ELLIS COUNTY —&nbsp;A KHP K9 injured in an accident on Interstate 70 in Ellis County January 12, is now recovering at home, according to a social media update from Trooper Tod Heilman.&nbsp; Igor is also expected to be back at work in a few weeks.

Trooper Budke also thanked Hillside Veterinary Clinic in Hays and Veterinary Health Center at KSU for the excellent care they provided to Igor.

On January 12, KHP troopers briefly shutdown Interstate 70 westbound between Walker and Hays to allow tow-trucks to remove a semi, involved in an earlier accident, from the median at the Walker bridge.

During the shutdown, a westbound semi struck&nbsp; State Trooper's Budke's vehicle with his K9 partner Igor in the kennel.&nbsp; 

The trooper was outside the vehicle directing traffic and not injured.&nbsp; The K9 was rushed to a local veterinarian in Hays for treatment and later spent time in Intensive Care. Igor has been with the KHP less than a year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706290916835.png" alt="Igor photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Igor photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY —&nbsp;A KHP K9 injured in an accident on Interstate 70 in Ellis County January 12, is now recovering at home, according to a social media update from Trooper Tod Heilman.&nbsp; Igor is also expected to be back at work in a few weeks.Trooper Budke also thanked Hillside Veterinary Clinic in Hays and Veterinary Health Center at KSU for the excellent care they provided to Igor.On January 12, KHP troopers briefly shutdown Interstate 70 westbound between Walker and Hays to allow tow-trucks to remove a semi, involved in an earlier accident, from the median at the Walker bridge.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705102910212.png" alt="View of the crash scene" />
 <figcaption>View of the crash scene</figcaption>
 </figure>During the shutdown, a westbound semi struck&nbsp; State Trooper's Budke's vehicle with his K9 partner Igor in the kennel.&nbsp; The trooper was outside the vehicle directing traffic and not injured.&nbsp; The K9 was rushed to a local veterinarian in Hays for treatment and later spent time in Intensive Care. Igor has been with the KHP less than a year.

KHP K-9 injured in I-70 crash is recovering at home

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Wilson Czech Opera House has made strides in restoring the property after a fire that burned most of the building.&nbsp;

Constructed in 1901, the opera house,&nbsp;415 27th St. in Wilson, was initially called Turner Hall, made from quarried stone from five miles outside of Wilson.

Equipped with a dining hall, kitchen, gymnasium, stage floor and balcony, the opera house hosted a variety of events, including dances, gymnastics, weddings and pageants.

In November 2009, a fire from a neighboring building spread to the opera house, reducing the venue to ruins despite attempts to extinguish the flames.

President of the Wilson Czech Opera House, Allison Ford, is a former Czech dancer at the Opera House as well as having started a children's theater company within the opera house.

"I was devastated, the community was devastated because everyone had a connection with the opera house," she said.

Ford became president of the opera house in 2010 and has been working to get the opera house walls restored.&nbsp;

The Wilson Board of Directors, some of whom are descendants of the opera house's builders, initiated the restoration process despite interest in discarding the remains.

"To [the descendants on the board of directors], it was extremely important that we save the walls," she said. "There were a lot of opinions on what to do with some in the community wanting to tear it down."

Fully rebuilding the opera house proved to be an unachievable task, as Ford said the expenses could exceed well over $10 million.

To preserve the remnants of the opera house, the choice was made to transform the property into a distinctive location.

"It would be a unique venue for Wilson to have an open-air theater, we would still get to see the beauty of these stone walls," Ford said.

The outdoor theater will include a stage, newly constructed sidewalks and kiosks that will highlight the history of the opera house.

Community events, such as musical and theater performances, are anticipated to be hosted once fully redesigned.

Ford is working with the Wilson Chamber of Commerce and the American Legion, located to the west of the former opera house.&nbsp;

"We're working together so when you drive into town, not only do you see this amazing hand-painted egg but the open-air theater too," she said.

The World's Largest Hand-painted Czech Egg, standing at 20 feet high and 15 feet wide, is to the east of the former Opera House.

Ford said their mission is to create a space where both the local community and tourists can appreciate history and enjoy entertainment.

"We're hoping to have a pleasing place for tourists to come and see the egg," Ford said. "We want to create a park to show the history of Wilson and to enjoy the theater."

The opera house has received substantial support from organizations, including the Kansas Department of Commerce, Dane G Hansen Foundation and Smoky Hills Community Foundation, through grants and tax credits.

"In addition, local donations and purchases of engraved bricks for our fundraiser, which will be placed where you first walk into the opera house, have also helped," Ford said.

To buy a personalized brick with your chosen color, message and emblem, and to express your support through other initiatives, click <a href="https://www.wilsonoperahouse.com/copy-of-our-story">here</a>.

The opera house has secured complete funding for the restoration of the limestone walls. The next step involves adding the final elements to transform it into an open-air theater.

"The next phase is to put in a stage, get electricity, establish a sidewalk and get the bricks laid," Ford said. "Once we have a steel bracing up, we can take down the fence so that people can finally come in and use the facility."

The restoration of the 30-foot walls is anticipated to be completed in May for a public opening.

The required funding for the last components of the open-air theater is estimated to be $230,000. The group needs to secure the funds by 2025.

Ford said the aesthetic of Wilson will greatly improve once the fence, installed shortly after the 2009 fire, has been removed.&nbsp;

"The fence has been an eyesore for the community, so we're very excited for it to come down and create an inviting environment," she said.

For more information on the history and restoration of the Wilson Czech Opera House, click <a href="https://www.wilsonoperahouse.com/">here</a>.

You can follow Wilson Czech Opera House on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wilsonksoperahouse/">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706222751878.jpeg" alt="The front of the Wilson Czech Opera House. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The front of the Wilson Czech Opera House. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Wilson Czech Opera House has made strides in restoring the property after a fire that burned most of the building.&nbsp;Constructed in 1901, the opera house,&nbsp;415 27th St. in Wilson, was initially called Turner Hall, made from quarried stone from five miles outside of Wilson.Equipped with a dining hall, kitchen, gymnasium, stage floor and balcony, the opera house hosted a variety of events, including dances, gymnastics, weddings and pageants.In November 2009, a fire from a neighboring building spread to the opera house, reducing the venue to ruins despite attempts to extinguish the flames.President of the Wilson Czech Opera House, Allison Ford, is a former Czech dancer at the Opera House as well as having started a children's theater company within the opera house."I was devastated, the community was devastated because everyone had a connection with the opera house," she said.Ford became president of the opera house in 2010 and has been working to get the opera house walls restored.&nbsp;The Wilson Board of Directors, some of whom are descendants of the opera house's builders, initiated the restoration process despite interest in discarding the remains."To [the descendants on the board of directors], it was extremely important that we save the walls," she said. "There were a lot of opinions on what to do with some in the community wanting to tear it down."Fully rebuilding the opera house proved to be an unachievable task, as Ford said the expenses could exceed well over $10 million.To preserve the remnants of the opera house, the choice was made to transform the property into a distinctive location. "It would be a unique venue for Wilson to have an open-air theater, we would still get to see the beauty of these stone walls," Ford said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706049503349.jpeg" alt="Rendering of an open-air theater with steel bracing at the former location of the Wilson Czech Opera House. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rendering of an open-air theater with steel bracing at the former location of the Wilson Czech Opera House. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The outdoor theater will include a stage, newly constructed sidewalks and kiosks that will highlight the history of the opera house.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706049487128.jpeg" alt="A top-view rendering of an open-air theater at the former location of the Wilson Czech Opera House with shade tents. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>A top-view rendering of an open-air theater at the former location of the Wilson Czech Opera House with shade tents. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Community events, such as musical and theater performances, are anticipated to be hosted once fully redesigned.Ford is working with the Wilson Chamber of Commerce and the American Legion, located to the west of the former opera house.&nbsp;"We're working together so when you drive into town, not only do you see this amazing hand-painted egg but the open-air theater too," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706221310725.jpeg" alt="The World's Largest Hand-painted Czech Egg located near the former Opera House. Courtesy Photo." />
 <figcaption>The World's Largest Hand-painted Czech Egg located near the former Opera House. Courtesy Photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>The World's Largest Hand-painted Czech Egg, standing at 20 feet high and 15 feet wide, is to the east of the former Opera House.Ford said their mission is to create a space where both the local community and tourists can appreciate history and enjoy entertainment."We're hoping to have a pleasing place for tourists to come and see the egg," Ford said. "We want to create a park to show the history of Wilson and to enjoy the theater."The opera house has received substantial support from organizations, including the Kansas Department of Commerce, Dane G Hansen Foundation and Smoky Hills Community Foundation, through grants and tax credits."In addition, local donations and purchases of engraved bricks for our fundraiser, which will be placed where you first walk into the opera house, have also helped," Ford said.To buy a personalized brick with your chosen color, message and emblem, and to express your support through other initiatives, click <a href="https://www.wilsonoperahouse.com/copy-of-our-story">here</a>.The opera house has secured complete funding for the restoration of the limestone walls. The next step involves adding the final elements to transform it into an open-air theater."The next phase is to put in a stage, get electricity, establish a sidewalk and get the bricks laid," Ford said. "Once we have a steel bracing up, we can take down the fence so that people can finally come in and use the facility."The restoration of the 30-foot walls is anticipated to be completed in May for a public opening.The required funding for the last components of the open-air theater is estimated to be $230,000. The group needs to secure the funds by 2025.Ford said the aesthetic of Wilson will greatly improve once the fence, installed shortly after the 2009 fire, has been removed.&nbsp;"The fence has been an eyesore for the community, so we're very excited for it to come down and create an inviting environment," she said.For more information on the history and restoration of the Wilson Czech Opera House, click <a href="https://www.wilsonoperahouse.com/">here</a>.You can follow Wilson Czech Opera House on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wilsonksoperahouse/">Facebook</a>.

Former Wilson Czech Opera House to become open-air theater

KANSAS CITY —A space heater started a house fire Thursday in Kansas City.

Just before 10:30p.m., crews responded to the report of a house fire in the 5900 block of Agnes, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

First responders reported heavy smoke and fire showing from a single-story residence. . A search of the home came back all clear. 

After an investigation by the KCFD, it was determined that this fire was started by a space heater too close to other flammable items.&nbsp;There were no injuries reported at this incident. Authorities did not release a damage estimate.

KANSAS CITY —A space heater started a house fire Thursday in Kansas City.Just before 10:30p.m., crews responded to the report of a house fire in the 5900 block of Agnes, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.First responders reported heavy smoke and fire showing from a single-story residence. . A search of the home came back all clear. After an investigation by the KCFD, it was determined that this fire was started by a space heater too close to other flammable items.&nbsp;There were no injuries reported at this incident. Authorities did not release a damage estimate.

Battalion Chief: Space heater started Kansas City house fire

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the theft of a Jackie Robinson statue in Wichita released security camera video of the crime. It shows the vandals cut the League 42 statue off just above Jackie Robinson's feet, load it into a truck and take it away.&nbsp;

According to the city, the crime occurred around midnight Wednesday, at the Jackie Robinson Pavilion in McAdams Park,&nbsp; 1329 E 16th Street N, Interstate 135 and 13th Street area.

League 42, named in honor of the great Jackie Robinson, the first African-American in Major League Baseball, is a youth baseball league comprised primarily of urban children ages 5 – 14 in the Wichita area, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://league42.org/">organization's web site.</a>

Police are asking for help to find the perpetrators of this crime. Please call investigators at 316-268-4407 or call Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706281113254.png" alt="Image from the security camera from Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Image from the security camera from Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the theft of a Jackie Robinson statue in Wichita released security camera video of the crime. It shows the vandals cut the League 42 statue off just above Jackie Robinson's feet, load it into a truck and take it away.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706274871424.png" alt="Security camera image Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>According to the city, the crime occurred around midnight Wednesday, at the Jackie Robinson Pavilion in McAdams Park,&nbsp; 1329 E 16th Street N, Interstate 135 and 13th Street area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706214143377.png" alt="photo City of Wichita" />
 <figcaption>photo City of Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706214116336.png" alt="photo city of Wichita" />
 <figcaption>photo city of Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>League 42, named in honor of the great Jackie Robinson, the first African-American in Major League Baseball, is a youth baseball league comprised primarily of urban children ages 5 – 14 in the Wichita area, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://league42.org/">organization's web site.</a>Police are asking for help to find the perpetrators of this crime. Please call investigators at 316-268-4407 or call Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111

Security camera shows theft of $75K statue from Kan. youth baseball facility  

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

Interest in industrial hemp among farmers weakened by regulatory, economic forces

TOPEKA — The Kansas House agriculture committee voted to perform a gut-and-go overhaul of a hemp regulation bill to narrow scope of the legislation to reductions in annual licensing fees for the plant’s producers and processors to invigorate interest in the alternative crop.

The measure adopted on a voice vote by the Republican-led committee would reduce the state licensing fee for hemp producers from $1,200 per year to no more than $500.

In terms of hemp processors, the new version of House Bill 2168 would cap the state’s licensing fee at $500. Currently, the fee has stood at $1,000 for businesses extracting cannabinoids and $500 for those not extracting that substance.

Rep. Ken Rahjes, the Agra Republican who chairs the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, said the adjustments had the potential to inspire interest in working with hemp as a field crop while sidestepping opposition in the Legislature to the original bill.

“As folks have discussed,” Rahjes said, “in order to get industrial hemp moving forward this was where most agreement was. This is one to try to move the industry forward. I see this as a building block.”

Dropped from the House bill introduced during the 2023 session was a plan to offer more convenient two-year license and registration periods rather than the current one-year approach. It would have permitted the secretary of the Kansas Department of Agriculture to adopt a less-intrusive inspection method for industrial hemp. The previous version would have exempted certain hemp processors from fingerprinting and background check requirements.

Finally, the abandoned bill would had invited dissension with a provision advancing the idea of using hemp fiber, grain and seeds to feed livestock, poultry or pets.

Kelly Rippel, co-founder and president of Kansans for Hemp and a member of the industrial hemp advisory board with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, said Kansas had about 200 hemp farmers in 2019, but the number had fallen to about 40.

Rippel said early interest was in growing floral varieties of hemp, while the future in Kansas agriculture was in fiber, grain and seed production. Other states had significantly lower fees than Kansas, he said, including some with no fees that treated farmers who grew hemp as they would farmers working with corn, soybeans or wheat.

“They wish there wasn’t so much red tape,” said Rippel, who said environmental conditions in Kansas were good for hemp. “Kansas is extremely favorable to hemp. It grows wild in every corner of the state.”

Rep. Brett Fairchild, R-St. John and a farmer, said adoption of lower fees could lead farmers to experiment with hemp as a crop.

“I talked to a lot of people in my area who said they would be interested in farming hemp, but the fees on it right now are so high it really is hardly possible for people to do it,” Fairchild said.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials, an independent organization that has been guiding state, federal and international feed regulators with ingredient definitions, label standards and laboratory protocols, recently granted tentative approval for incorporation of hemp seed meal into feed for laying hens.

Rep. Fred Gardner, a Garnett Republican and a veterinarian, said he would be concerned about introducing hemp meal to livestock and poultry because CBD concentrations could become excessive. He also said a common cause of poisoning among dogs was ingestion of CBD.

In addition, Gardner said hemp plant were vulnerable to invasion by toxic fungus that could be transferred to the nation’s milk supply. The plant was a known accumulator of heavy metals such as lead and mercury, he said.

“At what point do we need to be concerned about the safety of animals that are consuming this product?” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706277422677.png" alt="Reps. Jim Minnix of Scott City, Lisa Moser of Wheaton and Ken Rahjes, left to right, wrap up a House Agriculture Committee meeting after endorsing a bill lowering state fees for hemp producers and processors. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption>Reps. Jim Minnix of Scott City, Lisa Moser of Wheaton and Ken Rahjes, left to right, wrap up a House Agriculture Committee meeting after endorsing a bill lowering state fees for hemp producers and processors. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Interest in industrial hemp among farmers weakened by regulatory, economic forces</h2>TOPEKA — The Kansas House agriculture committee voted to perform a gut-and-go overhaul of a hemp regulation bill to narrow scope of the legislation to reductions in annual licensing fees for the plant’s producers and processors to invigorate interest in the alternative crop.The measure adopted on a voice vote by the Republican-led committee would reduce the state licensing fee for hemp producers from $1,200 per year to no more than $500.In terms of hemp processors, the new version of House Bill 2168 would cap the state’s licensing fee at $500. Currently, the fee has stood at $1,000 for businesses extracting cannabinoids and $500 for those not extracting that substance.Rep. Ken Rahjes, the Agra Republican who chairs the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, said the adjustments had the potential to inspire interest in working with hemp as a field crop while sidestepping opposition in the Legislature to the original bill.“As folks have discussed,” Rahjes said, “in order to get industrial hemp moving forward this was where most agreement was. This is one to try to move the industry forward. I see this as a building block.”Dropped from the House bill introduced during the 2023 session was a plan to offer more convenient two-year license and registration periods rather than the current one-year approach. It would have permitted the secretary of the Kansas Department of Agriculture to adopt a less-intrusive inspection method for industrial hemp. The previous version would have exempted certain hemp processors from fingerprinting and background check requirements.Finally, the abandoned bill would had invited dissension with a provision advancing the idea of using hemp fiber, grain and seeds to feed livestock, poultry or pets.Kelly Rippel, co-founder and president of Kansans for Hemp and a member of the industrial hemp advisory board with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, said Kansas had about 200 hemp farmers in 2019, but the number had fallen to about 40.Rippel said early interest was in growing floral varieties of hemp, while the future in Kansas agriculture was in fiber, grain and seed production. Other states had significantly lower fees than Kansas, he said, including some with no fees that treated farmers who grew hemp as they would farmers working with corn, soybeans or wheat.“They wish there wasn’t so much red tape,” said Rippel, who said environmental conditions in Kansas were good for hemp. “Kansas is extremely favorable to hemp. It grows wild in every corner of the state.”Rep. Brett Fairchild, R-St. John and a farmer, said adoption of lower fees could lead farmers to experiment with hemp as a crop.“I talked to a lot of people in my area who said they would be interested in farming hemp, but the fees on it right now are so high it really is hardly possible for people to do it,” Fairchild said.The Association of American Feed Control Officials, an independent organization that has been guiding state, federal and international feed regulators with ingredient definitions, label standards and laboratory protocols, recently granted tentative approval for incorporation of hemp seed meal into feed for laying hens.Rep. Fred Gardner, a Garnett Republican and a veterinarian, said he would be concerned about introducing hemp meal to livestock and poultry because CBD concentrations could become excessive. He also said a common cause of poisoning among dogs was ingestion of CBD.In addition, Gardner said hemp plant were vulnerable to invasion by toxic fungus that could be transferred to the nation’s milk supply. The plant was a known accumulator of heavy metals such as lead and mercury, he said.“At what point do we need to be concerned about the safety of animals that are consuming this product?” he said.

Kan. House committee votes to cut in half state license fees for hemp growers, processors

SHELBY COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement authorities investigating an officer-involved shooting that injured a suspect and a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper have filed charges in the case.

Erik Prange, 51, of Moberly, Missouri, is now charged with four counts of armed criminal action and four counts of first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer causing serious physical injury, following the investigation by the MSHP's Division of Drug and Crime Control.&nbsp; He remains hospitalized. The State Trooper was treated and released from the hospital.

Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, Northeast Missouri Emergency Communications requested&nbsp; assistance locating a suspect alleged to have previously fled in a vehicle from Adams County, Illinois Sheriff's Deputies and Quincy Police, according to a statement from the MSHP Troop B.

The suspect vehicle was believe to have entered Missouri westbound on U.S. 36. At 8:16p.m. MSHP troopers located the vehicle west of Hannibal and attempted a stop resulting in a pursuit.

Troopers successfully deployed spike strips and the vehicle exited U.S. 36 at Missouri 151 in Clarence and stopped. The driver, later identified as Prange, exited the vehicle armed with a rifle and began firing at troopers. Troopers returned fire striking the suspect. Prange sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital.&nbsp;

During the exchange of gunfire, a MSHP trooper was wounded. The trooper was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

SHELBY COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement authorities investigating an officer-involved shooting that injured a suspect and a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper have filed charges in the case.Erik Prange, 51, of Moberly, Missouri, is now charged with four counts of armed criminal action and four counts of first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer causing serious physical injury, following the investigation by the MSHP's Division of Drug and Crime Control.&nbsp; He remains hospitalized. The State Trooper was treated and released from the hospital.Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, Northeast Missouri Emergency Communications requested&nbsp; assistance locating a suspect alleged to have previously fled in a vehicle from Adams County, Illinois Sheriff's Deputies and Quincy Police, according to a statement from the MSHP Troop B.The suspect vehicle was believe to have entered Missouri westbound on U.S. 36. At 8:16p.m. MSHP troopers located the vehicle west of Hannibal and attempted a stop resulting in a pursuit.Troopers successfully deployed spike strips and the vehicle exited U.S. 36 at Missouri 151 in Clarence and stopped. The driver, later identified as Prange, exited the vehicle armed with a rifle and began firing at troopers. Troopers returned fire striking the suspect. Prange sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital.&nbsp;During the exchange of gunfire, a MSHP trooper was wounded. The trooper was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

Suspect charged after gunfight that wounded Mo. State Trooper 

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on alleged sex crimes.

Just after 1a.m. Thursday, deputies arrested 49-year-old Chad Steven Tyler of Meriden, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

&nbsp;Tyler was arrested on a Jackson County District Court Warrant by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. The warrant was issued following&nbsp;a Jackson County Sheriff&nbsp;investigation into an alleged sexual assault that took place on January 16, 2024, in&nbsp;southern Jackson County.

 Tyler was booked into the Jackson County Jail for rape and aggravated sexual battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706196870071.png" alt="Tyler-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Tyler-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on alleged sex crimes.Just after 1a.m. Thursday, deputies arrested 49-year-old Chad Steven Tyler of Meriden, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp;Tyler was arrested on a Jackson County District Court Warrant by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. The warrant was issued following&nbsp;a Jackson County Sheriff&nbsp;investigation into an alleged sexual assault that took place on January 16, 2024, in&nbsp;southern Jackson County. Tyler was booked into the Jackson County Jail for rape and aggravated sexual battery.

Sheriff: Kansas deputies capture alleged rape suspect

FRANKLIN COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), along with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, have arrested two murder suspects.&nbsp;

Just before 9p.m. July 28, sheriff's deputies responded to 1805 John Brown Road, near Princeton, Kansas, in rural Franklin County after gunfire was reported. Deputies found Nathan Boggs, 42, of Ottawa, suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving measures Boggs died at the scene.

After a six month investigation, KBI agents and Franklin County deputies arrested 41-year-old Timothy S. Corn, of Ottawa, at the Franklin County Courthouse on Thursday. Corn was arrested on a warrant for first-degree murder and interference with law enforcement.

Jessica D. Smith, 33, of Ottawa, was arrested at around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday at 6575 E. 213th&nbsp;St. in Quenemo, Kansas. Smith was also arrested on a warrant for first-degree murder and interference with law enforcement.

The arrests occurred without incident. Corn and Smith were booked into the Franklin County Jail.&nbsp;

The Franklin County Attorney’s Office is expected to prosecute the case.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706267686750.png" alt="Corn-photo Franklin Co." />
 <figcaption>Corn-photo Franklin Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FRANKLIN COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), along with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, have arrested two murder suspects.&nbsp;Just before 9p.m. July 28, sheriff's deputies responded to 1805 John Brown Road, near Princeton, Kansas, in rural Franklin County after gunfire was reported. Deputies found Nathan Boggs, 42, of Ottawa, suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving measures Boggs died at the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706267607628.png" alt="Smith-photo Franklin Co." />
 <figcaption>Smith-photo Franklin Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>After a six month investigation, KBI agents and Franklin County deputies arrested 41-year-old Timothy S. Corn, of Ottawa, at the Franklin County Courthouse on Thursday. Corn was arrested on a warrant for first-degree murder and interference with law enforcement.Jessica D. Smith, 33, of Ottawa, was arrested at around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday at 6575 E. 213th&nbsp;St. in Quenemo, Kansas. Smith was also arrested on a warrant for first-degree murder and interference with law enforcement.The arrests occurred without incident. Corn and Smith were booked into the Franklin County Jail.&nbsp;The Franklin County Attorney’s Office is expected to prosecute the case.&nbsp;

2 arrested after 6-month investigation of rural Kansas murder

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The Republican National Committee has pulled a resolution to consider declaring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;the party’s “presumptive 2024 nominee" before he formally clinches the requisite number of delegates, a person familiar with the decision said Thursday.

News of the withdrawal came shortly after Trump posted on his Truth Social site that, while he “greatly” appreciated the notion, he felt, “for the sake of PARTY UNITY, that they should NOT go forward with this plan, but that I should do it the ‘Old Fashioned’ way, and finish the process off AT THE BALLOT BOX.”

The measure, according to a draft obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, had said it “declares President Trump as our presumptive 2024 nominee for the office of President of the United States and from this moment forward moves into full general election mode welcoming supporters of all candidates as valued members of Team Trump 2024.”

The withdrawal was confirmed by a person familiar with the decision who was not authorized to publicly discuss the proposal and spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday night.

If approved, the measure would have further solidified Trump's control of the party and its operation at a time when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haley-new-hampshire-south-carolina-trump-sfa-inc-0a76fb3e5064b0ed1b9bb4c2fd36dee1">former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley is still competing</a>&nbsp;against Trump for the GOP nomination.

RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel had earlier signaled her approval for the resolution. On Tuesday, after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-new-hampshire-primary-two-candidate-race-72a59c4133879eaeec63d6ed30e91e01">Haley finished second to Trump in New Hampshire</a>, McDaniel said that while she felt the former ambassador had “run a great campaign,” Republicans “need to unite around our eventual nominee, which is going to be Donald Trump.”

The resolution had been expected to be discussed at the RNC's winter meeting in Las Vegas next week, even though only two states have voted and the former president had nowhere near the requisite number of delegates to secure the nomination.

Haley’s camp said Thursday that it wasn’t up to the RNC to decide who the GOP nominee would be.

“Who cares what the RNC says? We’ll let millions of Republican voters across the country decide who should be our party’s nominee, not a bunch of Washington insiders,” said campaign spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas.

The AP has a policy to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-new-hampshire-nominee-election-29c4164ee0071ebe1205fdc900bd601a">not refer to any candidate as the “presumptive nominee”</a>&nbsp;until he or she has captured the number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-election-2024-delegate-tracker">delegates needed</a>&nbsp;to win a majority vote at the national party conventions this summer. The earliest that could happen is March.

But there were no party rules prohibiting the RNC from making such a move. If it had been adopted, it could have given the Republican Party a jump-start on planning a general election matchup with Democratic President Joe Biden, who has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-general-election-new-hampshire-democrats-bee6a99475f9fa68e2cf57d6fca0d705">begun framing his reelection campaign</a>&nbsp;as a 2020 rematch against Trump.

There was also precedent for the committee to declare a candidate the presumptive nominee before winning the 1,215 requisite delegates to clinch the nomination. Then-RNC Chair Reince Priebus did so with Trump in May 2016.

Despite losing both the Iowa and New Hampshire contests to Trump, Haley has argued that her performance — outlasting all the other Trump rivals — shows the strength of her candidacy.

Trump currently has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-election-2024-delegate-tracker">32 delegates to Haley's 17</a>. There is one delegate left to be assigned after the New Hampshire contest.

During a rally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haley-new-hampshire-south-carolina-trump-sfa-inc-0a76fb3e5064b0ed1b9bb4c2fd36dee1">Wednesday night</a>&nbsp;in her home state of South Carolina, Haley — the former governor — noted that her campaign had brought in more than $1 million since her second-place finish in New Hampshire. Trump followed up with a remark that appeared aimed at intimidating her donors.

“Anybody that makes a ‘Contribution’ to Birdbrain, from this moment forth, will be permanently barred from the MAGA camp,” Trump wrote, using the nickname he has crafted for Haley and the abbreviation for his “Make America Great Again” slogan. “We don’t want them, and will not accept them, because we Put America First, and ALWAYS WILL!”

Haley's campaign said Thursday that it raised an additional $1.2 million “after Trump’s unhinged pledge to ‘permanently bar’ any individual who contributed to Haley’s campaign.”

“Donald Trump’s threats highlight the stark choice in this election: personal vendettas or real conservative leadership,” said Haley spokesperson AnnMarie Graham-Barnes. “Trump’s scheme blew up in his face. The contributions to the Haley campaign are pouring in — proof that people are sick of the drama and are rallying behind Nikki’s vision for a strong and proud America.”

Trump’s dismissal of any Haley donors had no effect on T.J. Petrizzo, a former top Capitol Hill staffer and now lobbyist who supports Haley.

“That’s something out of a ‘Godfather’ movie. Never betray the family? Come on,” he added. “You’ve got to play this through.”

Petrizzo said he understands that some Republicans may be ready to pivot to a head-to-head contest between Trump and Biden, but he notes that there is a lot of time left before a general election.

“I’ve heard a lot of elected officials in the Republican Party, including the RNC chair, say, ‘We need to rally around a candidate.’ That this is going to be our candidate. ‘It was chosen by Iowa and New Hampshire, so we must go ahead and rally around Trump,’” Petrizzo said. “Well, there’s 285 days until the election. There’s plenty of time on the clock.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706097331546.png" alt="Trump currently has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-election-2024-delegate-tracker">32 delegates to Haley's 17</a>. There is one delegate left to be assigned after the New Hampshire contest. photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Trump currently has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-election-2024-delegate-tracker">32 delegates to Haley's 17</a>. There is one delegate left to be assigned after the New Hampshire contest. photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The Republican National Committee has pulled a resolution to consider declaring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;the party’s “presumptive 2024 nominee" before he formally clinches the requisite number of delegates, a person familiar with the decision said Thursday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706266786900.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News of the withdrawal came shortly after Trump posted on his Truth Social site that, while he “greatly” appreciated the notion, he felt, “for the sake of PARTY UNITY, that they should NOT go forward with this plan, but that I should do it the ‘Old Fashioned’ way, and finish the process off AT THE BALLOT BOX.”The measure, according to a draft obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, had said it “declares President Trump as our presumptive 2024 nominee for the office of President of the United States and from this moment forward moves into full general election mode welcoming supporters of all candidates as valued members of Team Trump 2024.”The withdrawal was confirmed by a person familiar with the decision who was not authorized to publicly discuss the proposal and spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday night.If approved, the measure would have further solidified Trump's control of the party and its operation at a time when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haley-new-hampshire-south-carolina-trump-sfa-inc-0a76fb3e5064b0ed1b9bb4c2fd36dee1">former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley is still competing</a>&nbsp;against Trump for the GOP nomination.RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel had earlier signaled her approval for the resolution. On Tuesday, after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-new-hampshire-primary-two-candidate-race-72a59c4133879eaeec63d6ed30e91e01">Haley finished second to Trump in New Hampshire</a>, McDaniel said that while she felt the former ambassador had “run a great campaign,” Republicans “need to unite around our eventual nominee, which is going to be Donald Trump.”The resolution had been expected to be discussed at the RNC's winter meeting in Las Vegas next week, even though only two states have voted and the former president had nowhere near the requisite number of delegates to secure the nomination.Haley’s camp said Thursday that it wasn’t up to the RNC to decide who the GOP nominee would be.“Who cares what the RNC says? We’ll let millions of Republican voters across the country decide who should be our party’s nominee, not a bunch of Washington insiders,” said campaign spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas.The AP has a policy to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-new-hampshire-nominee-election-29c4164ee0071ebe1205fdc900bd601a">not refer to any candidate as the “presumptive nominee”</a>&nbsp;until he or she has captured the number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-election-2024-delegate-tracker">delegates needed</a>&nbsp;to win a majority vote at the national party conventions this summer. The earliest that could happen is March.But there were no party rules prohibiting the RNC from making such a move. If it had been adopted, it could have given the Republican Party a jump-start on planning a general election matchup with Democratic President Joe Biden, who has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-general-election-new-hampshire-democrats-bee6a99475f9fa68e2cf57d6fca0d705">begun framing his reelection campaign</a>&nbsp;as a 2020 rematch against Trump.There was also precedent for the committee to declare a candidate the presumptive nominee before winning the 1,215 requisite delegates to clinch the nomination. Then-RNC Chair Reince Priebus did so with Trump in May 2016.Despite losing both the Iowa and New Hampshire contests to Trump, Haley has argued that her performance — outlasting all the other Trump rivals — shows the strength of her candidacy.Trump currently has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-election-2024-delegate-tracker">32 delegates to Haley's 17</a>. There is one delegate left to be assigned after the New Hampshire contest.During a rally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haley-new-hampshire-south-carolina-trump-sfa-inc-0a76fb3e5064b0ed1b9bb4c2fd36dee1">Wednesday night</a>&nbsp;in her home state of South Carolina, Haley — the former governor — noted that her campaign had brought in more than $1 million since her second-place finish in New Hampshire. Trump followed up with a remark that appeared aimed at intimidating her donors.“Anybody that makes a ‘Contribution’ to Birdbrain, from this moment forth, will be permanently barred from the MAGA camp,” Trump wrote, using the nickname he has crafted for Haley and the abbreviation for his “Make America Great Again” slogan. “We don’t want them, and will not accept them, because we Put America First, and ALWAYS WILL!”Haley's campaign said Thursday that it raised an additional $1.2 million “after Trump’s unhinged pledge to ‘permanently bar’ any individual who contributed to Haley’s campaign.”“Donald Trump’s threats highlight the stark choice in this election: personal vendettas or real conservative leadership,” said Haley spokesperson AnnMarie Graham-Barnes. “Trump’s scheme blew up in his face. The contributions to the Haley campaign are pouring in — proof that people are sick of the drama and are rallying behind Nikki’s vision for a strong and proud America.”Trump’s dismissal of any Haley donors had no effect on T.J. Petrizzo, a former top Capitol Hill staffer and now lobbyist who supports Haley.“That’s something out of a ‘Godfather’ movie. Never betray the family? Come on,” he added. “You’ve got to play this through.”Petrizzo said he understands that some Republicans may be ready to pivot to a head-to-head contest between Trump and Biden, but he notes that there is a lot of time left before a general election.“I’ve heard a lot of elected officials in the Republican Party, including the RNC chair, say, ‘We need to rally around a candidate.’ That this is going to be our candidate. ‘It was chosen by Iowa and New Hampshire, so we must go ahead and rally around Trump,’” Petrizzo said. “Well, there’s 285 days until the election. There’s plenty of time on the clock.”

RNC pulls resolution declaring Trump as the 'presumptive 2024 nominee'

NEW YORK (AP) — A Seattle man who police say has been stalking and harassing Taylor Swift was ordered held without bail Thursday after he was arrested three times in recent days in front of the pop star's home in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood.

David Crowe, 33, was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court on a misdemeanor charge of second-degree criminal contempt, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office. He was also ordered to undergo a psychiatric exam.

Prosecutors said Crowe violated a protective order issued Wednesday mandating he stay away from Swift and her home and refrain from any communication with her.

Crowe was arrested Wednesday by officers responding to complaints of an emotionally disturbed man acting erratically near Swift’s townhouse. He was arraigned and issued the protection order, but a short time later he was arrested again near Swift’s residence.

Court documents say an unidentified security worker had spotted Crowe near the singer’s home about 30 times since Nov. 25. Crowe was asked about 10 times not to approach the building or to leave, according to prosecutors.

New York County Defender Services, which is representing Crowe, declined to comment Thursday. “We have no additional statement," spokesperson Lupe Todd-Medina wrote in an email. "We rely on the statements made in court today.”

Swift’s Manhattan townhouse has been the scene of several break-ins when Swift wasn’t there, including by some who were identified as stalkers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706236308205.png" alt="FILE - Taylor Swift enters Arrowhead Stadium before the start of an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals, Dec. 31, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. David Crowe, a Seattle man who police say has been stalking and harassing Swift, was ordered held without bail Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, after he was arrested three times in recent days in front of the pop star's home in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Taylor Swift enters Arrowhead Stadium before the start of an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals, Dec. 31, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. David Crowe, a Seattle man who police say has been stalking and harassing Swift, was ordered held without bail Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, after he was arrested three times in recent days in front of the pop star's home in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — A Seattle man who police say has been stalking and harassing Taylor Swift was ordered held without bail Thursday after he was arrested three times in recent days in front of the pop star's home in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood.David Crowe, 33, was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court on a misdemeanor charge of second-degree criminal contempt, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office. He was also ordered to undergo a psychiatric exam.Prosecutors said Crowe violated a protective order issued Wednesday mandating he stay away from Swift and her home and refrain from any communication with her.Crowe was arrested Wednesday by officers responding to complaints of an emotionally disturbed man acting erratically near Swift’s townhouse. He was arraigned and issued the protection order, but a short time later he was arrested again near Swift’s residence.Court documents say an unidentified security worker had spotted Crowe near the singer’s home about 30 times since Nov. 25. Crowe was asked about 10 times not to approach the building or to leave, according to prosecutors.New York County Defender Services, which is representing Crowe, declined to comment Thursday. “We have no additional statement," spokesperson Lupe Todd-Medina wrote in an email. "We rely on the statements made in court today.”Swift’s Manhattan townhouse has been the scene of several break-ins when Swift wasn’t there, including by some who were identified as stalkers.

After 3rd arrest Taylor Swift stalker held without bail

KANSAS CITY – A 32-year-old man was sentenced in federal court for recording his sexual abuse of a seven-year-old victim and sharing a video of the abuse online, according to the United State's Attorney.

Jeffrey A. Knight of Kansas City was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 23 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Knight to 15 years of supervised release following incarceration.

On Aug. 8, 2023, Knight pleaded guilty to one count of producing child pornography. Knight admitted that he used his iPhone to create an image and two video recordings of his sexual abuse of the child victim on Feb. 2, 2020. Knight then distributed one of those videos over the internet.

Knight also admitted that he sexually abused the child victim on multiple occasions until April 2022.

Knight has been involved in the trafficking and possession of child pornography since at least 2013. He routinely used messaging applications, such as Telegram, to send and receive child pornography from other individuals over the internet. He also paid money to join online groups that focused on the trafficking of child pornography, and engaged in the trafficking of child pornography with other members of those online groups.

Knight uploaded hundreds of images and videos of child pornography to his online storage accounts, including Google and Dropbox, from 2013 until his arrest on Feb. 3, 2023. Knight was in possession of hundreds of images and videos of child pornography at the time of his arrest.

KANSAS CITY – A 32-year-old man was sentenced in federal court for recording his sexual abuse of a seven-year-old victim and sharing a video of the abuse online, according to the United State's Attorney.Jeffrey A. Knight of Kansas City was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 23 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Knight to 15 years of supervised release following incarceration.On Aug. 8, 2023, Knight pleaded guilty to one count of producing child pornography. Knight admitted that he used his iPhone to create an image and two video recordings of his sexual abuse of the child victim on Feb. 2, 2020. Knight then distributed one of those videos over the internet.Knight also admitted that he sexually abused the child victim on multiple occasions until April 2022.Knight has been involved in the trafficking and possession of child pornography since at least 2013. He routinely used messaging applications, such as Telegram, to send and receive child pornography from other individuals over the internet. He also paid money to join online groups that focused on the trafficking of child pornography, and engaged in the trafficking of child pornography with other members of those online groups.Knight uploaded hundreds of images and videos of child pornography to his online storage accounts, including Google and Dropbox, from 2013 until his arrest on Feb. 3, 2023. Knight was in possession of hundreds of images and videos of child pornography at the time of his arrest.

KC man admits using phone to record sex abuse of child

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three woman on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 11:30p.m. Tuesday P.M., a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a passenger car for a traffic violation east on 126th Road from U.S. 75 Highway, according to Sheriff Tim Morse

In the vehicle, the deputy discovered a hallucinogenic drug, a handgun and possession of a controlled substance. 

The driver, Dakota Chanel Rooks, 23, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was arrested on requested charges of driving under the influence, criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a hallucinogenic drug.

The front seat passenger Sophia Claire Hughes, 24, of Eudora, Kansas, was arrested on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of paraphernalia and probation violations.

The back seat passenger, Aliesha Marie Starks, 24, of Topeka was arrested on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of a controlled substance, open container and trafficking contraband into a correctional facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706134359175.png" alt="Rooks-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Rooks-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three woman on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 11:30p.m. Tuesday P.M., a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a passenger car for a traffic violation east on 126th Road from U.S. 75 Highway, according to Sheriff Tim MorseIn the vehicle, the deputy discovered a hallucinogenic drug, a handgun and possession of a controlled substance. The driver, Dakota Chanel Rooks, 23, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was arrested on requested charges of driving under the influence, criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a hallucinogenic drug.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706134332505.png" alt="Hughes-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hughes-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The front seat passenger Sophia Claire Hughes, 24, of Eudora, Kansas, was arrested on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of paraphernalia and probation violations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706134305559.png" alt="Starks-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Starks-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The back seat passenger, Aliesha Marie Starks, 24, of Topeka was arrested on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of a controlled substance, open container and trafficking contraband into a correctional facility.

Sheriff: 3 women caught transporting drugs in Kansas

NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon-owned Ring will stop allowing police departments to request doorbell camera footage from users, marking an end to a feature that has drawn criticism from privacy advocates.

In a blog post on Wednesday, Ring said it will sunset the “Request for Assistance” tool, which allows police departments and other public safety agencies to request and receive video captured by the doorbell cameras through Ring’s Neighbors app.

The company did not provide a reason for the change, which will be effective starting this week.

Eric Kuhn, the head of Neighbors, said in the announcement that law enforcement agencies will still be able to make public posts in the Neighbors app. Police and other agencies can also still use the app to “share helpful safety tips, updates, and community events,” Kuhn said.

The update is the latest restriction Ring has made to police activity on the Neighbors app following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-9371972bf7bf4f28949a6167a75b3c85">concerns raised by privacy watchdogs</a>&nbsp;about the company’s relationship with police departments across the country.

Critics have stressed the proliferation of these relationships – and users’ ability to report what they see as suspicious behavior - can change neighborhoods into a place of constant surveillance and lead to more instances of racial profiling.

In a bid to increase transparency, Ring changed its policy in 2021 to make police requests publicly visible through its Neighbors app. Previously, law enforcement agencies were able to send Ring owners who lived near an area of an active investigation private emails requesting video footage.

“Now, Ring hopefully will altogether be out of the business of platforming casual and warrantless police requests for footage to its users,” Matthew Guariglia, a senior policy analyst at the digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation, said in a statement on Wednesday.

Law enforcement agencies can still access videos using a search warrant. Ring also maintains the right to share footage without user consent in limited circumstances.

In mid-2022, Ring disclosed it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-edward-markey-congress-government-and-politics-244f59188ee3414495452c955c11b89b">handed over 11 videos to police without notifying users</a>&nbsp;that year due to “exigent or emergency” circumstances, one of the categories that allow it to share videos without permission from owners. However, Guariglia, of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said the group remains skeptical about the ability of police and the company to determine what is or is not an emergency.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672512292412.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon-owned Ring will stop allowing police departments to request doorbell camera footage from users, marking an end to a feature that has drawn criticism from privacy advocates.In a blog post on Wednesday, Ring said it will sunset the “Request for Assistance” tool, which allows police departments and other public safety agencies to request and receive video captured by the doorbell cameras through Ring’s Neighbors app.The company did not provide a reason for the change, which will be effective starting this week.Eric Kuhn, the head of Neighbors, said in the announcement that law enforcement agencies will still be able to make public posts in the Neighbors app. Police and other agencies can also still use the app to “share helpful safety tips, updates, and community events,” Kuhn said.The update is the latest restriction Ring has made to police activity on the Neighbors app following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-9371972bf7bf4f28949a6167a75b3c85">concerns raised by privacy watchdogs</a>&nbsp;about the company’s relationship with police departments across the country.Critics have stressed the proliferation of these relationships – and users’ ability to report what they see as suspicious behavior - can change neighborhoods into a place of constant surveillance and lead to more instances of racial profiling.In a bid to increase transparency, Ring changed its policy in 2021 to make police requests publicly visible through its Neighbors app. Previously, law enforcement agencies were able to send Ring owners who lived near an area of an active investigation private emails requesting video footage.“Now, Ring hopefully will altogether be out of the business of platforming casual and warrantless police requests for footage to its users,” Matthew Guariglia, a senior policy analyst at the digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation, said in a statement on Wednesday.Law enforcement agencies can still access videos using a search warrant. Ring also maintains the right to share footage without user consent in limited circumstances.In mid-2022, Ring disclosed it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-edward-markey-congress-government-and-politics-244f59188ee3414495452c955c11b89b">handed over 11 videos to police without notifying users</a>&nbsp;that year due to “exigent or emergency” circumstances, one of the categories that allow it to share videos without permission from owners. However, Guariglia, of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said the group remains skeptical about the ability of police and the company to determine what is or is not an emergency.

Ring will no longer allow police to request doorbell camera footage 

WASHINGTON — Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall sent a letter to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Director Steven Dettelbach this week expressing concern for the conduct and intent of ATF agents auditing Kansas firearm license holders, according to a statement from the Senator's office.

"Many federal firearms license (FFL) holders in Kansas have documented instances where ATF agents have revoked their licenses over several unintentional filing errors." Senator Marshall’s letter urges ATF agents to find ways to work with Kansas gun owners to correct clerical errors and keep them in business.&nbsp;

Senator Marshall was joined in his letter by Kansas delegation members Tracey Mann, Ron Estes and Jake LaTurner&nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Letter-to-ATF-re-shutting-down-rural-Kansas-FFLs.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read Senator&nbsp;Marshall’s full letter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581370788533.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall sent a letter to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Director Steven Dettelbach this week expressing concern for the conduct and intent of ATF agents auditing Kansas firearm license holders, according to a statement from the Senator's office."Many federal firearms license (FFL) holders in Kansas have documented instances where ATF agents have revoked their licenses over several unintentional filing errors." Senator Marshall’s letter urges ATF agents to find ways to work with Kansas gun owners to correct clerical errors and keep them in business.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706195313273.png" alt="A portion of the letter sent to the ATF" />
 <figcaption>A portion of the letter sent to the ATF</figcaption>
 </figure>Senator Marshall was joined in his letter by Kansas delegation members Tracey Mann, Ron Estes and Jake LaTurner&nbsp;Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Letter-to-ATF-re-shutting-down-rural-Kansas-FFLs.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read Senator&nbsp;Marshall’s full letter.

Kan. lawmakers send letter to ATF targeting firearm license holders

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft of a Jackie Robinson statue in Wichita.

According to the city, around midnight Wednesday, someone stole the League 42 Jackie Robinson statue at the Jackie Robinson Pavilion in McAdams Park,&nbsp; 1329 E 16th Street N, Interstate 135 and 13th Street area.

The vandals cut the statue off just above Jackie's feet and loaded it into a truck and took it away. There is some video of the theft, according to the organization.&nbsp;

League 42, named in honor of the great Jackie Robinson, the first African-American in Major League Baseball, is a youth baseball league comprised primarily of urban children ages 5 – 14 in the Wichita area, according to the <a href="https://league42.org/">organization's web site.</a>

League 42 donated the sculpture to the community. Damages are estimated at $75,000, according to the city.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706214143377.png" alt="photo city of Wichita" />
 <figcaption>photo city of Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft of a Jackie Robinson statue in Wichita.According to the city, around midnight Wednesday, someone stole the League 42 Jackie Robinson statue at the Jackie Robinson Pavilion in McAdams Park,&nbsp; 1329 E 16th Street N, Interstate 135 and 13th Street area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706214116336.png" alt="photo city of Wichita" />
 <figcaption>photo city of Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>The vandals cut the statue off just above Jackie's feet and loaded it into a truck and took it away. There is some video of the theft, according to the organization.&nbsp;League 42, named in honor of the great Jackie Robinson, the first African-American in Major League Baseball, is a youth baseball league comprised primarily of urban children ages 5 – 14 in the Wichita area, according to the <a href="https://league42.org/">organization's web site.</a>League 42 donated the sculpture to the community. Damages are estimated at $75,000, according to the city.

Statue stolen from youth baseball league facility in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — The maker of Robitussin cough syrup is recalling several lots of products containing honey due to contamination that could pose a serious risk to people with weakened immune systems.

<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/haleon-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-robitussin-honey-cf-max-day-adult-and-robitussin-honey-cf">Click here </a>to read the USDA advisory

Haleon’s recall covers eight lots of Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult and Robitussin Honey CF Max Nighttime Adult, which were distributed to stores and pharmacy suppliers. The Food and Drug Administration posted the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/haleon-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-robitussin-honey-cf-max-day-adult-and-robitussin-honey-cf">company's announcement</a>&nbsp;to its website Wednesday.

The products may contain dangerously high levels of yeast, the company said in an emailed message Thursday. Yeast is a natural component of honey, but the levels detected by the company were “beyond allowed measurements,” Haleon said.

Ingestion of the contaminated syrup could result in severe fungal infections that would be potentially dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients or those with HIV. Several million people in the U.S. have conditions that impair the immune system’s ability to fight off infections.

For most healthy individuals, any infections resulting from the products are unlikely to be serious, said the company, which is based in the U.K. and has its U.S. headquarters in New Jersey.

Haleon said it has not received any reports of injury or infection linked to the products, which have expiration dates ranging from October 2025 to June 2026.

People who have used the product should contact a health provider if they think they're experiencing any problem related to the recall. They can also report the problem to the FDA's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program/reporting-serious-problems-fda">online system</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706209128138.png" alt="FDA image" />
 <figcaption>FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The maker of Robitussin cough syrup is recalling several lots of products containing honey due to contamination that could pose a serious risk to people with weakened immune systems.<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/haleon-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-robitussin-honey-cf-max-day-adult-and-robitussin-honey-cf">Click here </a>to read the USDA advisoryHaleon’s recall covers eight lots of Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult and Robitussin Honey CF Max Nighttime Adult, which were distributed to stores and pharmacy suppliers. The Food and Drug Administration posted the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/haleon-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-robitussin-honey-cf-max-day-adult-and-robitussin-honey-cf">company's announcement</a>&nbsp;to its website Wednesday.The products may contain dangerously high levels of yeast, the company said in an emailed message Thursday. Yeast is a natural component of honey, but the levels detected by the company were “beyond allowed measurements,” Haleon said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706209168223.png" alt="Location of Lot/Expiration -FDA image" />
 <figcaption>Location of Lot/Expiration -FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>Ingestion of the contaminated syrup could result in severe fungal infections that would be potentially dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients or those with HIV. Several million people in the U.S. have conditions that impair the immune system’s ability to fight off infections.For most healthy individuals, any infections resulting from the products are unlikely to be serious, said the company, which is based in the U.K. and has its U.S. headquarters in New Jersey.Haleon said it has not received any reports of injury or infection linked to the products, which have expiration dates ranging from October 2025 to June 2026.People who have used the product should contact a health provider if they think they're experiencing any problem related to the recall. They can also report the problem to the FDA's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program/reporting-serious-problems-fda">online system</a>.

Robitussin maker recalls several lots of cough syrup

WASHINGTON (AP) — Trump White House official&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/peter-navarro">Peter Navarro</a>, who was convicted of contempt of Congress for refusing to cooperate with a congressional investigation into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-5a1ad57112fde21084f028913b9fdc94">the Jan. 6, 2021, attack</a>&nbsp;on the U.S. Capitol, was sentenced on Thursday to four months behind bars.

He was the second Trump aide convicted of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-bannon-donald-trump-congress-mark-meadows-subpoenas-70fcf59323df874b4a0def1f4c1222cc">contempt of Congress charges</a>. Former White House adviser Steve Bannon previously received&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-steve-bannon-congress-donald-trump-sentencing-36d412eba9e1609a030859852378ae3d">a four-month sentence</a>&nbsp;but is free pending appeal.

Navarro was found guilty of defying a subpoena for documents and a deposition from the House Jan. 6 committee. He served as a White House trade adviser under then-President Donald Trump and later promoted the Republican’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">baseless claims</a>&nbsp;of mass voter fraud in the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta told Navarro that it took “chutzpah” for him to assert that he accepted responsibility for his actions while also suggesting that his prosecution was politically motivated.

“You are not a victim. You are not the object of a political prosecution,” the judge said. “These are circumstances of your own making."

Navarro's attorneys filed a notice that he is appealing his conviction and sentence.

Navarro has said he couldn’t cooperate with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-committee-final-report-trump-bcfea6162fe9cfa0d120e86d069af0e4">the committee</a>&nbsp;because Trump had invoked executive privilege. The judge barred him from making that argument at trial, however, finding that he didn’t show Trump had actually invoked it.

Navarro said in court before his sentencing Thursday that the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack had led him to believe that it accepted his invocation of executive privilege.

“Nobody in my position should be put in conflict between the legislative branch and the executive branch,” he told the judge.

Mehta said that asserting executive privilege is not “magic dust to avoid a duty."

“It's not a get-out-of-jail-free card,” the judge added.

A federal prosecutor, John Crabb Jr., told the judge that the Justice Department enforces the law “without fear, favor or political influence.”

“This is a righteous prosecution,” Crabb said.

More than 1,200 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. More than 100 police officers were injured during clashes with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">the mob of Trump supporters</a>&nbsp;who disrupted the joint session of Congress for certifying Biden's victory over Trump.

The House committee spent 18 months investigating the insurrection, interviewing over 1,000 witnesses, holding 10 hearings and obtaining more than 1 million pages of documents.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-committee-final-report-trump-bcfea6162fe9cfa0d120e86d069af0e4">In its final report</a>, the panel ultimately concluded that Trump criminally engaged in a “multi-part conspiracy” to overturn the election results and failed to act to stop his supporters from storming the Capitol.

Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has denied doing anything wrong.

Navarro’s lawyers had advised him not to address the judge on Thursday, but he said he wanted to speak after hearing the judge express disappointment in him. Responding to a question about why he didn’t initially seek a lawyer’s counsel, he told the judge, “I didn’t know what to do, sir.”

The judge said Navarro should have known how to respond to a subpoena from the House committee because he received one several weeks after Bannon was charged with criminal contempt of Congress.

“I know you think it's a political hatchet job,” Mehta told Navarro. "(The House committee) had a job to do, and you made it harder. It's really that simple."

The judge is allowing Navarro’s defense to submit a written brief on the question of allowing him to remain free pending appeal.

Justice Department prosecutors said Navarro tried to “hide behind claims of privilege” even before he knew what the committee wanted, showing a “disdain” for the committee that should warrant a longer sentence. Prosecutors had asked a judge to sentence him to six months behind bars and impose a $200,000 fine.

Defense attorneys said Trump did claim&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1890f544201941b490a8fd165c63203e">executive privilege</a>, putting Navarro in an “untenable position,” and they had asked for a sentence of probation and a $100 fine.

The judge ordered Navarro to pay a $9,500 fine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706205024532.png" alt="File photo -In September, Peter Navarro reacted to a jury finding him guilty of contempt of Congress-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo -In September, Peter Navarro reacted to a jury finding him guilty of contempt of Congress-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Trump White House official&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/peter-navarro">Peter Navarro</a>, who was convicted of contempt of Congress for refusing to cooperate with a congressional investigation into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-5a1ad57112fde21084f028913b9fdc94">the Jan. 6, 2021, attack</a>&nbsp;on the U.S. Capitol, was sentenced on Thursday to four months behind bars.He was the second Trump aide convicted of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-bannon-donald-trump-congress-mark-meadows-subpoenas-70fcf59323df874b4a0def1f4c1222cc">contempt of Congress charges</a>. Former White House adviser Steve Bannon previously received&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-steve-bannon-congress-donald-trump-sentencing-36d412eba9e1609a030859852378ae3d">a four-month sentence</a>&nbsp;but is free pending appeal.Navarro was found guilty of defying a subpoena for documents and a deposition from the House Jan. 6 committee. He served as a White House trade adviser under then-President Donald Trump and later promoted the Republican’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">baseless claims</a>&nbsp;of mass voter fraud in the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden.U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta told Navarro that it took “chutzpah” for him to assert that he accepted responsibility for his actions while also suggesting that his prosecution was politically motivated.“You are not a victim. You are not the object of a political prosecution,” the judge said. “These are circumstances of your own making."Navarro's attorneys filed a notice that he is appealing his conviction and sentence.Navarro has said he couldn’t cooperate with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-committee-final-report-trump-bcfea6162fe9cfa0d120e86d069af0e4">the committee</a>&nbsp;because Trump had invoked executive privilege. The judge barred him from making that argument at trial, however, finding that he didn’t show Trump had actually invoked it.Navarro said in court before his sentencing Thursday that the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack had led him to believe that it accepted his invocation of executive privilege.“Nobody in my position should be put in conflict between the legislative branch and the executive branch,” he told the judge.Mehta said that asserting executive privilege is not “magic dust to avoid a duty."“It's not a get-out-of-jail-free card,” the judge added.A federal prosecutor, John Crabb Jr., told the judge that the Justice Department enforces the law “without fear, favor or political influence.”“This is a righteous prosecution,” Crabb said.More than 1,200 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. More than 100 police officers were injured during clashes with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">the mob of Trump supporters</a>&nbsp;who disrupted the joint session of Congress for certifying Biden's victory over Trump.The House committee spent 18 months investigating the insurrection, interviewing over 1,000 witnesses, holding 10 hearings and obtaining more than 1 million pages of documents.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-committee-final-report-trump-bcfea6162fe9cfa0d120e86d069af0e4">In its final report</a>, the panel ultimately concluded that Trump criminally engaged in a “multi-part conspiracy” to overturn the election results and failed to act to stop his supporters from storming the Capitol.Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has denied doing anything wrong.Navarro’s lawyers had advised him not to address the judge on Thursday, but he said he wanted to speak after hearing the judge express disappointment in him. Responding to a question about why he didn’t initially seek a lawyer’s counsel, he told the judge, “I didn’t know what to do, sir.”The judge said Navarro should have known how to respond to a subpoena from the House committee because he received one several weeks after Bannon was charged with criminal contempt of Congress.“I know you think it's a political hatchet job,” Mehta told Navarro. "(The House committee) had a job to do, and you made it harder. It's really that simple."The judge is allowing Navarro’s defense to submit a written brief on the question of allowing him to remain free pending appeal.Justice Department prosecutors said Navarro tried to “hide behind claims of privilege” even before he knew what the committee wanted, showing a “disdain” for the committee that should warrant a longer sentence. Prosecutors had asked a judge to sentence him to six months behind bars and impose a $200,000 fine.Defense attorneys said Trump did claim&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1890f544201941b490a8fd165c63203e">executive privilege</a>, putting Navarro in an “untenable position,” and they had asked for a sentence of probation and a $100 fine.The judge ordered Navarro to pay a $9,500 fine.Defense attorney Stanley Woodward said Navarro believed that he was “duty bound” to assert executive privilege.“He need not be punished to prove a point,” Woodward told the judge.Bannon, who also made executive-privilege arguments, was convicted of two counts.Navarro’s sentencing comes after a judge rejected his bid for a new trial. His attorneys had argued that jurors may have been improperly influenced by political protesters outside the courthouse when they took a break from deliberations. Shortly after their break, the jurors found Navarro guilty of two misdemeanor counts of contempt of Congress.