NEW YORK (AP) — Check fraud is back in a big way, fueled by a rise in organized crime that is forcing small businesses and individuals to take additional safety measures or to avoid sending checks through the mail altogether.

Banks issued roughly 680,000 reports of check fraud to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, also known as FinCEN, last year. That’s up from 350,000 reports in 2021. Meanwhile the U.S. Postal Inspection Service reported roughly 300,000 complaints of mail theft in 2021, more than double the prior year's total.

Early in the pandemic, government relief checks became an attractive target for criminals. The problem has only gotten worse and postal authorities and bank officials are warning Americans to avoid mailing checks if possible, or at least to use a secure mail drop such as inside the post office. Meanwhile, as the cases of fraud increase, victims are waiting longer to recover their stolen money.

Check usage has been in decline for decades as Americans have largely switched to paying for their services with credit and debit cards. Americans wrote roughly 3.4 billion checks in 2022, down from nearly 19 billion checks in 1990, according to the Federal Reserve. However, the average size of the checks Americans write rose from $673 in 1990 — or $1,602 in today's dollars — to $2,652 last year.

“Despite the declining use of checks in the United States, criminals have been increasingly targeting the U.S. Mail since the COVID-19 pandemic to commit check fraud,” FinCEN wrote in an alert sent out in February.

Checks are still frequently used by small businesses. Eric Fischgrund, who runs FischTank PR, a 30-person public relations firm in New York, had about 15 checks that were being mailed to him from clients stolen after they all went through the same Postal Service distribution center. Ten of them were successfully cashed by criminals.

The checks were stolen in March and Fischgrund became aware of the problem in April, when several of his clients who were never late missed payments. The Postal Service investigated and Fischgrund has recovered about 70% of the revenue, but some of the cases haven’t yet been resolved.

According to the investigator on the case, the perpetrators used technology that melted ink in the “to” field of the checks so they could write in fake names. FischTank instructed all its clients to change their paper format because it was dealing with a check fraud issue.

Fischgrund said he’d never previously had an issue with check fraud in the nearly 10 years he has run his own business. Now he has a clause in invoices and new client contracts that asks for electronic payments only.

“I don’t think we’ll ever go back to asking for checks as an option,” he said.

Today’s check fraud criminals are not small operations, or lone individuals like the Leonardo DiCaprio character in the 2002 movie “Catch Me If You Can,” counterfeiting checks from his hotel room and apartment. They are sophisticated criminal operations, with participants infiltrating post office distribution centers, setting up fake businesses or creating fake IDs to deposit the checks. “Walkers,” or people who actually walk in to cash these checks, receive training in how to appear even more legitimate.

In one case in Southern California last year, nearly sixty people were arrested on charges of committing more than $5 million in check fraud against 750 people.

Criminals are getting the checks or identification information by fishing mail out of U.S. postal boxes, looking for envelopes that appear to be either bill payments or checks being mailed.

The most common type of check fraud is what’s known as check washing, where a criminal steals the check from the mail and proceeds to change the payee’s name on the check and, additionally, the amount of money.

Some criminals are going further and using the information found on a check to gather sensitive personal data on a potential victim. There have been reports of criminals creating fake entities out of personal data obtained from a check, or even opening new lines of credit or businesses with that data as well. This allows fraudsters to create new checks using old account data.

That’s why check fraud experts are saying Americans should avoid sending checks in the mail or at least take additional safety steps to avoid becoming a victim.

“If you need to mail a check, do not put a check in your residential mailbox and raise the flag to notify the postman. Drop off checks inside a post office if you have to,” said Todd Robertson with Argo Data, a financial data provider.

Banks, keenly aware of the problem, are increasingly watching for signs of fraud at branches and through mobile check deposit services, including large check deposits. They’re training branch employees to take steps such as looking at check numbers, because checks are typically written in order, or noticing when a check is being written for a much larger amount than the customer’s previous history would indicate. Banks also now deploy software at their branches that can tell how risky a check might be.

But those systems become moot if criminals are able to persuade tellers — often at the front lines for check acceptance — to look past any red flags.

“These fraudsters are much more aggressive than they were in the past, and they are pressuring tellers to override internal systems that might flag a potentially suspicious transaction,” Paul Brenda, a senior vice president at the American Bankers Association.

Banks generally reimburse customers if they are victims of check fraud within days. However, due to the growing number of fraud cases, refunds have slowed down in recent months. In March, a trio of Democratic Senators asked the banking industry to be more prompt in reimbursing victims of check fraud whenever possible.

Another safety tip for businesses is to opt in to a bank’s “positive pay” services with a business checking account. Positive pay means you pre-authorize checks for a certain amount as well as the check number, cutting down criminals’ ability to wash the check and withdraw money for an amount that isn’t pre-authorized.

NEW YORK (AP) — Check fraud is back in a big way, fueled by a rise in organized crime that is forcing small businesses and individuals to take additional safety measures or to avoid sending checks through the mail altogether.Banks issued roughly 680,000 reports of check fraud to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, also known as FinCEN, last year. That’s up from 350,000 reports in 2021. Meanwhile the U.S. Postal Inspection Service reported roughly 300,000 complaints of mail theft in 2021, more than double the prior year's total.Early in the pandemic, government relief checks became an attractive target for criminals. The problem has only gotten worse and postal authorities and bank officials are warning Americans to avoid mailing checks if possible, or at least to use a secure mail drop such as inside the post office. Meanwhile, as the cases of fraud increase, victims are waiting longer to recover their stolen money.Check usage has been in decline for decades as Americans have largely switched to paying for their services with credit and debit cards. Americans wrote roughly 3.4 billion checks in 2022, down from nearly 19 billion checks in 1990, according to the Federal Reserve. However, the average size of the checks Americans write rose from $673 in 1990 — or $1,602 in today's dollars — to $2,652 last year.“Despite the declining use of checks in the United States, criminals have been increasingly targeting the U.S. Mail since the COVID-19 pandemic to commit check fraud,” FinCEN wrote in an alert sent out in February.Checks are still frequently used by small businesses. Eric Fischgrund, who runs FischTank PR, a 30-person public relations firm in New York, had about 15 checks that were being mailed to him from clients stolen after they all went through the same Postal Service distribution center. Ten of them were successfully cashed by criminals.The checks were stolen in March and Fischgrund became aware of the problem in April, when several of his clients who were never late missed payments. The Postal Service investigated and Fischgrund has recovered about 70% of the revenue, but some of the cases haven’t yet been resolved.According to the investigator on the case, the perpetrators used technology that melted ink in the “to” field of the checks so they could write in fake names. FischTank instructed all its clients to change their paper format because it was dealing with a check fraud issue.Fischgrund said he’d never previously had an issue with check fraud in the nearly 10 years he has run his own business. Now he has a clause in invoices and new client contracts that asks for electronic payments only.“I don’t think we’ll ever go back to asking for checks as an option,” he said.Today’s check fraud criminals are not small operations, or lone individuals like the Leonardo DiCaprio character in the 2002 movie “Catch Me If You Can,” counterfeiting checks from his hotel room and apartment. They are sophisticated criminal operations, with participants infiltrating post office distribution centers, setting up fake businesses or creating fake IDs to deposit the checks. “Walkers,” or people who actually walk in to cash these checks, receive training in how to appear even more legitimate.In one case in Southern California last year, nearly sixty people were arrested on charges of committing more than $5 million in check fraud against 750 people.Criminals are getting the checks or identification information by fishing mail out of U.S. postal boxes, looking for envelopes that appear to be either bill payments or checks being mailed.The most common type of check fraud is what’s known as check washing, where a criminal steals the check from the mail and proceeds to change the payee’s name on the check and, additionally, the amount of money.Some criminals are going further and using the information found on a check to gather sensitive personal data on a potential victim. There have been reports of criminals creating fake entities out of personal data obtained from a check, or even opening new lines of credit or businesses with that data as well. This allows fraudsters to create new checks using old account data.That’s why check fraud experts are saying Americans should avoid sending checks in the mail or at least take additional safety steps to avoid becoming a victim.“If you need to mail a check, do not put a check in your residential mailbox and raise the flag to notify the postman. Drop off checks inside a post office if you have to,” said Todd Robertson with Argo Data, a financial data provider.Banks, keenly aware of the problem, are increasingly watching for signs of fraud at branches and through mobile check deposit services, including large check deposits. They’re training branch employees to take steps such as looking at check numbers, because checks are typically written in order, or noticing when a check is being written for a much larger amount than the customer’s previous history would indicate. Banks also now deploy software at their branches that can tell how risky a check might be.But those systems become moot if criminals are able to persuade tellers — often at the front lines for check acceptance — to look past any red flags.“These fraudsters are much more aggressive than they were in the past, and they are pressuring tellers to override internal systems that might flag a potentially suspicious transaction,” Paul Brenda, a senior vice president at the American Bankers Association.Banks generally reimburse customers if they are victims of check fraud within days. However, due to the growing number of fraud cases, refunds have slowed down in recent months. In March, a trio of Democratic Senators asked the banking industry to be more prompt in reimbursing victims of check fraud whenever possible.Another safety tip for businesses is to opt in to a bank’s “positive pay” services with a business checking account. Positive pay means you pre-authorize checks for a certain amount as well as the check number, cutting down criminals’ ability to wash the check and withdraw money for an amount that isn’t pre-authorized.____

Americans warned not to mail checks; check fraud has spiked dramatically

JUNCTION CITY - The Junction City Police Department was called out to the 1400 block of N. Calhoun Street at just before 11:45pm on Wednesday, June 14th, on the report of a possible overdose.

When officers arrived on scene, they found a 40-year-old female suffering from an apparent overdose. The Junction City Fire Department transported the woman to the Stormont Vail Flint Hills Campus and then on to Stormont Vail in Topeka where she is in critical condition.

Following an investigation, Junction City Drug Task Force Detectives served a search warrant at a residence in the 300 block of W. 13th Street in Junction City.

After the search detectives arrested 40-year-old, Alex D. Schooler, of Junction City in connection with the overdose.&nbsp;

Schooler was booked into the Geary County Detention Center on requested charges of:&nbsp; -Distribution of a controlled substance causing great bodily harm or death -Distribution of certain stimulants within 1000 feet of a school -Criminal use of a weapon by a prohibited person -Distribution of opiates within 1000 feet of a school -Possession of marijuana -Possession of drug paraphernalia -Acquisition of drug proceeds&nbsp;&nbsp;

Detectives found cocaine, fentanyl pills, marijuana, 9 firearms and approximately $17,000 in US Currency.

Schooler is being held without bond, at the Geary County Detention Facility, while he awaits his first appearance in the Geary County District Court.

JCPD will release no further details at this time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686846316601.jpeg" alt="Alex Djuane Schooler" />
 <figcaption>Alex Djuane Schooler</figcaption>
 </figure>JUNCTION CITY - The Junction City Police Department was called out to the 1400 block of N. Calhoun Street at just before 11:45pm on Wednesday, June 14th, on the report of a possible overdose.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2881.1652798072987!2d-96.84549192432907!3d39.0366709716946!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bc4ea9d5bc7769%3A0x4284f2884819f9ef!2s1400%20N%20Calhoun%20St%2C%20Junction%20City%2C%20KS%2066441!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1686860549474!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>When officers arrived on scene, they found a 40-year-old female suffering from an apparent overdose. The Junction City Fire Department transported the woman to the Stormont Vail Flint Hills Campus and then on to Stormont Vail in Topeka where she is in critical condition.Following an investigation, Junction City Drug Task Force Detectives served a search warrant at a residence in the 300 block of W. 13th Street in Junction City.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2881.2061227556096!2d-96.83590482432916!3d39.035552971694834!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bc4955183ed2b7%3A0xe12d45ffba079fa5!2s300%20W%2013th%20St%2C%20Junction%20City%2C%20KS%2066441!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1686861042918!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>After the search detectives arrested 40-year-old, Alex D. Schooler, of Junction City in connection with the overdose.&nbsp;Schooler was booked into the Geary County Detention Center on requested charges of:&nbsp; -Distribution of a controlled substance causing great bodily harm or death -Distribution of certain stimulants within 1000 feet of a school -Criminal use of a weapon by a prohibited person -Distribution of opiates within 1000 feet of a school -Possession of marijuana -Possession of drug paraphernalia -Acquisition of drug proceeds&nbsp;&nbsp;Detectives found cocaine, fentanyl pills, marijuana, 9 firearms and approximately $17,000 in US Currency.Schooler is being held without bond, at the Geary County Detention Facility, while he awaits his first appearance in the Geary County District Court.JCPD will release no further details at this time.

Police: JCPD arrest 40yo man, 40yo woman hospitalized for overdose

COFFEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal crash during a pursuit of a stolen vehicle

Just before 11:30a.m. Wednesday, a Trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol initiated a traffic stop on northbound U.S. 75 Highway north of Kansas 58 exit.

 The vehicle, a red Ford F-150, was stolen as a result of an aggravated robbery carjacking in Texas.

The vehicle fled and a pursuit was initiated. At 11:24am, the F150 drove onto the right shoulder, and attempted to pass a northbound commercial vehicle five miles south of the Interstate 35 exit.

While passing, the Ford truck was involved in a crash with two commercial vehicles.

As a result of the collision, the driver and passenger of the Ford F-150 were pronounced deceased. There were no injuries reported to either commercial vehicle driver.

The Kansas Highway Patrol Critical Highway Accident Response Team was called to the scene. Authorities released no additional details including names of those who died.

COFFEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal crash during a pursuit of a stolen vehicleJust before 11:30a.m. Wednesday, a Trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol initiated a traffic stop on northbound U.S. 75 Highway north of Kansas 58 exit. The vehicle, a red Ford F-150, was stolen as a result of an aggravated robbery carjacking in Texas.The vehicle fled and a pursuit was initiated. At 11:24am, the F150 drove onto the right shoulder, and attempted to pass a northbound commercial vehicle five miles south of the Interstate 35 exit.While passing, the Ford truck was involved in a crash with two commercial vehicles.As a result of the collision, the driver and passenger of the Ford F-150 were pronounced deceased. There were no injuries reported to either commercial vehicle driver.The Kansas Highway Patrol Critical Highway Accident Response Team was called to the scene. Authorities released no additional details including names of those who died.

KHP: 2 in reported stolen pickup dead after chase, crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court said Monday it won't review North Carolina's decision to stop issuing specialty license plates with the Confederate flag.

As is typical, the court did not comment in declining to hear the case, which challenged the state's decision. The dispute was one of many the court said Monday it would not hear. It was similar to a case originating in Texas that the court heard in 2015, when it ruled the license plates are state property.

The current dispute stems from North Carolina's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-wilmington-1d605f11ae3b49ea67159202d42b61c0">2021 decision</a>&nbsp;to stop issuing specialty license plates bearing the insignia of the North Carolina chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The chapter sued, claiming that the state's decision violated state and federal law. A lower court dismissed the case, and a federal appeals court agreed with that decision.

North Carolina offers three standard license plates and more than 200 specialty plates. Civic clubs including the Sons of Confederate Veterans can create specialty plates by meeting specific requirements.

In 2021, however, the state Department of Transportation sent the group a letter saying it would "no longer issue or renew specialty license plates bearing the Confederate battle flag or any variation of that flag" because the plates "have the potential to offend those who view them."

The state said it would consider alternate artwork for the plates' design if it does not contain the Confederate flag.

The organization unsuccessfully argued that the state's decision violated its free speech rights under the Constitution's First Amendment and state law governing specialty license plates.

In 2015, the Sons of Confederate Veterans’ Texas chapter claimed Texas was wrong not to issue a specialty license plate with the group's insignia. But the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f6922e307dd846fc8bffffa16cff654e">Supreme Court ruled</a>&nbsp;5-4 that Texas could limit the content of license plates because they are state property.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court said Monday it won't review North Carolina's decision to stop issuing specialty license plates with the Confederate flag.As is typical, the court did not comment in declining to hear the case, which challenged the state's decision. The dispute was one of many the court said Monday it would not hear. It was similar to a case originating in Texas that the court heard in 2015, when it ruled the license plates are state property.The current dispute stems from North Carolina's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-wilmington-1d605f11ae3b49ea67159202d42b61c0">2021 decision</a>&nbsp;to stop issuing specialty license plates bearing the insignia of the North Carolina chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The chapter sued, claiming that the state's decision violated state and federal law. A lower court dismissed the case, and a federal appeals court agreed with that decision.North Carolina offers three standard license plates and more than 200 specialty plates. Civic clubs including the Sons of Confederate Veterans can create specialty plates by meeting specific requirements.In 2021, however, the state Department of Transportation sent the group a letter saying it would "no longer issue or renew specialty license plates bearing the Confederate battle flag or any variation of that flag" because the plates "have the potential to offend those who view them."The state said it would consider alternate artwork for the plates' design if it does not contain the Confederate flag.The organization unsuccessfully argued that the state's decision violated its free speech rights under the Constitution's First Amendment and state law governing specialty license plates.In 2015, the Sons of Confederate Veterans’ Texas chapter claimed Texas was wrong not to issue a specialty license plate with the group's insignia. But the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f6922e307dd846fc8bffffa16cff654e">Supreme Court ruled</a>&nbsp;5-4 that Texas could limit the content of license plates because they are state property.

High Court won't review decision to nix license plates with Confederate flag

HARVEY COUNTY —One person is dead following a single-vehicle accident just before 7:30p.m. Sunday southeast of Hesston.

A vehicle driven by Traci Slater, 35, of Hesston, was traveling in the 5500 Block of North Hesston Road, according to the Harvey County Sheriff's office.

The vehicle left the road, entered the north ditch and rolled. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; There were no other occupants in the vehicle. It is unknown if Slater was wearing a seat belt. The accident remains under investigation.

A vehicle driven by a woman in her 30s was traveling in the 5500 Block of North Hesston Road, according to the Harvey County Sheriff's office.

The vehicle left the road, entered the north ditch and rolled. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;. There were no other occupants in the vehicle. It is unknown if the woman was wearing a seat belt. The accident remains under investigation.

The name of the driver has not been released.

HARVEY COUNTY —One person is dead following a single-vehicle accident just before 7:30p.m. Sunday southeast of Hesston.A vehicle driven by Traci Slater, 35, of Hesston, was traveling in the 5500 Block of North Hesston Road, according to the Harvey County Sheriff's office.The vehicle left the road, entered the north ditch and rolled. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; There were no other occupants in the vehicle. It is unknown if Slater was wearing a seat belt. The accident remains under investigation.----------HARVEY COUNTY —One person is dead following a single-vehicle accident just before 7:30p.m. Sunday southeast of Hesston.A vehicle driven by a woman in her 30s was traveling in the 5500 Block of North Hesston Road, according to the Harvey County Sheriff's office.The vehicle left the road, entered the north ditch and rolled. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;. There were no other occupants in the vehicle. It is unknown if the woman was wearing a seat belt. The accident remains under investigation.The name of the driver has not been released.

Sheriff: Woman in her 30s dies in Kansas rollover crash

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis went to the hospital Wednesday to undergo abdominal surgery to treat an intestinal blockage, two years after he had 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his colon removed because of a narrowing of the large intestine.

The Vatican said Francis, 86, would be put under general anesthesia for the procedure Wednesday afternoon and would be hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli hospital for several days.

Francis' Fiat 500 car pulled out of the Vatican shortly after 11 a.m. with an escort, and arrived at the Gemelli some 20 minutes later.

The pope is undergoing what the Vatican said was a “laparotomy and abdominal wall plastic surgery with prosthesis” to treat a “recurrent, painful and worsening” constriction of the intestine.

A laparotomy is open abdominal surgery. It can help a surgeon both diagnose and treat issues. The statement said Francis was suffering from a blocked laparocele, which is a hernia that formed over a previous scar.

"The stay at the health facility will last several days to allow for the normal post-operative course and full functional recovery,” the statement said. An update was not expected until after the procedure.

Francis remains in charge of the Vatican and the 1.3-billion strong Catholic Church, even while unconscious and in the hospital.

In July 2021, Francis spent 10 days at Gemelli to remove 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his large intestine. He had suffered what the Vatican said was a severe inflammation and narrowing of the colon.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-retirement-papacy-dcca464e7c1fd910568d07d6bf4d9994">In an interview with The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;in January, Francis said the diverticulosis, or bulges in his intestinal wall, that had prompted the 2021 surgery, had returned.

Francis had come out of the 2021 surgery saying he could eat whatever he wanted, but he lamented that he hadn’t responded well to the general anesthetic used in the longer-than-expected procedure. That reaction in part explained his refusal to have surgery to repair strained knee ligaments that have forced him to use a wheelchair and walker for over a year.

The fact that he is going back for surgery suggests he had little choice but to treat the intestinal issue, especially given the rigorous upcoming travel schedule this summer.

The Argentine pope had part of one lung removed when he was a young man. He also suffers from sciatica nerve pain. In late March, Francis spent three days at Gemelli for an acute case of bronchitis, during which he was treated with intravenous antibiotics. He emerged April 1 saying “Still alive!”

Francis initially went to the Gemelli on Tuesday for what the Vatican said were medical tests. It revealed no details at the time.

The 86-year-old had appeared in good form Wednesday morning at his audience in St. Peter’s Square, zipping around the square in his popemobile greeting the faithful. He also had two meetings beforehand, the Vatican said.

Francis has had a packed schedule of late, with multiple audiences each day. The Vatican has recently confirmed a travel-filled August, when the Holy See and Italy are usually on vacation, with a four-day visit to Portugal the first week of August and a similarly long trip to Mongolia starting Aug. 31.

In a sign that the trips were very much on, the Vatican on Tuesday released the planned itinerary for Francis’ visit to Portugal for World Youth Day events from Aug. 2-6. The itinerary confirms a typically busy schedule that includes all the protocol meetings of an official state visit plus multiple events with young people and a day trip to the Marian shrine at Fatima.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603292366279.png" alt="The Vatican said Francis, 86, would be put under general anesthesia for the procedure Wednesday afternoon and would be hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli hospital for several days.&nbsp;image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>The Vatican said Francis, 86, would be put under general anesthesia for the procedure Wednesday afternoon and would be hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli hospital for several days.&nbsp;image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>ROME (AP) — Pope Francis went to the hospital Wednesday to undergo abdominal surgery to treat an intestinal blockage, two years after he had 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his colon removed because of a narrowing of the large intestine.The Vatican said Francis, 86, would be put under general anesthesia for the procedure Wednesday afternoon and would be hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli hospital for several days.Francis' Fiat 500 car pulled out of the Vatican shortly after 11 a.m. with an escort, and arrived at the Gemelli some 20 minutes later.The pope is undergoing what the Vatican said was a “laparotomy and abdominal wall plastic surgery with prosthesis” to treat a “recurrent, painful and worsening” constriction of the intestine.A laparotomy is open abdominal surgery. It can help a surgeon both diagnose and treat issues. The statement said Francis was suffering from a blocked laparocele, which is a hernia that formed over a previous scar."The stay at the health facility will last several days to allow for the normal post-operative course and full functional recovery,” the statement said. An update was not expected until after the procedure.Francis remains in charge of the Vatican and the 1.3-billion strong Catholic Church, even while unconscious and in the hospital.In July 2021, Francis spent 10 days at Gemelli to remove 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his large intestine. He had suffered what the Vatican said was a severe inflammation and narrowing of the colon.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-retirement-papacy-dcca464e7c1fd910568d07d6bf4d9994">In an interview with The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;in January, Francis said the diverticulosis, or bulges in his intestinal wall, that had prompted the 2021 surgery, had returned.Francis had come out of the 2021 surgery saying he could eat whatever he wanted, but he lamented that he hadn’t responded well to the general anesthetic used in the longer-than-expected procedure. That reaction in part explained his refusal to have surgery to repair strained knee ligaments that have forced him to use a wheelchair and walker for over a year.The fact that he is going back for surgery suggests he had little choice but to treat the intestinal issue, especially given the rigorous upcoming travel schedule this summer.The Argentine pope had part of one lung removed when he was a young man. He also suffers from sciatica nerve pain. In late March, Francis spent three days at Gemelli for an acute case of bronchitis, during which he was treated with intravenous antibiotics. He emerged April 1 saying “Still alive!”Francis initially went to the Gemelli on Tuesday for what the Vatican said were medical tests. It revealed no details at the time.The 86-year-old had appeared in good form Wednesday morning at his audience in St. Peter’s Square, zipping around the square in his popemobile greeting the faithful. He also had two meetings beforehand, the Vatican said.Francis has had a packed schedule of late, with multiple audiences each day. The Vatican has recently confirmed a travel-filled August, when the Holy See and Italy are usually on vacation, with a four-day visit to Portugal the first week of August and a similarly long trip to Mongolia starting Aug. 31.In a sign that the trips were very much on, the Vatican on Tuesday released the planned itinerary for Francis’ visit to Portugal for World Youth Day events from Aug. 2-6. The itinerary confirms a typically busy schedule that includes all the protocol meetings of an official state visit plus multiple events with young people and a day trip to the Marian shrine at Fatima.

Pope Francis to undergo intestinal surgery

TOPEKA—According to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, at 3:22p.m Monday, authorities located&nbsp;the children in Topeka, according to a statement from the agency.

 The children are safe and the the suspect identified as their mother&nbsp;Dontresha Thomas is in custody.  The KBI and the Topeka Police Department thanked the public for their response and vigilance.

TOPEKA —The stat of Kansas issued an Amber Alert Monday afternoon.

According to the KBI, at 10:34 a.m. Monday. Au'Vae Riley, Da"avien Riley JR, Ty'rell Riley, and Aunila Riley were taken by their mother Dontresha Shabree Thomas. 

The suspect's statements to the father indicate that all of the children are in imminent danger. 

The suspect left from 2105 SE Swygart in Topeka, KS traveling in a unknown direction in a silver 2009 GMC Acadia bearing KS temporary license plate number C953627. Call 911 immediately if you have seen a missing child, suspect, or suspects vehicle. If you have other information on a missing child, call 911 or the Topeka Police Department at 785-368-9200.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685991143406.png" alt="Dontresha Thomas&nbsp; described as 5-foot-1, 110 pounds and was last seen wearing white t-shirt and gray shorts.-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Dontresha Thomas&nbsp; described as 5-foot-1, 110 pounds and was last seen wearing white t-shirt and gray shorts.-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—According to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, at 3:22p.m Monday, authorities located&nbsp;the children in Topeka, according to a statement from the agency. The children are safe and the the suspect identified as their mother&nbsp;Dontresha Thomas is in custody. The KBI and the Topeka Police Department thanked the public for their response and vigilance.TOPEKA —The stat of Kansas issued an Amber Alert Monday afternoon.According to the KBI, at 10:34 a.m. Monday. Au'Vae Riley, Da"avien Riley JR, Ty'rell Riley, and Aunila Riley were taken by their mother Dontresha Shabree Thomas. The suspect's statements to the father indicate that all of the children are in imminent danger. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685991210086.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685991167022.png" alt="Actual suspect vehicle is a 2009 GMC Acadia with KS Temporary tag C953627. Tag in picture is not on the vehicle. Note dent in the rear gate below the handle." />
 <figcaption>Actual suspect vehicle is a 2009 GMC Acadia with KS Temporary tag C953627. Tag in picture is not on the vehicle. Note dent in the rear gate below the handle.</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect left from 2105 SE Swygart in Topeka, KS traveling in a unknown direction in a silver 2009 GMC Acadia bearing KS temporary license plate number C953627. Call 911 immediately if you have seen a missing child, suspect, or suspects vehicle. If you have other information on a missing child, call 911 or the Topeka Police Department at 785-368-9200.

KBI: Amber Alert continues; 4 siblings taken by their mother

NEW YORK (AP) — Customers of Chase's online banking services were seeing double transactions, fees and/or payments in their accounts, with the situation not immediately being resolved as of early afternoon on Friday.

Numerous Chase customers were posting on social media that their rent or bill payments were taken out of their accounts twice and reporting hold times with customer service approaching more than an hour. The New York-based bank is one of the country’s largest financial institutions with millions of online customers.

Transactions over Zelle, the bank’s own peer-to-peer payment service, were also being impacted with Chase customers.

“We’re sorry that some customers are seeing duplicate transactions and fees on their checking account," a Chase spokesperson said. "We’re working to resolve the issue and will automatically reverse any duplicates and adjust any related fees."

Online banking services, while usually reliable, sometimes spectacularly fail or have temporary outages that tend to spook their customers. Banks typically will resolve an error in their services within hours, and no customer is liable for any errors in their accounts that occur when these happen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685732600807.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Customers of Chase's online banking services were seeing double transactions, fees and/or payments in their accounts, with the situation not immediately being resolved as of early afternoon on Friday.Numerous Chase customers were posting on social media that their rent or bill payments were taken out of their accounts twice and reporting hold times with customer service approaching more than an hour. The New York-based bank is one of the country’s largest financial institutions with millions of online customers.Transactions over Zelle, the bank’s own peer-to-peer payment service, were also being impacted with Chase customers.“We’re sorry that some customers are seeing duplicate transactions and fees on their checking account," a Chase spokesperson said. "We’re working to resolve the issue and will automatically reverse any duplicates and adjust any related fees."Online banking services, while usually reliable, sometimes spectacularly fail or have temporary outages that tend to spook their customers. Banks typically will resolve an error in their services within hours, and no customer is liable for any errors in their accounts that occur when these happen.

Bug in Chase Bank online banking causing double transactions, fees

By ADAM KEALOHA CAUSEY Associated Press

DALLAS — When Tina Turner died at age 83, I found myself drifting back to the fourth grade, to the day I truly discovered her voice.

I was on Thanksgiving break — bored — when I decided to rummage through my parents' old cassette tapes in search of entertainment.

What I found was astonishing: an album called "Private Dancer."

"I look up to the stars with my perfect memory. I look through it all and my future's no shock to me."

"Who was this magnificent woman?" I thought as the lyrics of the song "I Might Have Been Queen (Soul Survivor)," flowed through the headphones of my Walkman. "What had she been through?"

I quickly consulted an expert on the matter: my mom, who as a teenager in the '60s, had been listening to Tina since she first made hits with her then-husband Ike.

Mom, like Tina, didn't sugarcoat the superstar's history: Off-stage, Ike was beating her. It was something she herself — and most others — didn't know when she and Dad first went to see her live in the '70s.

It was shocking and sickening to hear. But Mom also shared Tina's triumphs, how she continued to mesmerize and dazzle fans despite the hell she endured. She recalled seeing Tina and her backing vocalists and dancers, the Ikettes, go so hard onstage that the ribbon ties of Tina's sandals, starting out near her calves, ended up around her ankles. The concert was wild. Rapturous.

I wanted to experience this. Five years later, I did.

In 1997, Mom and Dad loaded my siblings and me into our 1987 Chevy Suburban and made the five-hour drive from our home in Doyline, Louisiana, to The Woodlands, Texas, to catch Tina on her "Wildest Dreams" world tour.

I was hypnotized. The burst of sparkling, silver sequins onstage. The voice that could go from the deepest growl to a tender coo. The infectious smile and air kisses to the audience that made it seem like she really was happy we were all there. The kicks. The shimmies. The staccato steps as she worked the entire stage. As my uncle who had waited in line for hours to buy the tickets for our lawn seats would say after the show: "Kids, tonight you've been in the presence of greatness."

That night was also a moment of personal awakening. It wasn't just an incredible performance from a Grammy winner and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; it was the crowd of thousands of fans of all ages, bigger and more diverse than any a young teen from a small, Southern town had ever seen. The fans were Black, white and even hapa (mixed-race) Hawaiians like us. Some were gay. Some were straight. I bet there were also both Republicans and Democrats, singing and twirling together in harmony to "Proud Mary."

The experience, I realized years later, was part of my parents' design to broaden my worldview. Tina helped them to do that.

In 2008, I was able to repay my parents for the gift they had given me: I got us tickets to a San Jose, California, stop on Tina's farewell tour. Tina was nearing 70 at that point, but she still had the moves and the energy. Earlier this year, I took Mom and Dad to see "Tina: The Musical" in New Orleans during its post-Broadway run across the U.S.

As a mega-fan enamored by Tina the artist, I have also had to come to grips with the jolting reality of Tina the woman — a real flesh and blood person who had a violent upbringing in a home with fighting parents and later endured the physical abuse of her own husband.

I was awed by the story of this woman who was brave enough to talk, with grace, about domestic violence long before the rest of society did. How she snuck out of a Dallas hotel room one night in the late '70s while Ike Turner was sleeping, hurried across a nearby highway and checked herself into a Ramada Inn with a Mobil credit card. She had 36 cents to her name.

Watching the 2021 documentary that Tina called her goodbye to the public, I also understood how she was retraumatized over the decades by interviewers who asked her to describe, again and again, how she got away from Ike, while overlooking greater career accomplishments that were disconnected from her ex-husband. And that was on top of the racism and sexism she faced in the music industry.

As Angela Bassett, who played the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll" in an Oscar-nominated turn in "What's Love Got to Do With It" said in the documentary, "It's hard when the worst parts of your life have been an inspiration."

Bassett is right, and that's complicated.

I live in Dallas. So, it felt not only right, but necessary, after I heard about Tina's death, to make my way to the old Ramada Inn where she famously and heroically reclaimed her life.

I strolled into the lobby of what is now the boutique Lorenzo Hotel, said hi to a handful of other fans who were passing through, and approached the giant, arresting photo of Tina that hangs there, exuding all the confidence and attitude she's earned: fishnet stockings, big hair and a look that says, "Don't test me."

I reflected on the many moments of my life when Tina had inspired me, including this year when I ran a marathon and cranked up "Proud Mary" on my phone as my energy was draining during the last 2 miles.

In my hand was an orange-and-yellow rose — the shade that one of Queen Elizabeth II's rose growers had famously named after Tina — that I had plucked from a bouquet a thoughtful friend bought me when Tina died.

I smiled and tucked the bloom into a cleft in the portrait's ornate frame.

At 40, I had finally answered the burning question my 10-year-old self had asked and that Mom had tried to answer: I knew who that magnificent woman was, and what she had been through. And I knew that the lyrics to "I Might Have Been Queen" not only spoke to her ability to endure, but her belief in reincarnation.

Beautiful, Tina. For me, you will always live on.

By ADAM KEALOHA CAUSEY Associated PressDALLAS — When Tina Turner died at age 83, I found myself drifting back to the fourth grade, to the day I truly discovered her voice.I was on Thanksgiving break — bored — when I decided to rummage through my parents' old cassette tapes in search of entertainment.What I found was astonishing: an album called "Private Dancer.""I look up to the stars with my perfect memory. I look through it all and my future's no shock to me.""Who was this magnificent woman?" I thought as the lyrics of the song "I Might Have Been Queen (Soul Survivor)," flowed through the headphones of my Walkman. "What had she been through?"I quickly consulted an expert on the matter: my mom, who as a teenager in the '60s, had been listening to Tina since she first made hits with her then-husband Ike.Mom, like Tina, didn't sugarcoat the superstar's history: Off-stage, Ike was beating her. It was something she herself — and most others — didn't know when she and Dad first went to see her live in the '70s.It was shocking and sickening to hear. But Mom also shared Tina's triumphs, how she continued to mesmerize and dazzle fans despite the hell she endured. She recalled seeing Tina and her backing vocalists and dancers, the Ikettes, go so hard onstage that the ribbon ties of Tina's sandals, starting out near her calves, ended up around her ankles. The concert was wild. Rapturous.I wanted to experience this. Five years later, I did.In 1997, Mom and Dad loaded my siblings and me into our 1987 Chevy Suburban and made the five-hour drive from our home in Doyline, Louisiana, to The Woodlands, Texas, to catch Tina on her "Wildest Dreams" world tour.I was hypnotized. The burst of sparkling, silver sequins onstage. The voice that could go from the deepest growl to a tender coo. The infectious smile and air kisses to the audience that made it seem like she really was happy we were all there. The kicks. The shimmies. The staccato steps as she worked the entire stage. As my uncle who had waited in line for hours to buy the tickets for our lawn seats would say after the show: "Kids, tonight you've been in the presence of greatness."That night was also a moment of personal awakening. It wasn't just an incredible performance from a Grammy winner and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; it was the crowd of thousands of fans of all ages, bigger and more diverse than any a young teen from a small, Southern town had ever seen. The fans were Black, white and even hapa (mixed-race) Hawaiians like us. Some were gay. Some were straight. I bet there were also both Republicans and Democrats, singing and twirling together in harmony to "Proud Mary."The experience, I realized years later, was part of my parents' design to broaden my worldview. Tina helped them to do that.In 2008, I was able to repay my parents for the gift they had given me: I got us tickets to a San Jose, California, stop on Tina's farewell tour. Tina was nearing 70 at that point, but she still had the moves and the energy. Earlier this year, I took Mom and Dad to see "Tina: The Musical" in New Orleans during its post-Broadway run across the U.S.As a mega-fan enamored by Tina the artist, I have also had to come to grips with the jolting reality of Tina the woman — a real flesh and blood person who had a violent upbringing in a home with fighting parents and later endured the physical abuse of her own husband.I was awed by the story of this woman who was brave enough to talk, with grace, about domestic violence long before the rest of society did. How she snuck out of a Dallas hotel room one night in the late '70s while Ike Turner was sleeping, hurried across a nearby highway and checked herself into a Ramada Inn with a Mobil credit card. She had 36 cents to her name.Watching the 2021 documentary that Tina called her goodbye to the public, I also understood how she was retraumatized over the decades by interviewers who asked her to describe, again and again, how she got away from Ike, while overlooking greater career accomplishments that were disconnected from her ex-husband. And that was on top of the racism and sexism she faced in the music industry.As Angela Bassett, who played the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll" in an Oscar-nominated turn in "What's Love Got to Do With It" said in the documentary, "It's hard when the worst parts of your life have been an inspiration."Bassett is right, and that's complicated.I live in Dallas. So, it felt not only right, but necessary, after I heard about Tina's death, to make my way to the old Ramada Inn where she famously and heroically reclaimed her life.I strolled into the lobby of what is now the boutique Lorenzo Hotel, said hi to a handful of other fans who were passing through, and approached the giant, arresting photo of Tina that hangs there, exuding all the confidence and attitude she's earned: fishnet stockings, big hair and a look that says, "Don't test me."I reflected on the many moments of my life when Tina had inspired me, including this year when I ran a marathon and cranked up "Proud Mary" on my phone as my energy was draining during the last 2 miles.In my hand was an orange-and-yellow rose — the shade that one of Queen Elizabeth II's rose growers had famously named after Tina — that I had plucked from a bouquet a thoughtful friend bought me when Tina died.I smiled and tucked the bloom into a cleft in the portrait's ornate frame.At 40, I had finally answered the burning question my 10-year-old self had asked and that Mom had tried to answer: I knew who that magnificent woman was, and what she had been through. And I knew that the lyrics to "I Might Have Been Queen" not only spoke to her ability to endure, but her belief in reincarnation.Beautiful, Tina. For me, you will always live on.

Mega-fan's tribute to Tina Turner's limitless energy, survival lessons

DOUGLAS COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent attack on a woman and asking for help to find 38-year-old Sean Martin Reese, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe. Police believe Reese tried to murder a woman late Sunday night.

Just after 11:30p.m. police responded to the 1300 block of Rhode Island in Lawrence and found a woman outside with several stab wounds. She was transported to a trauma center.

Through investigation police learned Reese may have also placed explosives in the home. Police obtained a search warrant and called in the Leavenworth Bomb Squad to assist. Police also notified administrators at nearby Liberty Memorial Central Middle School during the night as a precaution, but the home was cleared before anyone arrived and there is no risk.

The devices found were described by search teams as homemade devices, consistent with larger scale commercial fireworks, and were removed.

Reese is described a 5-foot-9, 215 pounds with brown hair, hazel eyes and wears glasses. He has previous felony convictions for aggravated assault, DUI, obstruction and flee and or elude law enforcement.&nbsp; If you know where he is or see him, please call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 785.843.TIPS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684759824637.png" alt="Reese is described a 5-foot-9, 215 pounds with brown hair, hazel eyes and wears glasses.-photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Reese is described a 5-foot-9, 215 pounds with brown hair, hazel eyes and wears glasses.-photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent attack on a woman and asking for help to find 38-year-old Sean Martin Reese, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe. Police believe Reese tried to murder a woman late Sunday night.Just after 11:30p.m. police responded to the 1300 block of Rhode Island in Lawrence and found a woman outside with several stab wounds. She was transported to a trauma center.Through investigation police learned Reese may have also placed explosives in the home. Police obtained a search warrant and called in the Leavenworth Bomb Squad to assist. Police also notified administrators at nearby Liberty Memorial Central Middle School during the night as a precaution, but the home was cleared before anyone arrived and there is no risk.The devices found were described by search teams as homemade devices, consistent with larger scale commercial fireworks, and were removed.Reese is described a 5-foot-9, 215 pounds with brown hair, hazel eyes and wears glasses. He has previous felony convictions for aggravated assault, DUI, obstruction and flee and or elude law enforcement.&nbsp; If you know where he is or see him, please call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 785.843.TIPS.

Police: Kansas felon wanted for knife attack on a woman

By BINAJ GURUBACHARYA Associated Press

KATHMANDU, Nepal — A British mountain guide returned to Nepal's capital on Friday after scaling Mount Everest for a 17th time, breaking his own record for the most ascents of the world's highest mountain by a non-Sherpa guide.

Kenton Cool first climbed Mount Everest in 2004 and has been doing it almost every year since then.

"I really don't think records belong on the mountains. Mountains are bigger than records," Cool said at Kathmandu airport after getting off the helicopter that brought him back from Everest. "I am just happy we had a great climb and that we are back."

Only Nepali Sherpa guides have scaled the peak more times than Cool. Veteran Sherpa guide Kami Rita climbed the mountain this week for a record 27th time. Another Sherpa guide, Pasang Dawa, has scaled it 26 times. Both Kami Rita and Pasang Dawa are still on the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) mountain with their climbing groups and there is a chance they could reach the summit again before the spring climbing season finishes at the end of this month.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e34dd32-bf08-43db-a58d-b7a6a55fbfb5">Man of many passions: Allen makes music, fosters creativity, climbs mountains</a>

Hundreds of climbers and their local guides are currently on Everest and a rush for the summit is expected in the next few weeks. Nepalese authorities issued about 470 permits to climb Everest this season.

Nine people have died on Everest this year, including four Sherpa guides.

Cool was unable to climb Everest in 2014 because the season was canceled after 16 Sherpa guides were killed in an avalanche, and again in 2015 when an earthquake triggered an avalanche that killed 19 people. The 2020 climbing season was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684549942225.jpeg" alt="British mountaineer Kenton Cool who successfully completed his 17th summit of Mount Everest arrives at the airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, Friday. The British mountain guide who just set a record for the highest number of Mount Everest summit among non-Nepali climbers returned from the mountain Friday said it was his coldest climb on the world's highest mountain. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)" />
 <figcaption>British mountaineer Kenton Cool who successfully completed his 17th summit of Mount Everest arrives at the airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, Friday. The British mountain guide who just set a record for the highest number of Mount Everest summit among non-Nepali climbers returned from the mountain Friday said it was his coldest climb on the world's highest mountain. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BINAJ GURUBACHARYA Associated PressKATHMANDU, Nepal — A British mountain guide returned to Nepal's capital on Friday after scaling Mount Everest for a 17th time, breaking his own record for the most ascents of the world's highest mountain by a non-Sherpa guide.Kenton Cool first climbed Mount Everest in 2004 and has been doing it almost every year since then."I really don't think records belong on the mountains. Mountains are bigger than records," Cool said at Kathmandu airport after getting off the helicopter that brought him back from Everest. "I am just happy we had a great climb and that we are back."Only Nepali Sherpa guides have scaled the peak more times than Cool. Veteran Sherpa guide Kami Rita climbed the mountain this week for a record 27th time. Another Sherpa guide, Pasang Dawa, has scaled it 26 times. Both Kami Rita and Pasang Dawa are still on the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) mountain with their climbing groups and there is a chance they could reach the summit again before the spring climbing season finishes at the end of this month.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e34dd32-bf08-43db-a58d-b7a6a55fbfb5">Man of many passions: Allen makes music, fosters creativity, climbs mountains</a>Hundreds of climbers and their local guides are currently on Everest and a rush for the summit is expected in the next few weeks. Nepalese authorities issued about 470 permits to climb Everest this season.Nine people have died on Everest this year, including four Sherpa guides.Cool was unable to climb Everest in 2014 because the season was canceled after 16 Sherpa guides were killed in an avalanche, and again in 2015 when an earthquake triggered an avalanche that killed 19 people. The 2020 climbing season was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

British climber scales Everest for 17th time, the most by a non-Sherpa guide

By MARÍA VERZA Associated Press

MEXICO CITY — Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano rumbled to life again this week, belching out towering clouds of ash that forced 11 villages to cancel school sessions.

The residents weren't the only ones keeping a close eye on the towering peak. Every time there is a sigh, tic or heave in Popocatepetl, there are dozens of scientists, a network of sensors and cameras, and a roomful of powerful equipment watching its every move.

The 17,797-foot (5,426-meter) volcano, known affectionately as "El Popo," has been spewing toxic fumes, ash and lumps of incandescent rock persistently for almost 30 years, since it awakened from a long slumber in 1994.

The volcano is 45 miles (72 kilometers) southeast of Mexico City, but looms much closer to the eastern fringes of the metropolitan area of 22 million people. The city also faces threats from earthquakes and sinking soil, but the volcano is the most visible potential danger — and the most closely watched. A severe eruption could cut off air traffic, or smother the city in clouds of choking ash.

Ringed around its summit are six cameras, a thermal imaging device and 12 seismological monitoring stations that operate 24 hours a day, all reporting back to an equipment-filled command center in Mexico City.

A total of 13 scientists from a multidisciplinary team take turns staffing the command center around the clock. Being able to warn of an impending ash cloud is key, because people can take precautions. Unlike earthquakes, warning times can be longer for the volcano and in general the peak is more predictable.

On a recent day, researcher Paulino Alonso made the rounds, checking the readings at the command center run by Mexico's National Disaster Prevention Center, known by its initials as Cenapred. It is a complex task that involves seismographs that measure the volcano's internal trembling, which could indicate hot rock and gas moving up the vents in the peak.

Monitoring gases in nearby springs and at the peak — and wind patterns that help determine where the ash could be blown — also play a role.

The forces inside are so great that they can temporarily deform the peak, so cameras and sensors must monitor the very shape of the volcano.

How do you explain all of this to 25 million non-experts living within a 62-mile (100-kilometer) radius who have grown so used to living near the volcano?

Authorities came up with the simple idea of a volcano "stoplight" with three colors: green for safety, yellow for alert and red for danger.

For most of the years since the stoplight was introduced, it has been stuck at some stage of "yellow." The mountain sometimes quiets down, but not for long. It seldom shoots up molten lava: instead it's more the "explosive" type, showering out hot rocks that tumble down its flanks and emitting bursts of gas and ash.

The center also has monitors in other states; Mexico is a country all too familiar with natural disasters.

For example, Mexico's earthquake early alert system is also based at the command center. Because the city's soil is so soft — it was built on a former lake bed — a quake hundreds of miles away on the Pacific coast can cause huge destruction in the capital, as happened in 1985 and 2017.

A system of seismic monitors along the coast sends messages that race faster than the quake's shock waves. Once the sirens start blaring, it can give Mexico City residents up to half a minute to get to safety, usually on the streets outside.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684549361347.jpeg" alt="A plume of ash and steam rises from the Popocatepetl volcano, as seen from Mexico City June 19, 2019. Popocatepetl rumbled to life again this week, spewing out towering clouds of ash that forced 11 villages to cancel school sessions. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte, file)" />
 <figcaption>A plume of ash and steam rises from the Popocatepetl volcano, as seen from Mexico City June 19, 2019. Popocatepetl rumbled to life again this week, spewing out towering clouds of ash that forced 11 villages to cancel school sessions. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte, file)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARÍA VERZA Associated PressMEXICO CITY — Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano rumbled to life again this week, belching out towering clouds of ash that forced 11 villages to cancel school sessions.The residents weren't the only ones keeping a close eye on the towering peak. Every time there is a sigh, tic or heave in Popocatepetl, there are dozens of scientists, a network of sensors and cameras, and a roomful of powerful equipment watching its every move.The 17,797-foot (5,426-meter) volcano, known affectionately as "El Popo," has been spewing toxic fumes, ash and lumps of incandescent rock persistently for almost 30 years, since it awakened from a long slumber in 1994.The volcano is 45 miles (72 kilometers) southeast of Mexico City, but looms much closer to the eastern fringes of the metropolitan area of 22 million people. The city also faces threats from earthquakes and sinking soil, but the volcano is the most visible potential danger — and the most closely watched. A severe eruption could cut off air traffic, or smother the city in clouds of choking ash.Ringed around its summit are six cameras, a thermal imaging device and 12 seismological monitoring stations that operate 24 hours a day, all reporting back to an equipment-filled command center in Mexico City.A total of 13 scientists from a multidisciplinary team take turns staffing the command center around the clock. Being able to warn of an impending ash cloud is key, because people can take precautions. Unlike earthquakes, warning times can be longer for the volcano and in general the peak is more predictable.On a recent day, researcher Paulino Alonso made the rounds, checking the readings at the command center run by Mexico's National Disaster Prevention Center, known by its initials as Cenapred. It is a complex task that involves seismographs that measure the volcano's internal trembling, which could indicate hot rock and gas moving up the vents in the peak.Monitoring gases in nearby springs and at the peak — and wind patterns that help determine where the ash could be blown — also play a role.The forces inside are so great that they can temporarily deform the peak, so cameras and sensors must monitor the very shape of the volcano.How do you explain all of this to 25 million non-experts living within a 62-mile (100-kilometer) radius who have grown so used to living near the volcano?Authorities came up with the simple idea of a volcano "stoplight" with three colors: green for safety, yellow for alert and red for danger.For most of the years since the stoplight was introduced, it has been stuck at some stage of "yellow." The mountain sometimes quiets down, but not for long. It seldom shoots up molten lava: instead it's more the "explosive" type, showering out hot rocks that tumble down its flanks and emitting bursts of gas and ash.The center also has monitors in other states; Mexico is a country all too familiar with natural disasters.For example, Mexico's earthquake early alert system is also based at the command center. Because the city's soil is so soft — it was built on a former lake bed — a quake hundreds of miles away on the Pacific coast can cause huge destruction in the capital, as happened in 1985 and 2017.A system of seismic monitors along the coast sends messages that race faster than the quake's shock waves. Once the sirens start blaring, it can give Mexico City residents up to half a minute to get to safety, usually on the streets outside.

Threatening 22M people, Mexico's Popocatepetl very closely watched

WASHINGTON — Dutton and Wrenlee are on the rise but they're no match for champs Liam and Olivia as the top baby names in the U.S. last year.

The Social Security Administration released the annual list Friday. The agency tracks baby names in each state based on applications for Social Security cards, with names dating to 1880.

It's Liam's sixth straight year as No. 1. Olivia has reigned since the name unseated Emma four years ago. Emma is No. 2.

Coming in third for girls' names is Charlotte, followed by Amelia, Sophia, Isabella, Ava, Mia, Evelyn and Luna. For boys' names, Liam is followed by Noah, Oliver, James, Elijah, William, Henry, Lucas, Benjamin and Theodore.

Luna is the only newcomer in the Top 10, booting Harper.

The agency has been compiling the list since 1997, often revealing the impact pop culture has on baby naming trends. The smash hit "Yellowstone" has clearly influenced new parents. The neo-Western starring Kevin Costner debuted in 2018, with characters surfacing among baby names ever since.

Dutton moved up the Social Security list to 835, a change of 986 spots from 2021. It's the last name of the fictional family featured on the series, and it counts Costner's John Dutton in its ranks. Dutton is the fastest rising name in the Social Security rankings.

Another Dutton name follows actual Dutton as a star with a bullet among baby names. Kayce, as in Kayce John Dutton on the show, moved to the 587th most popular name, up from 1,077 the year before. Luke Grimes plays Kayce.

Rip, also from "Yellowstone," has grabbed some naming attention, but it didn't crack Social Security's top 1,000. Cole Hauser's Rip Wheeler is Dutton adjacent as the son-in-law of John.

Other names rising fast for boys: Chosen, Khaza, Eithan. For girls, Wrenlee is followed by Neriah, Arlet, Georgina and Amiri.

The Social Security Administration's latest data shows 3.64 million babies in the U.S. were issued Social Security cards last year, up slightly from 2021.

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSWASHINGTON — Dutton and Wrenlee are on the rise but they're no match for champs Liam and Olivia as the top baby names in the U.S. last year.The Social Security Administration released the annual list Friday. The agency tracks baby names in each state based on applications for Social Security cards, with names dating to 1880.It's Liam's sixth straight year as No. 1. Olivia has reigned since the name unseated Emma four years ago. Emma is No. 2.Coming in third for girls' names is Charlotte, followed by Amelia, Sophia, Isabella, Ava, Mia, Evelyn and Luna. For boys' names, Liam is followed by Noah, Oliver, James, Elijah, William, Henry, Lucas, Benjamin and Theodore.Luna is the only newcomer in the Top 10, booting Harper.The agency has been compiling the list since 1997, often revealing the impact pop culture has on baby naming trends. The smash hit "Yellowstone" has clearly influenced new parents. The neo-Western starring Kevin Costner debuted in 2018, with characters surfacing among baby names ever since.Dutton moved up the Social Security list to 835, a change of 986 spots from 2021. It's the last name of the fictional family featured on the series, and it counts Costner's John Dutton in its ranks. Dutton is the fastest rising name in the Social Security rankings.Another Dutton name follows actual Dutton as a star with a bullet among baby names. Kayce, as in Kayce John Dutton on the show, moved to the 587th most popular name, up from 1,077 the year before. Luke Grimes plays Kayce.Rip, also from "Yellowstone," has grabbed some naming attention, but it didn't crack Social Security's top 1,000. Cole Hauser's Rip Wheeler is Dutton adjacent as the son-in-law of John.Other names rising fast for boys: Chosen, Khaza, Eithan. For girls, Wrenlee is followed by Neriah, Arlet, Georgina and Amiri.The Social Security Administration's latest data shows 3.64 million babies in the U.S. were issued Social Security cards last year, up slightly from 2021.

See what baby names were the most popular last year

By BRIAN MELLEY and SYLVIA HUI Associated Press

LONDON (AP) A day after a gilded coronation ceremony watched by millions, King Charles III and Queen Camilla let others take the center stage Sunday as they took in a star-studded concert featuring Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and others at Windsor Castle.

The newly-crowned monarch and his wife appeared to enjoy the show as Richie performed "All Night Long," at one point getting up on their feet and swaying along to the music. Other members of the royal family, including 8-year-old Princess Charlotte and Prince George, 9, waved Union flags along with a crowd of some 20,000 gathered on the castle's east terrace.

Charlotte and her mother, Kate, the Princess of Wales, sang along as Perry, dressed in a gold foil ball gown, performed her pop hit "Roar."

"Top Gun" star Tom Cruise appeared in a pre-recorded video message, saying: "Pilot to pilot. Your Majesty, you can be my wingman any time." The mixed program also saw performances by the Royal Ballet, Nicole Scherzinger from the Pussycat Dolls, opera singer Andrea Bocelli and British band Take That.

Even Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog made an appearance, joking with host Hugh Bonneville.

The entertainment was interspersed with more serious moments. A message from Charles on the importance of environmental conservation was played, and the show was accompanied by a light and drone display with a nature theme.

Prince William, heir to the throne, took to the stage to pay tribute to his father's dedication to service. "Pa, we are all so proud of you," he said.

Concert goers sang "God Save the King" as landmarks around the U.K. were lit up in colorful lights.

Earlier Sunday, thousands of picnics and street parties were held across the U.K. in Charles' honor. The community get-togethers, part of a British tradition known as the Big Lunch, provided a down-to-earth counterpart to the gilded spectacle of the king's crowning Saturday.

The events were intended to bring neighbors together to celebrate the crowning even as support for the monarchy wanes. Critics complained about the coronation's cost at a time of exorbitant living expenses amid double-digit inflation.

But plenty others took the opportunity to enjoy a party with friends and family. In Regent's Park in London, Valent Cheung and his girlfriend showed up to cheer the new king with the neighbors who embraced them when they moved from Hong Kong. They dolled up their loyal and "royal" fluffy white dog, Tino, with a tiny purple crown for the occasion.

"This is a new era for U.K," Cheung said. "We didn't have these things in Hong Kong. Now, we are embracing the culture. We want to enjoy it, we want to celebrate it."

Charles and Camilla didn't drop in on any of the picnics, leaving that duty to other members of the royal family.

William and his wife, Kate, surprised people picnicking outside the castle before the concert. Dressed far more casually than the day before, they shook hands and Kate embraced a crying girl in a hug.

The king's siblings, Prince Edward and Princess Anne and their spouses took on lunch duty for the royal family at events across England. The king's nieces, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, the daughters of Prince Andrew, joined a lunch in Windsor.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted U.S. first lady Jill Biden and her granddaughter Finnegan Biden at the Big Lunch party held in front of his office. Other guests included Ukrainian refugees and community activists.

Like the picnic in the park, Downing Street and Sunak's spread — even his teapot — were festooned in the nation's colors of blue, white and red.

Sausage rolls and salmon were served along with coronation chicken — a dish cooked up for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation 70 years ago — and coronation quiche, which was picked to suit Charles' taste and has been the buzz of social media, often for the wrong reasons.

The lower-key events followed regalia-laden pageantry that saw the king and queen crowned together in Westminster Abbey. They were presented with centuries-old swords, scepters and a jewel-encrusted golden orb symbolizing the monarch's power in a medieval tradition celebrated with liturgy, song and hearty cheers of "God save the king."

The couple then paraded through the streets in a gilded horse-drawn carriage led by the largest ceremonial military procession since the coronation of Charles' mother. Some 4,000 troops marched in formation through the streets, their scarlet sleeves and white gloves swinging in unison to the sound of drums and bugles from marching bands, including one group of musicians on horseback.

Hundreds of thousands of spectators lined the route in the rain to see it in person. Nearly 19 million more watched on television in the U.K., according to ratings released by Barb, a research organization. That's about 40% fewer viewers than had watched the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September.

Charles and Camilla said Sunday in a statement that they were "deeply touched" by the celebration and "profoundly grateful both to all those who helped to make it such a glorious occasion – and to the very many who turned out to show their support."

Not everyone was there to celebrate, though, and criticism continued Sunday over arrests of more than 50 protesters, including members of a republican group shouting "Not my king" and environmentalists aiming to end the use of fossil fuels.

The Metropolitan Police said officers detained 64 people Saturday, with four suspects charged with offenses including a religiously aggravated public order offense and drug possession.

Graham Smith, leader of Republic, a group advocating for abolishing the monarchy, said he was arrested as he planned a peaceful protest and spent 16 hours in police custody.

"These arrests are a direct attack on our democracy and the fundamental rights of every person in the country," Smith said. "Each and every police officer involved on the ground should hang their heads in shame."

The Metropolitan Police acknowledged concerns over the arrests, but defended the force's actions.

"The coronation is a once-in-a-generation event and that is a key consideration in our assessment," Commander Karen Findlay said.

At Regent's Park, celebrants talked about the novelty of what they had witnessed. But the coronation was nothing new for Rosemary McIntosh, 95, just a lot more vivid than the one she saw televised while living in Zimbabwe in 1953.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683499543090.jpeg" alt="Katy Perry performs during the concert at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Sunday, celebrating the coronation of King Charles III. It is one of several events over a three-day weekend of celebrations. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)" />
 <figcaption>Katy Perry performs during the concert at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Sunday, celebrating the coronation of King Charles III. It is one of several events over a three-day weekend of celebrations. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN MELLEY and SYLVIA HUI Associated PressLONDON (AP) A day after a gilded coronation ceremony watched by millions, King Charles III and Queen Camilla let others take the center stage Sunday as they took in a star-studded concert featuring Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and others at Windsor Castle.The newly-crowned monarch and his wife appeared to enjoy the show as Richie performed "All Night Long," at one point getting up on their feet and swaying along to the music. Other members of the royal family, including 8-year-old Princess Charlotte and Prince George, 9, waved Union flags along with a crowd of some 20,000 gathered on the castle's east terrace.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683499774953.jpeg" alt="US singer Lionel Richie performs during the concert at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Sunday. (Chris Jackson/Pool Photo via AP)." />
 <figcaption>US singer Lionel Richie performs during the concert at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Sunday. (Chris Jackson/Pool Photo via AP).</figcaption>
 </figure>Charlotte and her mother, Kate, the Princess of Wales, sang along as Perry, dressed in a gold foil ball gown, performed her pop hit "Roar.""Top Gun" star Tom Cruise appeared in a pre-recorded video message, saying: "Pilot to pilot. Your Majesty, you can be my wingman any time." The mixed program also saw performances by the Royal Ballet, Nicole Scherzinger from the Pussycat Dolls, opera singer Andrea Bocelli and British band Take That.Even Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog made an appearance, joking with host Hugh Bonneville.The entertainment was interspersed with more serious moments. A message from Charles on the importance of environmental conservation was played, and the show was accompanied by a light and drone display with a nature theme.Prince William, heir to the throne, took to the stage to pay tribute to his father's dedication to service. "Pa, we are all so proud of you," he said.Concert goers sang "God Save the King" as landmarks around the U.K. were lit up in colorful lights.Earlier Sunday, thousands of picnics and street parties were held across the U.K. in Charles' honor. The community get-togethers, part of a British tradition known as the Big Lunch, provided a down-to-earth counterpart to the gilded spectacle of the king's crowning Saturday.The events were intended to bring neighbors together to celebrate the crowning even as support for the monarchy wanes. Critics complained about the coronation's cost at a time of exorbitant living expenses amid double-digit inflation.But plenty others took the opportunity to enjoy a party with friends and family. In Regent's Park in London, Valent Cheung and his girlfriend showed up to cheer the new king with the neighbors who embraced them when they moved from Hong Kong. They dolled up their loyal and "royal" fluffy white dog, Tino, with a tiny purple crown for the occasion."This is a new era for U.K," Cheung said. "We didn't have these things in Hong Kong. Now, we are embracing the culture. We want to enjoy it, we want to celebrate it."Charles and Camilla didn't drop in on any of the picnics, leaving that duty to other members of the royal family.William and his wife, Kate, surprised people picnicking outside the castle before the concert. Dressed far more casually than the day before, they shook hands and Kate embraced a crying girl in a hug.The king's siblings, Prince Edward and Princess Anne and their spouses took on lunch duty for the royal family at events across England. The king's nieces, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, the daughters of Prince Andrew, joined a lunch in Windsor.Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted U.S. first lady Jill Biden and her granddaughter Finnegan Biden at the Big Lunch party held in front of his office. Other guests included Ukrainian refugees and community activists.Like the picnic in the park, Downing Street and Sunak's spread — even his teapot — were festooned in the nation's colors of blue, white and red.Sausage rolls and salmon were served along with coronation chicken — a dish cooked up for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation 70 years ago — and coronation quiche, which was picked to suit Charles' taste and has been the buzz of social media, often for the wrong reasons.The lower-key events followed regalia-laden pageantry that saw the king and queen crowned together in Westminster Abbey. They were presented with centuries-old swords, scepters and a jewel-encrusted golden orb symbolizing the monarch's power in a medieval tradition celebrated with liturgy, song and hearty cheers of "God save the king."The couple then paraded through the streets in a gilded horse-drawn carriage led by the largest ceremonial military procession since the coronation of Charles' mother. Some 4,000 troops marched in formation through the streets, their scarlet sleeves and white gloves swinging in unison to the sound of drums and bugles from marching bands, including one group of musicians on horseback.Hundreds of thousands of spectators lined the route in the rain to see it in person. Nearly 19 million more watched on television in the U.K., according to ratings released by Barb, a research organization. That's about 40% fewer viewers than had watched the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September.Charles and Camilla said Sunday in a statement that they were "deeply touched" by the celebration and "profoundly grateful both to all those who helped to make it such a glorious occasion – and to the very many who turned out to show their support."Not everyone was there to celebrate, though, and criticism continued Sunday over arrests of more than 50 protesters, including members of a republican group shouting "Not my king" and environmentalists aiming to end the use of fossil fuels.The Metropolitan Police said officers detained 64 people Saturday, with four suspects charged with offenses including a religiously aggravated public order offense and drug possession.Graham Smith, leader of Republic, a group advocating for abolishing the monarchy, said he was arrested as he planned a peaceful protest and spent 16 hours in police custody."These arrests are a direct attack on our democracy and the fundamental rights of every person in the country," Smith said. "Each and every police officer involved on the ground should hang their heads in shame."The Metropolitan Police acknowledged concerns over the arrests, but defended the force's actions."The coronation is a once-in-a-generation event and that is a key consideration in our assessment," Commander Karen Findlay said.At Regent's Park, celebrants talked about the novelty of what they had witnessed. But the coronation was nothing new for Rosemary McIntosh, 95, just a lot more vivid than the one she saw televised while living in Zimbabwe in 1953."We didn't have TV all day and it was black and white, so it wasn't as wonderful as has been this one," she said.Helena Alves contributed to this report.

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