KANSAS CITY —A jury convicted a Kansas man&nbsp;in connection with the fatal shooting of Daniel L. Washington near the area of 40th and Agnes that occurred in April of 2020, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Ivan D. Mock, 36, was convicted of Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;

According to court records, Washington was found by responding Kansas City Police Department officers near 39th and Main. He had been fatally shot in the passenger seat of a vehicle. 

Witnesses told police that the shooting had occurred near 40th and Agnes, but the car was driven to 39th and Main. They found a police patrol wagon parked in front of the CVS there and sought help for the victim. Witnesses identified Mock as the person who shot the victim, Daniel L. Washington. Mock will be sentenced on March 19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705251290620.png" alt="Mock-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Mock-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A jury convicted a Kansas man&nbsp;in connection with the fatal shooting of Daniel L. Washington near the area of 40th and Agnes that occurred in April of 2020, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Ivan D. Mock, 36, was convicted of Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;According to court records, Washington was found by responding Kansas City Police Department officers near 39th and Main. He had been fatally shot in the passenger seat of a vehicle. Witnesses told police that the shooting had occurred near 40th and Agnes, but the car was driven to 39th and Main. They found a police patrol wagon parked in front of the CVS there and sought help for the victim. Witnesses identified Mock as the person who shot the victim, Daniel L. Washington. Mock will be sentenced on March 19.

Jury: Kansas suspect moved victim from murder scene

PITTSFIELD, ILL. — The nearly 45,000-acre P5 Ranch – the largest contiguous ranch in the state of Kansas – has officially changed ownership.

Located in Hamilton and Kearny counties about 24 miles west of Garden City, the ranch was recently sold by Whitetail Properties Real Estate. Spanning 44,923 +/- acres, it is the company’s largest property sale by acreage to date.

Mitch Keeley and Adam Hann, the Whitetail Properties Land Specialists in western Kansas who handled the sale, said P5 Ranch is truly a one-of-a-kind property. “Usually when we sell a property, it’s either a farm, cattle operation or recreational land,” said Keeley. “We often represent properties that fit one of these categories, but what’s so unique about the P5 is it combines all three property types. It’s very hard to find something like this in Kansas.”

Consisting of over 40,000 acres of prime pastureland and more than 2,700 acres of pivot irrigated and dryland tillable ground, the P5 Ranch has the ability to support a capacity of 6,500 to 8,000 head of cattle. The 17 irrigation pivots on the ranch are used for growing alfalfa, triticale and corn to support the high capacity of livestock grazing the ranch.

In addition to its top-notch agriculture qualities, the P5 offers some of the best hunting in the state. With over 17 miles of Arkansas River frontage, it provides incredible whitetail, mule deer and elk hunting along the river and throughout the sandhills. High populations of upland birds inhabit the ranch, and a 36-acre lake provides excellent waterfowl opportunities as well.

To top it off, the ranch is complete with a large log cabin which has provided housing for hunters on the ranch over the years. There are also four ranch houses for ranch employees.

Hann said it is also very rare to find a ranch of this size in such high-quality condition. “The P5 has been exceptionally well-maintained over the years with excellent fencing, new irrigation pivots and as clean of a ranch as you’ll find anywhere in the Midwest,” he said.

The selling price is not being disclosed, although it is described by Whitetail Properties as “top of the market” for a ranch of this magnitude. The former owners’ decision to sell was

based on not wanting to burden the next generation of ownership with the future responsibility of selling or handing off the ranch.

The two Kansas land specialists said another unique aspect of the transaction is that, unlike most of their sales, an extensive marketing campaign was not undertaken. “Given the magnitude of the ranch, we knew the number of potential buyers would be very limited,” said Keeley. “We realized that instead of widely advertising, we had to go out and find a buyer whose criteria fit the operation. And that’s exactly what we were able to do.”

That strategy proved successful, as the ranch was sold in just two months. The buyer determined that the ranch would be a good fit for his large cattle operation and that the purchase price would provide a rate of return that made sense for the investment.

“We took the buyer to the ranch multiple times to meet with the owners and felt everyone formed a great relationship from day one,” said Hann. “In most deals, the seller never meets the buyer. Upon closing of the P5, we were confident all parties walked away with a sense of satisfaction, and new relationships were formed that will carry on for many years.”

SubmittedPITTSFIELD, ILL. — The nearly 45,000-acre P5 Ranch – the largest contiguous ranch in the state of Kansas – has officially changed ownership.Located in Hamilton and Kearny counties about 24 miles west of Garden City, the ranch was recently sold by Whitetail Properties Real Estate. Spanning 44,923 +/- acres, it is the company’s largest property sale by acreage to date.Mitch Keeley and Adam Hann, the Whitetail Properties Land Specialists in western Kansas who handled the sale, said P5 Ranch is truly a one-of-a-kind property. “Usually when we sell a property, it’s either a farm, cattle operation or recreational land,” said Keeley. “We often represent properties that fit one of these categories, but what’s so unique about the P5 is it combines all three property types. It’s very hard to find something like this in Kansas.”Consisting of over 40,000 acres of prime pastureland and more than 2,700 acres of pivot irrigated and dryland tillable ground, the P5 Ranch has the ability to support a capacity of 6,500 to 8,000 head of cattle. The 17 irrigation pivots on the ranch are used for growing alfalfa, triticale and corn to support the high capacity of livestock grazing the ranch.In addition to its top-notch agriculture qualities, the P5 offers some of the best hunting in the state. With over 17 miles of Arkansas River frontage, it provides incredible whitetail, mule deer and elk hunting along the river and throughout the sandhills. High populations of upland birds inhabit the ranch, and a 36-acre lake provides excellent waterfowl opportunities as well.To top it off, the ranch is complete with a large log cabin which has provided housing for hunters on the ranch over the years. There are also four ranch houses for ranch employees.Hann said it is also very rare to find a ranch of this size in such high-quality condition. “The P5 has been exceptionally well-maintained over the years with excellent fencing, new irrigation pivots and as clean of a ranch as you’ll find anywhere in the Midwest,” he said.The selling price is not being disclosed, although it is described by Whitetail Properties as “top of the market” for a ranch of this magnitude. The former owners’ decision to sell wasbased on not wanting to burden the next generation of ownership with the future responsibility of selling or handing off the ranch.Sold in Just Two MonthsThe two Kansas land specialists said another unique aspect of the transaction is that, unlike most of their sales, an extensive marketing campaign was not undertaken. “Given the magnitude of the ranch, we knew the number of potential buyers would be very limited,” said Keeley. “We realized that instead of widely advertising, we had to go out and find a buyer whose criteria fit the operation. And that’s exactly what we were able to do.”That strategy proved successful, as the ranch was sold in just two months. The buyer determined that the ranch would be a good fit for his large cattle operation and that the purchase price would provide a rate of return that made sense for the investment.“We took the buyer to the ranch multiple times to meet with the owners and felt everyone formed a great relationship from day one,” said Hann. “In most deals, the seller never meets the buyer. Upon closing of the P5, we were confident all parties walked away with a sense of satisfaction, and new relationships were formed that will carry on for many years.”

SOLD! Largest contiguous ranch in Kansas changes hands

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after an arrest.

Just before noon Tuesday, police arrested 39-year-old Curtis Colley, Jr., of Grandview Plaza in the 1000 block of South Seth Child Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 Colley was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for distribution of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia with the intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate a controlled substance, distribution of opiate/opium/narcotic/stimulant/heroin, and possession. Colley remains jailed on a bond of $10,000.

He has previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated burglary, aggravated intimidation of a witness, and for drugs and for arranging sale/purchase using communication facility, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705506527696.png" alt="Colley-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Colley-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after an arrest.Just before noon Tuesday, police arrested 39-year-old Curtis Colley, Jr., of Grandview Plaza in the 1000 block of South Seth Child Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Colley was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for distribution of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia with the intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate a controlled substance, distribution of opiate/opium/narcotic/stimulant/heroin, and possession. Colley remains jailed on a bond of $10,000.He has previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated burglary, aggravated intimidation of a witness, and for drugs and for arranging sale/purchase using communication facility, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Police: Kansas felon accused of selling marijuana

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Citing God’s guidance, the Kansas Republican Party has declared itself against same-sex marriage in an early unreleased version of its proposed 2024 platform.

“God created man and woman,” the proposed platform reads. “Therefore, as defined by the Kansas Constitution, the benefits and privileges of marriage exist only between one man and one woman. … Most of our societal ills are the result of godlessness and the resultant broken family structure. Government cannot replace God or the traditional family.”&nbsp;

The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for same-sex unions in its 2015 Obergefell v Hodges decision.&nbsp;

The proposed platform, which condemns abortion and gun control measures, among others, will be up for consideration and debate&nbsp;on Jan. 26 and Jan. 27 at the Kansas GOP Convention. Mike Brown, the Kansas Republican Party chairman, did not respond to Kansas Reflector inquiries about the platform.

Opposition to same-sex marriage is warranted because “children’s future is best preserved within the traditional understanding of marriage,” according to the platform, which also calls for a federal constitutional amendment limiting marriage to being between a man and a woman.

The platform also specifies that legislatures and judges should not pass other arrangements equivalent to marriage for non-traditional families.&nbsp;

Legislators in Topeka gave the proposed platform a mixed reception.

Rep. Bill Clifford, R-Garden City, said he didn’t oppose “people who love each other uniting for life.”&nbsp;

Rep. Adam Thomas, R-Olathe, wouldn’t say whether he supported same-sex marriage.

“I don’t think my personal feelings towards the matter matter, because the Supreme Court’s decided already,” Thomas said. “If it’s the law of the land, we can continue to say there are certain things based off our belief structure that we may not agree with. And I think that’s acceptable and okay to be in a platform. But I do think the Supreme Court has made the decision on that.”

When asked for his thoughts on the idea that societal problems can be traced to a lack of religion, Thomas said family life and children’s upbringing were important factors.&nbsp;

“As a person of faith, we’ve kicked God out of schools, the church has been sort of marginalized in the way they’re treated,” Thomas said. “A lot of the problems I feel like in this country can be traced back to home, two parents in the household and just being there for our kids. A lot of this country’s problems start at home, but to continue to remove God from the equation can obviously do more damage than good.”&nbsp;

Rep. Mark Schreiber, R-Emporia, said there were a variety of beliefs in the Kansas Republican Party, but he personally had no problem with same-sex marriage.&nbsp;

“It’s a committee of people that create that platform, and they put in there what they believe is what they want to see in their party,” Schreiber said. “But from my perspective on gay marriage, I don’t have any difficulty with that or think it shouldn’t occur. … Just like within any party, there’s a wide spectrum of strong beliefs.”

Schreiber said he was more focused on tax policy as a legislative priority and said he was not sure how much the platform influences legislation.&nbsp;

“I don’t think it’ll play a lot,” Schreiber said. “In the past, I haven’t heard people come to the floor and committee, say, ‘Well, this is on the platform and this is why we have to pass this bill or not pass it.’ I don’t know that it plays a strong role in legislation.”&nbsp;

Rep. Vic Miller, D-Topeka, said the state Republican platform’s opposition to same-sex marriage would not be popular.&nbsp;

“We’ve evolved as a society that gay marriage is readily accepted now,” Miller said. “And I’ve lived through the change to make that conclusion. I think the vast majority of people have no issue with that. Whereas once upon a time, I think that might have been different. … I think it’s unfortunate that they would stir it up as an issue, to make an issue out of it when I don’t think it should be.”

Miller said he considered himself a religious person, “but I don’t have any problem separating my religious views from my legislative views because I just always had a basic understanding that we need to respect all people’s religion, and not have the government impose the arm of government on religion, and that goes both ways.”

The proposed platform also supports parental rights, stating that parents have the right to direct their children’s education and health care according to their moral values and religion, without government influence.&nbsp;

Another section states that Kansas children should not be taught Social Emotional Learning; Critical Race Theory; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, or variants of these topics at school, because these subjects create “divisiveness within our society.”&nbsp;&nbsp;These teaching practices are widely accepted and proponents of diversity, equity and inclusion training say the practice is just a way to make all students feel safe and welcomed in their learning environment.

Instead, the platform states, classrooms should focus on reading, writing and arithmetic along with studies of the U.S. Constitution, the Kansas Constitution and history from the Founding Fathers’ documents. Teachers that have been trained and certified should be allowed to carry guns in schools to defend students, the platform states.&nbsp;

Other positions include opposition to assisted suicide, euthanasia and abortion. Alternatives to abortion such as abstinence-only education in schools and assistance for pregnant women need to be supported, the platform states.&nbsp;

Another section says the state needs to enforce limits on abortion, as well as criminal and civil redress for issues such as “the illegal sale of baby parts.”&nbsp;

“Abortion is not healthcare; every abortion kills an innocent child,” it reads.&nbsp;

The platform also opposes gender reassignment surgery and gender-affirming care as “dangerous, unproven and contrary to our God-given natural law.” Gender-affirming care is widely supported by health care organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, which have said banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors is damaging and not rooted in science.&nbsp;

Policymakers should focus on the creation of health savings accounts rather than Medicaid expansion, as “Medicaid should be available only to our most needy,” the platform reads.&nbsp;

Miller said Republicans, over the last decade or so, have avoided issues such as cannabis legalization and tax relief.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“In order to avoid addressing those real issues, they create ones to distract people,” Miller said. “If you walk down the street and ask people what’s on their mind, nobody would come up with these issues until they stir it up. So it’s issue creation more than it is addressing issues that are really affecting everyday people.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705528797673.png" alt="photo AP" />
 <figcaption>photo AP</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Citing God’s guidance, the Kansas Republican Party has declared itself against same-sex marriage in an early unreleased version of its proposed 2024 platform.“God created man and woman,” the proposed platform reads. “Therefore, as defined by the Kansas Constitution, the benefits and privileges of marriage exist only between one man and one woman. … Most of our societal ills are the result of godlessness and the resultant broken family structure. Government cannot replace God or the traditional family.”&nbsp;The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for same-sex unions in its 2015 Obergefell v Hodges decision.&nbsp;The proposed platform, which condemns abortion and gun control measures, among others, will be up for consideration and debate&nbsp;on Jan. 26 and Jan. 27 at the Kansas GOP Convention. Mike Brown, the Kansas Republican Party chairman, did not respond to Kansas Reflector inquiries about the platform.Opposition to same-sex marriage is warranted because “children’s future is best preserved within the traditional understanding of marriage,” according to the platform, which also calls for a federal constitutional amendment limiting marriage to being between a man and a woman.The platform also specifies that legislatures and judges should not pass other arrangements equivalent to marriage for non-traditional families.&nbsp;Legislators in Topeka gave the proposed platform a mixed reception.Rep. Bill Clifford, R-Garden City, said he didn’t oppose “people who love each other uniting for life.”&nbsp;Rep. Adam Thomas, R-Olathe, wouldn’t say whether he supported same-sex marriage.“I don’t think my personal feelings towards the matter matter, because the Supreme Court’s decided already,” Thomas said. “If it’s the law of the land, we can continue to say there are certain things based off our belief structure that we may not agree with. And I think that’s acceptable and okay to be in a platform. But I do think the Supreme Court has made the decision on that.”When asked for his thoughts on the idea that societal problems can be traced to a lack of religion, Thomas said family life and children’s upbringing were important factors.&nbsp;“As a person of faith, we’ve kicked God out of schools, the church has been sort of marginalized in the way they’re treated,” Thomas said. “A lot of the problems I feel like in this country can be traced back to home, two parents in the household and just being there for our kids. A lot of this country’s problems start at home, but to continue to remove God from the equation can obviously do more damage than good.”&nbsp;Rep. Mark Schreiber, R-Emporia, said there were a variety of beliefs in the Kansas Republican Party, but he personally had no problem with same-sex marriage.&nbsp;“It’s a committee of people that create that platform, and they put in there what they believe is what they want to see in their party,” Schreiber said. “But from my perspective on gay marriage, I don’t have any difficulty with that or think it shouldn’t occur. … Just like within any party, there’s a wide spectrum of strong beliefs.”Schreiber said he was more focused on tax policy as a legislative priority and said he was not sure how much the platform influences legislation.&nbsp;“I don’t think it’ll play a lot,” Schreiber said. “In the past, I haven’t heard people come to the floor and committee, say, ‘Well, this is on the platform and this is why we have to pass this bill or not pass it.’ I don’t know that it plays a strong role in legislation.”&nbsp;Rep. Vic Miller, D-Topeka, said the state Republican platform’s opposition to same-sex marriage would not be popular.&nbsp;“We’ve evolved as a society that gay marriage is readily accepted now,” Miller said. “And I’ve lived through the change to make that conclusion. I think the vast majority of people have no issue with that. Whereas once upon a time, I think that might have been different. … I think it’s unfortunate that they would stir it up as an issue, to make an issue out of it when I don’t think it should be.”Miller said he considered himself a religious person, “but I don’t have any problem separating my religious views from my legislative views because I just always had a basic understanding that we need to respect all people’s religion, and not have the government impose the arm of government on religion, and that goes both ways.”<h2>Other issues&nbsp;</h2>The proposed platform also supports parental rights, stating that parents have the right to direct their children’s education and health care according to their moral values and religion, without government influence.&nbsp;Another section states that Kansas children should not be taught Social Emotional Learning; Critical Race Theory; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, or variants of these topics at school, because these subjects create “divisiveness within our society.”&nbsp;&nbsp;These teaching practices are widely accepted and proponents of diversity, equity and inclusion training say the practice is just a way to make all students feel safe and welcomed in their learning environment.Instead, the platform states, classrooms should focus on reading, writing and arithmetic along with studies of the U.S. Constitution, the Kansas Constitution and history from the Founding Fathers’ documents. Teachers that have been trained and certified should be allowed to carry guns in schools to defend students, the platform states.&nbsp;Other positions include opposition to assisted suicide, euthanasia and abortion. Alternatives to abortion such as abstinence-only education in schools and assistance for pregnant women need to be supported, the platform states.&nbsp;Another section says the state needs to enforce limits on abortion, as well as criminal and civil redress for issues such as “the illegal sale of baby parts.”&nbsp;“Abortion is not healthcare; every abortion kills an innocent child,” it reads.&nbsp;The platform also opposes gender reassignment surgery and gender-affirming care as “dangerous, unproven and contrary to our God-given natural law.” Gender-affirming care is widely supported by health care organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, which have said banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors is damaging and not rooted in science.&nbsp;Policymakers should focus on the creation of health savings accounts rather than Medicaid expansion, as “Medicaid should be available only to our most needy,” the platform reads.&nbsp;Miller said Republicans, over the last decade or so, have avoided issues such as cannabis legalization and tax relief.&nbsp;&nbsp;“In order to avoid addressing those real issues, they create ones to distract people,” Miller said. “If you walk down the street and ask people what’s on their mind, nobody would come up with these issues until they stir it up. So it’s issue creation more than it is addressing issues that are really affecting everyday people.”&nbsp;

Kansas GOP’s proposed platform condemns same-sex marriage, abortion, gun control

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A teen accused in a deadly shooting has been moved from a jail in Oklahoma to Kansas

Just after noon Tuesday, deputies booked 19-year-old James Sawyer into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp;murder and aggravated robbery, according to online jail records. He was being held on a $75,000 bond. He was expected to make a first court appearance Wednesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Around 2:00 a.m. Dec. 6, the Blackwell, Oklahoma Police Department contacted Sedgwick County Dispatch, reporting a shooting investigation involving two individuals who had entered a Blackwell hospital, with one of them sustaining a gunshot wound, according to Officer Andrew Ford.

Following discussions with the subjects, Blackwell Police shared information with Sedgwick County Dispatch. Consequently, the Wichita Police Department was alerted to respond to the Hydraulic and MacArthur area based on information suggesting that the shooting victim, 34-year-old Daniel McPherson, would be found there.

Upon arrival, officers discovered McPherson with a gunshot wound to his head. He&nbsp;was pronounced dead at the scene. Homicide investigators were dispatched to conduct the investigation and later traveled to Blackwell, Oklahoma where the two suspects 18-year-old Phillip Walls of Derby and Sawyer were in custody.&nbsp; 

On December 13, Walls was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail. Two days later he was charged with 1st degree murder and two counts of attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705504542151.png" alt="Sawyer-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Sawyer-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A teen accused in a deadly shooting has been moved from a jail in Oklahoma to KansasJust after noon Tuesday, deputies booked 19-year-old James Sawyer into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp;murder and aggravated robbery, according to online jail records. He was being held on a $75,000 bond. He was expected to make a first court appearance Wednesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Around 2:00 a.m. Dec. 6, the Blackwell, Oklahoma Police Department contacted Sedgwick County Dispatch, reporting a shooting investigation involving two individuals who had entered a Blackwell hospital, with one of them sustaining a gunshot wound, according to Officer Andrew Ford.Following discussions with the subjects, Blackwell Police shared information with Sedgwick County Dispatch. Consequently, the Wichita Police Department was alerted to respond to the Hydraulic and MacArthur area based on information suggesting that the shooting victim, 34-year-old Daniel McPherson, would be found there.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702588818825.png" alt="Walls-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Walls-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Upon arrival, officers discovered McPherson with a gunshot wound to his head. He&nbsp;was pronounced dead at the scene. Homicide investigators were dispatched to conduct the investigation and later traveled to Blackwell, Oklahoma where the two suspects 18-year-old Phillip Walls of Derby and Sawyer were in custody.&nbsp; On December 13, Walls was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail. Two days later he was charged with 1st degree murder and two counts of attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Homicide: Teen captured in Oklahoma is moved to Kansas jail

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration Wednesday announced plans to redesignate Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen as specially designated global terrorists, according to two people familiar with the White House decision and a U.S. official.

The move comes as the Houthis have launched dozens of attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The group says it has attacked the ships in response to Israel's military operations in Gaza in the aftermath of Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

&nbsp;According to a statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan:

"These attacks fit the textbook definition of terrorism.&nbsp; They have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardized global trade, and threatened freedom of navigation."

"The United States and the international community have been united in our response and in condemning these attacks in the strongest terms."

"Today, in response to these continuing threats and attacks, the United States announced the designation of Ansarallah, also known as the Houthis, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. "

"This designation is an important tool to impede terrorist funding to the Houthis, further restrict their access to financial markets, and hold them accountable for their actions.&nbsp; If the Houthis cease their attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the United States will immediately reevaluate this designation."

"The designation will take effect 30 days from now, to allow us to ensure robust humanitarian carve outs are in place so our action targets the Houthis and not the people of Yemen. We are rolling out unprecedented carve outs and licenses to help prevent adverse impacts on the Yemeni people."

"The people of Yemen should not pay the price for the actions of the Houthis.&nbsp;&nbsp; We are sending a clear message: commercial shipments into Yemeni ports on which the Yemeni people rely for food, medicine and fuel should continue and are not covered by our sanctions."

"This is in addition to the carveouts we include in all sanctions programs for food, medicine, and humanitarian assistance.As President Biden has said, the United States will not hesitate to take further actions to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce."

“This designation would add another level of uncertainty and threat for Yemenis still caught in one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises,” said Scott Paul, an associate director of Oxfam America. “The Biden administration is playing with fire and we call on them to avoid this designation immediately and prioritize the lives of Yemenis now.”

The specially designated global terrorists label to be reimposed on the Houthis does not include sanctions for providing “material support” and it does not come with travel bans that are also imposed with the foreign terrorist organization label, steps intended to help prevent the U.S. move from harming ordinary Yemenis.

Meanwhile, a senior White House official said Tuesday that addressing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-us-ship-attacks-bombing-red-sea-iran-cc06d9186a00d1f22bea6b9c14dda12a">ongoing threat by Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;on commercial vessels in the Red Sea is an “all hands on deck” problem that the U.S. and allies must address together to minimize impact on the global economy.

“How long this goes on and how bad it gets comes down not just to the decisions of the countries in the coalition that took strikes last week,” White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said during an appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The Iran-backed Houthi group has launched dozens of attacks since November on vessels in the Red Sea, a vital corridor for the world’s shipping traffic, in what they say is an effort to support Palestinians in the war with Israel. U.S. and British forces have responded by carrying out dozens of air and sea strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen since Friday. The attacks by the Houthis have continued.

Linda Thomas Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said last week that 2,000 ships since November have been forced to divert thousands of miles to avoid the Red Sea. Houthi militants have threatened or taken hostage mariners from more than 20 countries.

The Red Sea attacks have already caused significant disruptions to global trade. Oil prices have edged higher in recent days, though Brent crude futures were down slightly in early trading Tuesday.

The U.S. launched&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-missiles-iran-seizure-us-8112fbadd3b0689c71a92890895a9368">a new strike</a>&nbsp;against the Houthis on Tuesday, hitting anti-ship missiles in the third&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-us-ship-attacks-bombing-red-sea-iran-cc06d9186a00d1f22bea6b9c14dda12a">assault on the Iranian-backed group</a>&nbsp;in recent days. The strike came as the Iranian-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile attack against the Malta-flagged bulk carrier Zografia in the Red Sea. No one was injured.

Sullivan said it was critical that countries with influence on Tehran and other Middle East capitals make it clear “that the entire world rejects wholesale the idea that a group like the Houthis can basically hijack the world.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden's</a>&nbsp;senior adviser acknowledged that the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea as well as groups allied to Iran carrying out attacks in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen pose concerns that the Israel-Hamas war could escalate even as Israeli officials have indicated a shift in intensity in their military campaign.

“We have to guard against and be vigilant against the possibility that in fact, rather than heading towards de-escalation, we are on a path of escalation that we have to manage,” Sullivan said.

The comments from Sullivan came after Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, said during an appearance at the Davos forum that the situation in the Middle East is a “recipe for escalation everywhere.” He said Qatar believes that ending the conflict in Gaza will stop the Houthis and militant groups from launching attacks elsewhere in the region.

Sullivan on Tuesday met with Al Thani as well as Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Iraqi Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, according to the White House.

Iran fired missiles late Monday at what it said were Israeli “spy headquarters” in an upscale neighborhood near the sprawling U.S. Consulate compound in Irbil, the seat of Iraq’s northern semi-autonomous Kurdish region, and at targets linked to the extremist Islamic State group in northern&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/alerts/TurkeySyriaEarthquake">Syria</a>.

Iraq on Tuesday called the attacks, which killed several civilians, a “blatant violation” of Iraq’s sovereignty and recalled its ambassador from Tehran.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration Wednesday announced plans to redesignate Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen as specially designated global terrorists, according to two people familiar with the White House decision and a U.S. official.The move comes as the Houthis have launched dozens of attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The group says it has attacked the ships in response to Israel's military operations in Gaza in the aftermath of Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel.&nbsp;According to a statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan:"These attacks fit the textbook definition of terrorism.&nbsp; They have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardized global trade, and threatened freedom of navigation."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Terrorist Designation of the Houthis <a href="https://t.co/LdF3SrVKga">https://t.co/LdF3SrVKga</a> <a href="https://t.co/5aFTUDvytH">pic.twitter.com/5aFTUDvytH</a>&mdash; U.S. Embassy to Yemen السفارة الأمريكية لدى اليمن (@USEmbassyYemen) <a href="https://twitter.com/USEmbassyYemen/status/1747653176088576196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"The United States and the international community have been united in our response and in condemning these attacks in the strongest terms.""Today, in response to these continuing threats and attacks, the United States announced the designation of Ansarallah, also known as the Houthis, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. ""This designation is an important tool to impede terrorist funding to the Houthis, further restrict their access to financial markets, and hold them accountable for their actions.&nbsp; If the Houthis cease their attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the United States will immediately reevaluate this designation.""The designation will take effect 30 days from now, to allow us to ensure robust humanitarian carve outs are in place so our action targets the Houthis and not the people of Yemen. We are rolling out unprecedented carve outs and licenses to help prevent adverse impacts on the Yemeni people.""The people of Yemen should not pay the price for the actions of the Houthis.&nbsp;&nbsp; We are sending a clear message: commercial shipments into Yemeni ports on which the Yemeni people rely for food, medicine and fuel should continue and are not covered by our sanctions.""This is in addition to the carveouts we include in all sanctions programs for food, medicine, and humanitarian assistance.As President Biden has said, the United States will not hesitate to take further actions to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce."“This designation would add another level of uncertainty and threat for Yemenis still caught in one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises,” said Scott Paul, an associate director of Oxfam America. “The Biden administration is playing with fire and we call on them to avoid this designation immediately and prioritize the lives of Yemenis now.”The specially designated global terrorists label to be reimposed on the Houthis does not include sanctions for providing “material support” and it does not come with travel bans that are also imposed with the foreign terrorist organization label, steps intended to help prevent the U.S. move from harming ordinary Yemenis.Meanwhile, a senior White House official said Tuesday that addressing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-us-ship-attacks-bombing-red-sea-iran-cc06d9186a00d1f22bea6b9c14dda12a">ongoing threat by Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;on commercial vessels in the Red Sea is an “all hands on deck” problem that the U.S. and allies must address together to minimize impact on the global economy.“How long this goes on and how bad it gets comes down not just to the decisions of the countries in the coalition that took strikes last week,” White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said during an appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.The Iran-backed Houthi group has launched dozens of attacks since November on vessels in the Red Sea, a vital corridor for the world’s shipping traffic, in what they say is an effort to support Palestinians in the war with Israel. U.S. and British forces have responded by carrying out dozens of air and sea strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen since Friday. The attacks by the Houthis have continued.Linda Thomas Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said last week that 2,000 ships since November have been forced to divert thousands of miles to avoid the Red Sea. Houthi militants have threatened or taken hostage mariners from more than 20 countries.The Red Sea attacks have already caused significant disruptions to global trade. Oil prices have edged higher in recent days, though Brent crude futures were down slightly in early trading Tuesday.The U.S. launched&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-missiles-iran-seizure-us-8112fbadd3b0689c71a92890895a9368">a new strike</a>&nbsp;against the Houthis on Tuesday, hitting anti-ship missiles in the third&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-us-ship-attacks-bombing-red-sea-iran-cc06d9186a00d1f22bea6b9c14dda12a">assault on the Iranian-backed group</a>&nbsp;in recent days. The strike came as the Iranian-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile attack against the Malta-flagged bulk carrier Zografia in the Red Sea. No one was injured.Sullivan said it was critical that countries with influence on Tehran and other Middle East capitals make it clear “that the entire world rejects wholesale the idea that a group like the Houthis can basically hijack the world.”<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden's</a>&nbsp;senior adviser acknowledged that the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea as well as groups allied to Iran carrying out attacks in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen pose concerns that the Israel-Hamas war could escalate even as Israeli officials have indicated a shift in intensity in their military campaign.“We have to guard against and be vigilant against the possibility that in fact, rather than heading towards de-escalation, we are on a path of escalation that we have to manage,” Sullivan said.The comments from Sullivan came after Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, said during an appearance at the Davos forum that the situation in the Middle East is a “recipe for escalation everywhere.” He said Qatar believes that ending the conflict in Gaza will stop the Houthis and militant groups from launching attacks elsewhere in the region.Sullivan on Tuesday met with Al Thani as well as Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Iraqi Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, according to the White House.Iran fired missiles late Monday at what it said were Israeli “spy headquarters” in an upscale neighborhood near the sprawling U.S. Consulate compound in Irbil, the seat of Iraq’s northern semi-autonomous Kurdish region, and at targets linked to the extremist Islamic State group in northern&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/alerts/TurkeySyriaEarthquake">Syria</a>.Iraq on Tuesday called the attacks, which killed several civilians, a “blatant violation” of Iraq’s sovereignty and recalled its ambassador from Tehran.-The Associated Press contributed to this report

 US relists Iranian-rebel group as terrorists in response to Red Sea attacks

WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairmen of the top tax policy committees in Congress announced a bipartisan agreement Tuesday to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/child-tax-credits-program-ends-5ded3907c72ee0c3ad8a067a29d6b2c0">enhance the child tax credit</a>&nbsp;and revive a variety of tax breaks for businesses, a combination designed to attract support from lawmakers of both political parties.

The roughly $78 billion in tax cuts would be paid for by more quickly ending a tax break Congress approved during the COVID-19 pandemic that encouraged businesses to keep employees on their payroll.

The agreement was announced by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ron-wyden">Sen. Ron Wyden</a>, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jason-smith">Rep. Jason Smith</a>, the Republican chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. The lawmakers have been negotiating for months on a tax package that would address an array of priorities before lawmakers turn their focus to election season.

Wyden said his goal is to gain approval of the measure in time for businesses and families to benefit during the upcoming filing season. The Internal Revenue Service will begin accepting and processing tax returns on Jan. 29, so lawmakers are looking to move the bill as quickly as possible.

Meeting that goal may prove difficult as lawmakers are already racing to finish their spending bills and are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-border-security-joe-biden-55da358910d67622c7f4289666979f63">considering a bill</a>&nbsp;focused on both aiding Israel, and Ukraine and stemming the flow of migrants entering the country at the U.S.-Mexico border. One option would be for leaders in the House and Senate to attach the measure to one of those top-priority bills.

In forging the agreement, Democratic negotiators were focused on boosting the child tax credit. The tax credit is $2,000 per child, but only $1,600 is refundable, which makes it available to parents who owe little to nothing in federal income taxes. The bill would incrementally increase the maximum refundable child tax credit to $1,800 for 2023 tax returns, $1,900 for the following year and $2,000 for 2025 tax returns.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a liberal think tank and advocacy group, projected that about 16 million children in low-income families would benefit from the child tax credit expansion.

“Given today’s miserable political climate, it’s a big deal to have this opportunity to pass pro-family policy that helps so many kids get ahead,” Wyden said in a statement announcing the deal.

Republicans were focused on tax breaks for businesses that they said would help grow the economy. The tax breaks in the bill would generally align their expiration date — the end of 2025 — with many of the other tax cuts that were approved in 2017.

Most notably, the bill would give companies of all sizes the ability to deduct research and development costs immediately rather than over the course of five years. It would also allow businesses to fully deduct the purchase of equipment, machinery and technology. And, the bill also provides more flexibility in determining how much borrowing can be deducted.

Smith said the agreement “strengthens Main Street businesses, boosts our competitiveness with China, and creates jobs.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he supported the tax package and “that there are many things in it both sides can celebrate.” He praised the inclusion of an increased tax credit for the construction and rehabilitation of housing for low-income households, and he said he could not have supported the package without it.

“The low-income housing tax credit is one of the most effective tools in existence to increase the supply of affordable housing," Schumer said. “This package will make this credit far more generous and far more easy to access.”

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., was expected to meet with Smith on Tuesday to discuss the tax agreement.

Some lawmakers have insisted that any tax extensions be paid for so as not to add to projected deficits. The authors of the agreement attempt to do that by speeding up the demise of the employee retention tax credit. Under current law, businesses had until April 15 of next year to claim the credit. The bill would bar additional claims after Jan. 31 of this year. It also would increase penalties for tax preparers failing to undertake due diligence in submitting those COVID-19-related claims.

The tax credit was designed to make it easier for businesses to keep their employees on the payroll at a time when COVID-19 was keeping people at home and away from stores, hotels and restaurants. The IRS in September announced a moratorium in processing new claims through at least the end of the year, following concerns that a substantial share of new claims from the aging program were ineligible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641231882156.png" alt="File photo U.S. capitol -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. capitol -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairmen of the top tax policy committees in Congress announced a bipartisan agreement Tuesday to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/child-tax-credits-program-ends-5ded3907c72ee0c3ad8a067a29d6b2c0">enhance the child tax credit</a>&nbsp;and revive a variety of tax breaks for businesses, a combination designed to attract support from lawmakers of both political parties.The roughly $78 billion in tax cuts would be paid for by more quickly ending a tax break Congress approved during the COVID-19 pandemic that encouraged businesses to keep employees on their payroll.The agreement was announced by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ron-wyden">Sen. Ron Wyden</a>, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jason-smith">Rep. Jason Smith</a>, the Republican chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. The lawmakers have been negotiating for months on a tax package that would address an array of priorities before lawmakers turn their focus to election season.Wyden said his goal is to gain approval of the measure in time for businesses and families to benefit during the upcoming filing season. The Internal Revenue Service will begin accepting and processing tax returns on Jan. 29, so lawmakers are looking to move the bill as quickly as possible.Meeting that goal may prove difficult as lawmakers are already racing to finish their spending bills and are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-border-security-joe-biden-55da358910d67622c7f4289666979f63">considering a bill</a>&nbsp;focused on both aiding Israel, and Ukraine and stemming the flow of migrants entering the country at the U.S.-Mexico border. One option would be for leaders in the House and Senate to attach the measure to one of those top-priority bills.In forging the agreement, Democratic negotiators were focused on boosting the child tax credit. The tax credit is $2,000 per child, but only $1,600 is refundable, which makes it available to parents who owe little to nothing in federal income taxes. The bill would incrementally increase the maximum refundable child tax credit to $1,800 for 2023 tax returns, $1,900 for the following year and $2,000 for 2025 tax returns.The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a liberal think tank and advocacy group, projected that about 16 million children in low-income families would benefit from the child tax credit expansion.“Given today’s miserable political climate, it’s a big deal to have this opportunity to pass pro-family policy that helps so many kids get ahead,” Wyden said in a statement announcing the deal.Republicans were focused on tax breaks for businesses that they said would help grow the economy. The tax breaks in the bill would generally align their expiration date — the end of 2025 — with many of the other tax cuts that were approved in 2017.Most notably, the bill would give companies of all sizes the ability to deduct research and development costs immediately rather than over the course of five years. It would also allow businesses to fully deduct the purchase of equipment, machinery and technology. And, the bill also provides more flexibility in determining how much borrowing can be deducted.Smith said the agreement “strengthens Main Street businesses, boosts our competitiveness with China, and creates jobs.”Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he supported the tax package and “that there are many things in it both sides can celebrate.” He praised the inclusion of an increased tax credit for the construction and rehabilitation of housing for low-income households, and he said he could not have supported the package without it.“The low-income housing tax credit is one of the most effective tools in existence to increase the supply of affordable housing," Schumer said. “This package will make this credit far more generous and far more easy to access.”Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., was expected to meet with Smith on Tuesday to discuss the tax agreement.Some lawmakers have insisted that any tax extensions be paid for so as not to add to projected deficits. The authors of the agreement attempt to do that by speeding up the demise of the employee retention tax credit. Under current law, businesses had until April 15 of next year to claim the credit. The bill would bar additional claims after Jan. 31 of this year. It also would increase penalties for tax preparers failing to undertake due diligence in submitting those COVID-19-related claims.The tax credit was designed to make it easier for businesses to keep their employees on the payroll at a time when COVID-19 was keeping people at home and away from stores, hotels and restaurants. The IRS in September announced a moratorium in processing new claims through at least the end of the year, following concerns that a substantial share of new claims from the aging program were ineligible.

What's in the new $78 billion congressional tax plan

JOHNSON COUNTY—One person was injured in a fire on Tuesday in Johnson County.

Just before 1:30p.m. Tuesday crews responded to a house fire in 21300 block of W 51st Street in the city of Shawnee, according to a media release.

Fist responders found a large amount of smoke and a working fire. Firefighters located and rescued one patient who was found inside of the home.  The patient was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.

An investigation determined that the fire was accidental and caused by unattended cooking. Fire investigators also did not find any working smoke alarms inside the home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705507408808.png" alt="Photos Shawnee Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photos Shawnee Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—One person was injured in a fire on Tuesday in Johnson County.Just before 1:30p.m. Tuesday crews responded to a house fire in 21300 block of W 51st Street in the city of Shawnee, according to a media release.Fist responders found a large amount of smoke and a working fire. Firefighters located and rescued one patient who was found inside of the home. The patient was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705507364048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>An investigation determined that the fire was accidental and caused by unattended cooking. Fire investigators also did not find any working smoke alarms inside the home.

One in critical condition after fire at Kansas home

LONDON (AP) — The Princess of Wales has been hospitalized after undergoing planned abdominal surgery and will remain at the private London Clinic for up to two weeks, Kensington Palace said Wednesday.

Moments after news of Kate's hospitalization was released, Buckingham Palace revealed that King Charles III would undergo a “corrective procedure” next week for an enlarged prostate. The palace said that the king’s condition was benign.

The palace said that the 75-year-old monarch has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate “in common with thousands of men each year.”

Though it is unusual for members of the royal family to offer much detail on their health, the publicity about Charles' revelation is certain to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked in line with public health advice.

A series of events and meetings on the monarch’s schedule will now be postponed, and the announcement can be seen also be seen as offering the explanation for the timing of the announcement on Charles. Foreign dignitaries and members of the Cabinet had been due to travel to Dumfries House in Scotland later this week.

The palace didn’t offer further details on the princess of Wales' hospitalization, but confirmed that her condition was noncancerous. Though she has generally experienced good health, Kate was previously hospitalized while pregnant after suffering from severe morning sickness.

The medical issues come after a turbulent few years for the royal family, with the Platinum Jubilee in 2022, the death of Queen Elizabeth II a few months later and the coronation of Charles in 2023.

The princess, the former Kate Middleton, is expected to return to public duties after Easter. The 42-year-old future queen was admitted to The London Clinic on Tuesday.

“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate," Kensington Palace said. “She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private."

The palace said that Kate, the wife of Prince William, wished to apologize for postponing her upcoming engagements.

“She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible,” the palace said.

A royal by choice — not birth — Kate is the daughter of a flight attendant and a flight dispatcher. Born in Reading, England, on Jan. 9, 1982, Catherine Elizabeth Middleton grew up with a younger sister, Pippa, and a younger brother, James.

The family is from a well-to-do area of Berkshire, west of London, and moved to Jordan when Kate was 2 years old because of her father’s work. They returned to England in 1986, and Kate attended the exclusive Marlborough College, where she was active in sports such as tennis.

She first met Prince William, the elder son of the late Princess Diana and Charles, at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

After Prince Harry and Meghan’s stormy departure to California in 2020, the Prince and Princess of Wales have solidified their position as being among the most popular members of the royal family. Kate, in particular, has remained a reliable royal in the public eye — the smiling mother of three who can comfort grieving parents at a children’s hospice or wow the nation by playing piano during a televised Christmas concert.

She was among the royals who appeared at the annual Christmas Day service at Sandringham.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705510328041.png" alt="King Charges III during his annual Christmas address-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>King Charges III during his annual Christmas address-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — The Princess of Wales has been hospitalized after undergoing planned abdominal surgery and will remain at the private London Clinic for up to two weeks, Kensington Palace said Wednesday.Moments after news of Kate's hospitalization was released, Buckingham Palace revealed that King Charles III would undergo a “corrective procedure” next week for an enlarged prostate. The palace said that the king’s condition was benign.The palace said that the 75-year-old monarch has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate “in common with thousands of men each year.”Though it is unusual for members of the royal family to offer much detail on their health, the publicity about Charles' revelation is certain to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked in line with public health advice.A series of events and meetings on the monarch’s schedule will now be postponed, and the announcement can be seen also be seen as offering the explanation for the timing of the announcement on Charles. Foreign dignitaries and members of the Cabinet had been due to travel to Dumfries House in Scotland later this week.The palace didn’t offer further details on the princess of Wales' hospitalization, but confirmed that her condition was noncancerous. Though she has generally experienced good health, Kate was previously hospitalized while pregnant after suffering from severe morning sickness.The medical issues come after a turbulent few years for the royal family, with the Platinum Jubilee in 2022, the death of Queen Elizabeth II a few months later and the coronation of Charles in 2023.The princess, the former Kate Middleton, is expected to return to public duties after Easter. The 42-year-old future queen was admitted to The London Clinic on Tuesday.“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate," Kensington Palace said. “She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private."The palace said that Kate, the wife of Prince William, wished to apologize for postponing her upcoming engagements.“She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible,” the palace said.A royal by choice — not birth — Kate is the daughter of a flight attendant and a flight dispatcher. Born in Reading, England, on Jan. 9, 1982, Catherine Elizabeth Middleton grew up with a younger sister, Pippa, and a younger brother, James.The family is from a well-to-do area of Berkshire, west of London, and moved to Jordan when Kate was 2 years old because of her father’s work. They returned to England in 1986, and Kate attended the exclusive Marlborough College, where she was active in sports such as tennis.She first met Prince William, the elder son of the late Princess Diana and Charles, at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.After Prince Harry and Meghan’s stormy departure to California in 2020, the Prince and Princess of Wales have solidified their position as being among the most popular members of the royal family. Kate, in particular, has remained a reliable royal in the public eye — the smiling mother of three who can comfort grieving parents at a children’s hospice or wow the nation by playing piano during a televised Christmas concert.She was among the royals who appeared at the annual Christmas Day service at Sandringham.

Palace: Princess of Wales hospitalized, King Charles to have treatment

MANHATTAN— K-State has been experiencing a disruption to certain network systems, including VPN, K-State Today emails, and videos on Canvas, or Mediasite, according to a statement from the university.

Upon detection, university IT took immediate steps to investigate the disruption, isolating the areas of concern. The university confirmed Tuesday evening that these disruptions are the result of a recent cybersecurity incident.

The impacted systems were taken offline and will remain offline for the immediate future as the investigation continues. This will also include select shared drives and printers, as well as university listservs.&nbsp;

"Our top priority is to address this issue promptly and efficiently, as we understand the importance of maintaining business and academic continuity during this time. We will keep you informed as the investigation continues to ensure your engagement with the university is uninterrupted."

"Please rest assured that we are dedicating significant resources to bring involved systems back online quickly and safely. Additionally, we have engaged third-party IT forensic experts to assist us in the ongoing investigation efforts."

"During this time, it is critical that we all remain diligent and follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/it/cybersecurity/cybersecurity-awareness/">cybersecurity best practices and trainings</a>. If you notice anything suspicious as you engage with university technology, students should reach out to the IT help desk. Faculty and staff should reach out to their departmental IT points of contact."&nbsp;

"University leaders are arranging meetings with departmental contacts around business processes and operations that may be impacted to ensure continuity. If you have any questions, please refer those to your Dean or Vice President."

"Interim Provost Mercer has issued guidance to academic deans to share with their department heads and faculty regarding academic continuity, including sharing alternative&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/tlc/teaching_resources/video_resources.html">video resources</a>&nbsp;given the disruption to Mediasite. "

The university will continue to communications at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/update">k-state.edu/update</a>. The university will not be able to share information that could compromise that investigation.&nbsp;

MANHATTAN— K-State has been experiencing a disruption to certain network systems, including VPN, K-State Today emails, and videos on Canvas, or Mediasite, according to a statement from the university.Upon detection, university IT took immediate steps to investigate the disruption, isolating the areas of concern. The university confirmed Tuesday evening that these disruptions are the result of a recent cybersecurity incident.The impacted systems were taken offline and will remain offline for the immediate future as the investigation continues. This will also include select shared drives and printers, as well as university listservs.&nbsp;"Our top priority is to address this issue promptly and efficiently, as we understand the importance of maintaining business and academic continuity during this time. We will keep you informed as the investigation continues to ensure your engagement with the university is uninterrupted.""Please rest assured that we are dedicating significant resources to bring involved systems back online quickly and safely. Additionally, we have engaged third-party IT forensic experts to assist us in the ongoing investigation efforts." "During this time, it is critical that we all remain diligent and follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/it/cybersecurity/cybersecurity-awareness/">cybersecurity best practices and trainings</a>. If you notice anything suspicious as you engage with university technology, students should reach out to the IT help desk. Faculty and staff should reach out to their departmental IT points of contact."&nbsp;"University leaders are arranging meetings with departmental contacts around business processes and operations that may be impacted to ensure continuity. If you have any questions, please refer those to your Dean or Vice President.""Interim Provost Mercer has issued guidance to academic deans to share with their department heads and faculty regarding academic continuity, including sharing alternative&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/tlc/teaching_resources/video_resources.html">video resources</a>&nbsp;given the disruption to Mediasite. "The university will continue to communications at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/update">k-state.edu/update</a>. The university will not be able to share information that could compromise that investigation.&nbsp;

K-State working to correct cybersecurity incident

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY — The search for an inmate who escaped from a satellite camp at the Leavenworth Penitentiary is over.&nbsp;

The U.S. Marshal's Service Fugitive Task Force arrested 50-year-old James Thompson, in Mount Pleasant, Texas, according to a statement Tuesday from the U.S. Marshal's Service

On Nov. 10, authorities discovered Thompson was missing. A federal grand jury indicted him on one count of escape from custody.&nbsp;

He is currently back in federal custody. Thompson was serving a sentence of 80 months in prison in the Northern District of Georgia for mail fraud at the time of his escape.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699585891299.png" alt="Thompson-photo U.S. Bureau of Prisons" />
 <figcaption>Thompson-photo U.S. Bureau of Prisons</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH COUNTY — The search for an inmate who escaped from a satellite camp at the Leavenworth Penitentiary is over.&nbsp;The U.S. Marshal's Service Fugitive Task Force arrested 50-year-old James Thompson, in Mount Pleasant, Texas, according to a statement Tuesday from the U.S. Marshal's ServiceOn Nov. 10, authorities discovered Thompson was missing. A federal grand jury indicted him on one count of escape from custody.&nbsp;He is currently back in federal custody. Thompson was serving a sentence of 80 months in prison in the Northern District of Georgia for mail fraud at the time of his escape.

Inmate who escaped Kan. penitentiary camp captured

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas court system needs at least $2.6 million in additional funds to recover from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-courts-cybersecurity-problem-network-offline-ba6c2c1979fd58869cc5d4fb1aed501c">an October cyberattack</a>&nbsp;that prevented the electronic filing of documents and blocked online access to records for weeks, the state's top judicial official told legislators Tuesday.

State Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert included the figure in a written statement ahead of her testimony before a joint meeting of the Kansas House and Senate Judiciary committees. The Republican-controlled Legislature must approve the funding, and Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly also must sign off.

Luckert's written statement said the courts needed the money not only to cover the costs of bringing multiple computer systems back online but to pay vendors, improve cybersecurity and hire three additional cybersecurity officials. She also said the price tag could rise.

“This amount does not include several things: recovery costs we will incur but cannot yet estimate; notification costs that will be expended to notify individuals if their personal identifiable information has been compromised; and any services, like credit-monitoring, that the branch may decide to provide for the victims,” Luckert's statement said.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-courts-cybersecurity-problem-network-offline-4b6df97e1563c86e03ce531f4e12e80a">The attack</a>&nbsp;occurred Oct. 12. Judicial branch officials have blamed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-courts-cyberattack-hack-network-offline-097a11cfa9de552ec5a9ea49b500d3d6">a ransomware group</a>&nbsp;based in Russia, saying it stole data and threatened to post it on a dark website if its demands were not met.

Judicial branch officials have not spelled out the attackers' demands. However, they confirmed earlier this month that no ransom was paid after responding to an Associated Press request for invoices since Oct. 12, which showed as much.

Luckert said little about the costs of the cyberattack during Tuesday's joint committee meeting and did not mention the $2.6 million figure. She and other judicial branch officials also met with the House committee in private for about 15 minutes to discuss more sensitive security issues.

“The forensic investigation is ongoing,” she said during her public testimony to both committees.

Luckert said courts' costs include buying a new firewall as well as software and hardware. She said the court included the three new cybersecurity jobs in its proposed budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 but now wants to be able to hire them in April, May or June.

State Rep. Stephen Owens, a Republican from rural central Kansas who serves on both the House judiciary and budget committees, said the courts are asking for “an awful lot of money” because of the cyberattack.

“That being said, I also think that we have to prioritize cybersecurity,” he said after Tuesday's meeting. “We have to prioritize safeguarding of the information that we store on behalf of Kansans.”

Separately, Kelly is seeking $1.5 million to staff an around-the-clock, 12-person cybersecurity operations center, hire an official to oversee the state's strategy for protecting data and hire someone to create a statewide data privacy program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662999292005.png" alt="Photo by Blaise Mesa&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Blaise Mesa&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas court system needs at least $2.6 million in additional funds to recover from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-courts-cybersecurity-problem-network-offline-ba6c2c1979fd58869cc5d4fb1aed501c">an October cyberattack</a>&nbsp;that prevented the electronic filing of documents and blocked online access to records for weeks, the state's top judicial official told legislators Tuesday.State Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert included the figure in a written statement ahead of her testimony before a joint meeting of the Kansas House and Senate Judiciary committees. The Republican-controlled Legislature must approve the funding, and Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly also must sign off.Luckert's written statement said the courts needed the money not only to cover the costs of bringing multiple computer systems back online but to pay vendors, improve cybersecurity and hire three additional cybersecurity officials. She also said the price tag could rise.“This amount does not include several things: recovery costs we will incur but cannot yet estimate; notification costs that will be expended to notify individuals if their personal identifiable information has been compromised; and any services, like credit-monitoring, that the branch may decide to provide for the victims,” Luckert's statement said.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-courts-cybersecurity-problem-network-offline-4b6df97e1563c86e03ce531f4e12e80a">The attack</a>&nbsp;occurred Oct. 12. Judicial branch officials have blamed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-courts-cyberattack-hack-network-offline-097a11cfa9de552ec5a9ea49b500d3d6">a ransomware group</a>&nbsp;based in Russia, saying it stole data and threatened to post it on a dark website if its demands were not met.Judicial branch officials have not spelled out the attackers' demands. However, they confirmed earlier this month that no ransom was paid after responding to an Associated Press request for invoices since Oct. 12, which showed as much.Luckert said little about the costs of the cyberattack during Tuesday's joint committee meeting and did not mention the $2.6 million figure. She and other judicial branch officials also met with the House committee in private for about 15 minutes to discuss more sensitive security issues.“The forensic investigation is ongoing,” she said during her public testimony to both committees.Luckert said courts' costs include buying a new firewall as well as software and hardware. She said the court included the three new cybersecurity jobs in its proposed budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 but now wants to be able to hire them in April, May or June.State Rep. Stephen Owens, a Republican from rural central Kansas who serves on both the House judiciary and budget committees, said the courts are asking for “an awful lot of money” because of the cyberattack.“That being said, I also think that we have to prioritize cybersecurity,” he said after Tuesday's meeting. “We have to prioritize safeguarding of the information that we store on behalf of Kansans.”Separately, Kelly is seeking $1.5 million to staff an around-the-clock, 12-person cybersecurity operations center, hire an official to oversee the state's strategy for protecting data and hire someone to create a statewide data privacy program.

Top official: Kansas courts need at least $2.6 million to recover from cyberattack

KANSAS CITY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a deadly fire on Tuesday in Kansas City.

Just after 9a.m., crews responded to the report of a fire in the 3300 block of Oakland Avenue, according to&nbsp;Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

 Crews were alerted by other residents of a child trapped in the home. Offensive interior operations were initiated, and crews quickly found the child and removed him from the fire.

EMS transported the 4-year-old to Children's Mercy Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.&nbsp; As a precaution, EMS transported the other occupants, two adults and three children to KU Medical Center for evaluation. Officials released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705438086053.png" alt="Investigators on the scene of the deadly fire-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Investigators on the scene of the deadly fire-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a deadly fire on Tuesday in Kansas City.Just after 9a.m., crews responded to the report of a fire in the 3300 block of Oakland Avenue, according to&nbsp;Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. Crews were alerted by other residents of a child trapped in the home. Offensive interior operations were initiated, and crews quickly found the child and removed him from the fire.EMS transported the 4-year-old to Children's Mercy Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.&nbsp; As a precaution, EMS transported the other occupants, two adults and three children to KU Medical Center for evaluation. Officials released no additional details.

4-year-old dies from injuries after fire in Kansas City 

KANSAS CITY —One person was injured in an accident involving a State Trooper just before 10a.m. Tuesday in Jackson County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Dodge Ram driven by Jeremiah D. Buckner, 32, Buckner, Missouri, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of the Blue Springs exit.

The pickup traveled off the road, struck a concrete media and the drivers side rear of a 2021 Dodge MSHP vehicle that was stationary with emergency lights activated and behind a 2020 Ford driven by Jeffrey A. Napier, 43, Warrenton, Missouri, that had been involved in a previous crash.

After impact with the trooper's vehicle, the pickup struck the Ford from the earlier crash.

CIC Fire transported Harrison to Centerpoint Hospital. Napier and&nbsp; Trooper Matthew J. Hanrahan, 40, Lee's Summit, were not transported but the MSHP reported he will be sore.&nbsp; The estimated damage to the patrol car is $20,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705453137719.png" alt="View of crash scene -KC Scout" />
 <figcaption>View of crash scene -KC Scout</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —One person was injured in an accident involving a State Trooper just before 10a.m. Tuesday in Jackson County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Dodge Ram driven by Jeremiah D. Buckner, 32, Buckner, Missouri, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of the Blue Springs exit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705454875916.png" alt="Photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>The pickup traveled off the road, struck a concrete media and the drivers side rear of a 2021 Dodge MSHP vehicle that was stationary with emergency lights activated and behind a 2020 Ford driven by Jeffrey A. Napier, 43, Warrenton, Missouri, that had been involved in a previous crash.After impact with the trooper's vehicle, the pickup struck the Ford from the earlier crash.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705453113078.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CIC Fire transported Harrison to Centerpoint Hospital. Napier and&nbsp; Trooper Matthew J. Hanrahan, 40, Lee's Summit, were not transported but the MSHP reported he will be sore.&nbsp; The estimated damage to the patrol car is $20,000.

Pickup struck State Trooper's vehicle at scene of earlier crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another deadly shooting in Wichita and searching for a suspect.

Just after 5a.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp; responded to a 911 call in the 1000 block of S. Market in Wichita, according to police spokesman Andrew Ford. Officers found no victim or witness. 

A short time later, officers were dispatched to a call in the 900 block of S. Market Street where they discovered a man with a gunshot wound to his lower extremities. Sedgwick County EMS transported the victim in critical condition to an area hospital. He was pronounced deceased at 6:00 a.m.

Police have no suspect is in custody and have not released the name of the victim.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another deadly shooting in Wichita and searching for a suspect.Just after 5a.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp; responded to a 911 call in the 1000 block of S. Market in Wichita, according to police spokesman Andrew Ford. Officers found no victim or witness. A short time later, officers were dispatched to a call in the 900 block of S. Market Street where they discovered a man with a gunshot wound to his lower extremities. Sedgwick County EMS transported the victim in critical condition to an area hospital. He was pronounced deceased at 6:00 a.m.Police have no suspect is in custody and have not released the name of the victim.

Police investigating deadly Kansas shooting

JERUSALEM (AP)— Two Israeli men who were captured in Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack have been confirmed dead after the militant group released a video saying they were killed in Israeli airstrikes.

A forum for families of hostages released statements Tuesday confirming that Yossi Sharabi, 53, and Itai Svirsky, 38, had died in captivity in Gaza. They did not say how the men died.

The two were kidnapped from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-war-village-11396912de483148398800aa7914d674">Kibbutz Be’eri</a>, one of several communities near Gaza that Hamas and other militants overran after breaking through Israel’s border defenses. The attack ignited the war in Gaza, which is still raging.

Hamas released a video on Monday showing Sharabi and Svirsky giving statements on camera, likely under duress, followed by images of what appeared to be their dead bodies. It said they were killed in Israeli airstrikes.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesperson, said Monday that the army had feared for their lives. He said Israeli forces had struck a building near where the hostages were being held but did not know their location at the time.

Hamas and other militants captured some 250 people in the Oct. 7 attack. More than 100 were released in November during a weeklong cease-fire in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Most of the rest are still in captivity.

Hamas has said no more hostages will be released until there is a permanent cease-fire.

Meanwhile, medicine for hostages was en route to Gaza on Wednesday after Qatar and France mediated a deal between Israel and Hamas — the first agreement between the two since a weeklong cease-fire broke down in November.

The deal came more than 100 days into a conflict that shows no sign of ending and has sparked tensions across the Middle East, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-missiles-iran-seizure-us-8112fbadd3b0689c71a92890895a9368">a dizzying array of strikes and counterstrikes</a>&nbsp;in recent days from northern Iraq to the Red Sea and from southern Lebanon to Pakistan.

The United States launched the third strike&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-us-ship-attacks-bombing-red-sea-iran-cc06d9186a00d1f22bea6b9c14dda12a">in recent days</a>&nbsp;against the Houthi rebel group in Yemen, according to a U.S. official. The Houthis have attacked shipping in the crucial Red Sea corridor, saying they seek to halt&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s war in Gaza against Hamas</a>.

In northern Gaza, Palestinian militants battled Israeli forces and launched a barrage of rockets from farther south. The Palestinian death toll rose to 24,285 people, Gaza's Health Ministry said Tuesday. In Israel, around 1,200 people were killed during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Hamas' Oct. 7 attack</a>&nbsp;that sparked the war and saw some 250 people taken hostage by the militants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705462505185.png" alt="Yossi Sharabi photo&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.bringthemhomenow.net/">Hostages and Missing Families Forum</a>" />
 <figcaption>Yossi Sharabi photo&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.bringthemhomenow.net/">Hostages and Missing Families Forum</a></figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM (AP)— Two Israeli men who were captured in Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack have been confirmed dead after the militant group released a video saying they were killed in Israeli airstrikes.A forum for families of hostages released statements Tuesday confirming that Yossi Sharabi, 53, and Itai Svirsky, 38, had died in captivity in Gaza. They did not say how the men died.The two were kidnapped from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-war-village-11396912de483148398800aa7914d674">Kibbutz Be’eri</a>, one of several communities near Gaza that Hamas and other militants overran after breaking through Israel’s border defenses. The attack ignited the war in Gaza, which is still raging.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705462624278.png" alt="Itai Svirsky -photo&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.bringthemhomenow.net/">Hostages and Missing Families Forum</a>" />
 <figcaption>Itai Svirsky -photo&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.bringthemhomenow.net/">Hostages and Missing Families Forum</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Hamas released a video on Monday showing Sharabi and Svirsky giving statements on camera, likely under duress, followed by images of what appeared to be their dead bodies. It said they were killed in Israeli airstrikes.Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesperson, said Monday that the army had feared for their lives. He said Israeli forces had struck a building near where the hostages were being held but did not know their location at the time.Hamas and other militants captured some 250 people in the Oct. 7 attack. More than 100 were released in November during a weeklong cease-fire in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Most of the rest are still in captivity.Hamas has said no more hostages will be released until there is a permanent cease-fire.Meanwhile, medicine for hostages was en route to Gaza on Wednesday after Qatar and France mediated a deal between Israel and Hamas — the first agreement between the two since a weeklong cease-fire broke down in November.The deal came more than 100 days into a conflict that shows no sign of ending and has sparked tensions across the Middle East, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-missiles-iran-seizure-us-8112fbadd3b0689c71a92890895a9368">a dizzying array of strikes and counterstrikes</a>&nbsp;in recent days from northern Iraq to the Red Sea and from southern Lebanon to Pakistan.The United States launched the third strike&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-us-ship-attacks-bombing-red-sea-iran-cc06d9186a00d1f22bea6b9c14dda12a">in recent days</a>&nbsp;against the Houthi rebel group in Yemen, according to a U.S. official. The Houthis have attacked shipping in the crucial Red Sea corridor, saying they seek to halt&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s war in Gaza against Hamas</a>.In northern Gaza, Palestinian militants battled Israeli forces and launched a barrage of rockets from farther south. The Palestinian death toll rose to 24,285 people, Gaza's Health Ministry said Tuesday. In Israel, around 1,200 people were killed during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Hamas' Oct. 7 attack</a>&nbsp;that sparked the war and saw some 250 people taken hostage by the militants.

Two more hostages confirmed dead in Gaza

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a weekend murder near a fast-food restaurant in Kansas.

Just before 7p.m. Saturday, police responded to the parking lot of a fast food restaurant in the 13330 W. 87th Street Parkway in Lenexa on the report of an armed disturbance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705355537122.png" alt="Avance-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Avance-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a weekend murder near a fast-food restaurant in Kansas.Just before 7p.m. Saturday, police responded to the parking lot of a fast food restaurant in the 13330 W. 87th Street Parkway in Lenexa on the report of an armed disturbance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705317718200.png" alt="Police on the scene of the deadly shooting investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the deadly shooting investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>According to a 911 caller, one person was shot at the location. When officers arrived, they located a man later identified as&nbsp;21-year-old Markese D. Gleghorn of Lenexa inside a vehicle who had been shot. Officers attempted life-saving measures however Geighorn was pronounced deceased at the scene.A few minutes after this initial call, police received another call from an individual later identified as 24-year-old&nbsp;Dmariea Valentino Avance who said he was involved in the disturbance. Officers responded to an apartment in the 12700 block of W. 88th Circle where they took Avane into custody without incident.&nbsp;Avance is being held in Johnson County on $500,000 bond on a requested charges of first-degree murder, according to online jail records. He was scheduled to make his first court appearance on the charge Tuesday afternoon.