruling from the Texas Supreme Court over whether she could legally obtain an abortion under narrow exceptions to the state’s ban. A judge gave Cox, a mother of two from the Dallas area, permission last week but that decision was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-ban-supreme-court-decision-10767891a475e7ce2c82b1404450908a">put on hold</a>&nbsp;by the state’s all-Republican high court.

“Her health is on the line. She’s been in and out of the emergency room and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-care-wait-times-us-roe-dobbs-7b0a328bb34b0acb3d37e359a63712fc">she couldn’t wait any longer,”</a>&nbsp;said Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, which was representing Cox.

The organization did not disclose where Cox went. On Monday, she was 20 weeks and six days pregnant.

Cox was believed to be the first woman in the U.S. to ask a court for permission for an abortion since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-dobbs-anniversary-state-laws-51c2a83899f133556e715342abfcface">Roe v. Wade was overturned last year.</a>&nbsp;Her lawsuit quickly became a high-profile test of bans in Texas and a dozen other GOP-controlled states, where abortion is prohibited at nearly all stages of pregnancy.

Days after Cox filed her lawsuit, a pregnant woman in Kentucky also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kentucky-aclu-lawsuit-14df6d5e8a5aaa36009557d080b1c779">asked a court to allow an abortion.</a>&nbsp;There has been no ruling yet in that case.

Earlier Monday, two medical groups in the U.S. urged the Texas Supreme Court to rule in favor of Cox. Her attorneys said she had been to the emergency at least four times since becoming pregnant again in August.

“The pervasive ‘climate of fear’ among the Texas medical community is certain to be made worse by this case and the State’s actions in opposing the abortion Ms. Cox needs,” read the brief, which was filed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

Texas’ abortion ban makes narrow exceptions when the life of the mother is in danger but not for fetal anomalies.

Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has defended the state’s strict anti-abortion laws for nearly a decade, argued that Cox did not demonstrate that the pregnancy had put her life in danger.

“The Texas Legislature did not intend for courts to become revolving doors of permission slips to obtain abortions,” Paxton’s office wrote in a filing to the state Supreme Court last week.

Doctors told Cox that her fetus has a condition known as trisomy 18, which has a very high likelihood of miscarriage or stillbirth, and low survival rates, according to her lawsuit filed last week in Austin. They also told Cox that inducing labor or carrying the baby to term could jeopardize her ability to have another child.

Trisomy 18 occurs in approximately 1 in 2,500 diagnosed pregnancies, doctors told the court in the brief filed Monday. There is no live birth in about 70% of pregnancies involving the diagnosis that proceed past 12 weeks gestational age, according to the brief.

The termination of pregnancies because of fetal anomalies or other often-fatal medical problems&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ending-pregnancies-over-grave-medical-problems-e504e595f5f4ea6139db3f7b5155ca85">is seldom discussed</a>&nbsp;in national debates over abortion. There are no recent statistics on the frequency of terminations for fetal anomalies in the U.S. but experts say it’s a small percentage of total procedures.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702131734401.png" alt="Kate Cox.Courtesy The Center for Reproductive Rights" />
 <figcaption>Kate Cox.Courtesy The Center for Reproductive Rights</figcaption>
 </figure>AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A pregnant Texas woman who sought court permission for an abortion in an unprecedented challenge to one of the most restrictive bans in the U.S. has left the state to obtain the procedure, her attorneys said Monday.The announcement came as Kate Cox, 31, was awaiting a ruling from the Texas Supreme Court over whether she could legally obtain an abortion under narrow exceptions to the state’s ban. A judge gave Cox, a mother of two from the Dallas area, permission last week but that decision was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-ban-supreme-court-decision-10767891a475e7ce2c82b1404450908a">put on hold</a>&nbsp;by the state’s all-Republican high court.“Her health is on the line. She’s been in and out of the emergency room and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-care-wait-times-us-roe-dobbs-7b0a328bb34b0acb3d37e359a63712fc">she couldn’t wait any longer,”</a>&nbsp;said Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, which was representing Cox.The organization did not disclose where Cox went. On Monday, she was 20 weeks and six days pregnant.Cox was believed to be the first woman in the U.S. to ask a court for permission for an abortion since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-dobbs-anniversary-state-laws-51c2a83899f133556e715342abfcface">Roe v. Wade was overturned last year.</a>&nbsp;Her lawsuit quickly became a high-profile test of bans in Texas and a dozen other GOP-controlled states, where abortion is prohibited at nearly all stages of pregnancy.Days after Cox filed her lawsuit, a pregnant woman in Kentucky also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kentucky-aclu-lawsuit-14df6d5e8a5aaa36009557d080b1c779">asked a court to allow an abortion.</a>&nbsp;There has been no ruling yet in that case.Earlier Monday, two medical groups in the U.S. urged the Texas Supreme Court to rule in favor of Cox. Her attorneys said she had been to the emergency at least four times since becoming pregnant again in August.“The pervasive ‘climate of fear’ among the Texas medical community is certain to be made worse by this case and the State’s actions in opposing the abortion Ms. Cox needs,” read the brief, which was filed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.Texas’ abortion ban makes narrow exceptions when the life of the mother is in danger but not for fetal anomalies.Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has defended the state’s strict anti-abortion laws for nearly a decade, argued that Cox did not demonstrate that the pregnancy had put her life in danger.“The Texas Legislature did not intend for courts to become revolving doors of permission slips to obtain abortions,” Paxton’s office wrote in a filing to the state Supreme Court last week.Doctors told Cox that her fetus has a condition known as trisomy 18, which has a very high likelihood of miscarriage or stillbirth, and low survival rates, according to her lawsuit filed last week in Austin. They also told Cox that inducing labor or carrying the baby to term could jeopardize her ability to have another child.Trisomy 18 occurs in approximately 1 in 2,500 diagnosed pregnancies, doctors told the court in the brief filed Monday. There is no live birth in about 70% of pregnancies involving the diagnosis that proceed past 12 weeks gestational age, according to the brief.The termination of pregnancies because of fetal anomalies or other often-fatal medical problems&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ending-pregnancies-over-grave-medical-problems-e504e595f5f4ea6139db3f7b5155ca85">is seldom discussed</a>&nbsp;in national debates over abortion. There are no recent statistics on the frequency of terminations for fetal anomalies in the U.S. but experts say it’s a small percentage of total procedures.

Woman who sought court permission for abortion leaves state for the procedure

ELLIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on sex crime allegations.

On Nov. 16, the Ellis Police Department was made aware of a possible rape that occurred within the city limits of Ellis, according to a media release. An officer with the Wamego Police Department relayed information to the Ellis Police Department concerning a juvenile that disclosed allegations of multiple instances of being sexually assaulted.

Officers worked diligently to set up a forensic interview with the victim. After receiving a copy of the forensic interview’s recording, Ellis Police Department Officers interviewed a suspect, Caleb Wertenberger, 31, of Ellis. 

After the completion of the interview, Wertenberger was arrested and transported to the Ellis County Jail, where he is being held on requested charges of four counts of rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child, indecent liberties with a child, aggravated indecent solicitation of a child, and felony interference with law enforcement.

On Monday, Wertenberger had his bond set at $500,000.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702335740547.png" alt=" Wertenberger-photo Ellis Co." />
 <figcaption> Wertenberger-photo Ellis Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on sex crime allegations.On Nov. 16, the Ellis Police Department was made aware of a possible rape that occurred within the city limits of Ellis, according to a media release. An officer with the Wamego Police Department relayed information to the Ellis Police Department concerning a juvenile that disclosed allegations of multiple instances of being sexually assaulted.Officers worked diligently to set up a forensic interview with the victim. After receiving a copy of the forensic interview’s recording, Ellis Police Department Officers interviewed a suspect, Caleb Wertenberger, 31, of Ellis. After the completion of the interview, Wertenberger was arrested and transported to the Ellis County Jail, where he is being held on requested charges of four counts of rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child, indecent liberties with a child, aggravated indecent solicitation of a child, and felony interference with law enforcement.On Monday, Wertenberger had his bond set at $500,000.&nbsp;

Kansas man accused of rape held on $500,000 bond

NEW YORK (AP) — SmileDirectClub is shutting down — just months after the struggling teeth-straightening company filed for bankruptcy protection.

<a href="https://smiledirectclub.com/">Click here to read </a>the announcement on the company web site.

In an announcement, SmileDirectClub said it had made an “incredibly difficult decision to wind down its global operations, effective immediately.”

That leaves existing customers in limbo. SmileDirectClub’s aligner treatment through its telehealth platform is no longer available, the Nashville, Tennessee, company&nbsp;<a href="https://smiledirectclub.com/" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;while urging consumers to consult their local dentist for further treatment. Customer care support for the company has also ceased.

Customer orders that haven’t shipped yet have been cancelled and “Lifetime Smile Guarantee” no longer exists, the company said. SmileDirectClub apologized for the inconvenience and said additional information about refund requests will arrive “once the bankruptcy process determines next steps and additional measures customers can take.”

SmileDirectClub also said that Smile Pay customers are expected to continue to make payments, leading to further confusion and frustration online. When contacted by The Associated Press Monday for additional information, a spokesperson said the company couldn’t comment further.

SmileDirectClub filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection at the end of September. At the time, the company reported nearly $900 million in debt. On Friday, the company said it was unable to find a partner willing to bring in enough capital to keep the company afloat, despite a monthslong search.

When SmileDirectClub went public back in 2019, the company was valued at about $8.9 billion. But its stock soon tumbled and plummeted in value over time, as the company proved to be unprofitable year after year and faced multiple legal battles. In 2022, SmileDirectClub reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/earnings-0d66b4f95579aa8d0aed238ff9eff436" target="_blank">a loss of $86.4 million</a>.

SmileDirectClub, which has served over 2 million people since its 2014 founding, once promised to revolutionaize the oral care industry by selling clear dental aligners (marketed as a faster and more affordable alternative to braces) directly to consumers by mail and in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-ri-state-wire-ca-state-wire-business-91b2f283975a45b9b935c53db5dbf2f6" target="_blank">major retailers</a>. But the company has also seen pushback from within and beyond the medical community.

Last year, District of Columbia attorney general’s office sued SmileDirectClub for “unfair and deceptive” practices — accusing the company of unlawfully using non-disclosure agreements to manipulate online reviews and keep customers from reporting negative experiences to regulators. SmileDirectClub denied the allegations, but agreed to a June settlement agreement that required the company to release over 17,000 customers from the NDAs and pay $500,000 to DC.

The British Dental Association has also been critical about SmileDirectClub and such remote orthodontics — pointing to cases of advanced gum disease provided with aligners, misdiagnosis risks and more in a Sunday&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/TheBDA/status/1733776815414485084" target="_blank">post</a>&nbsp;on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

“It shouldn’t have taken a bankruptcy to protect patients from harm,” the British Dental Association&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/TheBDA/status/1733776086645830066" target="_blank">wrote</a>, while calling on U.K. regulators for increased protections. “Dentists are left to pick up the pieces when these providers offer wholly inappropriate treatment.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702322656809.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — SmileDirectClub is shutting down — just months after the struggling teeth-straightening company filed for bankruptcy protection.<a href="https://smiledirectclub.com/">Click here to read </a>the announcement on the company web site.In an announcement, SmileDirectClub said it had made an “incredibly difficult decision to wind down its global operations, effective immediately.”That leaves existing customers in limbo. SmileDirectClub’s aligner treatment through its telehealth platform is no longer available, the Nashville, Tennessee, company&nbsp;<a href="https://smiledirectclub.com/" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;while urging consumers to consult their local dentist for further treatment. Customer care support for the company has also ceased.Customer orders that haven’t shipped yet have been cancelled and “Lifetime Smile Guarantee” no longer exists, the company said. SmileDirectClub apologized for the inconvenience and said additional information about refund requests will arrive “once the bankruptcy process determines next steps and additional measures customers can take.”SmileDirectClub also said that Smile Pay customers are expected to continue to make payments, leading to further confusion and frustration online. When contacted by The Associated Press Monday for additional information, a spokesperson said the company couldn’t comment further.SmileDirectClub filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection at the end of September. At the time, the company reported nearly $900 million in debt. On Friday, the company said it was unable to find a partner willing to bring in enough capital to keep the company afloat, despite a monthslong search.When SmileDirectClub went public back in 2019, the company was valued at about $8.9 billion. But its stock soon tumbled and plummeted in value over time, as the company proved to be unprofitable year after year and faced multiple legal battles. In 2022, SmileDirectClub reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/earnings-0d66b4f95579aa8d0aed238ff9eff436" target="_blank">a loss of $86.4 million</a>.SmileDirectClub, which has served over 2 million people since its 2014 founding, once promised to revolutionaize the oral care industry by selling clear dental aligners (marketed as a faster and more affordable alternative to braces) directly to consumers by mail and in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-ri-state-wire-ca-state-wire-business-91b2f283975a45b9b935c53db5dbf2f6" target="_blank">major retailers</a>. But the company has also seen pushback from within and beyond the medical community.Last year, District of Columbia attorney general’s office sued SmileDirectClub for “unfair and deceptive” practices — accusing the company of unlawfully using non-disclosure agreements to manipulate online reviews and keep customers from reporting negative experiences to regulators. SmileDirectClub denied the allegations, but agreed to a June settlement agreement that required the company to release over 17,000 customers from the NDAs and pay $500,000 to DC.The British Dental Association has also been critical about SmileDirectClub and such remote orthodontics — pointing to cases of advanced gum disease provided with aligners, misdiagnosis risks and more in a Sunday&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/TheBDA/status/1733776815414485084" target="_blank">post</a>&nbsp;on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.“It shouldn’t have taken a bankruptcy to protect patients from harm,” the British Dental Association&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/TheBDA/status/1733776086645830066" target="_blank">wrote</a>, while calling on U.K. regulators for increased protections. “Dentists are left to pick up the pieces when these providers offer wholly inappropriate treatment.”

Telehealth orthodontics company shuts down

RENO COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a house fire in Hutchinson.

Just after 4:30 a.m. Monday, crews were dispatched to a fire at a home 418 S. Howard Street, according to a media release.

First arriving crews found fire coming from a bedroom window on the single-story home. Crews made an aggressive interior attack and extinguished the fire. The home sustained heavy smoke damage throughout.

Despite the fact that the home had no smoke detectors, the four&nbsp; occupants were able to escape. There were no injuries reported. Authorities have not reported a damage amount.

RENO COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a house fire in Hutchinson.Just after 4:30 a.m. Monday, crews were dispatched to a fire at a home 418 S. Howard Street, according to a media release.First arriving crews found fire coming from a bedroom window on the single-story home. Crews made an aggressive interior attack and extinguished the fire. The home sustained heavy smoke damage throughout.Despite the fact that the home had no smoke detectors, the four&nbsp; occupants were able to escape. There were no injuries reported. Authorities have not reported a damage amount.

4 escape Kansas house fire despite no smoke detectors

BUTLER COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just before 5p.m. Sunday in Butler County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Suburban driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Crystal D. Ivey, 30, El Dorado, was westbound on SW 150 Road&nbsp; and failed to stop at the stop sign at SW Santa Fe Lake Road.

The SUV struck a southbound 2019 Acura MDX driven by Monica S. Moore, 46, Douglas.

&nbsp;Both vehicles left the roadway to the southwest corner of the intersection.&nbsp; The SUV came to a rest in the ditch and the Acura rolled and came to rest against a tree.&nbsp; 

Moore and a juvenile passenger died in the crash

The Sisters-Herndon Veterinary Clinic shared on their social media page, "It is with a heavy heart that we have some very saddening news for our Sisters patients and families.&nbsp; We were informed of a tragic car accident that involved our beloved Dr. Monica Moore and her daughter. Unfortunately with the severity of the accident both passed. We ask at this time for your patience and understanding while we navigate through these next few days. We will be closing Tuesday and Wednesday this week as we figure out how to move forward. We ask that you keep us in your prayers and thoughts as well as the Moore family."

EMS transported Crystal Ivey to Wesley Medical Center. The drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP. The KHP released no additional details on the child who died.

BUTLER COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 5p.m. Sunday in Butler County.

The vehicle struck a vehicle that was southbound on SW Santa Fe Lake Road. Both vehicles left the roadway to the southwest corner of the intersection. 

The westbound vehicle came to a rest in the ditch and the southbound vehicle rolled and came to rest against a tree.

The KHP released no additional details early Monday. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702302162656.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just before 5p.m. Sunday in Butler County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Suburban driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Crystal D. Ivey, 30, El Dorado, was westbound on SW 150 Road&nbsp; and failed to stop at the stop sign at SW Santa Fe Lake Road.The SUV struck a southbound 2019 Acura MDX driven by Monica S. Moore, 46, Douglas.&nbsp;Both vehicles left the roadway to the southwest corner of the intersection.&nbsp; The SUV came to a rest in the ditch and the Acura rolled and came to rest against a tree.&nbsp; Moore and a juvenile passenger died in the crashThe Sisters-Herndon Veterinary Clinic shared on their social media page, "It is with a heavy heart that we have some very saddening news for our Sisters patients and families.&nbsp; We were informed of a tragic car accident that involved our beloved Dr. Monica Moore and her daughter. Unfortunately with the severity of the accident both passed. We ask at this time for your patience and understanding while we navigate through these next few days. We will be closing Tuesday and Wednesday this week as we figure out how to move forward. We ask that you keep us in your prayers and thoughts as well as the Moore family."EMS transported Crystal Ivey to Wesley Medical Center. The drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP. The KHP released no additional details on the child who died.------------BUTLER COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 5p.m. Sunday in Butler County.The vehicle struck a vehicle that was southbound on SW Santa Fe Lake Road. Both vehicles left the roadway to the southwest corner of the intersection. The westbound vehicle came to a rest in the ditch and the southbound vehicle rolled and came to rest against a tree.The KHP released no additional details early Monday. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

 Kansas woman, daughter killed in 2-vehicle crash

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man for an alleged sex crime.

Just after 4:30p.m. Dec. 8, officers filed a report for lewd and lascivious behavior in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 14-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy reported a known male suspect identified as 31-year-old Fernando Velasquez of Manhattan undressed in a public hot tub.

Police arrested Velasquez on a requested charge of lewd and lascivious; Exposing sex organs to another &lt;18.&nbsp;&nbsp;He remains in custody on a bond of $7,000, according to online jail records.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man for an alleged sex crime.Just after 4:30p.m. Dec. 8, officers filed a report for lewd and lascivious behavior in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 14-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy reported a known male suspect identified as 31-year-old Fernando Velasquez of Manhattan undressed in a public hot tub.Police arrested Velasquez on a requested charge of lewd and lascivious; Exposing sex organs to another &lt;18.&nbsp;&nbsp;He remains in custody on a bond of $7,000, according to online jail records.

Police: Kan. man undressed in front of teens in public hot tub

A federal judge ruled the case could go forward, but Trump, 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner, signaled he would ask the federal appeals court in Washington to reverse that outcome.

Smith is attempting to bypass the appeals court. The request filed Monday for the Supreme Court to take up the matter directly reflects Smith’s desire to keep the trial, currently set for March 4, on track and to prevent any delays that could push back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">the case</a>&nbsp;until after next year’s presidential election.

The earliest the court would consider the appeal would be Jan. 5, 2024, the date of the justices' next scheduled private conference.

Underscoring the urgency for prosecutors in securing a quick resolution that can push the case forward, they wrote: “It is of imperative public importance that respondent’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-9528a29b2dbebb6ee4a4ebd26780f98c">claims of immunity</a>&nbsp;be resolved by this Court and that respondent’s trial proceed as promptly as possible if his claim of immunity is rejected.”

Prosecutors are also asking the court to take up Trump’s claim, also already rejected by Chutkan, that he cannot be prosecuted in court for conduct for which he was was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">already impeached</a>&nbsp;— and acquitted — before Congress.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698261736155.png" alt="File&nbsp;-Former President Donald Trump during a break in his civil business fraud trial at New York Supreme Court in October. -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File&nbsp;-Former President Donald Trump during a break in his civil business fraud trial at New York Supreme Court in October. -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jack-smith-special-counsel-prosecutor-donald-trump-garland-e1fdb71cfc258bc2be48a8b890a9269b">Special counsel Jack Smith</a>&nbsp;on Monday asked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">the Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;to take up and rule quickly on whether former President Donald Trump can be prosecuted on charges he plotted to overturn the 2020 election results.A federal judge ruled the case could go forward, but Trump, 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner, signaled he would ask the federal appeals court in Washington to reverse that outcome.Smith is attempting to bypass the appeals court. The request filed Monday for the Supreme Court to take up the matter directly reflects Smith’s desire to keep the trial, currently set for March 4, on track and to prevent any delays that could push back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">the case</a>&nbsp;until after next year’s presidential election.“This case presents a fundamental question at the heart of our democracy: whether a former President is absolutely immune from federal prosecution for crimes committed while in office or is constitutionally protected from federal prosecution when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">has been impeached</a>&nbsp;but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-riots-trials-impeachments-b245b52fd7d4a079ae199c954baba452">not convicted</a>&nbsp;before the criminal proceedings begin,” prosecutors wrote.The earliest the court would consider the appeal would be Jan. 5, 2024, the date of the justices' next scheduled private conference.Underscoring the urgency for prosecutors in securing a quick resolution that can push the case forward, they wrote: “It is of imperative public importance that respondent’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-9528a29b2dbebb6ee4a4ebd26780f98c">claims of immunity</a>&nbsp;be resolved by this Court and that respondent’s trial proceed as promptly as possible if his claim of immunity is rejected.”At issue is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-donald-trump-a98872759762c95fa925ff831df27388">a Dec. 1 ruling</a>&nbsp;from U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan that rejected arguments by Trump’s lawyers that he was immune from federal prosecution. In her order, Chutkan, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, wrote that the office of the president “does not confer a lifelong ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ pass.”“Former Presidents enjoy no special conditions on their federal criminal liability,” Chutkan wrote. “Defendant may be subject to federal investigation, indictment, prosecution, conviction, and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken while in office."If the justices get involved, they would have an opportunity to rule for the first time ever on whether ex-presidents enjoy immunity from prosecution. Justice Department policy prohibits the indictment of a sitting president. Though there’s no such bar against prosecution for a former commander in chief, lawyers for Trump say that he cannot be charged for actions that fell within his official duties as president — a claim that prosecutors have vigorously rejected.Smith’s team stressed that if the court did not expedite the matter, there would not be an opportunity to consider and resolve the question in the current term.“The United States recognizes that this is an extraordinary request. This is an extraordinary case,” prosecutors wrote. “The Court should grant certiorari and set a briefing schedule that would permit this case to be argued and resolved as promptly as possible.”Prosecutors are also asking the court to take up Trump’s claim, also already rejected by Chutkan, that he cannot be prosecuted in court for conduct for which he was was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">already impeached</a>&nbsp;— and acquitted — before Congress.Trump faces charges accusing him of working&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-hearings-trump-capitol-10351fe6d555eaee7554379ceed8bb24">to overturn the results</a>&nbsp;of the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">violent riot</a>&nbsp;by his supporters at the U.S. Capitol. He has denied any wrongdoing.A Supreme Court case usually lasts several months, from the time the justices agree to hear it until a final decision. Smith is asking the court to move with unusual, but not unprecedented, speed.Nearly 50 years ago, the justices acted within two months of being asked to force President Richard Nixon to turn over Oval Office recordings in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/john-dean-richard-nixon-government-and-politics-crime-c7a7b99cca7c685cfc239f5e08b53378">the Watergate scandal</a>. The tapes were then used later in 1974 in the corruption prosecutions of Nixon's former aides.It took the high court just a few days to effectively decide the 2000 presidential election for Republican George W. Bush over Democrat Al Gore.

Supreme Court will decide if Trump is immune from Jan. 6 prosecution

TOPEKA —It's time to vote for your favorite license plate among five designs created by Mammoth Creative Co., a Kansas-based marketing firm, in partnership with Kansas Tourism for the next official State of Kansas standard issue license plate.

<a href="https://appengine.egov.com/apps/ks/plates">Click here to vote</a>&nbsp;on your choice of design.

Voting will end at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 15.

The proposed designs were chosen in part because they align with Kansas Tourism design standards, with law enforcement needs, and with the following guidelines, according to a media release from the governor's office.

Kansans can vote on their favorite design as many times as they’d like between 9 a.m. CT on Monday, December 11, 2023, and 5 p.m. CT on Friday, December 15, 2023.

The Governor will announce the winning design concept on Monday, December 18, and it will be used as the official State of Kansas license plate, subject to any required modifications that may be necessary due to the plate production process.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702310334406.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —It's time to vote for your favorite license plate among five designs created by Mammoth Creative Co., a Kansas-based marketing firm, in partnership with Kansas Tourism for the next official State of Kansas standard issue license plate.<a href="https://appengine.egov.com/apps/ks/plates">Click here to vote</a>&nbsp;on your choice of design.Voting will end at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 15.The proposed designs were chosen in part because they align with Kansas Tourism design standards, with law enforcement needs, and with the following guidelines, according to a media release from the governor's office.<ul>
 <li>License plate numbers will be seven (7) digits.</li><li>Any phrase, motto, or slogan must be placed at the bottom of the license plate.</li><li>Any graphic must be placed on either side of the license plate number.</li><li>Graphics must not resemble letters, numbers, or special characters in a way that would interfere with the ability to read the license plate number.</li><li>Background design must not interfere with the ability to read the license plate number.</li><li>The license plate must have a light background behind the license plate number, and the license plate number must be black.</li>
 </ul>Kansans can vote on their favorite design as many times as they’d like between 9 a.m. CT on Monday, December 11, 2023, and 5 p.m. CT on Friday, December 15, 2023.The Governor will announce the winning design concept on Monday, December 18, and it will be used as the official State of Kansas license plate, subject to any required modifications that may be necessary due to the plate production process.<figure>
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Vote now on 5 new Kansas license plate design choices

OKLAHOMA COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a deadly plane crash near Oklahoma City.

Just before 10:30a.m. Sunday, the Oklahoma City Fire Department was dispatched to an aircraft crash at Wiley Post Airport involving one single engine prop plane with two on-board, according to a media release. Firefighters arrived to find one man attempting to rescue the other passenger from the fully engulfed aircraft wreckage. 

Firefighters extinguished the aircraft and began treating the man.&nbsp; The other individual&nbsp; was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; First responders&nbsp; treated the man on-scene and transported him to an area hospital in critical condition where he later died.

The FAA and NTSB are in charge of the investigation. Officials have not released the names of the victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702305105860.png" alt="Photo Oklahoma City Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo Oklahoma City Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a deadly plane crash near Oklahoma City.Just before 10:30a.m. Sunday, the Oklahoma City Fire Department was dispatched to an aircraft crash at Wiley Post Airport involving one single engine prop plane with two on-board, according to a media release. Firefighters arrived to find one man attempting to rescue the other passenger from the fully engulfed aircraft wreckage. Firefighters extinguished the aircraft and began treating the man.&nbsp; The other individual&nbsp; was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; First responders&nbsp; treated the man on-scene and transported him to an area hospital in critical condition where he later died.The FAA and NTSB are in charge of the investigation. Officials have not released the names of the victims.

Two dead after small plane crash, fire near Oklahoma City

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Harlan Red Tailed Hawk used for educational programming escaped his enclosure on Monday, according to a social media report from the Midwest Avian Foundation.

The hawk, known as Harley, is a non-released bird and has limited ability to fly. He has likely not gone far from the organization located at 910 S Vassar Street in Wichita, and is probably tucked up in a bush or tree with low hanging branches. "He may soon come out to attempt to hunt and might wind up on the ground."

The organization reported another confirmed sighting of Harley Saturday&nbsp; afternoon in the 200 block of S Terrace in Wichita. This is the same general area as the first sighting, so College Hill and Lincoln Heights .

The bird is wearing leather anklets and 2 straps hanging down, called “jesses."&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702038276081.png" alt="Harley-photo Midwest Avian Foundation" />
 <figcaption>Harley-photo Midwest Avian Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Harlan Red Tailed Hawk used for educational programming escaped his enclosure on Monday, according to a social media report from the Midwest Avian Foundation.The hawk, known as Harley, is a non-released bird and has limited ability to fly. He has likely not gone far from the organization located at 910 S Vassar Street in Wichita, and is probably tucked up in a bush or tree with low hanging branches. "He may soon come out to attempt to hunt and might wind up on the ground."The organization reported another confirmed sighting of Harley Saturday&nbsp; afternoon in the 200 block of S Terrace in Wichita. This is the same general area as the first sighting, so College Hill and Lincoln Heights .The bird is wearing leather anklets and 2 straps hanging down, called “jesses."&nbsp;If you see him in a tree, notify us immediately.If you see him on the ground, you can try to catch him with a towel or blanket and put him in a box. Then notify us. Midwest Avian Foundation 316-214-7705Carrie Lower 316-633-6303Rachael: 316-616-7446