SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; a&nbsp; shooting that sent a child to the hospital have a suspect in custody.

On Monday police asked for help to locate 16-year-old&nbsp;&nbsp;Anthony Rocky Guerrero III for the Sunday evening gunfire near the 6700 Block of SW Greencastle Drive in Topeka, according to Sheriff's Lieutenant Scott Wanamaker.&nbsp;

A 9-year-old&nbsp; had been struck by the gunfire. He was inside a home and was struck in his left leg. EMS transported the boy to a local hospital for treatment. There were 3 adults and 5 juveniles in the home at the time of the shooting, according to Wanamaker.

After shooting at the residence the two suspects fled the area on foot, entered a silver passenger car in the 6800 Block SW Rockpost Road and fled the scene.&nbsp; &nbsp;Guerrero turned himself in and was booked into the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, Criminal Discharge of a Firearm at an occupied dwelling and Felony Criminal Damage to Property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700520416350.png" alt="Guerrero III photo Shawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Guerrero III photo Shawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; a&nbsp; shooting that sent a child to the hospital have a suspect in custody.On Monday police asked for help to locate 16-year-old&nbsp;&nbsp;Anthony Rocky Guerrero III for the Sunday evening gunfire near the 6700 Block of SW Greencastle Drive in Topeka, according to Sheriff's Lieutenant Scott Wanamaker.&nbsp;A 9-year-old&nbsp; had been struck by the gunfire. He was inside a home and was struck in his left leg. EMS transported the boy to a local hospital for treatment. There were 3 adults and 5 juveniles in the home at the time of the shooting, according to Wanamaker.After shooting at the residence the two suspects fled the area on foot, entered a silver passenger car in the 6800 Block SW Rockpost Road and fled the scene.&nbsp; &nbsp;Guerrero turned himself in and was booked into the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, Criminal Discharge of a Firearm at an occupied dwelling and Felony Criminal Damage to Property.

Suspect in shooting that injured 9-year-old turns himself in

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

A Ransom, Kansas man found guilty of sexually assaulting a child in
2015 was sentenced to life in prison Monday in Ellis County District Court.

Robert Wayne Evel, 54, was arrested in 2022 and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/328945bd-3185-4168-beee-a63606c71842">charged </a>in
Ellis County with one count each of aggravated criminal sodomy, attempted rape,
aggravated indecent liberties with a child and criminal threat.

According to court documents, Evel was accused of assaulting
a child, who was 10 years-old at the time, between June 1, 2015, and August 31,
2015.

In September a jury, after four hours of deliberation, found
Evel <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d3497e49-d392-4531-93de-5f9bbcc3bc20">guilty on all four counts.</a>

Because the victim was 10 years old at the time of the crime,
the three most serious felony charges fall under the Jessica’s Law statue.

In Kansas, a conviction under Jessica’s Law carries a
lifetime prison sentence without the possibility of parole for 25 years if the
defendant is older than 18, and the victim is younger than 14.

Monday Evel and his defense team filed a motion for a new
trial and a motion for acquittal based on inconsistencies in the trial.

Ellis County District Court Judge Glenn Braun denied the
motions.

The victim addressed the court and said, “the only thing
that matters is that he can’t do this to any other child.”

During his opportunity to address the court before
sentencing, Evel said that the victim gave a lot of inconsistent answers in her
testimony and interviews with the police. He questioned whether the county
attorney’s office and the court was, “looking for the truth or just imprisonment.”

During sentencing, Evel had also requested a downward or durational
departure. A downward departure allows the judge to issue a prison sentence
shorter than what is in the sentencing guidelines. 

In handing down his sentence Braun addressed testimony from
a friend of Evel who testified on his behalf and asked the court to allow him
to, “live as a free man.”

Braun said, “The victim will never live as a free woman. She
will live with that pain and scars for the rest of her life.”

He also said that Evel took advantage of the trust the
victim had built with Evel when he was her mother’s boyfriend.

Braun sentenced Evel to life in prison without the possibility
of parole for 25 years for the three Jessica’s Law crimes — charges of aggravated
criminal sodomy, attempted rape and aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Under Kansas law, only the convictions for aggravated criminal
sodomy and attempted rape can run consecutively for
a total of life in prison without the possibility of parole for 50 years.

The life sentence for aggravated indecent liberties with a
child and the six month sentence for criminal threat will run concurrently to
the other charges.

Evel was remanded to the custody of the Ellis County
Sheriff's Office awaiting transportation to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694529800148.png" alt="Evel photo Ellis Co." />
 <figcaption>Evel photo Ellis Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostA Ransom, Kansas man found guilty of sexually assaulting a child in
2015 was sentenced to life in prison Monday in Ellis County District Court.Robert Wayne Evel, 54, was arrested in 2022 and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/328945bd-3185-4168-beee-a63606c71842">charged </a>in
Ellis County with one count each of aggravated criminal sodomy, attempted rape,
aggravated indecent liberties with a child and criminal threat.According to court documents, Evel was accused of assaulting
a child, who was 10 years-old at the time, between June 1, 2015, and August 31,
2015.In September a jury, after four hours of deliberation, found
Evel <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d3497e49-d392-4531-93de-5f9bbcc3bc20">guilty on all four counts.</a>Because the victim was 10 years old at the time of the crime,
the three most serious felony charges fall under the Jessica’s Law statue.In Kansas, a conviction under Jessica’s Law carries a
lifetime prison sentence without the possibility of parole for 25 years if the
defendant is older than 18, and the victim is younger than 14.Monday Evel and his defense team filed a motion for a new
trial and a motion for acquittal based on inconsistencies in the trial.Ellis County District Court Judge Glenn Braun denied the
motions.The victim addressed the court and said, “the only thing
that matters is that he can’t do this to any other child.”During his opportunity to address the court before
sentencing, Evel said that the victim gave a lot of inconsistent answers in her
testimony and interviews with the police. He questioned whether the county
attorney’s office and the court was, “looking for the truth or just imprisonment.”During sentencing, Evel had also requested a downward or durational
departure. A downward departure allows the judge to issue a prison sentence
shorter than what is in the sentencing guidelines. Braun also denied that motion.In handing down his sentence Braun addressed testimony from
a friend of Evel who testified on his behalf and asked the court to allow him
to, “live as a free man.”Braun said, “The victim will never live as a free woman. She
will live with that pain and scars for the rest of her life.”He also said that Evel took advantage of the trust the
victim had built with Evel when he was her mother’s boyfriend.Braun sentenced Evel to life in prison without the possibility
of parole for 25 years for the three Jessica’s Law crimes — charges of aggravated
criminal sodomy, attempted rape and aggravated indecent liberties with a child.Under Kansas law, only the convictions for aggravated criminal
sodomy and attempted rape can run consecutively for
a total of life in prison without the possibility of parole for 50 years.The life sentence for aggravated indecent liberties with a
child and the six month sentence for criminal threat will run concurrently to
the other charges.Evel was remanded to the custody of the Ellis County
Sheriff's Office awaiting transportation to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. man sentenced for sex crime with girlfriend's daughter

KANSAS CITY (AP) —The Missouri Supreme Court has turned away an appeal about how to word a ballot question on access to abortion in the state.

Missouri lawmakers have already banned abortion except in cases of medical emergency, but proponents of broader access to the procedure are seeking to put a question about it directly before voters next year. In all seven states where abortion has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-us-supreme-court-health-michigan-23bfba4a07de57b175d9de1281ecace6">on the ballot</a>&nbsp;since the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">struck down Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;last year, voters have either supported protecting abortion rights or rejected attempts to erode them.

In Missouri, officials and advocates on both sides are grappling with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-abortion-68362de7c0c0f6344543308ec4569b5b">how to word the question</a>&nbsp;that could go on the ballot. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft has proposed asking voters whether they are in favor of allowing “dangerous and unregulated abortions until live birth.”

A state appeals court in October&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-ballot-constitution-ruling-edb5f44fc0f9799d01cda22cd1f70b40">said the wording was politically partisan</a>. Ashcroft appealed the decision, but on Monday the Missouri Supreme Court declined to hear his argument.

Summaries are used on Missouri ballots to help voters understand sometimes lengthy and complex constitutional amendments and other ballot proposals. Ashcroft, who is running for governor in 2024, said his wording “fairly and accurately reflects the scope and magnitude" of each of the six proposed abortion rights ballot measures.

“My responsibility as secretary of state is to make sure the people of Missouri have ballot language that they can understand and trust," Ashcroft said in a news release. "If these petitions make it to the ballot, the people will decide. I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure Missourians know the truth.”

A statement from the ACLU of Missouri said the “repeated rejection of the Secretary of State’s arguments verify that his case has no legal bearing."

Ashcroft is the son of John Ashcroft, a former governor, U.S. senator and U.S. attorney general under President George W. Bush. Jay Ashcroft is among four Republicans who have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/governor-missouri-ashcroft-election-republican-cceea45c2a7369a9ec37ea85ec6998c6">announced their candidacies</a>&nbsp;for governor next year.

Ashcroft’s original description of the proposed abortion amendments, which could go on the ballot in 2024 if supporters gather enough voter signatures, would have asked voters whether they want to “allow for dangerous, unregulated, and unrestricted abortions, from conception to live birth, without requiring a medical license or potentially being subject to medical malpractice.”

In October, an appeals court panel wrote that allowing unrestricted abortion “during all nine months of pregnancy is not a probable effect of initiatives.” The panel largely upheld summaries that were written by a lower court judge to be more impartial.

Those summaries would tell voters the amendments would “establish a right to make decisions about reproductive health care, including abortion and contraceptives” and “remove Missouri’s ban on abortion.”

Missouri's current law makes most abortion a felony punishable by five to 15 years in prison for anyone who performs or induces one. Medical professionals who do so also could lose their licenses. The law prohibits women who undergo abortions from being prosecuted.

Earlier this month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-abortion-amendment-election-2023-fe3e06747b616507d8ca21ea26485270">Ohio voters approved</a>&nbsp;a constitutional amendment that ensures access to abortion and other forms of reproductive health care.

Measures to protect abortion access will be on 2024 ballots in Maryland and New York. Legislative efforts or petition drives are underway in a variety of other states. There are efforts to protect or expand access in Arizona, Florida, Nevada and South Dakota; and to restrict it in Iowa, Nebraska and Pennsylvania. Drives are on for both kinds of measures in Colorado.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695984365207.png" alt="Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft photo Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications" />
 <figcaption>Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft photo Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —The Missouri Supreme Court has turned away an appeal about how to word a ballot question on access to abortion in the state.Missouri lawmakers have already banned abortion except in cases of medical emergency, but proponents of broader access to the procedure are seeking to put a question about it directly before voters next year. In all seven states where abortion has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-us-supreme-court-health-michigan-23bfba4a07de57b175d9de1281ecace6">on the ballot</a>&nbsp;since the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">struck down Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;last year, voters have either supported protecting abortion rights or rejected attempts to erode them.In Missouri, officials and advocates on both sides are grappling with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-abortion-68362de7c0c0f6344543308ec4569b5b">how to word the question</a>&nbsp;that could go on the ballot. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft has proposed asking voters whether they are in favor of allowing “dangerous and unregulated abortions until live birth.”A state appeals court in October&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-ballot-constitution-ruling-edb5f44fc0f9799d01cda22cd1f70b40">said the wording was politically partisan</a>. Ashcroft appealed the decision, but on Monday the Missouri Supreme Court declined to hear his argument.Summaries are used on Missouri ballots to help voters understand sometimes lengthy and complex constitutional amendments and other ballot proposals. Ashcroft, who is running for governor in 2024, said his wording “fairly and accurately reflects the scope and magnitude" of each of the six proposed abortion rights ballot measures.“My responsibility as secretary of state is to make sure the people of Missouri have ballot language that they can understand and trust," Ashcroft said in a news release. "If these petitions make it to the ballot, the people will decide. I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure Missourians know the truth.”A statement from the ACLU of Missouri said the “repeated rejection of the Secretary of State’s arguments verify that his case has no legal bearing."Ashcroft is the son of John Ashcroft, a former governor, U.S. senator and U.S. attorney general under President George W. Bush. Jay Ashcroft is among four Republicans who have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/governor-missouri-ashcroft-election-republican-cceea45c2a7369a9ec37ea85ec6998c6">announced their candidacies</a>&nbsp;for governor next year.Ashcroft’s original description of the proposed abortion amendments, which could go on the ballot in 2024 if supporters gather enough voter signatures, would have asked voters whether they want to “allow for dangerous, unregulated, and unrestricted abortions, from conception to live birth, without requiring a medical license or potentially being subject to medical malpractice.”In October, an appeals court panel wrote that allowing unrestricted abortion “during all nine months of pregnancy is not a probable effect of initiatives.” The panel largely upheld summaries that were written by a lower court judge to be more impartial.Those summaries would tell voters the amendments would “establish a right to make decisions about reproductive health care, including abortion and contraceptives” and “remove Missouri’s ban on abortion.”Missouri's current law makes most abortion a felony punishable by five to 15 years in prison for anyone who performs or induces one. Medical professionals who do so also could lose their licenses. The law prohibits women who undergo abortions from being prosecuted.Earlier this month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-abortion-amendment-election-2023-fe3e06747b616507d8ca21ea26485270">Ohio voters approved</a>&nbsp;a constitutional amendment that ensures access to abortion and other forms of reproductive health care.Measures to protect abortion access will be on 2024 ballots in Maryland and New York. Legislative efforts or petition drives are underway in a variety of other states. There are efforts to protect or expand access in Arizona, Florida, Nevada and South Dakota; and to restrict it in Iowa, Nebraska and Pennsylvania. Drives are on for both kinds of measures in Colorado.

Mo. high court deals blow to secretary of state's ballot language on abortion

TOPEKA—The seven justices of the Kansas Supreme Court released&nbsp; statement Tuesday regarding the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/YfC9KYIruu6U4lwgZ_7uY8aGO8DWUAUpM0srItPWdHE" target="_blank">October 12 security incident</a>&nbsp;that disrupted access to information systems used by courts statewide.

The disruption left attorneys unable to search online records and forced them to file motions the old fashioned way — on paper. Courts limped along, although the growing piles of paper are a mess that will have to be sorted and scanned eventually.

According to the statement from Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert and Justices Eric Rosen, Dan Biles, Caleb Stegall, Evelyn Wilson, K.J. Wall, and Melissa Standridge:

“A few weeks ago, the Kansas judicial branch was a victim of a sophisticated foreign cyberattack that impacted the information systems used by the Kansas judicial branch. This attack has temporarily incapacitated Kansas Office of Judicial Administration information systems, affecting daily operations of the state’s appellate courts and district courts in 104 counties.

“When we discovered the attack, we quickly disconnected our information systems from external access. We notified state authorities, and since that time have benefited from the continued support provided by the governor’s office, legislative leadership, and state and federal law enforcement. This attack—on one of our three branches of government—was made against all Kansans.

“While the impact on our information systems is temporary, the cybercriminals also stole data and threatened to post it to a dark web site if their demands were not met. We are working with cybersecurity experts to identify the data quickly and securely so we can conduct a comprehensive review to determine the full scope of what personal information the cybercriminals may have stolen. Based on our preliminary review, it appears the stolen information includes Office of Judicial Administration files, district court case records on appeal, and other data, some of which may be confidential under law. A full review of what may have been stolen is a high priority to us but it will take time. Once this review is complete, we will notify those affected. As we respond to this criminal attack, we will continue to update our incident response page.

“Cyberattacks on government entities are rampant. According to the 2022 FBI IC3 Internet Crime report, government is the third most-targeted sector for such attacks. Cybercrime is a persistent and serious threat to our democratic institutions. With the help of cybersecurity experts, we are buttressing our systems to guard against future attacks. It will likely take several weeks to return safely to normal operations, including electronic filing, but we will do so.

“This assault on the Kansas system of justice is evil and criminal. Today, we express our deep sorrow that Kansans will suffer at the hands of these cybercriminals.

“Throughout this incident, our decisions have been guided by our foundational values. Chief among those is our dedication to upholding and abiding by the rule of law. By adhering to those values at this profoundly trying time, we seek to demonstrate that no malicious element is more powerful than the rule of law and the institutions that abide by it.”

TOPEKA—The seven justices of the Kansas Supreme Court released&nbsp; statement Tuesday regarding the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/YfC9KYIruu6U4lwgZ_7uY8aGO8DWUAUpM0srItPWdHE" target="_blank">October 12 security incident</a>&nbsp;that disrupted access to information systems used by courts statewide.The disruption left attorneys unable to search online records and forced them to file motions the old fashioned way — on paper. Courts limped along, although the growing piles of paper are a mess that will have to be sorted and scanned eventually.According to the statement from Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert and Justices Eric Rosen, Dan Biles, Caleb Stegall, Evelyn Wilson, K.J. Wall, and Melissa Standridge:“A few weeks ago, the Kansas judicial branch was a victim of a sophisticated foreign cyberattack that impacted the information systems used by the Kansas judicial branch. This attack has temporarily incapacitated Kansas Office of Judicial Administration information systems, affecting daily operations of the state’s appellate courts and district courts in 104 counties.“When we discovered the attack, we quickly disconnected our information systems from external access. We notified state authorities, and since that time have benefited from the continued support provided by the governor’s office, legislative leadership, and state and federal law enforcement. This attack—on one of our three branches of government—was made against all Kansans.“While the impact on our information systems is temporary, the cybercriminals also stole data and threatened to post it to a dark web site if their demands were not met. We are working with cybersecurity experts to identify the data quickly and securely so we can conduct a comprehensive review to determine the full scope of what personal information the cybercriminals may have stolen. Based on our preliminary review, it appears the stolen information includes Office of Judicial Administration files, district court case records on appeal, and other data, some of which may be confidential under law. A full review of what may have been stolen is a high priority to us but it will take time. Once this review is complete, we will notify those affected. As we respond to this criminal attack, we will continue to update our incident response page.“Cyberattacks on government entities are rampant. According to the 2022 FBI IC3 Internet Crime report, government is the third most-targeted sector for such attacks. Cybercrime is a persistent and serious threat to our democratic institutions. With the help of cybersecurity experts, we are buttressing our systems to guard against future attacks. It will likely take several weeks to return safely to normal operations, including electronic filing, but we will do so.“This assault on the Kansas system of justice is evil and criminal. Today, we express our deep sorrow that Kansans will suffer at the hands of these cybercriminals.“Throughout this incident, our decisions have been guided by our foundational values. Chief among those is our dedication to upholding and abiding by the rule of law. By adhering to those values at this profoundly trying time, we seek to demonstrate that no malicious element is more powerful than the rule of law and the institutions that abide by it.”

Kan. court system suffered a sophisticated foreign cyber-attack

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden" target="_blank">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;celebrated his 81st birthday on Monday by joking repeatedly about his advanced age, even as the White House strongly defended his stamina and batted away polling — and one prominent Democrat — suggesting that the issue could cost him votes in next year’s election.

(click below to watch the President's birthday comments)

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president’s age should not be a primary focus.

“Our perspective is, it’s not about age, it’s about the president’s experience,” she said while highlighting that Biden had successfully championed through Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gun-violence-biden-covid-health-d604eede16665ee38b8113aa897a321d" target="_blank">several major pieces of legislation</a>&nbsp;— including a sweeping public works package and initiative on public health and combating climate change — and visited active war zones not controlled by the U.S. military in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-biden-f00af220669457d5ba07127c7e57a27b" target="_blank">Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-israel-hamas-gaza-palestinians-a85cb682fdc61b80285cf4ab354354ce" target="_blank">Israel</a>.

“What we say is we have to judge him by what he’s done, not by his numbers,” Jean-Pierre said. “I would put the president’s stamina, the president’s wisdom, ability to get this done on behalf of the American people, against anyone. Anyone, any day of the week.”

“By the way, it’s my birthday today,” Biden told a crowd on the White House South Lawn as he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-turkey-pardon-liberty-bell-thanksgiving-014375a236ba6a5995f6ed3d32c540c3" target="_blank">pardoned</a>&nbsp;Thanksgiving turkeys Liberty and Bell.

“I just want you to know, it’s difficult turning 60,” the president added with a chuckle. “Difficult.”&nbsp;On Instagram the President wrote, "Thanks for the birthday well-wishes today, everyone. Turns out on your 146th birthday, you run out of space for candles!"

Noting that the pre-Thanksgiving pardoning ceremony dated back 76 years, Biden also said, “I want you to know I wasn’t there — for the first one.”

The oldest president in U.S. history, Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-2024-campaign-oldest-president-voters-92d4f3daee6e12cb1cd6f119c7f6053a" target="_blank">for months has used humor to try to defuse the issue</a>&nbsp;— even as polls suggest it’s no laughing matter. An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-poll-trump-2024-620e0a5cfa0039a6448f607c17c7f23e" target="_blank">August poll</a>&nbsp;from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 77% of U.S. adults, including 69% of Democrats, viewed Biden as too old to be effective for four more years.

As he seeks a second term, Biden could be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-trump-biden-rematch-labor-day-c84d0905fd5d238e088618c5ed41c2e7" target="_blank">headed for a rematch</a>&nbsp;with former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a>, who is 77 and was the oldest person elected to a first term until Biden was. Trump has himself&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-age-biden-trump-gaffes-flubs-c46427d30471f79ee695d3e76f4d17f4" target="_blank">made some recent, notable gaffes</a>. Yet the same AP-NROC poll found that 51% of adults — and just 28% of Republicans — said Trump was too old for a second term.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700577671457.png" alt="On Instagram the President wrote, "Thanks for the birthday well-wishes today, everyone. Turns out on your 146th birthday, you run out of space for candles!"" />
 <figcaption>On Instagram the President wrote, "Thanks for the birthday well-wishes today, everyone. Turns out on your 146th birthday, you run out of space for candles!"</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden" target="_blank">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;celebrated his 81st birthday on Monday by joking repeatedly about his advanced age, even as the White House strongly defended his stamina and batted away polling — and one prominent Democrat — suggesting that the issue could cost him votes in next year’s election.(click below to watch the President's birthday comments)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FPOTUS%2Fvideos%2F1077715389929484%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=232" 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>White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president’s age should not be a primary focus.“Our perspective is, it’s not about age, it’s about the president’s experience,” she said while highlighting that Biden had successfully championed through Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gun-violence-biden-covid-health-d604eede16665ee38b8113aa897a321d" target="_blank">several major pieces of legislation</a>&nbsp;— including a sweeping public works package and initiative on public health and combating climate change — and visited active war zones not controlled by the U.S. military in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-biden-f00af220669457d5ba07127c7e57a27b" target="_blank">Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-israel-hamas-gaza-palestinians-a85cb682fdc61b80285cf4ab354354ce" target="_blank">Israel</a>.“What we say is we have to judge him by what he’s done, not by his numbers,” Jean-Pierre said. “I would put the president’s stamina, the president’s wisdom, ability to get this done on behalf of the American people, against anyone. Anyone, any day of the week.”Biden, for his part, went for humor.“By the way, it’s my birthday today,” Biden told a crowd on the White House South Lawn as he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-turkey-pardon-liberty-bell-thanksgiving-014375a236ba6a5995f6ed3d32c540c3" target="_blank">pardoned</a>&nbsp;Thanksgiving turkeys Liberty and Bell.“I just want you to know, it’s difficult turning 60,” the president added with a chuckle. “Difficult.”&nbsp;On Instagram the President wrote, "Thanks for the birthday well-wishes today, everyone. Turns out on your 146th birthday, you run out of space for candles!"Noting that the pre-Thanksgiving pardoning ceremony dated back 76 years, Biden also said, “I want you to know I wasn’t there — for the first one.”The oldest president in U.S. history, Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-2024-campaign-oldest-president-voters-92d4f3daee6e12cb1cd6f119c7f6053a" target="_blank">for months has used humor to try to defuse the issue</a>&nbsp;— even as polls suggest it’s no laughing matter. An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-poll-trump-2024-620e0a5cfa0039a6448f607c17c7f23e" target="_blank">August poll</a>&nbsp;from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 77% of U.S. adults, including 69% of Democrats, viewed Biden as too old to be effective for four more years.As he seeks a second term, Biden could be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-trump-biden-rematch-labor-day-c84d0905fd5d238e088618c5ed41c2e7" target="_blank">headed for a rematch</a>&nbsp;with former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a>, who is 77 and was the oldest person elected to a first term until Biden was. Trump has himself&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-age-biden-trump-gaffes-flubs-c46427d30471f79ee695d3e76f4d17f4" target="_blank">made some recent, notable gaffes</a>. Yet the same AP-NROC poll found that 51% of adults — and just 28% of Republicans — said Trump was too old for a second term.

Biden marks '146th birthday' with flaming cake

HUTCHINSON — Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System (HRHS) announced that Benjamin Anderson has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, according to a media release from the organization.

“It is very rare when opportunity, timing, talent, and fit all come together for the good of an institution, but such is the case in the hiring of Benjamin Anderson,” comments Allen Fee, Chairman of the&nbsp;HRHS Board of Directors. “He is a highly regarded leader in transforming rural healthcare in Kansas, boasting extensive connections across various levels to ensure lasting success and growth for our health system. Our health system is so fortunate to&nbsp;have the opportunity to bring Benjamin on board, and we are extremely proud to welcome him and his family to this community.”

During the four years prior to joining HRHS, Benjamin served as Vice President for Rural Health and Hospitals at the Colorado Hospital Association. There he provided leadership and direction in&nbsp;the development and execution of the Association's rural strategies, advocated on behalf of rural hospitals and health systems and developed strategic partnerships with organizations that affected the health of rural Coloradans.

Before his move to Colorado, Benjamin served as CEO of Kearny County Hospital, a comprehensive rural health care delivery facility in Lakin, Kan. that serves patients of 30 nationalities within a 180-mile radius. During his six and a half years there, he led the organization through a period of rapid growth, expanding patient access to coordinated primary care and&nbsp;specialty services.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System team and leading an organization that plays such an integral role in the health and wellbeing of rural Kansans. I believe&nbsp;that healing is best realized close to home and I’m honored to work alongside the board, medical staff, and every HRHS team member to ensure the organization fulfills its commitment to patients and families, with special attention to those who are most vulnerable. My family is also excited to&nbsp;become part of the Hutchinson community,” said Benjamin Anderson, incoming President and Chief Executive Officer of HRHS.

Anderson is a recognized leader in transforming rural health care through a mission-driven approach by recruiting physicians to underserved areas, tying together domestic and international service.

His work was recognized on CBS Sunday Morning, NPR, and in POLITICO and Sports Illustrated. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English (2004) and a Master of Business Administration (2007) from Drury University in Springfield, Mo. and a Master of Health Care Delivery Science&nbsp;degree (2016) from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H.

"Our organization has been through so much this past year, but this is a shining moment to end the year on. Benjamin encompasses all the skills and qualities to move our system forward. He is exactly who our team members need for growth and development, as well as for enhancing the level of accessible care to our community and surrounding areas. Our future is very bright," states Nick Baldetti, Chief Operations Officer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700583202667.jpeg" alt="Hutch Regional CEO Benjamin Anderson-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Regional CEO Benjamin Anderson-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON — Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System (HRHS) announced that Benjamin Anderson has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, according to a media release from the organization.“It is very rare when opportunity, timing, talent, and fit all come together for the good of an institution, but such is the case in the hiring of Benjamin Anderson,” comments Allen Fee, Chairman of the&nbsp;HRHS Board of Directors. “He is a highly regarded leader in transforming rural healthcare in Kansas, boasting extensive connections across various levels to ensure lasting success and growth for our health system. Our health system is so fortunate to&nbsp;have the opportunity to bring Benjamin on board, and we are extremely proud to welcome him and his family to this community.”During the four years prior to joining HRHS, Benjamin served as Vice President for Rural Health and Hospitals at the Colorado Hospital Association. There he provided leadership and direction in&nbsp;the development and execution of the Association's rural strategies, advocated on behalf of rural hospitals and health systems and developed strategic partnerships with organizations that affected the health of rural Coloradans.Before his move to Colorado, Benjamin served as CEO of Kearny County Hospital, a comprehensive rural health care delivery facility in Lakin, Kan. that serves patients of 30 nationalities within a 180-mile radius. During his six and a half years there, he led the organization through a period of rapid growth, expanding patient access to coordinated primary care and&nbsp;specialty services.“I am thrilled to be joining the Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System team and leading an organization that plays such an integral role in the health and wellbeing of rural Kansans. I believe&nbsp;that healing is best realized close to home and I’m honored to work alongside the board, medical staff, and every HRHS team member to ensure the organization fulfills its commitment to patients and families, with special attention to those who are most vulnerable. My family is also excited to&nbsp;become part of the Hutchinson community,” said Benjamin Anderson, incoming President and Chief Executive Officer of HRHS.Anderson is a recognized leader in transforming rural health care through a mission-driven approach by recruiting physicians to underserved areas, tying together domestic and international service.His work was recognized on CBS Sunday Morning, NPR, and in POLITICO and Sports Illustrated. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English (2004) and a Master of Business Administration (2007) from Drury University in Springfield, Mo. and a Master of Health Care Delivery Science&nbsp;degree (2016) from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H."Our organization has been through so much this past year, but this is a shining moment to end the year on. Benjamin encompasses all the skills and qualities to move our system forward. He is exactly who our team members need for growth and development, as well as for enhancing the level of accessible care to our community and surrounding areas. Our future is very bright," states Nick Baldetti, Chief Operations Officer.

New CEO hired at Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System

BAGHDAD (AP)— A strike hit a base housing U.S. troops in Iraq early Tuesday, causing “minor injuries to U.S. personnel and damage to infrastructure,” a U.S. military official in the country said.

The official said U.S. forces “responded in self-defense against those who carried out the strike” on al-Asad military base in western Iraq. A second defense official confirmed that a U.S. gunship was used in a retaliatory strike Tuesday after militants hit the base. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

Also early Tuesday, a drone strike on a highway west of Baghdad targeted two pickup trucks linked to the Kataeb Hezbollah militia, killing one militia member and injuring at least three others, two militia officials said.

The militia officials, who also spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media, said the strike hit a convoy traveling from Anbar to Baghdad. Later on Tuesday, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-backed militias, issued a statement announcing the death of one of its members in Iraq in what it said was a U.S. airstrike.

It was not immediately clear if the strike that killed the Kataeb Hezbollah member was the same one launched in retaliation to the attack on the al-Assad base.

The two incidents come as Iranian-backed militants have launched dozens of attacks on bases and facilities housing U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17. While most of the more than five dozen attacks have been ineffective, at least 60 U.S. personnel have reported minor injuries. The militant groups have said that the strikes are in retaliation for U.S. support of Israel in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

BAGHDAD (AP)— A strike hit a base housing U.S. troops in Iraq early Tuesday, causing “minor injuries to U.S. personnel and damage to infrastructure,” a U.S. military official in the country said.The official said U.S. forces “responded in self-defense against those who carried out the strike” on al-Asad military base in western Iraq. A second defense official confirmed that a U.S. gunship was used in a retaliatory strike Tuesday after militants hit the base. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.Also early Tuesday, a drone strike on a highway west of Baghdad targeted two pickup trucks linked to the Kataeb Hezbollah militia, killing one militia member and injuring at least three others, two militia officials said.The militia officials, who also spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media, said the strike hit a convoy traveling from Anbar to Baghdad. Later on Tuesday, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-backed militias, issued a statement announcing the death of one of its members in Iraq in what it said was a U.S. airstrike.It was not immediately clear if the strike that killed the Kataeb Hezbollah member was the same one launched in retaliation to the attack on the al-Assad base.The two incidents come as Iranian-backed militants have launched dozens of attacks on bases and facilities housing U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17. While most of the more than five dozen attacks have been ineffective, at least 60 U.S. personnel have reported minor injuries. The militant groups have said that the strikes are in retaliation for U.S. support of Israel in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Injuries reported after strike hits base with U.S. troops 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authoriites investigating a homicide that occurred in the 2000 Block of N. 18th Street in Kansas City, Kansas have identified the victim as 32-year-old Darrius Fant of Kansas City, Kansas, according to police detectives.

Shortly after midnight Saturday, police were dispatched to a shots fired call, according to a media release from the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department

First responders found Fant who had been struck by gunfire in a parking lot and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A second&nbsp; man was also found struck by gunfire. He was transported to an area hospital and he remains in critical condition.

This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. Police have not released the names of the victims or reported an arrest.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authoriites investigating a homicide that occurred in the 2000 Block of N. 18th Street in Kansas City, Kansas have identified the victim as 32-year-old Darrius Fant of Kansas City, Kansas, according to police detectives.Shortly after midnight Saturday, police were dispatched to a shots fired call, according to a media release from the Kansas City, Kansas Police DepartmentFirst responders found Fant who had been struck by gunfire in a parking lot and was pronounced deceased at the scene.A second&nbsp; man was also found struck by gunfire. He was transported to an area hospital and he remains in critical condition.This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. Police have not released the names of the victims or reported an arrest.

Police ID man who died after Kan. parking lot shooting

By CASEY QUINLAN,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/19/rural-hospitals-gird-for-unwinding-of-pandemic-medicaid-coverage/">States Newsroom</a>

Black Friday shoppers may notice longer lines and fewer retail associates in some of their favorite stores than in past holiday seasons as retailers scale back seasonal hiring over concerns about consumer spending.

JCPenney is hiring 12,000 fewer workers than last year. Macy’s 3,000 fewer. Meanwhile a Walmart executive&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7117257057619087360/">said</a>&nbsp;the retail giant has been hiring “throughout the year” and plans to serve customers with the workers it has. And Challenger, Gray, and Christmas, which tracks employment trends, reported that so far, this year has had the fewest announcements of large-scale seasonal hiring plans since 2013.

“Hiring is a really good indication of retailers’ sentiment of the expectation of holiday (sales) and when they’re kind of ho-hum about increasing the numbers, that really does demonstrate their number one concern for less than gangbuster sales,” said Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst at the NPD Group, a market research company.

The careful approach to hiring reflects the mixed messages in the economy. The labor market has remained resilient with an unemployment rate below 4% for the 21st straight month, inflation has fallen and wages have risen. Since 2021, inflation-adjusted&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/PCEDGC96">consumer spending</a>&nbsp;on retail goods has remained fairly high. But the personal savings rate has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/PSAVERT">fallen</a>&nbsp;since May and credit card delinquency rates&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newyorkfed.org/newsevents/news/research/2023/20231107#:~:text=NEW%20YORK%E2%80%94The%20Federal%20Reserve,of%202023%2C%20to%20%2417.29%20trillion.">are up</a>.

<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/01/borrowers-weigh-personal-professional-options-as-student-loan-payments-resume/">Economists</a>, as well as retailers, have signaled that they are worried about the effects of the return of student loan payments on the health of the economy, since consumer spending&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.usbank.com/investing/financial-perspectives/market-news/consumer-spending.html#:~:text=Consumer%20spending%20plays%20the%20most,the%20nation%27s%20Gross%20Domestic%20Product.">represents</a>&nbsp;so much of the U.S.’s economic activity. The Fed’s long campaign to raise interest rates, although paused at the moment, has also affected consumers.

Adrian Mitchell, chief operating officer and chief financial officer at Macy’s Inc.,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=kxbMP5Rp">said</a>&nbsp;in the second quarter earnings call in August that Macy’s is thinking about “consumers’ ability to pay debt using their disposable income.”

“This is about credit card balances, this is about student loans, which we know is going to come into focus in the next month or two, auto loans, mortgages,” he said. “So we just believe the customer is coming under pressure because of these new realities that they have to continue to deal with as we get through the back half of this year and move into next year.”

Cohen said retailers are basically trying to protect their margins. “The retailer this year is basically saying we’re going to do what we have to do to get the volume, but we’re also going to protect the margin and what that means is hire and have less than what we need, but we are better off than having more than what we need,” he said. “And that’s the same for merchandise … Instead of chasing one sale by buying more merchandise, I’m better off as a retailer, saying, ‘OK, I’ve sold out. Maybe you should buy something else and this way I don’t have to discount it all that much.’ ”

More customers — 79% compared to 74% last year — said that they will either look for cheaper alternatives this holiday shopping season or not make the purchases at all, according to a Nov. 6 McKinsey&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/us-holiday-shopping-2023-consumer-caution-and-retailer-resilience">report</a>. A smaller percentage of customers said they were willing to “splurge” on gifts this year and fewer people plan to shop at traditional stores.

Still, holiday sales are expected to grow, just less than the past three years. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/2023-holiday-reach-record-spending-levels#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%93%20The%20National%20Retail%20Federation,returning%20to%20pre%2Dpandemic%20levels.">National Retail Federation estimates</a>&nbsp;that retail sales during November and December will increase 3 to 4%, down from a 5.4% increase last year. But what people are buying may be different. “Service spending growth is strong and is growing faster than goods spending,” said the NRF’s Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz.

The NRF also pointed out that online sales are expected to increase between 7% and 9%, an increase reflected in Amazon’s plans to fill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/workplace/amazon-hiring-seasonal-holiday-employees">250,000</a>&nbsp;positions, 100,000 more than the past two&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://press.aboutamazon.com/2022/10/amazon-is-hiring-150-000-employees-to-help-deliver-great-holiday-experiences">years</a>. UPS plans to hire 100,000 people, as it did in 2022. FedEx would not disclose a specific number.

Overall, the retail industry appears to be healthy with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/USTRADE">employment</a>&nbsp;having remained steady since January though softer than last year. Elise Gould, senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute, said, “We have recovered more than the number of jobs that were lost in the pandemic when millions of people lost their jobs.”

Gould said one explanation for the hiring this year may be that employers, particularly in retail, are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/us-businesses-hoarding-workers-even-economy-cools-2023-08-04/">more likely to keep staff on</a>&nbsp;in this tighter labor market because it has been harder to attract and retain employees.

“It’s possible that employers over the last few months and over the last year are holding on to workers because they don’t want to have that business of trying to find workers when they need them. And so it’s possible that you’re not seeing that same pickup because they’re already staffed up to some extent in some of those jobs,” she said. “… It’s too early to tell really.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700515582767.png" alt="Retailers, worried that shoppers are cutting back their holiday spending this year, are hiring fewer seasonal workers. -photo courtesy Oak Park Mall in Overland Park" />
 <figcaption>Retailers, worried that shoppers are cutting back their holiday spending this year, are hiring fewer seasonal workers. -photo courtesy Oak Park Mall in Overland Park</figcaption>
 </figure>By CASEY QUINLAN,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/19/rural-hospitals-gird-for-unwinding-of-pandemic-medicaid-coverage/">States Newsroom</a>Black Friday shoppers may notice longer lines and fewer retail associates in some of their favorite stores than in past holiday seasons as retailers scale back seasonal hiring over concerns about consumer spending.JCPenney is hiring 12,000 fewer workers than last year. Macy’s 3,000 fewer. Meanwhile a Walmart executive&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7117257057619087360/">said</a>&nbsp;the retail giant has been hiring “throughout the year” and plans to serve customers with the workers it has. And Challenger, Gray, and Christmas, which tracks employment trends, reported that so far, this year has had the fewest announcements of large-scale seasonal hiring plans since 2013.“Hiring is a really good indication of retailers’ sentiment of the expectation of holiday (sales) and when they’re kind of ho-hum about increasing the numbers, that really does demonstrate their number one concern for less than gangbuster sales,” said Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst at the NPD Group, a market research company.The careful approach to hiring reflects the mixed messages in the economy. The labor market has remained resilient with an unemployment rate below 4% for the 21st straight month, inflation has fallen and wages have risen. Since 2021, inflation-adjusted&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/PCEDGC96">consumer spending</a>&nbsp;on retail goods has remained fairly high. But the personal savings rate has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/PSAVERT">fallen</a>&nbsp;since May and credit card delinquency rates&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newyorkfed.org/newsevents/news/research/2023/20231107#:~:text=NEW%20YORK%E2%80%94The%20Federal%20Reserve,of%202023%2C%20to%20%2417.29%20trillion.">are up</a>.<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/01/borrowers-weigh-personal-professional-options-as-student-loan-payments-resume/">Economists</a>, as well as retailers, have signaled that they are worried about the effects of the return of student loan payments on the health of the economy, since consumer spending&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.usbank.com/investing/financial-perspectives/market-news/consumer-spending.html#:~:text=Consumer%20spending%20plays%20the%20most,the%20nation%27s%20Gross%20Domestic%20Product.">represents</a>&nbsp;so much of the U.S.’s economic activity. The Fed’s long campaign to raise interest rates, although paused at the moment, has also affected consumers.Adrian Mitchell, chief operating officer and chief financial officer at Macy’s Inc.,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=kxbMP5Rp">said</a>&nbsp;in the second quarter earnings call in August that Macy’s is thinking about “consumers’ ability to pay debt using their disposable income.”“This is about credit card balances, this is about student loans, which we know is going to come into focus in the next month or two, auto loans, mortgages,” he said. “So we just believe the customer is coming under pressure because of these new realities that they have to continue to deal with as we get through the back half of this year and move into next year.”Cohen said retailers are basically trying to protect their margins. “The retailer this year is basically saying we’re going to do what we have to do to get the volume, but we’re also going to protect the margin and what that means is hire and have less than what we need, but we are better off than having more than what we need,” he said. “And that’s the same for merchandise … Instead of chasing one sale by buying more merchandise, I’m better off as a retailer, saying, ‘OK, I’ve sold out. Maybe you should buy something else and this way I don’t have to discount it all that much.’ ”<h2>Sales growth slow but steady</h2>More customers — 79% compared to 74% last year — said that they will either look for cheaper alternatives this holiday shopping season or not make the purchases at all, according to a Nov. 6 McKinsey&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/us-holiday-shopping-2023-consumer-caution-and-retailer-resilience">report</a>. A smaller percentage of customers said they were willing to “splurge” on gifts this year and fewer people plan to shop at traditional stores.Still, holiday sales are expected to grow, just less than the past three years. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/2023-holiday-reach-record-spending-levels#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%93%20The%20National%20Retail%20Federation,returning%20to%20pre%2Dpandemic%20levels.">National Retail Federation estimates</a>&nbsp;that retail sales during November and December will increase 3 to 4%, down from a 5.4% increase last year. But what people are buying may be different. “Service spending growth is strong and is growing faster than goods spending,” said the NRF’s Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz.The NRF also pointed out that online sales are expected to increase between 7% and 9%, an increase reflected in Amazon’s plans to fill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/workplace/amazon-hiring-seasonal-holiday-employees">250,000</a>&nbsp;positions, 100,000 more than the past two&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://press.aboutamazon.com/2022/10/amazon-is-hiring-150-000-employees-to-help-deliver-great-holiday-experiences">years</a>. UPS plans to hire 100,000 people, as it did in 2022. FedEx would not disclose a specific number.<h2>Retail recovery</h2>Overall, the retail industry appears to be healthy with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/USTRADE">employment</a>&nbsp;having remained steady since January though softer than last year. Elise Gould, senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute, said, “We have recovered more than the number of jobs that were lost in the pandemic when millions of people lost their jobs.”Gould said one explanation for the hiring this year may be that employers, particularly in retail, are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/us-businesses-hoarding-workers-even-economy-cools-2023-08-04/">more likely to keep staff on</a>&nbsp;in this tighter labor market because it has been harder to attract and retain employees.“It’s possible that employers over the last few months and over the last year are holding on to workers because they don’t want to have that business of trying to find workers when they need them. And so it’s possible that you’re not seeing that same pickup because they’re already staffed up to some extent in some of those jobs,” she said. “… It’s too early to tell really.”

Retailers pare back their seasonal hiring to prepare for ho-hum holidays

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent dog attack last week that killed a Kansas City-area teen.

On November, police&nbsp;responded to a home in the 9300 block of E. 77th Street in Raytown, according to a media release.

Two American Bully mixed breeds had attacked 15-year-old Makai Williams. First responders located Williams, who was suffering from severe injuries.&nbsp; He was transported for treatment and died November 17.

The dogs were impounded from the home. Police have not reported an arrest.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent dog attack last week that killed a Kansas City-area teen.On November, police&nbsp;responded to a home in the 9300 block of E. 77th Street in Raytown, according to a media release.Two American Bully mixed breeds had attacked 15-year-old Makai Williams. First responders located Williams, who was suffering from severe injuries.&nbsp; He was transported for treatment and died November 17.The dogs were impounded from the home. Police have not reported an arrest.

15-year-old KC-area boy mauled by dogs has died

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY — The search continues for an inmate who escaped from a satellite camp at the Leavenworth Penitentiary, according to a statement from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons on Monday night.

Just after 4p.m. Nov. 10, authorities discovered&nbsp; 50-year-old James Thompson was missing.

Thompson is described as white male with brown hair and brown eyes. He’s 6-foot-2 and weighs approximately 202 pounds.

U.S. Marshals and the FBI were informed that he’s missing from the minimum security facility. Thompson was sentenced to 80 months in prison in the Northern District of Georgia for mail fraud.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699585891299.png" alt="Thompson-photo Bureau of Prisons" />
 <figcaption>Thompson-photo Bureau of Prisons</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH COUNTY — The search continues for an inmate who escaped from a satellite camp at the Leavenworth Penitentiary, according to a statement from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons on Monday night.Just after 4p.m. Nov. 10, authorities discovered&nbsp; 50-year-old James Thompson was missing.Thompson is described as white male with brown hair and brown eyes. He’s 6-foot-2 and weighs approximately 202 pounds.U.S. Marshals and the FBI were informed that he’s missing from the minimum security facility. Thompson was sentenced to 80 months in prison in the Northern District of Georgia for mail fraud.

Inmate who escaped satellite camp at Kan. penitentiary still missing

KANSAS CITY—Kansas City International Airport is in the midst of the first Thanksgiving in new terminal. 

The forecast anticipates 405,000 or more travelers. Passengers are urged to arrive at least 2 hours before departure. Drivers picking up passengers asked to learn layout before coming to the airport

If you are picking up Thanksgiving travelers, do not come to the terminal until they are at the arrivals curb. Use Cell Phone Waiting Lot if youare early. Use two lanes to enter. Do not sit or park at the curb. 

<a href="https://flykc.com/getting-to-and-from">Click here to see</a> how to videos and more on drop off and pick up at the new Kansas City International Airport.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700527243954.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Kansas City International Airport is in the midst of the first Thanksgiving in new terminal. The forecast anticipates 405,000 or more travelers. Passengers are urged to arrive at least 2 hours before departure. Drivers picking up passengers asked to learn layout before coming to the airport<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700527555581.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>If you are picking up Thanksgiving travelers, do not come to the terminal until they are at the arrivals curb. Use Cell Phone Waiting Lot if youare early. Use two lanes to enter. Do not sit or park at the curb. <a href="https://flykc.com/getting-to-and-from">Click here to see</a> how to videos and more on drop off and pick up at the new Kansas City International Airport.

KCI offers advice for using the new airport terminal this holiday season

WASHINGTON —The Department of Defense&nbsp; announced on Monday an additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs, according to a statement from the agency.

This announcement is the Biden Administration's fifty-first tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. This package includes additional air defense capabilities, artillery ammunition, anti-tank weapons, and other equipment to help Ukraine defend its sovereign territory and fight for its freedom from Russia's ongoing war of aggression.&nbsp;

This package utilizes assistance previously authorized for Ukraine during prior fiscal years under Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) that remained after the PDA revaluation process.&nbsp;The capabilities in this package, valued at up to $100 million, include:

The United States remains committed to working with the coalition the United States has built of some 50 Allies and partners who are providing Ukraine with the capabilities it needs to defend itself now and deter Russian aggression well into the future. Our allies and partners have stepped up to provide approximately $36 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. Under the leadership of the United States, this global coalition has enabled Ukraine's courageous forces to successfully defend Ukraine's sovereignty and independence, win critical battles that repelled Russian forces, and take back more than half of the territory seized by Russian invaders.

Security assistance for Ukraine is a smart investment in our national security. It helps to prevent a larger conflict in the region and deter potential aggression elsewhere, while strengthening our defense industrial base and creating highly skilled jobs for the American people in dozens of states across the country. It is critical that Congress take action to support Ukraine by passing the President's supplemental funding request.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698356993512.png" alt="Pallets of ammunition are loaded onto an 86th Airlift Wing C-130J Super Hercules at Ramstein Air Base, Germany&nbsp;Photo By:Air Force Capt. Emma Quirk" />
 <figcaption>Pallets of ammunition are loaded onto an 86th Airlift Wing C-130J Super Hercules at Ramstein Air Base, Germany&nbsp;Photo By:Air Force Capt. Emma Quirk</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —The Department of Defense&nbsp; announced on Monday an additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs, according to a statement from the agency.This announcement is the Biden Administration's fifty-first tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. This package includes additional air defense capabilities, artillery ammunition, anti-tank weapons, and other equipment to help Ukraine defend its sovereign territory and fight for its freedom from Russia's ongoing war of aggression.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I was honored to meet with President <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> in Kyiv today to reaffirm the United States’ steadfast support for Ukraine. We, along with our allies and partners, will continue to support Ukraine’s urgent battlefield needs and long-term defense requirements. <a href="https://t.co/Odv6ClgcrP">pic.twitter.com/Odv6ClgcrP</a>&mdash; Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef/status/1726587659815182765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>This package utilizes assistance previously authorized for Ukraine during prior fiscal years under Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) that remained after the PDA revaluation process.&nbsp;The capabilities in this package, valued at up to $100 million, include:<ul>
 <li>Stinger anti-aircraft missiles;</li><li>One High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and additional ammunition;</li><li>155mm and 105mm artillery rounds;</li><li>Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles;</li><li>Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems;</li><li>More than 3 million rounds of small arms ammunition;</li><li>Demolitions munitions for obstacle clearing;</li><li>Cold weather gear; and</li><li>Spare parts, maintenance, and other ancillary equipment.</li>
 </ul>The United States remains committed to working with the coalition the United States has built of some 50 Allies and partners who are providing Ukraine with the capabilities it needs to defend itself now and deter Russian aggression well into the future. Our allies and partners have stepped up to provide approximately $36 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. Under the leadership of the United States, this global coalition has enabled Ukraine's courageous forces to successfully defend Ukraine's sovereignty and independence, win critical battles that repelled Russian forces, and take back more than half of the territory seized by Russian invaders.Security assistance for Ukraine is a smart investment in our national security. It helps to prevent a larger conflict in the region and deter potential aggression elsewhere, while strengthening our defense industrial base and creating highly skilled jobs for the American people in dozens of states across the country. It is critical that Congress take action to support Ukraine by passing the President's supplemental funding request.

Biden sending $100 million in new military assistance to Ukraine

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged drug crimes.

Just after 6:30 p.m. Nov. 16, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop at K-268 Highway and Berryton Road, near Lyndon, for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

 During the stop, illegal narcotics were located. The driver of the vehicle, Theresa A. Dent, 41, of Pomona, Kansas was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Interference with law enforcement, Driving while license suspended and an Arrest warrant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700241829067.png" alt="Dent-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Dent-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged drug crimes.Just after 6:30 p.m. Nov. 16, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop at K-268 Highway and Berryton Road, near Lyndon, for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, illegal narcotics were located. The driver of the vehicle, Theresa A. Dent, 41, of Pomona, Kansas was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Interference with law enforcement, Driving while license suspended and an Arrest warrant.

Sheriff: Kansas woman accused of selling meth

COFFEYVILLE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas refinery has agreed to pay more than $23 million for violating the federal Clean Air Act and breaching a 2012 settlement for earlier pollution problems, the U.S. Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday.

The federal agencies said the violations by Coffeyville Resources Refining and Marketing and its affiliated companies, collectively known as CRRM, resulted in illegal emissions from 2015 to 2017 that included an estimated 2,300 excess tons (2,000 metric tons) of sulfur dioxide from its oil refinery in Coffeyville in southeastern Kansas.

But CRRM’s efforts to come into compliance with federal requirements since the investigation began have already eliminated more than 39,000 tons (35,000 metric tons) per year of carbon dioxide emissions that can contribute to climate change, the agencies said in a joint news release. That's equivalent to using nearly 4 million fewer gallons of gasoline per year, they said.

The EPA also estimated that a waste gas recovery system required by Monday's court-enforceable settlement, known as a consent decree, will further reduce yearly emissions of greenhouse gases by nearly 13,000 tons (12,000 metric tons), equivalent to using 1.3 million fewer gallons of gasoline annually. It will also reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide, which can make breathing more difficult, and nitrogen oxide, which contributes to smog formation.

“The emissions reductions achieved under this settlement will result in healthier air for a community disproportionately affected by air pollution,” Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim said in the statement.

CRRM did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

The agreement also requires the company to spend at least $1 million on an environmentally beneficial project to be approved by the state.

COFFEYVILLE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas refinery has agreed to pay more than $23 million for violating the federal Clean Air Act and breaching a 2012 settlement for earlier pollution problems, the U.S. Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday.The federal agencies said the violations by Coffeyville Resources Refining and Marketing and its affiliated companies, collectively known as CRRM, resulted in illegal emissions from 2015 to 2017 that included an estimated 2,300 excess tons (2,000 metric tons) of sulfur dioxide from its oil refinery in Coffeyville in southeastern Kansas.But CRRM’s efforts to come into compliance with federal requirements since the investigation began have already eliminated more than 39,000 tons (35,000 metric tons) per year of carbon dioxide emissions that can contribute to climate change, the agencies said in a joint news release. That's equivalent to using nearly 4 million fewer gallons of gasoline per year, they said.The EPA also estimated that a waste gas recovery system required by Monday's court-enforceable settlement, known as a consent decree, will further reduce yearly emissions of greenhouse gases by nearly 13,000 tons (12,000 metric tons), equivalent to using 1.3 million fewer gallons of gasoline annually. It will also reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide, which can make breathing more difficult, and nitrogen oxide, which contributes to smog formation.“The emissions reductions achieved under this settlement will result in healthier air for a community disproportionately affected by air pollution,” Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim said in the statement.CRRM did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.The agreement also requires the company to spend at least $1 million on an environmentally beneficial project to be approved by the state.

Kan. oil refinery agrees to $23 million in penalties for violating air pollution law

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman is going to prison in connection with the death of a man who fell from the hood of a stolen car.

On Friday, a judge sentenced 37-year-old Ashley Corley of Hutchinson&nbsp; to nearly 18-years in prison for the incident involving a stolen vehicle that took the life of 41-year-old Rigoberto Rivas, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.

In October of 2022, police responded to 9th Street North and St. Paul in Wichita where they found Rivas in the street. He had head injuries and died at a local hospital, according to Officer Chad Ditch.&nbsp;

Investigators learned that Rivas and Corley were seen running toward a gray car parked on the curb at 9th Street. Corley allegedly entered the vehicle and drove away at a high rate of speed with Rivas on the hood. The car swerved and Rivas fell from the car.

A follow-up investigation led officers to believe the car was stolen.

Police investigators arrested Corley in Hutchison, transported her back to Wichita and booked her into the Sedgwick County Jail

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666176519210.png" alt="Corley-photo Sedgwick County." />
 <figcaption>Corley-photo Sedgwick County.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman is going to prison in connection with the death of a man who fell from the hood of a stolen car.On Friday, a judge sentenced 37-year-old Ashley Corley of Hutchinson&nbsp; to nearly 18-years in prison for the incident involving a stolen vehicle that took the life of 41-year-old Rigoberto Rivas, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.In October of 2022, police responded to 9th Street North and St. Paul in Wichita where they found Rivas in the street. He had head injuries and died at a local hospital, according to Officer Chad Ditch.&nbsp;Investigators learned that Rivas and Corley were seen running toward a gray car parked on the curb at 9th Street. Corley allegedly entered the vehicle and drove away at a high rate of speed with Rivas on the hood. The car swerved and Rivas fell from the car.A follow-up investigation led officers to believe the car was stolen.Police investigators arrested Corley in Hutchison, transported her back to Wichita and booked her into the Sedgwick County Jail

Kan. woman sentenced for death of man who fell from hood of a car

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; a drive-by shooting that sent a child to the hospital are asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as&nbsp;Anthony Rocky Guerrero III.

Just after 8:30p.m.&nbsp; Sunday. the Shawnee County Communications Center received multiple phone calls in reference to gunshots near the 6700 Block of SW Greencastle Drive, according to Sheriff's Lieutenant Scott Wanamaker.

Moments later. the communications center received an address where a 9-year-old victim had been struck by the gunfire.

The boy was inside the residence and was struck in his left leg. EMS transported the body to a local hospital for treatment. There were 3 adults and 5 juveniles in the home at the time of the shooting, according to Wanamaker.

After shooting at the residence the two suspects fled the area on foot, entered a silver passenger car in the 6800 Block SW Rockpost Road and fled the scene.&nbsp;

Anyone with information on&nbsp;Guerrero asked to contact the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office at (785)251-2200.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700520416350.png" alt="Anthony Rocky Guerrero III-photo Shawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Anthony Rocky Guerrero III-photo Shawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; a drive-by shooting that sent a child to the hospital are asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as&nbsp;Anthony Rocky Guerrero III.Just after 8:30p.m.&nbsp; Sunday. the Shawnee County Communications Center received multiple phone calls in reference to gunshots near the 6700 Block of SW Greencastle Drive, according to Sheriff's Lieutenant Scott Wanamaker.Moments later. the communications center received an address where a 9-year-old victim had been struck by the gunfire.The boy was inside the residence and was struck in his left leg. EMS transported the body to a local hospital for treatment. There were 3 adults and 5 juveniles in the home at the time of the shooting, according to Wanamaker.After shooting at the residence the two suspects fled the area on foot, entered a silver passenger car in the 6800 Block SW Rockpost Road and fled the scene.&nbsp;Anyone with information on&nbsp;Guerrero asked to contact the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office at (785)251-2200.

Suspect wanted for Kansas shooting that injured 9-year-old

CONCORD, N.C. –Motor Racing Network co-founder and its first anchor, Ken Squier passed away last night. Squier, also known for his time broadcasting NASCAR on the CBS Television Network and later with TBS, had just entered hospice care earlier in the day on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, after a long series of illnesses.

It was Ken, who was personally selected by NASCAR Founder Bill France Sr., to build a nationwide network of radio stations to cover the growing sport. Of course, Squier started with the obvious, his family owned WDEV-AM &amp; FM in Waterbury, VT, and Daytona Beach’s WNDB-AM…both of which still air MRN programming today…and then went on to add hundreds more stations to air the very first MRN broadcast of the Daytona 500 in 1970.

“Whether from a bed of a logging truck at the Morrisville (VT) Speedway, or high atop the grandstands of “The Great American Race” in Daytona, Ken Squier’s eloquent voice entertained and educated millions of race fans, no matter the medium. His passion for stock car racing contributed mightily to its rapid growth throughout his 70-plus year career,” said Chris Schwartz, President of Motor Racing Network. “An entrepreneur to the end, Squier co-founded (along with Bill France, Sr.) the Motor Racing Network in 1970 and set the course that the network follows to this day. We will continue to honor his unique way of storytelling by bringing the excitement and passion of this incredible sport to core fans, casual fans, and first-time fans alike.”

Motor Racing Network plans to share retrospectives of his life on MRN signature program NASCAR LIVE at 7pm ET Tuesday, during the NASCAR Champions Celebration &amp; Awards broadcast on Thursday, November 30th at 7pm ET, and again during the 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony broadcast at 8pm ET on January 19, 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700519431321.jpeg" alt="Ken Squier.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Ken Squier.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>CONCORD, N.C. –Motor Racing Network co-founder and its first anchor, Ken Squier passed away last night. Squier, also known for his time broadcasting NASCAR on the CBS Television Network and later with TBS, had just entered hospice care earlier in the day on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, after a long series of illnesses.It was Ken, who was personally selected by NASCAR Founder Bill France Sr., to build a nationwide network of radio stations to cover the growing sport. Of course, Squier started with the obvious, his family owned WDEV-AM &amp; FM in Waterbury, VT, and Daytona Beach’s WNDB-AM…both of which still air MRN programming today…and then went on to add hundreds more stations to air the very first MRN broadcast of the Daytona 500 in 1970.“Whether from a bed of a logging truck at the Morrisville (VT) Speedway, or high atop the grandstands of “The Great American Race” in Daytona, Ken Squier’s eloquent voice entertained and educated millions of race fans, no matter the medium. His passion for stock car racing contributed mightily to its rapid growth throughout his 70-plus year career,” said Chris Schwartz, President of Motor Racing Network. “An entrepreneur to the end, Squier co-founded (along with Bill France, Sr.) the Motor Racing Network in 1970 and set the course that the network follows to this day. We will continue to honor his unique way of storytelling by bringing the excitement and passion of this incredible sport to core fans, casual fans, and first-time fans alike.”Motor Racing Network plans to share retrospectives of his life on MRN signature program NASCAR LIVE at 7pm ET Tuesday, during the NASCAR Champions Celebration &amp; Awards broadcast on Thursday, November 30th at 7pm ET, and again during the 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony broadcast at 8pm ET on January 19, 2024.

Motor Racing Network Co-Founder Ken Squier 1935-2023

WASHINGTON —The U.S. Department of Transportation is gearing up for another busy holiday travel season. On Monday, Secretary&nbsp;Pete Buttigieg shared updates from the department on progress made to empower airline passengers.

<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/airline-customer-service-dashboard">Click here to view</a> the airline customer service dashboard

The skies will be extremely busy this Thanksgiving period – eclipsing last year. The Federal Aviation Administration is expecting 49,600 flights on Wednesday, according to Administrator Mike Whitaker.

The FAA will be working around the clock to make sure passengers get to their destinations safely.

WASHINGTON —The U.S. Department of Transportation is gearing up for another busy holiday travel season. On Monday, Secretary&nbsp;Pete Buttigieg shared updates from the department on progress made to empower airline passengers.<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/airline-customer-service-dashboard">Click here to view</a> the airline customer service dashboard<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We&#39;re gearing up for another busy holiday travel season. Tune in as I share updates from our department on progress we&#39;ve made to empower airline passengers. <a href="https://t.co/ZJrIB6PQJw">https://t.co/ZJrIB6PQJw</a>&mdash; Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecretaryPete/status/1726607009259167786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The skies will be extremely busy this Thanksgiving period – eclipsing last year. The Federal Aviation Administration is expecting 49,600 flights on Wednesday, according to Administrator Mike Whitaker.The FAA will be working around the clock to make sure passengers get to their destinations safely.

🎥U.S. DOT:  Know your rights before you fly this holiday

WASHINGTON (AP) — Liberty and Bell can spread their wings without fear.

The two Thanksgiving turkeys played their part Monday in an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehousehistory.org/pardoning-the-thanksgiving-turkey">annual holiday tradition</a>&nbsp;at the White House: a president sparing them from becoming someone's dinner.

“I hereby pardon Liberty and Bell. Congratulations, birds,” Biden said after one of the National Thanksgiving Turkeys was placed on a table near him.

The event, held on the South Lawn this year instead of the smaller Rose Garden, marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in Washington, and Monday was an especially busy opening day.

President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, the oldest president in U.S. history, also celebrated turning 81 on Monday. In the afternoon, his wife, first lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jill-biden">Jill Biden</a>, was accepting the delivery of an 18.5-foot (5.6-meter) Fraser fir from Fleetwood, North Carolina, as the official White House Christmas tree.

Biden joked about his age, saying, “this is the 76th anniversary of this event. I want you to know I wasn't there for the first one.” The Democrat's age has become an issue as he seeks reelection next year.

Steve Lykken, chairman of the National Turkey Federation and president of the Jennie-O Turkey Store, told The Associated Press in an interview last week that the pardons are a “great way to kick off the holiday season and really, really a fun honor.”

Lykken introduced Liberty and Bell on Sunday at the Willard Intercontinental, a luxury hotel near the White House. The gobblers checked into a suite there on Saturday following their red-carpet arrival in the U.S. capital after a dayslong road trip from Minnesota in a black Cadillac Escalade.

“They were raised like all of our turkeys, protected, of course, from weather extremes and predators, free to walk about with constant access to water and feed,” Lykken said at Sunday's event as Liberty and Bell strutted around the Willard's newly renovated Crystal Room on plastic sheeting laid over the carpet. Young children in the crowd of onlookers — many of them employees and guests of the Jennie-O company — yelled “gobble, gobble” at them.

The male turkeys, both about 20 weeks old and about 42 pounds (19 kilograms), were hatched in July in Willmar, Minnesota — Jennie-O is headquartered there — as part of the “presidential flock,” Lykken said. They listened to music and other sounds to prepare them for Monday's hoopla at the White House.

“They listened to all kinds of music to get ready for the crowds and people along the way. I can confirm they are, in fact, Swifties, and they do enjoy some Prince,” Lykken said, meaning that Liberty and Bell are fans of Taylor Swift. “I think they’re absolutely ready for prime time.”

The tradition dates to 1947 when the National Turkey Federation, which represents turkey farmers and producers, first presented a National Thanksgiving Turkey to President Harry Truman.

Back then, and even earlier, the gobbler was given for the first family's holiday consumption. But by the late 1980s, the tradition had evolved into an often humorous ceremony in which the birds are pardoned, given a second chance at life after they are spared from ending up on a family's Thanksgiving table.

In 1989, as animal rights activists picketed nearby, President George H.W. Bush said, "But let me assure you, and this fine tom turkey, that he will not end up on anyone’s dinner table, not this guy -- he’s granted a presidential pardon as of right now -- and allow him to live out his days on a children’s farm not far from here.”

After Biden pardons&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-holidays-obituaries-christmas-c98e1ce25e97dbe097f2ed37d9c7a4c2">his third pair of turkeys</a>&nbsp;on Monday, Liberty and Bell will be returned to their home state to be cared for by the University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences.

“You can imagine the wonderful care they're going to get from students and veterinarians and professors, etc., and so they will hopefully have a chance, maybe, to go see a hockey game or spend time with Goldy the gopher,” Lykken said, referring to the university's mascot.

A little over 200 million turkeys will be eaten on Thanksgiving, Lykken said.

Biden will eat his Thanksgiving turkey with family on Nantucket, a Massachusetts island, continuing a long family tradition. On Sunday, he and the first lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-thanksgiving-troops-military-norfolk-naval-station-4453eee2e8194cf767d47b1b7e12c563">served an early Thanksgiving meal</a>&nbsp;to hundreds of service members at Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Liberty and Bell are ready for their presidential pardons.

The two Thanksgiving turkeys were due at the White House on Monday to play their part in what has become an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehousehistory.org/pardoning-the-thanksgiving-turkey" target="_blank">annual holiday tradition</a>: a president sparing them from becoming someone’s dinner.

“We think that’s a great way to kick off the holiday season and really, really a fun honor,” Steve Lykken, chairman of the National Turkey Federation and president of the Jennie-O Turkey Store, said in an interview with The Associated Press.

The event, set for the South Lawn this year instead of the Rose Garden, marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in Washington, and Monday was shaping up to be an especially busy opening day.

President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden" target="_blank">Joe Biden</a>, the oldest president in U.S. history, also was celebrating his 81st birthday on Monday. In the afternoon, his wife, first lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jill-biden" target="_blank">Jill Biden</a>, was accepting the delivery of an 18-and-a-half foot Fraser fir from Fleetwood, North Carolina, as the official White House Christmas tree.

Lykken introduced Liberty and Bell on Sunday at the Willard Intercontinental, a luxury hotel close to the White House. The gobblers checked into a suite there on Saturday following their red-carpet arrival in the U.S. capital after a dayslong road trip from Minnesota in a black Cadillac Escalade.

“They were raised like all of our turkeys, protected, of course, from weather extremes and predators, free to walk about with constant access to water and feed,” Lykken said Sunday, as Liberty and Bell strutted around the Willard’s newly renovated Crystal Room on plastic sheeting laid over the carpet. Young children in the crowd of onlookers — many of them employees and guests of the Jennie-O company — yelled “gobble, gobble” at them.

The male turkeys, both about 20 weeks old and about 42 pounds, were hatched in July in Willmar, Minnesota — Jennie-O is headquartered there — as part of the “presidential flock,” Lykken said. They listened to music and other sounds to prepare them for Monday’s hoopla at the White House.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Liberty and Bell can spread their wings without fear.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Join me on the South Lawn as I pardon the National Thanksgiving Turkey and wish American families a safe and healthy holiday. <a href="https://t.co/fntz6rUMCM">https://t.co/fntz6rUMCM</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1726641864579662297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The two Thanksgiving turkeys played their part Monday in an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehousehistory.org/pardoning-the-thanksgiving-turkey">annual holiday tradition</a>&nbsp;at the White House: a president sparing them from becoming someone's dinner.“I hereby pardon Liberty and Bell. Congratulations, birds,” Biden said after one of the National Thanksgiving Turkeys was placed on a table near him.The event, held on the South Lawn this year instead of the smaller Rose Garden, marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in Washington, and Monday was an especially busy opening day.President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, the oldest president in U.S. history, also celebrated turning 81 on Monday. In the afternoon, his wife, first lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jill-biden">Jill Biden</a>, was accepting the delivery of an 18.5-foot (5.6-meter) Fraser fir from Fleetwood, North Carolina, as the official White House Christmas tree.Biden joked about his age, saying, “this is the 76th anniversary of this event. I want you to know I wasn't there for the first one.” The Democrat's age has become an issue as he seeks reelection next year.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Introducing Liberty and Bell, the 2023 National Thanksgiving Turkeys! <a href="https://t.co/Pwwn7GHZla">pic.twitter.com/Pwwn7GHZla</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1726655944229110118?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Steve Lykken, chairman of the National Turkey Federation and president of the Jennie-O Turkey Store, told The Associated Press in an interview last week that the pardons are a “great way to kick off the holiday season and really, really a fun honor.”Lykken introduced Liberty and Bell on Sunday at the Willard Intercontinental, a luxury hotel near the White House. The gobblers checked into a suite there on Saturday following their red-carpet arrival in the U.S. capital after a dayslong road trip from Minnesota in a black Cadillac Escalade.“They were raised like all of our turkeys, protected, of course, from weather extremes and predators, free to walk about with constant access to water and feed,” Lykken said at Sunday's event as Liberty and Bell strutted around the Willard's newly renovated Crystal Room on plastic sheeting laid over the carpet. Young children in the crowd of onlookers — many of them employees and guests of the Jennie-O company — yelled “gobble, gobble” at them.The male turkeys, both about 20 weeks old and about 42 pounds (19 kilograms), were hatched in July in Willmar, Minnesota — Jennie-O is headquartered there — as part of the “presidential flock,” Lykken said. They listened to music and other sounds to prepare them for Monday's hoopla at the White House.“They listened to all kinds of music to get ready for the crowds and people along the way. I can confirm they are, in fact, Swifties, and they do enjoy some Prince,” Lykken said, meaning that Liberty and Bell are fans of Taylor Swift. “I think they’re absolutely ready for prime time.”The tradition dates to 1947 when the National Turkey Federation, which represents turkey farmers and producers, first presented a National Thanksgiving Turkey to President Harry Truman.Back then, and even earlier, the gobbler was given for the first family's holiday consumption. But by the late 1980s, the tradition had evolved into an often humorous ceremony in which the birds are pardoned, given a second chance at life after they are spared from ending up on a family's Thanksgiving table.In 1989, as animal rights activists picketed nearby, President George H.W. Bush said, "But let me assure you, and this fine tom turkey, that he will not end up on anyone’s dinner table, not this guy -- he’s granted a presidential pardon as of right now -- and allow him to live out his days on a children’s farm not far from here.”After Biden pardons&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-holidays-obituaries-christmas-c98e1ce25e97dbe097f2ed37d9c7a4c2">his third pair of turkeys</a>&nbsp;on Monday, Liberty and Bell will be returned to their home state to be cared for by the University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences.“You can imagine the wonderful care they're going to get from students and veterinarians and professors, etc., and so they will hopefully have a chance, maybe, to go see a hockey game or spend time with Goldy the gopher,” Lykken said, referring to the university's mascot.A little over 200 million turkeys will be eaten on Thanksgiving, Lykken said.Biden will eat his Thanksgiving turkey with family on Nantucket, a Massachusetts island, continuing a long family tradition. On Sunday, he and the first lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-thanksgiving-troops-military-norfolk-naval-station-4453eee2e8194cf767d47b1b7e12c563">served an early Thanksgiving meal</a>&nbsp;to hundreds of service members at Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia.----------WASHINGTON (AP) — Liberty and Bell are ready for their presidential pardons.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700479774610.png" alt="On Sunday President Biden and first lady Jill Biden serve food at a Friendsgiving dinner with service members and military families at Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia.-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>On Sunday President Biden and first lady Jill Biden serve food at a Friendsgiving dinner with service members and military families at Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia.-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>The two Thanksgiving turkeys were due at the White House on Monday to play their part in what has become an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehousehistory.org/pardoning-the-thanksgiving-turkey" target="_blank">annual holiday tradition</a>: a president sparing them from becoming someone’s dinner.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden and first lady Jill Biden serve food at a Friendsgiving dinner with service members and military families at Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia. <a href="https://t.co/DvdFbofjaY">pic.twitter.com/DvdFbofjaY</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1726369806293643667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“We think that’s a great way to kick off the holiday season and really, really a fun honor,” Steve Lykken, chairman of the National Turkey Federation and president of the Jennie-O Turkey Store, said in an interview with The Associated Press.The event, set for the South Lawn this year instead of the Rose Garden, marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in Washington, and Monday was shaping up to be an especially busy opening day.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Jill and I were honored to join American service members and their families this weekend in Norfolk. These incredible men and women are the backbone, the sinew, the spine of America. And as their president, I&#39;ll never stop working to equip and care for them as they deserve. <a href="https://t.co/x61z8EmbzE">pic.twitter.com/x61z8EmbzE</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1726610119209701492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden" target="_blank">Joe Biden</a>, the oldest president in U.S. history, also was celebrating his 81st birthday on Monday. In the afternoon, his wife, first lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jill-biden" target="_blank">Jill Biden</a>, was accepting the delivery of an 18-and-a-half foot Fraser fir from Fleetwood, North Carolina, as the official White House Christmas tree.Lykken introduced Liberty and Bell on Sunday at the Willard Intercontinental, a luxury hotel close to the White House. The gobblers checked into a suite there on Saturday following their red-carpet arrival in the U.S. capital after a dayslong road trip from Minnesota in a black Cadillac Escalade.“They were raised like all of our turkeys, protected, of course, from weather extremes and predators, free to walk about with constant access to water and feed,” Lykken said Sunday, as Liberty and Bell strutted around the Willard’s newly renovated Crystal Room on plastic sheeting laid over the carpet. Young children in the crowd of onlookers — many of them employees and guests of the Jennie-O company — yelled “gobble, gobble” at them.The male turkeys, both about 20 weeks old and about 42 pounds, were hatched in July in Willmar, Minnesota — Jennie-O is headquartered there — as part of the “presidential flock,” Lykken said. They listened to music and other sounds to prepare them for Monday’s hoopla at the White House.“They listened to all kinds of music to get ready for the crowds and people along the way. I can confirm they are, in fact, Swifties, and they do enjoy some Prince,” Lykken said, meaning that Liberty and Bell are fans of Taylor Swift. “I think they’re absolutely ready for prime time.”The tradition dates to 1947 when the National Turkey Federation, which represents turkey farmers and producers, first presented a National Thanksgiving Turkey to President Harry Truman.Back then, and even earlier, the gobbler was given for the first family’s holiday consumption. But by the late 1980s, the tradition had evolved into an often humorous ceremony in which the birds are pardoned, given a second chance at life after they are spared from ending up on a family’s Thanksgiving table.In 1989, as animal rights activists picketed nearby, President George H.W. Bush said, “But let me assure you, and this fine tom turkey, that he will not end up on anyone’s dinner table, not this guy -- he’s granted a presidential pardon as of right now -- and allow him to live out his days on a children’s farm not far from here.”After Biden pardons&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-holidays-obituaries-christmas-c98e1ce25e97dbe097f2ed37d9c7a4c2" target="_blank">his third pair of turkeys</a>&nbsp;on Monday, Liberty and Bell will be returned to their home state to be cared for by the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences.“You can imagine the wonderful care they’re going to get from students and veterinarians and professors, etc., and so they will hopefully have a chance, maybe, to go see a hockey game or spend time with Goldy the gopher,” Lykken said, referring to the university’s mascot.A little over 200 million turkeys will be eaten on Thanksgiving, Lykken said.Biden will eat his Thanksgiving turkey with family on Nantucket, a Massachusetts island, continuing a long family tradition. On Sunday, he and the first lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-thanksgiving-troops-military-norfolk-naval-station-4453eee2e8194cf767d47b1b7e12c563" target="_blank">served an early Thanksgiving meal</a>&nbsp;to hundreds of service members from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn69/" target="_blank">USS Dwight D. Eisenhower</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/" target="_blank">USS Gerald R. Ford</a>&nbsp;at Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia, the largest installation of its kind in the world, along with their families.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/thanksgiving-side-dish-recipes-d188ab4d289ac8d8f66804623d194838">Nontraditional flavors boost one-note Thanksgiving squash, kale and mashed potatoes</a>Markus Platzer, the Willard’s general manager, said the hotel’s role in introducing the turkeys is the “highlight of the year.” The Willard has been involved for more than 15 years, he said, calling the turkeys “very special guests of ours.”“There are so many bad things going on globally that this is something where everybody, you know, brings a smile into the face of the people, at least for a few minutes,” Platzer said Sunday.