JERUSALEM (AP) — The fragile&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-ceasefire-what-to-know-af1cfbc9dcaa1485ed7a9efaca7ec2b7">cease-fire between Israel and Hamas</a>&nbsp;was back on track Sunday as the militants freed 17 more hostages, including 14 Israelis and the first American, in a third set of releases under a four-day truce that the U.S. said it hoped would be extended.

(Click below to watch the President's comments)

Some hostages were handed over directly to Israel, while others left through Egypt. Israel's army said one was airlifted directly to a hospital. U.S. President Joe Biden said the elderly woman was “very sick and was in need of immediate medical help."

The hostages ranged in age from 4 to 84 and included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/children-hostages-israel-palestinians-gaza-orphan-c8e9f6dd703a9c14161eeb6ca9e25417">Abigail Edan</a>, a 4-year-old girl whose parents were killed in the Hamas attack that started the war on Oct. 7. “What she endured was unthinkable,” Biden said of the first American freed, adding he did not know the child’s condition but could confirm she was safely in Israel. He did not have updates on other American hostages and said it was his goal to extend the cease-fire deal as long as possible.

In all, nine children ages 17 and younger were on the list, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. Separately, Hamas said it had released one of the Russian hostages it was holding, “in response to the efforts of Russian President Vladimir Putin” and as a show of appreciation for Moscow’s position on the war. The Russian-Israeli citizen was the first male hostage to be freed.

Israel was to free 39 Palestinian prisoners later Sunday as part of the deal. A fourth exchange is expected on Monday — the last day of the cease-fire during which a total of 50 hostages and 150 Palestinian prisoners are to be freed. All are women and minors.

International mediators led by the U.S. and Qatar are trying to extend the cease-fire.

Ahead of the latest release, Netanyahu visited the Gaza Strip, where he spoke with troops. “We are making every effort to return our hostages, and at the end of the day we will return every one,” he said, adding that “we are continuing until the end, until victory. Nothing will stop us.” It was not immediately clear where he went inside Gaza.

The cease-fire agreement has brought the first significant pause in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">seven weeks of war</a>, marked by the deadliest Israeli-Palestinian violence in decades and vast destruction and displacement across the Gaza Strip.

More than 13,300 Palestinians have been killed, roughly two thirds of them women and minors, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza</a>. The war has claimed the lives of more than 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians killed by Hamas in the initial attack.

Hamas and other militant groups seized around 240 people during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-attack-military-war-a8f63b07641212f0de61861844e5e71e">incursion into southern Israel</a>&nbsp;that ignited the war. Fifty-eight have been released, one was freed by Israeli forces and two were found dead inside Gaza.

Families from the southern Israeli town of Kfar Aza embraced, cried, and applauded at the news that the hostages from their town had arrived in Israel. More than 70 members of the kibbutz of around 700 people were killed and 18 were kidnapped.

“I will be so excited to see her,” Shacher Fuchter, 10, said of her friend Ela Elyakim, Israel’s Channel 12 reported.

Pressure from hostages' families has sharpened the dilemma facing Israel's leaders, who seek to eliminate Hamas as a military and governing power while returning all the captives.

The cease-fire, which began Friday, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-israel-hamas-war-hostage-qatar-0126c6443a9b3b32fe97032b81eaa515">brokered by Qatar and Egypt and the United States</a>. Israel has said the truce can be extended by an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed, but has vowed to quickly resume its offensive once it ends. Sullivan said the U.S. is working “with all sides on the possibility that this deal gets extended to additional hostages beyond the initial 50.”

Hamas announced the death of Ahmed al-Ghandour, who was in charge of northern Gaza and a member of its top military council. He is the highest-ranking militant known to have been killed in the fighting. Israel's military confirmed the death.

Al-Ghandour, believed to have been around 56 years old, had survived at least three Israeli attempts on his life and was involved in a cross-border attack in 2006 in which Palestinian militants captured an Israeli soldier, according to the Counter Extremism Project, an advocacy group based in Washington.

Hamas said that he was killed along with three other senior militants, including Ayman Siam, who Israel says was in charge of Hamas’ rocket-firing unit. The Israeli military mentioned both men in a Nov. 16 statement, saying it had targeted an underground complex where Hamas leaders were hiding.

The Israeli military claims to have killed thousands of militants, without providing evidence, including several mid-ranking commanders it has identified by name.

The pause has given some respite to Gaza's 2.3 million people, still reeling from relentless Israeli bombardment that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-airstrikes-gaza-hamas-war-702f447ff7e52b03476555ec2513008b">driven three-quarters of the population</a>&nbsp;from their homes and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-gaza-israel-bombing-destruction-hamas-reconstruction-f299a28410b70ee05dd764df97d8d3a0">leveled residential areas</a>. Rocket fire from Gaza militants into Israel also went silent.

War-weary Palestinians in northern Gaza, where the offensive has focused, returned to the streets. Entire city blocks in and around Gaza City have been gutted by airstrikes that hollowed out buildings and left drifts of rubble.

In southern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people from the north&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-palestinians-gaza-water-food-f225bf0723bb5b3ae1961ba6cdef1917">have sought refuge</a>, residents lined up outside gas stations, hoping to stock up on fuel. Palestinians who have tried to return to the north to see if their homes are intact have been turned back by Israeli troops.

“Many are desperate to return to their homes, but they open fire on anyone approaching from the south,” said Rami Hazarein, who fled from Gaza City last month.

The Israeli military has ordered Palestinians not to return to the north or approach within a kilometer (around a half-mile) of the border fence. The Palestinian Red Crescent rescue service said that Israeli forces opened fire Sunday on two farmers in central Gaza, killing one and wounding the other. It didn't provide further details. An Israeli military spokesperson said they weren't aware of the incident.

The United Nations said the truce has made it possible to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-palestinians-truce-red-cross-crescent-14cd8cae0f6e064484167c66bbcecf8f">scale up the delivery</a>&nbsp;of food, water, and medicine to the largest volume since the start of the war, though it still hasn't reached prewar levels. It was able to deliver fuel for the first time since the war began, and to reach areas in the north for the first time in a month.

The freed hostages have mostly stayed out of the public eye. Hospitals said their physical condition has been good, aside from one who was shot during the attack and required surgery. Little is publicly known about the conditions of their captivity.

Eyal Nouri, the nephew of Adina Moshe, 72, who was freed on Friday, said his aunt “had to adjust to the sunlight” because she had been in complete darkness for weeks.

The released Palestinians included at least two women who had been given long sentences after being convicted by Israeli courts of violent attacks. Many Palestinians view&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-israel-prisons-arrests-west-bank-fc894c6f56318fb6fb2f080555b40b6f">prisoners held by Israel</a>, including those implicated in attacks, as heroes resisting occupation, and have celebrated their release.

The war in Gaza has been accompanied by a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-west-bank-war-gaza-hamas-settlers-army-raid-militants-c1386ab6a633971cc18b2497169210d3">surge in violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank</a>. Palestinian health authorities said Sunday that five Palestinians were killed in an Israeli military raid in the northern West Bank city of Jenin that began the day before. The toll in the West Bank is now 239 since the war began.

The Israeli army has conducted frequent military raids and arrested hundreds of Palestinians since the start of the war, mostly people it suspects of being Hamas members.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701012372596.png" alt="Abigail Edan as seen in family hand out photo is the first American hostage released-&nbsp; TAL EDAN VIA AP" />
 <figcaption>Abigail Edan as seen in family hand out photo is the first American hostage released-&nbsp; TAL EDAN VIA AP</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM (AP) — The fragile&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-ceasefire-what-to-know-af1cfbc9dcaa1485ed7a9efaca7ec2b7">cease-fire between Israel and Hamas</a>&nbsp;was back on track Sunday as the militants freed 17 more hostages, including 14 Israelis and the first American, in a third set of releases under a four-day truce that the U.S. said it hoped would be extended.(Click below to watch the President's comments)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1007369290378851%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=12" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Some hostages were handed over directly to Israel, while others left through Egypt. Israel's army said one was airlifted directly to a hospital. U.S. President Joe Biden said the elderly woman was “very sick and was in need of immediate medical help."The hostages ranged in age from 4 to 84 and included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/children-hostages-israel-palestinians-gaza-orphan-c8e9f6dd703a9c14161eeb6ca9e25417">Abigail Edan</a>, a 4-year-old girl whose parents were killed in the Hamas attack that started the war on Oct. 7. “What she endured was unthinkable,” Biden said of the first American freed, adding he did not know the child’s condition but could confirm she was safely in Israel. He did not have updates on other American hostages and said it was his goal to extend the cease-fire deal as long as possible.In all, nine children ages 17 and younger were on the list, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. Separately, Hamas said it had released one of the Russian hostages it was holding, “in response to the efforts of Russian President Vladimir Putin” and as a show of appreciation for Moscow’s position on the war. The Russian-Israeli citizen was the first male hostage to be freed.Israel was to free 39 Palestinian prisoners later Sunday as part of the deal. A fourth exchange is expected on Monday — the last day of the cease-fire during which a total of 50 hostages and 150 Palestinian prisoners are to be freed. All are women and minors.International mediators led by the U.S. and Qatar are trying to extend the cease-fire.Ahead of the latest release, Netanyahu visited the Gaza Strip, where he spoke with troops. “We are making every effort to return our hostages, and at the end of the day we will return every one,” he said, adding that “we are continuing until the end, until victory. Nothing will stop us.” It was not immediately clear where he went inside Gaza.A BREAK IN THE FIGHTINGThe cease-fire agreement has brought the first significant pause in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">seven weeks of war</a>, marked by the deadliest Israeli-Palestinian violence in decades and vast destruction and displacement across the Gaza Strip.More than 13,300 Palestinians have been killed, roughly two thirds of them women and minors, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza</a>. The war has claimed the lives of more than 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians killed by Hamas in the initial attack.Hamas and other militant groups seized around 240 people during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-attack-military-war-a8f63b07641212f0de61861844e5e71e">incursion into southern Israel</a>&nbsp;that ignited the war. Fifty-eight have been released, one was freed by Israeli forces and two were found dead inside Gaza.Families from the southern Israeli town of Kfar Aza embraced, cried, and applauded at the news that the hostages from their town had arrived in Israel. More than 70 members of the kibbutz of around 700 people were killed and 18 were kidnapped.“I will be so excited to see her,” Shacher Fuchter, 10, said of her friend Ela Elyakim, Israel’s Channel 12 reported.Pressure from hostages' families has sharpened the dilemma facing Israel's leaders, who seek to eliminate Hamas as a military and governing power while returning all the captives.The cease-fire, which began Friday, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-israel-hamas-war-hostage-qatar-0126c6443a9b3b32fe97032b81eaa515">brokered by Qatar and Egypt and the United States</a>. Israel has said the truce can be extended by an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed, but has vowed to quickly resume its offensive once it ends. Sullivan said the U.S. is working “with all sides on the possibility that this deal gets extended to additional hostages beyond the initial 50.”HAMAS COMMANDER KILLEDHamas announced the death of Ahmed al-Ghandour, who was in charge of northern Gaza and a member of its top military council. He is the highest-ranking militant known to have been killed in the fighting. Israel's military confirmed the death.Al-Ghandour, believed to have been around 56 years old, had survived at least three Israeli attempts on his life and was involved in a cross-border attack in 2006 in which Palestinian militants captured an Israeli soldier, according to the Counter Extremism Project, an advocacy group based in Washington.Hamas said that he was killed along with three other senior militants, including Ayman Siam, who Israel says was in charge of Hamas’ rocket-firing unit. The Israeli military mentioned both men in a Nov. 16 statement, saying it had targeted an underground complex where Hamas leaders were hiding.The Israeli military claims to have killed thousands of militants, without providing evidence, including several mid-ranking commanders it has identified by name.AID AND RESPITE IN GAZAThe pause has given some respite to Gaza's 2.3 million people, still reeling from relentless Israeli bombardment that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-airstrikes-gaza-hamas-war-702f447ff7e52b03476555ec2513008b">driven three-quarters of the population</a>&nbsp;from their homes and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-gaza-israel-bombing-destruction-hamas-reconstruction-f299a28410b70ee05dd764df97d8d3a0">leveled residential areas</a>. Rocket fire from Gaza militants into Israel also went silent.War-weary Palestinians in northern Gaza, where the offensive has focused, returned to the streets. Entire city blocks in and around Gaza City have been gutted by airstrikes that hollowed out buildings and left drifts of rubble.In southern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people from the north&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-palestinians-gaza-water-food-f225bf0723bb5b3ae1961ba6cdef1917">have sought refuge</a>, residents lined up outside gas stations, hoping to stock up on fuel. Palestinians who have tried to return to the north to see if their homes are intact have been turned back by Israeli troops.“Many are desperate to return to their homes, but they open fire on anyone approaching from the south,” said Rami Hazarein, who fled from Gaza City last month.The Israeli military has ordered Palestinians not to return to the north or approach within a kilometer (around a half-mile) of the border fence. The Palestinian Red Crescent rescue service said that Israeli forces opened fire Sunday on two farmers in central Gaza, killing one and wounding the other. It didn't provide further details. An Israeli military spokesperson said they weren't aware of the incident.The United Nations said the truce has made it possible to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-palestinians-truce-red-cross-crescent-14cd8cae0f6e064484167c66bbcecf8f">scale up the delivery</a>&nbsp;of food, water, and medicine to the largest volume since the start of the war, though it still hasn't reached prewar levels. It was able to deliver fuel for the first time since the war began, and to reach areas in the north for the first time in a month.HOSTAGES FOR PRISONERSThe freed hostages have mostly stayed out of the public eye. Hospitals said their physical condition has been good, aside from one who was shot during the attack and required surgery. Little is publicly known about the conditions of their captivity.Eyal Nouri, the nephew of Adina Moshe, 72, who was freed on Friday, said his aunt “had to adjust to the sunlight” because she had been in complete darkness for weeks.The released Palestinians included at least two women who had been given long sentences after being convicted by Israeli courts of violent attacks. Many Palestinians view&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-israel-prisons-arrests-west-bank-fc894c6f56318fb6fb2f080555b40b6f">prisoners held by Israel</a>, including those implicated in attacks, as heroes resisting occupation, and have celebrated their release.The war in Gaza has been accompanied by a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-west-bank-war-gaza-hamas-settlers-army-raid-militants-c1386ab6a633971cc18b2497169210d3">surge in violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank</a>. Palestinian health authorities said Sunday that five Palestinians were killed in an Israeli military raid in the northern West Bank city of Jenin that began the day before. The toll in the West Bank is now 239 since the war began.The Israeli army has conducted frequent military raids and arrested hundreds of Palestinians since the start of the war, mostly people it suspects of being Hamas members.

🎥First American included in 3rd hostage release by Hamas

By&nbsp;RACHEL MIPRO&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Agriculture gives a dam.&nbsp;

The department has been allocated $10 million in funding for several state water projects, including dam rehabilitation and repair and irrigation technology improvements.

About $7 million of the funding will go toward projects&nbsp;in eastern Stafford County, where the Rattlesnake Creek and&nbsp;Quivira National Wildlife Refuge have struggled with water flow.&nbsp;

The Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, which provides shelter for hundreds of migratory bird species, is home to inland marshes that rely on water from Rattlesnake Creek. While the refuge is supposed to be allocated a certain amount of water each year, crop irrigation and other agricultural water uses have greatly reduced the amount of water flowing into the creek, along with t<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/24/kansas-farm-irrigation-still-hinders-quivira-national-wildlife-refuge-water-rights/">he refuge’s overall water supply</a>.&nbsp;

The funding is meant to bolster solutions to the problem at the local level, such as partnering with stakeholders, changing irrigation technology in the area and buying out water rights in the community.&nbsp;

“These funds, as outlined,&nbsp; would have some flexibility for trying to address impairments with water right buyouts augmentation, infrastructure, technology and other solutions,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam.&nbsp;

The State Finance Council approved the allocation, along with funding for several other water projects, during its Nov. 13 meeting.&nbsp;

Also, $3 million will go toward fixing privately owned high-hazard dams. These dams could cause significant destruction or loss of life if they fail, especially in areas where people live or reside under the dams. Beam said there are many such dams scattered throughout the state. He estimated the funding could help with costs on 20 or so.&nbsp;

“These are expensive projects,” Beam said. “So this should be a big boost for that.”&nbsp;

During allocations, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment also received $5.8 million in funding for water quality projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The department will use $1.5 million to clean up six orphaned contaminated sites, areas where the owner has abandoned the property and left behind hazardous substances.&nbsp; The six sites are currently contaminated with hydrocarbons, heavy metals and nitrate.

About $50,000 will be put aside for cleaning up the Kansas River, removing river trash around the Topeka area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696013446266.png" alt="The Quivira National Wildlife Refuge has struggled with getting enough water in the agriculture-dominated area. (Rachel Laubhan/USFWS)" />
 <figcaption>The Quivira National Wildlife Refuge has struggled with getting enough water in the agriculture-dominated area. (Rachel Laubhan/USFWS)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;RACHEL MIPRO&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Agriculture gives a dam.&nbsp;The department has been allocated $10 million in funding for several state water projects, including dam rehabilitation and repair and irrigation technology improvements.About $7 million of the funding will go toward projects&nbsp;in eastern Stafford County, where the Rattlesnake Creek and&nbsp;Quivira National Wildlife Refuge have struggled with water flow.&nbsp;The Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, which provides shelter for hundreds of migratory bird species, is home to inland marshes that rely on water from Rattlesnake Creek. While the refuge is supposed to be allocated a certain amount of water each year, crop irrigation and other agricultural water uses have greatly reduced the amount of water flowing into the creek, along with t<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/24/kansas-farm-irrigation-still-hinders-quivira-national-wildlife-refuge-water-rights/">he refuge’s overall water supply</a>.&nbsp;The funding is meant to bolster solutions to the problem at the local level, such as partnering with stakeholders, changing irrigation technology in the area and buying out water rights in the community.&nbsp;“These funds, as outlined,&nbsp; would have some flexibility for trying to address impairments with water right buyouts augmentation, infrastructure, technology and other solutions,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam.&nbsp;The State Finance Council approved the allocation, along with funding for several other water projects, during its Nov. 13 meeting.&nbsp;Also, $3 million will go toward fixing privately owned high-hazard dams. These dams could cause significant destruction or loss of life if they fail, especially in areas where people live or reside under the dams. Beam said there are many such dams scattered throughout the state. He estimated the funding could help with costs on 20 or so.&nbsp;“These are expensive projects,” Beam said. “So this should be a big boost for that.”&nbsp;During allocations, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment also received $5.8 million in funding for water quality projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;The department will use $1.5 million to clean up six orphaned contaminated sites, areas where the owner has abandoned the property and left behind hazardous substances.&nbsp; The six sites are currently contaminated with hydrocarbons, heavy metals and nitrate.About $50,000 will be put aside for cleaning up the Kansas River, removing river trash around the Topeka area.

State funding set aside for Kansas River trash removal, high-risk dam repairs

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22Jon%20Dulin%20|%20Wealth%20of%20Geeks%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By Jon Dulin | Wealth of Geeks</a>, via Associated Press

Adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of depression and anxiety, as well as feelings of body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem. That’s directly from the United States Surgeon General, reporting on social media and youth mental health.

While there are benefits to social media use, it is crucial not to overlook the worrisome dark side of social media use.

The report,&nbsp;<a href="https://rb.gy/h8g1z6">Social Media and Youth Mental Health</a>, sheds light on social media use among teens and its impact on their psychological welfare. About 95% of young people ages 13 to 17 are on social media. More than a third of them rank their use as “almost constantly.”

Although most social media platforms have a minimum age of 13 for access and use, few enforce that requirement — almost 40% of kids between eight and 12 years old use social media regularly. What is most concerning about this is there haven’t been any substantive studies on the safety of social media and its impact on young people, especially regarding&nbsp;<a href="https://wealthofgeeks.com/mental-health-issues/">mental health</a>.

One of the most commonly cited benefits of social media is that it provides the opportunity for positive social connections and gives a sense of community with others who have similar interests, abilities, and identities. Users are free to express themselves and explore their creativity, gaining exposure to ideas and issues they may never encounter otherwise. It connects people worldwide, allowing for friendships to be forged and cultures to be shared.

Social media can be a haven for those who feel like social outcasts, introverts, or are socially awkward. After repeated failures at in-person interactions, they can feel overwhelmed and alone. Social media can help ease that isolation.&nbsp;<a href="https://unfinishedsuccess.com/when-life-gives-you-lemons/">When life gives you lemons</a>, fire up Facebook.

The exposure to various cultures and ideologies encourages a broader acceptance of diversity on all levels. The potential exists to make the world a better, more accepting place. Several studies have shown that social media may be a tool for supporting individuals who feel marginalized in society, including gender, racial, sexual, and ethnic minorities, or those groups commonly at risk. Many share and learn&nbsp;<a href="https://unfinishedsuccess.com/self-care-ideas/">self-care ideas</a>&nbsp;and the importance of self-love through the interactions they have online on these platforms.

Looking at social media from this standpoint, it’s hard to imagine that anything could go wrong, but it does. It can go very wrong.

Not all social media experiences are positive and helpful. Researchers have repeatedly found it is possible to have too much of a “good” thing. One study looked at the social media use of young people aged 12 to 15 and the impact it had on their mental health. Those who spent more than three hours a day on social media were twice as likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other poor mental health outcomes. In 2021, most eighth and 10th graders averaged three and a half hours on social media daily.

Study after study has shown an increase in depression and anxiety with regular use of social media, including grade school, high school, and college-aged young people. What is most telling is that a reduction in&nbsp;<a href="https://wealthofgeeks.com/things-that-scream-i-want-attention-on-social-media/">social media</a>&nbsp;use typically correlates with a lowered incidence and intensity of depression and anxiety.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2056305120913983">2020 study</a>&nbsp;showed that social media use has the potential to normalize hatred by dehumanization. That may sound extreme, but the perceived anonymity of some users encourages them to do and say things to others online that they would likely never do face-to-face. Another study found that among 14-year-old social media users, the more frequent the use, the more they experienced:

The risk of exposure to harmful or inappropriate content is another factor that needs consideration. The human brain is not fully developed and mature until the person is in their mid to late 20s. Exposing children to this type of harmful content shapes their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-teen-brain-7-things-to-know#:~:text=Although%20the%20brain%20stops%20growing,the%20last%20parts%20to%20mature.">neurological development</a>, affecting not only their psychology but also their logic, decision-making, and ability to reason.

Parents are the gatekeepers of their children’s development and growth. It is the parent’s place to set firm boundaries that keep their children physically and mentally safe. Sometimes, that means making unpopular decisions, such as limiting social media use. Sometimes, it means getting creative and helping children make healthier choices.

A knee-jerk reaction may be to remove social media or substantially limit their children’s access to it.

But a better option for parents is to take a more sensitive approach. Replace time spent on social media with other activities.

In other words, increasing family time, investing in a fun class the child wants to take, or introducing other activities like reading or art. This strategy not only teaches the child the importance of moderation but also expands their interests.

Safe internet and social media use should be fundamental in the home.&nbsp;<a href="https://wealthofgeeks.com/why-parenting-is-challenging/">Parents</a>&nbsp;should have access to their children’s accounts and be able to see any interactions and private messages. At the same time, parents must establish trust and not abuse that right to access.

When dealing with emotional fallout from negative social media experiences, parents must address them head-on with compassion and concern. One of the best ways to combat depression is to remember the&nbsp;<a href="https://unfinishedsuccess.com/small-things-to-be-grateful-for/">things to be thankful for</a>. That isn’t always an easy thing to do independently. A loving parent can help.

Young people should take responsibility for their social media use and have a plan in place when situations turn harmful. Giving them open access to a trusted adult and having a plan of action in place for addressing problems in a sensitive way can help the child’s self-esteem, confidence, and trust. It can also teach them invaluable coping and problem-solving skills.

Social media has its merits, but it has given far too much access to our children, and those children have far too much freedom with social media. The result is overuse, misuse, and abuse. It’s time to pick up the reins and get control of the runaway stagecoach that is carrying our kids into places they should never know.

This article was produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mediadecision.com/lifestyle/more-than-one-third-of-teens-use-social-media-almost-constantly/article_f62a4f62-8251-11ee-b77f-df4977305fb0.html">Media Decision</a>&nbsp;and syndicated by&nbsp;<a href="https://wealthofgeeks.com/teens-use-social-media-constantly/">Wealth of Geeks</a>.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22Jon%20Dulin%20|%20Wealth%20of%20Geeks%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By Jon Dulin | Wealth of Geeks</a>, via Associated PressAdolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of depression and anxiety, as well as feelings of body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem. That’s directly from the United States Surgeon General, reporting on social media and youth mental health.While there are benefits to social media use, it is crucial not to overlook the worrisome dark side of social media use.Social Media and Teens: By the NumbersThe report,&nbsp;<a href="https://rb.gy/h8g1z6">Social Media and Youth Mental Health</a>, sheds light on social media use among teens and its impact on their psychological welfare. About 95% of young people ages 13 to 17 are on social media. More than a third of them rank their use as “almost constantly.”Although most social media platforms have a minimum age of 13 for access and use, few enforce that requirement — almost 40% of kids between eight and 12 years old use social media regularly. What is most concerning about this is there haven’t been any substantive studies on the safety of social media and its impact on young people, especially regarding&nbsp;<a href="https://wealthofgeeks.com/mental-health-issues/">mental health</a>.Benefits of Social MediaOne of the most commonly cited benefits of social media is that it provides the opportunity for positive social connections and gives a sense of community with others who have similar interests, abilities, and identities. Users are free to express themselves and explore their creativity, gaining exposure to ideas and issues they may never encounter otherwise. It connects people worldwide, allowing for friendships to be forged and cultures to be shared.Social media can be a haven for those who feel like social outcasts, introverts, or are socially awkward. After repeated failures at in-person interactions, they can feel overwhelmed and alone. Social media can help ease that isolation.&nbsp;<a href="https://unfinishedsuccess.com/when-life-gives-you-lemons/">When life gives you lemons</a>, fire up Facebook.The exposure to various cultures and ideologies encourages a broader acceptance of diversity on all levels. The potential exists to make the world a better, more accepting place. Several studies have shown that social media may be a tool for supporting individuals who feel marginalized in society, including gender, racial, sexual, and ethnic minorities, or those groups commonly at risk. Many share and learn&nbsp;<a href="https://unfinishedsuccess.com/self-care-ideas/">self-care ideas</a>&nbsp;and the importance of self-love through the interactions they have online on these platforms.Looking at social media from this standpoint, it’s hard to imagine that anything could go wrong, but it does. It can go very wrong.The Dark Side of Social MediaNot all social media experiences are positive and helpful. Researchers have repeatedly found it is possible to have too much of a “good” thing. One study looked at the social media use of young people aged 12 to 15 and the impact it had on their mental health. Those who spent more than three hours a day on social media were twice as likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other poor mental health outcomes. In 2021, most eighth and 10th graders averaged three and a half hours on social media daily.Study after study has shown an increase in depression and anxiety with regular use of social media, including grade school, high school, and college-aged young people. What is most telling is that a reduction in&nbsp;<a href="https://wealthofgeeks.com/things-that-scream-i-want-attention-on-social-media/">social media</a>&nbsp;use typically correlates with a lowered incidence and intensity of depression and anxiety.A&nbsp;<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2056305120913983">2020 study</a>&nbsp;showed that social media use has the potential to normalize hatred by dehumanization. That may sound extreme, but the perceived anonymity of some users encourages them to do and say things to others online that they would likely never do face-to-face. Another study found that among 14-year-old social media users, the more frequent the use, the more they experienced:<ul>
 <li>Exposure to explicit content: 71%</li><li>Pressure to act a particular way: 59%</li><li>Bullying or harassment by others: 54%</li><li>Lowered self-esteem: 54%</li><li>Depression or anxiety: 53%</li>
 </ul>The risk of exposure to harmful or inappropriate content is another factor that needs consideration. The human brain is not fully developed and mature until the person is in their mid to late 20s. Exposing children to this type of harmful content shapes their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-teen-brain-7-things-to-know#:~:text=Although%20the%20brain%20stops%20growing,the%20last%20parts%20to%20mature.">neurological development</a>, affecting not only their psychology but also their logic, decision-making, and ability to reason.Setting Boundaries for Social Media UseParents are the gatekeepers of their children’s development and growth. It is the parent’s place to set firm boundaries that keep their children physically and mentally safe. Sometimes, that means making unpopular decisions, such as limiting social media use. Sometimes, it means getting creative and helping children make healthier choices.A knee-jerk reaction may be to remove social media or substantially limit their children’s access to it.But a better option for parents is to take a more sensitive approach. Replace time spent on social media with other activities.In other words, increasing family time, investing in a fun class the child wants to take, or introducing other activities like reading or art. This strategy not only teaches the child the importance of moderation but also expands their interests.Safe internet and social media use should be fundamental in the home.&nbsp;<a href="https://wealthofgeeks.com/why-parenting-is-challenging/">Parents</a>&nbsp;should have access to their children’s accounts and be able to see any interactions and private messages. At the same time, parents must establish trust and not abuse that right to access.When dealing with emotional fallout from negative social media experiences, parents must address them head-on with compassion and concern. One of the best ways to combat depression is to remember the&nbsp;<a href="https://unfinishedsuccess.com/small-things-to-be-grateful-for/">things to be thankful for</a>. That isn’t always an easy thing to do independently. A loving parent can help.Young people should take responsibility for their social media use and have a plan in place when situations turn harmful. Giving them open access to a trusted adult and having a plan of action in place for addressing problems in a sensitive way can help the child’s self-esteem, confidence, and trust. It can also teach them invaluable coping and problem-solving skills.Social media has its merits, but it has given far too much access to our children, and those children have far too much freedom with social media. The result is overuse, misuse, and abuse. It’s time to pick up the reins and get control of the runaway stagecoach that is carrying our kids into places they should never know.This article was produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mediadecision.com/lifestyle/more-than-one-third-of-teens-use-social-media-almost-constantly/article_f62a4f62-8251-11ee-b77f-df4977305fb0.html">Media Decision</a>&nbsp;and syndicated by&nbsp;<a href="https://wealthofgeeks.com/teens-use-social-media-constantly/">Wealth of Geeks</a>.

More than one-third of teens use social media “almost constantly”

Colyer says patients and doctors, not bureaucrats, need to make health care decisions

By TIM CARPENTER&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Former Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer endorsed the Republican candidacy of Donald Trump based on a belief election of the former president in 2024 would protect Medicare, lower health care and drug prices, speed development of medical treatments and address the overdose epidemic.

Colyer, a surgeon who served seven years as lieutenant governor to GOP Gov. Sam Brownback, was governor of the state for one year after Brownback resigned to work in the Trump administration. In 2018, Colyer sought a full term as governor and was endorsed by former GOP presidential nominee Bob Dole. He narrowly lost the August primary contest to Kris Kobach, who was endorsed by Trump one day before the election.

“As a physician, cancer survivor and former governor, I’m endorsing Donald J. Trump for president,” Colyer said. “The biggest reason why is for all that he will do to fix health care in America.”

Colyer offered his support for Trump in a Newsweek column after visiting the former president at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

He said Americans didn’t appreciate Trump’s health policy accomplishments as president prior to the reelection loss to Democratic President Joe Biden. In a new term, Colyer said, Trump would protect from spending cuts Medicare benefits relied upon by 65 million Americans.

Colyer said Trump would lower pharmaceutical drug prices and address shortcomings in the Affordable Care Act. He said Trump would create price transparency in U.S. health care. Consumers need accurate information to make decisions about containing medical expenditures, he said.

“We need to allow patients and their doctors, not bureaucrats, to determine health care decisions,” said Colyer, who consistently supported legislation to restrain abortion rights in Kansas.

Colyer said Trump would close the southern U.S. border with Mexico to drug traffickers flooding the country with opioids and fentanyl fueling overdose deaths. The country deserved “a president dedicated to securing our borders, stopping the drug traffickers and saving American lives,” Colyer said.

In addition, Colyer said Trump would remove government roadblocks to research and development of new treatments for health problems.

“From the vantage point of someone who experienced every side of the health care equation, there is no question that President Trump has the best track record on healthcare. And, now, he could become the most transformative health innovator in our lifetimes,” Colyer said.

In 2016, Trump said he would implement health insurance for “everybody” and lower coverage costs. Trump said he would protect Medicare funding, but in 2020 disclosed that he was open to reductions in federal safety-net programs. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Trump suggested treatment with&nbsp;ultraviolet light or “injection” of disinfectant might kill the virus.

Trump said during the 2016 campaign that as president he would repeal and replace the ACA. The Center for American Progress said the GOP president chipped away at the ACA and the number of uninsured Americans expanded by 2.3 million from 2016 to 2019.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported in early 2023 a record 40 million Americans had health insurance coverage under the ACA.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618844745215.png" alt="Former Kansas governor Jeff Colyer and Senator Roger Marshall file photo" />
 <figcaption>Former Kansas governor Jeff Colyer and Senator Roger Marshall file photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Colyer says patients and doctors, not bureaucrats, need to make health care decisions</h2>By TIM CARPENTER&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Former Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer endorsed the Republican candidacy of Donald Trump based on a belief election of the former president in 2024 would protect Medicare, lower health care and drug prices, speed development of medical treatments and address the overdose epidemic.Colyer, a surgeon who served seven years as lieutenant governor to GOP Gov. Sam Brownback, was governor of the state for one year after Brownback resigned to work in the Trump administration. In 2018, Colyer sought a full term as governor and was endorsed by former GOP presidential nominee Bob Dole. He narrowly lost the August primary contest to Kris Kobach, who was endorsed by Trump one day before the election.“As a physician, cancer survivor and former governor, I’m endorsing Donald J. Trump for president,” Colyer said. “The biggest reason why is for all that he will do to fix health care in America.”Colyer offered his support for Trump in a Newsweek column after visiting the former president at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.He said Americans didn’t appreciate Trump’s health policy accomplishments as president prior to the reelection loss to Democratic President Joe Biden. In a new term, Colyer said, Trump would protect from spending cuts Medicare benefits relied upon by 65 million Americans.Colyer said Trump would lower pharmaceutical drug prices and address shortcomings in the Affordable Care Act. He said Trump would create price transparency in U.S. health care. Consumers need accurate information to make decisions about containing medical expenditures, he said.“We need to allow patients and their doctors, not bureaucrats, to determine health care decisions,” said Colyer, who consistently supported legislation to restrain abortion rights in Kansas.Colyer said Trump would close the southern U.S. border with Mexico to drug traffickers flooding the country with opioids and fentanyl fueling overdose deaths. The country deserved “a president dedicated to securing our borders, stopping the drug traffickers and saving American lives,” Colyer said.In addition, Colyer said Trump would remove government roadblocks to research and development of new treatments for health problems.“From the vantage point of someone who experienced every side of the health care equation, there is no question that President Trump has the best track record on healthcare. And, now, he could become the most transformative health innovator in our lifetimes,” Colyer said.In 2016, Trump said he would implement health insurance for “everybody” and lower coverage costs. Trump said he would protect Medicare funding, but in 2020 disclosed that he was open to reductions in federal safety-net programs. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Trump suggested treatment with&nbsp;ultraviolet light or “injection” of disinfectant might kill the virus.Trump said during the 2016 campaign that as president he would repeal and replace the ACA. The Center for American Progress said the GOP president chipped away at the ACA and the number of uninsured Americans expanded by 2.3 million from 2016 to 2019.The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported in early 2023 a record 40 million Americans had health insurance coverage under the ACA.

Former Kan. governor endorses Trump in 2024 GOP presidential campaign

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Authorities canceled a Silver Alert for a missing Kansas man. According to Lawrence Police. 79-year-old Stephen Earle Glass&nbsp;was located Sunday morning and is safe.

DOUGLAS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 79-year-old Stephen Earle Glass of Lawrence who left home around 2:00 p.m. Saturday and has not been heard from since, according to a media release from the Lawrence Police Department.

Glass has medical issues that lead the family to believe he is in need of immediate assistance.

Glass is believed to be driving a 2017 Toyota Highlander with Kansas license plate 388KHV. Glass is described as 5-f0ot-11 and approximately 190 pounds, bald, and has hazel eyes. Anyone who sees the vehicle or Mr. Glass is asked to immediately call 911. P

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701003461264.png" alt="Glasss photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Glasss photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Authorities canceled a Silver Alert for a missing Kansas man. According to Lawrence Police. 79-year-old Stephen Earle Glass&nbsp;was located Sunday morning and is safe.----------DOUGLAS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 79-year-old Stephen Earle Glass of Lawrence who left home around 2:00 p.m. Saturday and has not been heard from since, according to a media release from the Lawrence Police Department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701003484576.png" alt="2017 Toyota Highlander with Kansas license plate 388KHV -photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>2017 Toyota Highlander with Kansas license plate 388KHV -photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Glass has medical issues that lead the family to believe he is in need of immediate assistance.Glass is believed to be driving a 2017 Toyota Highlander with Kansas license plate 388KHV. Glass is described as 5-f0ot-11 and approximately 190 pounds, bald, and has hazel eyes. Anyone who sees the vehicle or Mr. Glass is asked to immediately call 911. P

Police: Silver Alert canceled, missing Kansas man found safe

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting.

Just after 3p.m. Saturday, officers were dispatched to a shooting at 32nd and Park Street, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.

Officers entered a residence where a 16-year-old was located suffering from gunshot trauma. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Police have not reported an arrest or any suspect information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700960337162.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting.Just after 3p.m. Saturday, officers were dispatched to a shooting at 32nd and Park Street, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.Officers entered a residence where a 16-year-old was located suffering from gunshot trauma. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.Police have not reported an arrest or any suspect information.

Homicide: Juvenile found with gunshot wound in KC home

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City man who is a registered sex offender was sentenced in federal court on charges related to distributing child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.

Charles M. Witter, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 25 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Witter to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration.

On July 26, 2023, Witter pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography over the internet on Oct. 5, 2020, one count of transporting child pornography over the internet from Nov. 12, 2020, to Jan. 11, 2021, and one count of possessing child pornography from Nov. 12, 2020, to March 16, 2021, all after having been convicted of an offense relating to aggravated sexual abuse involving a minor. Witter, a registered sex offender, has prior felony convictions for statutory rape and statutory sodomy involving his sexual abuse of a 12-year-old child victim.

On Feb. 25, 2020, Witter was released from custody after serving six years in state prison for those prior convictions. Less than eight months later, he used a social media application to send an image of child pornography to another person.

Witter admitted that he sent an image of child pornography through a social media application to another person on Oct. 5, 2020. The image was flagged and a CyberTip report sent to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which forwarded it to the Western Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.

Less than four months later, on Jan. 20, 2021, another online service provider submitted a CyberTip report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children concerning a number of emails sent by Witter, which included 113 images of child pornography and child erotica from Nov. 12, 2020, to Jan. 11, 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700945993554.png" alt="Witter-photo Sex Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Witter-photo Sex Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City man who is a registered sex offender was sentenced in federal court on charges related to distributing child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.Charles M. Witter, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 25 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Witter to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration.On July 26, 2023, Witter pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography over the internet on Oct. 5, 2020, one count of transporting child pornography over the internet from Nov. 12, 2020, to Jan. 11, 2021, and one count of possessing child pornography from Nov. 12, 2020, to March 16, 2021, all after having been convicted of an offense relating to aggravated sexual abuse involving a minor. Witter, a registered sex offender, has prior felony convictions for statutory rape and statutory sodomy involving his sexual abuse of a 12-year-old child victim.On Feb. 25, 2020, Witter was released from custody after serving six years in state prison for those prior convictions. Less than eight months later, he used a social media application to send an image of child pornography to another person.Witter admitted that he sent an image of child pornography through a social media application to another person on Oct. 5, 2020. The image was flagged and a CyberTip report sent to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which forwarded it to the Western Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.Less than four months later, on Jan. 20, 2021, another online service provider submitted a CyberTip report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children concerning a number of emails sent by Witter, which included 113 images of child pornography and child erotica from Nov. 12, 2020, to Jan. 11, 2021.

KC sex offender admits sharing child porn using social media app

SEDGWICK COUNTY —One of three men accused in the 2019 killing of a man in Bel Aire, Kansas has been found guilty.

Efrain Daniel Arroyo II, 34, was convicted for his role in the 2019 murder of 30-year-old Christian Osvaldo Hernandez of Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 7:30 a.m., on November 27, 2019 a passerby found a man later identified as Hernandez lying next to the road in the 12000 block of east 45th Street North in Wichita, according to Lt. Tim Myers.

Responding deputies noticed a gunshot to the Hernandez body and he was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

The following week authorities reported the arrest of 40-year-old Dusty Joe Brown, Thomas Ray Armstrong and Arroyo II.

Arroyo is scheduled for sentencing in January, according to the district attorney's office. The other suspects are awaiting sentencing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575317063410.png" alt="Efrain Daniel Arroyo II" />
 <figcaption>Efrain Daniel Arroyo II</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —One of three men accused in the 2019 killing of a man in Bel Aire, Kansas has been found guilty.Efrain Daniel Arroyo II, 34, was convicted for his role in the 2019 murder of 30-year-old Christian Osvaldo Hernandez of Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 7:30 a.m., on November 27, 2019 a passerby found a man later identified as Hernandez lying next to the road in the 12000 block of east 45th Street North in Wichita, according to Lt. Tim Myers.Responding deputies noticed a gunshot to the Hernandez body and he was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575316892512.png" alt="-Armstrong -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>-Armstrong -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>The following week authorities reported the arrest of 40-year-old Dusty Joe Brown, Thomas Ray Armstrong and Arroyo II.Arroyo is scheduled for sentencing in January, according to the district attorney's office. The other suspects are awaiting sentencing.

Man awaits sentencing for death of Kan. man found next to road

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas released 13 Israelis and four foreigners late Saturday in the second round of swaps under a cease-fire deal, the Israeli military said, after the militant group initially delayed the exchange for several hours and claimed that Israel had violated the terms of a truce deal.

Shortly after midnight, the Israeli military said the released hostages, including four Thais, had been transferred to Israel. They were being taken to hospitals for observation and to be reunited with their families.

Israel was to free 39 Palestinians later Saturday as part of the deal that ultimately went through after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-israel-hamas-war-hostage-qatar-0126c6443a9b3b32fe97032b81eaa515">international mediation efforts</a>.

The Israeli hostages released Saturday by Hamas included seven children and six women, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced. Most of the released hostages were from Kibbutz Be’eri, a community Hamas militants ravaged during their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-displaced-hamas-dead-sea-beeri-hotel-94d57fc34dd18a73e38eea8437d15801">Oct. 7 cross-border attack</a>, a spokesperson for the kibbutz said. The children ranged in age from 3 to 16, and the women ranged from 18 to 67.

It was a bittersweet moment for the residents of Be’eri. A kibbutz spokesperson said all the released hostages either had a family member killed in the Oct. 7 rampage or had left a loved one in captivity in Gaza.

The mother of one of the released hostages, 12-year-old Hila Rotem, remained in captivity, the spokesperson said.

Another,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-hostages-emily-hand-226eb289c8f69158c6fec4fb2ffaaf6d">Emily Hand</a>, is a girl whose father believed her to be dead for weeks before finding out she was held as a hostage.

The last-minute delay had created a tense standoff on the second day of what's meant to be a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-ceasefire-what-to-know-af1cfbc9dcaa1485ed7a9efaca7ec2b7">four-day cease-fire</a>. By nightfall, as the hostages should have emerged from Gaza, Hamas alleged that the aid deliveries permitted by Israel fell short of what was promised and that not enough of it was reaching northern Gaza — the focus of Israel's ground offensive and main combat zone. Hamas also said not enough veteran prisoners were freed in the first swap on Friday.

“This is putting the deal in danger,” Osama Hamdan, a senior Hamas official, said in Beirut. But Egypt, Qatar and Hamas itself later said obstacles had been overcome, and Hamas listed six women and 33 teenage boys it said were expected to be released by the Israelis. Two women, Maysoun Jabali and Israa Jaabis, were imprisoned in 2015 after being convicted of carrying out attacks on Israelis. Jaabis suffered severe burns during the incident.

While uncertainty around some details of the exchange remained, there was some optimism, too, amid earlier scenes of joyous families reuniting on both sides.

On the first day of the cease-fire, Hamas released 24 of the roughly 240 hostages taken during its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-war-hamas-attack-border-wall-aa0b0f5f3613b6c6882cf37168e8e8ed">Oct. 7 attack</a>&nbsp;on Israel that triggered the war, and Israel freed 39 Palestinians from prison. Those freed in Gaza were 13 Israelis,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-hostages-thai-workers-qatar-iran-1e712be6ab4446574128f36a5c6130e8">10 Thais and a Filipino</a>.

Overall, Hamas is to release at least 50 Israeli hostages, and Israel 150 Palestinian prisoners, during the four-day truce — all women and minors.

Israel has said the truce can be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed — something U.S. President Joe Biden said he hoped would occur.

Separately, a Qatari delegation arrived in Israel on Saturday to coordinate with parties on the ground and “ensure the deal continues to move smoothly,” according to a diplomat briefed on the visit. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss details with the media.

The start of the pause brought quiet for 2.3 million Palestinians reeling from relentless Israeli bombardment that has killed thousands,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-airstrikes-gaza-hamas-war-702f447ff7e52b03476555ec2513008b">driven three-quarters of the population</a>&nbsp;from their homes and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-gaza-israel-bombing-destruction-hamas-reconstruction-f299a28410b70ee05dd764df97d8d3a0">leveled residential areas</a>. Rocket fire from Gaza militants into Israel also went silent.

War-weary Palestinians in northern Gaza returned to the streets, crunching over rubble between shattered buildings and at times digging through it with bare hands. At the Indonesian hospital in Jabaliya, besieged by the Israeli military earlier this month, bodies lay in the courtyard and outside the main gate.

For Emad Abu Hajer, a resident of the Jabaliya refugee camp in the Gaza City area, the pause meant he could again search through the remains of his home, which was flattened in an Israeli attack last week.

He found the bodies of a cousin and nephew, bringing the death toll in the attack to 19. His sister and two other relatives are still missing.

“We want to find them and bury them in dignity,” he said.

The United Nations said the pause enabled it to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-palestinians-truce-red-cross-crescent-14cd8cae0f6e064484167c66bbcecf8f">scale up the delivery of food</a>, water, and medicine to the largest volume since the resumption of aid convoys on Oct. 21. It was also able to deliver 129,000 liters (34,078 gallons) of fuel — just over 10% of the daily pre-war volume — as well as cooking gas, a first since the war began.

In the southern city of Khan Younis, a long line of people with containers waited outside a filling station. Hossam Fayad lamented that the pause in fighting was only for four days.

“I wish it could be extended until people's conditions improved,” he said.

For the first time in over a month, aid reached northern Gaza. The Palestinian Red Crescent said 61 trucks carrying food, water and medical supplies headed there on Saturday, the largest aid convoy to reach the area yet. The U.N. said it and the Palestinian Red Crescent were also able to evacuate 40 patients and family members from a hospital in Gaza City to a hospital in Khan Younis.

In Tel Aviv, several thousand people packed a central square called “the square of the hostages,” awaiting news of the second release.

“Don’t forget the others because it’s getting harder, harder and harder. It’s heartbreaking,” said Neri Gershon, a Tel Aviv resident. Some families have accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostages-hamas-gaza-israel-freed-6395a6113301e677bcac713f8db914b1">not doing enough</a>&nbsp;to bring hostages home.

In the Balata refugee camp in the West Bank, the family of 16-year-old Wael Mesheh was frantically getting the house ready for his homecoming as part of the second swap. “We are going to hug him so tight," his mother, Hanadi Mesheh, said by phone.

The first group of freed Israelis included nine women and four children ages 9 and under. They were taken to Israeli hospitals for observation and were declared to be in good condition.

Hours later, 24 Palestinian women and 15 teenage boys held in Israeli prisons in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem were freed. The teenagers had been jailed for minor offenses like throwing stones. The women included several convicted of trying to stab Israeli soldiers.

“It’s a happiness tainted with sorrow because our release from prison came at the cost of the lives of martyrs and the innocence of children,” said one released prisoner, Aseel Munir al-Titi.

According to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club, an advocacy group, Israel is holding 7,200 Palestinians, including about 2,000 arrested since the start of the war.

On Saturday, at least two Palestinians were injured at a tense West Bank checkpoint where Israel was to free prisoners. Israeli security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at Palestinians gathered at Beitunia checkpoint. It was not clear how the two were injured.

The war erupted when several thousand Hamas militants&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-attack-military-war-a8f63b07641212f0de61861844e5e71e">stormed into southern Israel</a>, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking scores of hostages, including babies, women and older adults, as well as soldiers.

“We will return immediately at the end of the cease-fire to attacking in Gaza, operating in Gaza,” Herzi Halevi, Israeli chief of staff, told soldiers.

Israeli leaders have said they won't stop until Hamas, which has controlled Gaza for the past 16 years, is crushed. Israeli officials have argued that only military pressure can bring the hostages home. But the government is under pressure from hostages' families to prioritize the release of the remaining captives.

The Israeli offensive has killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry</a>&nbsp;in the Hamas-run Gaza government. Women and minors have consistently made up around two-thirds of the dead. The figure does not include updated numbers from hospitals in the north, where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-health-ministry-gaza-hamas-fe30cbc76479fa437d5f5a0e96c36e52">communications have broken down</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700950654978.png" alt="This September 2023 photo shows Emily Hand near Kibbutz Be’eri, Israel. Her father believed her to be dead for weeks before finding out she was held as a hostage. (Yael Shahrur Noah via AP)." />
 <figcaption>This September 2023 photo shows Emily Hand near Kibbutz Be’eri, Israel. Her father believed her to be dead for weeks before finding out she was held as a hostage. (Yael Shahrur Noah via AP).</figcaption>
 </figure>KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas released 13 Israelis and four foreigners late Saturday in the second round of swaps under a cease-fire deal, the Israeli military said, after the militant group initially delayed the exchange for several hours and claimed that Israel had violated the terms of a truce deal.Shortly after midnight, the Israeli military said the released hostages, including four Thais, had been transferred to Israel. They were being taken to hospitals for observation and to be reunited with their families.Israel was to free 39 Palestinians later Saturday as part of the deal that ultimately went through after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-israel-hamas-war-hostage-qatar-0126c6443a9b3b32fe97032b81eaa515">international mediation efforts</a>.The Israeli hostages released Saturday by Hamas included seven children and six women, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced. Most of the released hostages were from Kibbutz Be’eri, a community Hamas militants ravaged during their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-displaced-hamas-dead-sea-beeri-hotel-94d57fc34dd18a73e38eea8437d15801">Oct. 7 cross-border attack</a>, a spokesperson for the kibbutz said. The children ranged in age from 3 to 16, and the women ranged from 18 to 67.It was a bittersweet moment for the residents of Be’eri. A kibbutz spokesperson said all the released hostages either had a family member killed in the Oct. 7 rampage or had left a loved one in captivity in Gaza.The mother of one of the released hostages, 12-year-old Hila Rotem, remained in captivity, the spokesperson said.Another,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-hostages-emily-hand-226eb289c8f69158c6fec4fb2ffaaf6d">Emily Hand</a>, is a girl whose father believed her to be dead for weeks before finding out she was held as a hostage.The last-minute delay had created a tense standoff on the second day of what's meant to be a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-ceasefire-what-to-know-af1cfbc9dcaa1485ed7a9efaca7ec2b7">four-day cease-fire</a>. By nightfall, as the hostages should have emerged from Gaza, Hamas alleged that the aid deliveries permitted by Israel fell short of what was promised and that not enough of it was reaching northern Gaza — the focus of Israel's ground offensive and main combat zone. Hamas also said not enough veteran prisoners were freed in the first swap on Friday.“This is putting the deal in danger,” Osama Hamdan, a senior Hamas official, said in Beirut. But Egypt, Qatar and Hamas itself later said obstacles had been overcome, and Hamas listed six women and 33 teenage boys it said were expected to be released by the Israelis. Two women, Maysoun Jabali and Israa Jaabis, were imprisoned in 2015 after being convicted of carrying out attacks on Israelis. Jaabis suffered severe burns during the incident.While uncertainty around some details of the exchange remained, there was some optimism, too, amid earlier scenes of joyous families reuniting on both sides.On the first day of the cease-fire, Hamas released 24 of the roughly 240 hostages taken during its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-war-hamas-attack-border-wall-aa0b0f5f3613b6c6882cf37168e8e8ed">Oct. 7 attack</a>&nbsp;on Israel that triggered the war, and Israel freed 39 Palestinians from prison. Those freed in Gaza were 13 Israelis,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-hostages-thai-workers-qatar-iran-1e712be6ab4446574128f36a5c6130e8">10 Thais and a Filipino</a>.Overall, Hamas is to release at least 50 Israeli hostages, and Israel 150 Palestinian prisoners, during the four-day truce — all women and minors.Israel has said the truce can be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed — something U.S. President Joe Biden said he hoped would occur.Separately, a Qatari delegation arrived in Israel on Saturday to coordinate with parties on the ground and “ensure the deal continues to move smoothly,” according to a diplomat briefed on the visit. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss details with the media.The start of the pause brought quiet for 2.3 million Palestinians reeling from relentless Israeli bombardment that has killed thousands,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-airstrikes-gaza-hamas-war-702f447ff7e52b03476555ec2513008b">driven three-quarters of the population</a>&nbsp;from their homes and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-gaza-israel-bombing-destruction-hamas-reconstruction-f299a28410b70ee05dd764df97d8d3a0">leveled residential areas</a>. Rocket fire from Gaza militants into Israel also went silent.War-weary Palestinians in northern Gaza returned to the streets, crunching over rubble between shattered buildings and at times digging through it with bare hands. At the Indonesian hospital in Jabaliya, besieged by the Israeli military earlier this month, bodies lay in the courtyard and outside the main gate.For Emad Abu Hajer, a resident of the Jabaliya refugee camp in the Gaza City area, the pause meant he could again search through the remains of his home, which was flattened in an Israeli attack last week.He found the bodies of a cousin and nephew, bringing the death toll in the attack to 19. His sister and two other relatives are still missing.“We want to find them and bury them in dignity,” he said.The United Nations said the pause enabled it to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-palestinians-truce-red-cross-crescent-14cd8cae0f6e064484167c66bbcecf8f">scale up the delivery of food</a>, water, and medicine to the largest volume since the resumption of aid convoys on Oct. 21. It was also able to deliver 129,000 liters (34,078 gallons) of fuel — just over 10% of the daily pre-war volume — as well as cooking gas, a first since the war began.In the southern city of Khan Younis, a long line of people with containers waited outside a filling station. Hossam Fayad lamented that the pause in fighting was only for four days.“I wish it could be extended until people's conditions improved,” he said.For the first time in over a month, aid reached northern Gaza. The Palestinian Red Crescent said 61 trucks carrying food, water and medical supplies headed there on Saturday, the largest aid convoy to reach the area yet. The U.N. said it and the Palestinian Red Crescent were also able to evacuate 40 patients and family members from a hospital in Gaza City to a hospital in Khan Younis.JOY AND EXPECTATIONIn Tel Aviv, several thousand people packed a central square called “the square of the hostages,” awaiting news of the second release.“Don’t forget the others because it’s getting harder, harder and harder. It’s heartbreaking,” said Neri Gershon, a Tel Aviv resident. Some families have accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostages-hamas-gaza-israel-freed-6395a6113301e677bcac713f8db914b1">not doing enough</a>&nbsp;to bring hostages home.In the Balata refugee camp in the West Bank, the family of 16-year-old Wael Mesheh was frantically getting the house ready for his homecoming as part of the second swap. “We are going to hug him so tight," his mother, Hanadi Mesheh, said by phone.The first group of freed Israelis included nine women and four children ages 9 and under. They were taken to Israeli hospitals for observation and were declared to be in good condition.Hours later, 24 Palestinian women and 15 teenage boys held in Israeli prisons in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem were freed. The teenagers had been jailed for minor offenses like throwing stones. The women included several convicted of trying to stab Israeli soldiers.“It’s a happiness tainted with sorrow because our release from prison came at the cost of the lives of martyrs and the innocence of children,” said one released prisoner, Aseel Munir al-Titi.According to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club, an advocacy group, Israel is holding 7,200 Palestinians, including about 2,000 arrested since the start of the war.On Saturday, at least two Palestinians were injured at a tense West Bank checkpoint where Israel was to free prisoners. Israeli security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at Palestinians gathered at Beitunia checkpoint. It was not clear how the two were injured.A LONGER PEACE?The war erupted when several thousand Hamas militants&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-attack-military-war-a8f63b07641212f0de61861844e5e71e">stormed into southern Israel</a>, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking scores of hostages, including babies, women and older adults, as well as soldiers.“We will return immediately at the end of the cease-fire to attacking in Gaza, operating in Gaza,” Herzi Halevi, Israeli chief of staff, told soldiers.Israeli leaders have said they won't stop until Hamas, which has controlled Gaza for the past 16 years, is crushed. Israeli officials have argued that only military pressure can bring the hostages home. But the government is under pressure from hostages' families to prioritize the release of the remaining captives.The Israeli offensive has killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry</a>&nbsp;in the Hamas-run Gaza government. Women and minors have consistently made up around two-thirds of the dead. The figure does not include updated numbers from hospitals in the north, where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-health-ministry-gaza-hamas-fe30cbc76479fa437d5f5a0e96c36e52">communications have broken down</a>.

2nd group of hostages freed in Gaza includes 7 children 

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/nathanielcline/">NATHANIEL CLINE</a>

College financial aid applicants can expect the release of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, on Dec. 31, according to an<a target="_blank" href="https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/electronic-announcements/2023-11-15/update-simplified-streamlined-redesigned-2024-25-fafsa">&nbsp;announcement</a>&nbsp;by the U.S. Department of Education on Wednesday.

Schools and applicants in Virginia and elsewhere have been waiting eagerly for the announcement after the agency said on March 21 that it would roll out the form in December but did not provide an exact date, creating uncertainty about how financial aid processes would unfold this year.

“The department has been working closely with all of our partners to prepare for the many changes to the better FAFSA experience,” the education department said in a statement. “To ensure a smooth experience for students and families, the department is issuing guidance, hosting webinars, and offering training support in the coming months.”

During the past three years, the department has been redesigning the form to make it less complex and allow more students access to financial aid after Congress passed the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/fafsa-simplification-act">FAFSA Simplification Act</a>.

Justin Draeger, president of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, a nonprofit representing financial aid professionals across the country, said in a statement that the association is pleased with the announcement. However, he said schools need the federal government to quickly provide applicant data to institutions and “clearly” communicate updates.

Draeger said once financial aid offices receive applicant data, the distribution of financial aid offers will take at least several more weeks.

“A successful partnership between the financial aid community and [Education Department] means goodwill is extended by all stakeholders,” Drager said. “Financial aid professionals will work to shield students from the adverse effects of any truncated timelines. In addition to working as quickly as possible to deliver a completed FAFSA process, the department can partner in this effort by giving students realistic timelines and top-notch customer service, and giving schools the space and resources they need to focus solely on students for the next several months.”

This story was originally published by the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.virginiamercury.com/blog-va/u-s-department-of-ed-announces-dec-31-rollout-for-new-fafsa/">Virginia Mercury</a>, a States Newsroom affiliate.&nbsp;

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/nathanielcline/">NATHANIEL CLINE</a>College financial aid applicants can expect the release of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, on Dec. 31, according to an<a target="_blank" href="https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/electronic-announcements/2023-11-15/update-simplified-streamlined-redesigned-2024-25-fafsa">&nbsp;announcement</a>&nbsp;by the U.S. Department of Education on Wednesday.Schools and applicants in Virginia and elsewhere have been waiting eagerly for the announcement after the agency said on March 21 that it would roll out the form in December but did not provide an exact date, creating uncertainty about how financial aid processes would unfold this year.“The department has been working closely with all of our partners to prepare for the many changes to the better FAFSA experience,” the education department said in a statement. “To ensure a smooth experience for students and families, the department is issuing guidance, hosting webinars, and offering training support in the coming months.”During the past three years, the department has been redesigning the form to make it less complex and allow more students access to financial aid after Congress passed the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/fafsa-simplification-act">FAFSA Simplification Act</a>.Justin Draeger, president of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, a nonprofit representing financial aid professionals across the country, said in a statement that the association is pleased with the announcement. However, he said schools need the federal government to quickly provide applicant data to institutions and “clearly” communicate updates.Draeger said once financial aid offices receive applicant data, the distribution of financial aid offers will take at least several more weeks.“A successful partnership between the financial aid community and [Education Department] means goodwill is extended by all stakeholders,” Drager said. “Financial aid professionals will work to shield students from the adverse effects of any truncated timelines. In addition to working as quickly as possible to deliver a completed FAFSA process, the department can partner in this effort by giving students realistic timelines and top-notch customer service, and giving schools the space and resources they need to focus solely on students for the next several months.”This story was originally published by the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.virginiamercury.com/blog-va/u-s-department-of-ed-announces-dec-31-rollout-for-new-fafsa/">Virginia Mercury</a>, a States Newsroom affiliate.&nbsp;

U.S. Department of Education sets date for rollout for new FAFSA

RUSSELL COUNTY —Kansas Highway Patrol Troop D Troopers and local law enforcement have worked a few non-injury crashes and many slide offs on Saturday, according to Trooper Tod Hileman.

Trooper Ney worked a non-injury crash on Interstate 70 near Gorham. Speed is the number one factor in these crashes, according to Hileman. Slow down

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700935878933.png" alt="Crash near Gorham-Photo Trooper Tod Hileman" />
 <figcaption>Crash near Gorham-Photo Trooper Tod Hileman</figcaption>
 </figure>RUSSELL COUNTY —Kansas Highway Patrol Troop D Troopers and local law enforcement have worked a few non-injury crashes and many slide offs on Saturday, according to Trooper Tod Hileman.Trooper Ney worked a non-injury crash on Interstate 70 near Gorham. Speed is the number one factor in these crashes, according to Hileman. Slow down

KHP: Speed a factor in accidents on snowy highways

USDA program focuses on food for human consumption, excluding meat and poultry

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Agriculture began accepting applications this week under a $6.46 million grant program designed to improve local or regional supply chain infrastructure across the state for foods destined to be consumed by humans.

The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program initiated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture seeks to expand processing, manufacture, storage, transportation as well as wholesaling or distribution of agricultural products. The investments would be concentrated on the middle of the food supply chain, which could be defined as the area bookended by harvests and retail stores.

The program would feature businesses engaged in specialty crops, dairy produce, grains for human consumption and aquaculture. It would exclude meat and poultry products funded through other USDA programs.

“In order for the nation’s food system to be more resilient, there is an increased need to focus on bolstering our local food supply chain,” said Mike Beam, the state’s agriculture department secretary.

He said the grant program was an opportunity to create economic opportunities for Kansas food and farm businesses and other eligible applicants, including nonprofit organizations, local government entities, tribal governments as well as hospitals and schools.

<a target="_blank" href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/kda-services/grants-and-cost-share-programs/resilient-food-system-infrastructure-program">KDA plans to accept applications</a>&nbsp;for infrastructure aid through Jan. 31. The state agency would score applications before presenting rankings to USDA in May. Grants would likely be awarded in July, said Brittney Grother, grants coordinator for the state Department of Agriculture in Manhattan.

“Our goal is to give applicants an ample amount of time to fill out their applications, develop their projects and their budgets, and gather their letters of support from those in their communities,” she said. “We are trying to help elevate those types of applications from small or historically undersererved farmers or ranchers.”

Officials said each application would be evaluated based on project need, proposed outcome and feasibility. Preference would be given to applications beneficial to underserved or beginning farmers and ranchers. Military veterans and historically disadvantaged owners of middle-of-the-supply chain businesses would be given priority.

The USDA, which is distributing $420 million nationally to build food supply systems, said grants for equipment ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 wouldn’t require a match from Kansas applicants.

Grants ranging from $100,000 to $3 million in Kansas would require applicants to contribute 50% of proposed cost of a project. Underserved applicants in this range would be responsible for a 25% match.

“There’s been increased attention on the local food supply and the supply chain nationally,” Grother said. “During the pandemic we saw so many disruptions. To build a more resilient food system, we need to bolster our local supply chains.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700581807668.png" alt=" The Kansas Department of Agriculture began accepting applications Monday for $6.4 million in grant funding to improve infrastructure of local supply chains for food destined for human consumption. (Kansas Department of Agriculture)" />
 <figcaption> The Kansas Department of Agriculture began accepting applications Monday for $6.4 million in grant funding to improve infrastructure of local supply chains for food destined for human consumption. (Kansas Department of Agriculture)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>USDA program focuses on food for human consumption, excluding meat and poultry</h2>By TIM CARPENTER&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Agriculture began accepting applications this week under a $6.46 million grant program designed to improve local or regional supply chain infrastructure across the state for foods destined to be consumed by humans.The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program initiated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture seeks to expand processing, manufacture, storage, transportation as well as wholesaling or distribution of agricultural products. The investments would be concentrated on the middle of the food supply chain, which could be defined as the area bookended by harvests and retail stores.The program would feature businesses engaged in specialty crops, dairy produce, grains for human consumption and aquaculture. It would exclude meat and poultry products funded through other USDA programs.“In order for the nation’s food system to be more resilient, there is an increased need to focus on bolstering our local food supply chain,” said Mike Beam, the state’s agriculture department secretary.He said the grant program was an opportunity to create economic opportunities for Kansas food and farm businesses and other eligible applicants, including nonprofit organizations, local government entities, tribal governments as well as hospitals and schools.<a target="_blank" href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/kda-services/grants-and-cost-share-programs/resilient-food-system-infrastructure-program">KDA plans to accept applications</a>&nbsp;for infrastructure aid through Jan. 31. The state agency would score applications before presenting rankings to USDA in May. Grants would likely be awarded in July, said Brittney Grother, grants coordinator for the state Department of Agriculture in Manhattan.“Our goal is to give applicants an ample amount of time to fill out their applications, develop their projects and their budgets, and gather their letters of support from those in their communities,” she said. “We are trying to help elevate those types of applications from small or historically undersererved farmers or ranchers.”Officials said each application would be evaluated based on project need, proposed outcome and feasibility. Preference would be given to applications beneficial to underserved or beginning farmers and ranchers. Military veterans and historically disadvantaged owners of middle-of-the-supply chain businesses would be given priority.The USDA, which is distributing $420 million nationally to build food supply systems, said grants for equipment ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 wouldn’t require a match from Kansas applicants.Grants ranging from $100,000 to $3 million in Kansas would require applicants to contribute 50% of proposed cost of a project. Underserved applicants in this range would be responsible for a 25% match.“There’s been increased attention on the local food supply and the supply chain nationally,” Grother said. “During the pandemic we saw so many disruptions. To build a more resilient food system, we need to bolster our local supply chains.”

Kansas moves ahead with $6.46 million grant program to bolster local food supply chains

MIAMI COUNTY, Kansas—Law enforcement authorities are investigating another case of alleged poaching in Kansas.

On November 15, Miami County Kansas Game Warden Falls received a call from a landowner about trespassing taking place by individuals wearing camouflage and carrying crossbows, according to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

Falls responded to the area and started a K-9 track from the suspect vehicles, which were parked on public property.

K-9 Indy located the hunters track and followed their trail. During the track, Indy alerted to the base of a tree near the track. Underneath branches and leaves, Indy located a blue trash bag containing what appeared to be deer meat. 

K-9 Indy then continued tracking the hunters, locating them a short time later taking a deer off private property. Charges are pending for criminal hunting. A citation was issued for the untagged deer located by K-9 Indy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700566680891.png" alt="Photos KDWP Game Wardens" />
 <figcaption>Photos KDWP Game Wardens</figcaption>
 </figure>MIAMI COUNTY, Kansas—Law enforcement authorities are investigating another case of alleged poaching in Kansas.On November 15, Miami County Kansas Game Warden Falls received a call from a landowner about trespassing taking place by individuals wearing camouflage and carrying crossbows, according to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.Falls responded to the area and started a K-9 track from the suspect vehicles, which were parked on public property.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700566660860.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>K-9 Indy located the hunters track and followed their trail. During the track, Indy alerted to the base of a tree near the track. Underneath branches and leaves, Indy located a blue trash bag containing what appeared to be deer meat. K-9 Indy then continued tracking the hunters, locating them a short time later taking a deer off private property. Charges are pending for criminal hunting. A citation was issued for the untagged deer located by K-9 Indy.

Kan. game warden: Criminal hunting investigation

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in Wichita and continue to ask the public for help to locate a suspect identified as Luis Jackson, according to a Crime Stoppers report.

Just after 2a.m. September 10, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 4000 block of West Memory Lane in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

First responders&nbsp; located&nbsp;19-year-old Zyles James of Wichita unconscious and not breathing with gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body.

Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. James was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

During the initial response, officers located another victim with a graze wound to the arm. The victim was transported to a local hospital and was treated and released.

If you see Jackson or know his location, call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694602061567.png" alt="Jackson-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Jackson-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in Wichita and continue to ask the public for help to locate a suspect identified as Luis Jackson, according to a Crime Stoppers report.Just after 2a.m. September 10, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 4000 block of West Memory Lane in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.First responders&nbsp; located&nbsp;19-year-old Zyles James of Wichita unconscious and not breathing with gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body.Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. James was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.During the initial response, officers located another victim with a graze wound to the arm. The victim was transported to a local hospital and was treated and released.If you see Jackson or know his location, call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Suspect in murder of Kansas teen still running from police

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly this week revealed a new license plate design that is expected to be seen on Kansas roadways beginning in spring 2024.

Kansas State Representative Nick Hoheisel of Wichita heard from many of his constituents who want a different design.

The new design is part of the state’s phased approach to replacing current embossed standard plates because of safety concerns.

The new plate displays a wheat-yellow color in the background with black and midnight blue text. The design pays tribute to the state motto, “ad astra per aspera,” with “to the stars” emblazoned across the bottom of the plate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700669520769.png" alt="Additional information regarding the license replacement process will be mailed with regular renewal notices.-courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Additional information regarding the license replacement process will be mailed with regular renewal notices.-courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly this week revealed a new license plate design that is expected to be seen on Kansas roadways beginning in spring 2024.Kansas State Representative Nick Hoheisel of Wichita heard from many of his constituents who want a different design.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In response to dissatisfaction among constituents regarding the proposed new license plate design, I&#39;ve requested <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovLauraKelly</a> delay implementation until the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> reconvenes in January. This allows a thorough examination of options and ensures Kansans&#39; values are reflected. <a href="https://t.co/PG9hqPLJvs">pic.twitter.com/PG9hqPLJvs</a>&mdash; Rep. Nick Hoheisel (@RepHoheisel) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepHoheisel/status/1728128975644553477?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The new design is part of the state’s phased approach to replacing current embossed standard plates because of safety concerns.The new plate displays a wheat-yellow color in the background with black and midnight blue text. The design pays tribute to the state motto, “ad astra per aspera,” with “to the stars” emblazoned across the bottom of the plate.