WASHINGTON (AP) — The day that panda lovers have been dreading has finally come.

The National Zoo's three giant pandas, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and their cub Xiao Qi Ji. on Wednesday began their long trip to China, leaving behind an empty panda exhibit with no certainty that pandas ever would again take up residence there.

“It is a moment with some heartbreak in it,” said National Zoo Director Brandie Smith. “But it is also a moment of joy because we are celebrating the success of the world’s longest running conservation program for a single species.”

The pandas had been loaded into large white crates away from the public view. Forklifts took them to waiting trucks — along with several bushels of bamboo for road snacks. Their faces were occasionally visible through a small window at the side of the crates. Zoo personnel walked alongside them.

They were taken to Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia, where a specially outfitted Boeing 777F dubbed the FedEx Panda Express was waiting. The 19-hour flight to Chengdu, China will include a refueling stop in Anchorage, Alaska.

Smith noted that during the 50 years of panda exchanges between China and the National Zoo, giant pandas have been removed from the list of endangered species.

She said she hopes to be back at the airport “sometime soon again as we celebrate the return of giant pandas to Smithsonian’s National Zoo.”

But there's no guarantee that pandas will return to the zoo. The zoo's exchange agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association expires in early December and negotiations to renew or extend the deal have not produced results.

Veteran China-watchers have speculated that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/giant-pandas-china-diplomacy-national-zoo-1f0eee3fc0114296bcfe5472c43a373e">Beijing is gradually withdrawing</a>&nbsp;its giant pandas from zoos in America and Europe amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-china-blinken-xi-biden-ce8bf13e5a02977a5291c001761ae0b3">diplomatic tensions</a>&nbsp;with a number of Western governments.

The San Diego Zoo returned its pandas in 2019, and the last bear at the Memphis, Tennessee, zoo went home earlier this year. The departure of the National Zoo’s bears means that the only giant pandas left in America are at the Atlanta Zoo — and that loan agreement expires late next year.

Chinese Embassy representative Xu Xueyuan praised the benefits of the China's multiple panda exchange agreements with zoos around the world. But she offered no hints on whether the program with American zoos will continue in the short term.

“Such collaboration has contributed strongly to the mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and American peoples,” she said. “China will continue to work closely with cooperation partners, including the United States, on the conservation and research of endangered species and biodiversity protection.”

The zoo's incredibly popular&nbsp;<a href="https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams/panda-cam">livestream panda-cam</a>&nbsp;is now showing greatest hits panda videos.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The day that panda lovers have been dreading has finally come.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Custom travel crates, about 800 lbs. each, were made for giant pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji for their journey from the Zoo to Chengdu via the <a href="https://twitter.com/FedEx?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FedEx</a> Panda Express. Also, onboard is our expert panda care team. Stay tuned for departure! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PandaStory?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PandaStory</a> 🐼🐼🐼🛫 <a href="https://t.co/K9mBJpXJyy">pic.twitter.com/K9mBJpXJyy</a>&mdash; National Zoo (@NationalZoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NationalZoo/status/1722303072175525936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The National Zoo's three giant pandas, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and their cub Xiao Qi Ji. on Wednesday began their long trip to China, leaving behind an empty panda exhibit with no certainty that pandas ever would again take up residence there.“It is a moment with some heartbreak in it,” said National Zoo Director Brandie Smith. “But it is also a moment of joy because we are celebrating the success of the world’s longest running conservation program for a single species.”The pandas had been loaded into large white crates away from the public view. Forklifts took them to waiting trucks — along with several bushels of bamboo for road snacks. Their faces were occasionally visible through a small window at the side of the crates. Zoo personnel walked alongside them.They were taken to Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia, where a specially outfitted Boeing 777F dubbed the FedEx Panda Express was waiting. The 19-hour flight to Chengdu, China will include a refueling stop in Anchorage, Alaska.Smith noted that during the 50 years of panda exchanges between China and the National Zoo, giant pandas have been removed from the list of endangered species.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">❤️🐼 Whether he was somersaulting down a snow-covered hill, splashing in a tub filled with suds or snacking on bamboo shoots, giant panda Tian Tian captured the hearts of millions with his chill and goofy personality. We wish him safe travels to China. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PandaStory?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PandaStory</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/smithsonian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@smithsonian</a> <a href="https://t.co/tDxRyQ7DsI">pic.twitter.com/tDxRyQ7DsI</a>&mdash; National Zoo (@NationalZoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NationalZoo/status/1722291594018054331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>She said she hopes to be back at the airport “sometime soon again as we celebrate the return of giant pandas to Smithsonian’s National Zoo.”But there's no guarantee that pandas will return to the zoo. The zoo's exchange agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association expires in early December and negotiations to renew or extend the deal have not produced results.Veteran China-watchers have speculated that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/giant-pandas-china-diplomacy-national-zoo-1f0eee3fc0114296bcfe5472c43a373e">Beijing is gradually withdrawing</a>&nbsp;its giant pandas from zoos in America and Europe amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-china-blinken-xi-biden-ce8bf13e5a02977a5291c001761ae0b3">diplomatic tensions</a>&nbsp;with a number of Western governments.The San Diego Zoo returned its pandas in 2019, and the last bear at the Memphis, Tennessee, zoo went home earlier this year. The departure of the National Zoo’s bears means that the only giant pandas left in America are at the Atlanta Zoo — and that loan agreement expires late next year.Chinese Embassy representative Xu Xueyuan praised the benefits of the China's multiple panda exchange agreements with zoos around the world. But she offered no hints on whether the program with American zoos will continue in the short term.“Such collaboration has contributed strongly to the mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and American peoples,” she said. “China will continue to work closely with cooperation partners, including the United States, on the conservation and research of endangered species and biodiversity protection.”The zoo's incredibly popular&nbsp;<a href="https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams/panda-cam">livestream panda-cam</a>&nbsp;is now showing greatest hits panda videos.

National Zoo's giant pandas fly home amid uncertainty about future exchanges

MANHATTAN - On Wednesday morning, Governor Laura Kelly hosted a Healthy Workers, Healthy Economy tour roundtable in Manhattan, where the discussion was focused on how expanding Medicaid would benefit the Kansas agriculture industry.

Concerns about the current healthcare issues including long wait times, and lack of mental health resources were the focus of the discussion between farmers, ranchers and legislators participating in the roundtable.

“Agriculture is the backbone of the Kansas economy, yet our farmers and ranchers often face unnecessary obstacles to accessing essential care,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Expanding Medicaid would protect rural hospitals and lower healthcare costs for everyone – including ag businesses –so our agriculture industry and economy can continue to flourish.”&nbsp;

From Governor Laura Kelly's Office:&nbsp;Here's how Medicaid Expansion would benefit rural Kansas communities and the agriculture industry:&nbsp;

“I have long dealt with medical care for our soldiers and veterans. The pressures facing our farmers are the same,” said Kansas State Representative Michael Dodson.&nbsp;“Kansas ranks dead last in mental health. Kansas also has significant issues in rural health care. Although nearly 80% of Kansans want Medicaid expansion, those who oppose it have offered no plans to improve the health care we have. Kansas continues to send money to Washington for the 40 states that have adopted Medicaid Expansion. Meanwhile, Kansas has lost nearly $7 billion since federal implementation.”&nbsp;

“Access to care in rural areas is crucial to the health and wellbeing of Kansas farmers and ranchers,”&nbsp;said Matt Splitter, Board Member of Kansas Corn.&nbsp;“While they’re working hard to propel our economy, surrounding hospitals are struggling to keep their doors open, making access to crucial mental and physical care difficult for rural communities. Medicaid expansion would give more Kansas farmers and ranchers health insurance while supporting rural hospitals so they can get health care in their own communities.”&nbsp;

According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZXhwYW5ka2FuY2FyZS5jb20vY291bnR5LWZhY3Qtc2hlZXRzLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzExMDguODUzNTMwOTEifQ.YzKh2m8HxZQbRO33bNHs4z9vVsPhrnblQvp_2LEoJA8/s/2584887534/br/230326385464-l" target="_blank">Alliance for a Healthy Kansas</a>, more than 2,600 Riley County residents and more than 700 Geary County residents would become eligible for Medicaid if the Kansas legislature were to pass an expansion bill. Additionally, more than 870 new jobs would be created in Riley County and nearly 250 jobs would be created in Geary County under Medicaid expansion. More than $29 million in new annual health care spending would be generated in the counties combined.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansans can call their state legislators and ask them to expand Medicaid at 800-432-3924.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699472642088.jpeg" alt="Photo by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN - On Wednesday morning, Governor Laura Kelly hosted a Healthy Workers, Healthy Economy tour roundtable in Manhattan, where the discussion was focused on how expanding Medicaid would benefit the Kansas agriculture industry.Concerns about the current healthcare issues including long wait times, and lack of mental health resources were the focus of the discussion between farmers, ranchers and legislators participating in the roundtable.“Agriculture is the backbone of the Kansas economy, yet our farmers and ranchers often face unnecessary obstacles to accessing essential care,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Expanding Medicaid would protect rural hospitals and lower healthcare costs for everyone – including ag businesses –so our agriculture industry and economy can continue to flourish.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699474898597.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From Governor Laura Kelly's Office:&nbsp;Here's how Medicaid Expansion would benefit rural Kansas communities and the agriculture industry:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>The Kansas agriculture industry has the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtoaS5vcmcvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjIvMDQvNDIyMDByZXBvcnR0cmZpbmFsLnBkZiIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzExMDguODUzNTMwOTEifQ.jwB-hR9hxenkvk0_VXXN2POcJXU7ozq6ddZZNPQHOxU/s/2584887534/br/230326385464-l" target="_blank">4th&nbsp;highest percentage</a>&nbsp;of workers who would potentially be eligible for Medicaid if it were expanded.&nbsp;</li><li>Of Kansas’ 104 rural hospitals, 58% are at risk of&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZ292ZXJub3Iua2Fuc2FzLmdvdi93cC1jb250ZW50L3VwbG9hZHMvMjAyMy8xMS9SdXJhbF9Ib3NwaXRhbHNfYXRfUmlza19vZl9DbG9zaW5nLnBkZiIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzExMDguODUzNTMwOTEifQ.x3CrGzpiwWMggXu3CP49ewK1sN7e0ft9c67Hf51VwBc/s/2584887534/br/230326385464-l" target="_blank">closing</a>&nbsp;their doors.&nbsp;When a rural hospital closes, it devastates the local economy.&nbsp;Being in a Medicaid expansion state&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnZveC5jb20vcG9saWN5LWFuZC1wb2xpdGljcy8yMDIwLzIvMTgvMjExNDI2NTAvcnVyYWwtaG9zcGl0YWxzLWNsb3NpbmctbWVkaWNhaWQtZXhwYW5zaW9uLXN0YXRlcyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzExMDguODUzNTMwOTEifQ.bmuw_IsNVktSGFhVXeovRRhL157AE22r9DM6ednKKyg/s/2584887534/br/230326385464-l" target="_blank">decreases</a>&nbsp;the likelihood of a rural hospital closing by 62%.&nbsp;</li><li>Farmers are&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNqb25saW5lLmNvbS9zdG9yeS9idXNpbmVzcy9hZ3JpY3VsdHVyYWwvMjAyMy8wOS8xOS9yb2dlci1tYXJzaGFsbC1yYWlzZXMtc3VpY2lkZS1wcmV2ZW50aW9uLWF3YXJlbmVzcy1mb3Ita2Fuc2FzLWZhcm1lcnMvNzA4OTIzNjgwMDcvIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTEwOC44NTM1MzA5MSJ9.vRkiD9D_SSVKZYMSAJ9r27Eqj1GysX3Pm3CBUhTThIE/s/2584887534/br/230326385464-l" target="_blank">more at risk for suicide</a>&nbsp;than any other type of worker in Kansas, and they need hospitals and other mental health care providers to remain open.</li>
 </ol>“I have long dealt with medical care for our soldiers and veterans. The pressures facing our farmers are the same,” said Kansas State Representative Michael Dodson.&nbsp;“Kansas ranks dead last in mental health. Kansas also has significant issues in rural health care. Although nearly 80% of Kansans want Medicaid expansion, those who oppose it have offered no plans to improve the health care we have. Kansas continues to send money to Washington for the 40 states that have adopted Medicaid Expansion. Meanwhile, Kansas has lost nearly $7 billion since federal implementation.”&nbsp;“Access to care in rural areas is crucial to the health and wellbeing of Kansas farmers and ranchers,”&nbsp;said Matt Splitter, Board Member of Kansas Corn.&nbsp;“While they’re working hard to propel our economy, surrounding hospitals are struggling to keep their doors open, making access to crucial mental and physical care difficult for rural communities. Medicaid expansion would give more Kansas farmers and ranchers health insurance while supporting rural hospitals so they can get health care in their own communities.”&nbsp;According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZXhwYW5ka2FuY2FyZS5jb20vY291bnR5LWZhY3Qtc2hlZXRzLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzExMDguODUzNTMwOTEifQ.YzKh2m8HxZQbRO33bNHs4z9vVsPhrnblQvp_2LEoJA8/s/2584887534/br/230326385464-l" target="_blank">Alliance for a Healthy Kansas</a>, more than 2,600 Riley County residents and more than 700 Geary County residents would become eligible for Medicaid if the Kansas legislature were to pass an expansion bill. Additionally, more than 870 new jobs would be created in Riley County and nearly 250 jobs would be created in Geary County under Medicaid expansion. More than $29 million in new annual health care spending would be generated in the counties combined.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansans can call their state legislators and ask them to expand Medicaid at 800-432-3924.&nbsp;Roundtable participants included:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>State Representative Mike Dodson,&nbsp;R-Manhattan&nbsp;</li><li>State Representative Kenny Titus,&nbsp;R-Manhattan&nbsp;</li><li>Matt Splitter,&nbsp;Board Member, Kansas Corn</li><li>Thad Geiger,&nbsp;Chair, Kansas Board of Agriculture&nbsp;</li><li>Nick Levendofsky,&nbsp;Executive Director, Kansas Farmers Union&nbsp;</li><li>Chrysanne Grund,&nbsp;Project Director,&nbsp;Greeley County Health Services&nbsp;</li><li>Scott Thellman,&nbsp;Member,&nbsp;Kansas Board of Agriculture and&nbsp;Former President, Kansas Specialty Crop Association&nbsp;</li><li>Erin Petersilie,&nbsp;Health Plan Director, Kansas Farm Bureau&nbsp;</li><li>Andrea de Jesus,&nbsp;Owner, A&amp;H Farm&nbsp;and President of the Downtown Farmer’s Market of Manhattan</li>
 </ol>

Gov. hosts roundtable with ag leaders about Medicaid expansion

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted late Tuesday to censure Democratic Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rashida-tlaib">Rashida Tlaib</a>&nbsp;of Michigan — the only Palestinian American in Congress — an extraordinary rebuke of her rhetoric about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>.

On social media Wednesday, Kansas 2nd district congressman Jake LaTurner wrote, "It's shameful that we have individuals serving in Congress who knowingly push Hamas propaganda and dangerous antisemitic rhetoric.

"From the river to the sea!" is a disgusting terrorist slogan that calls for the complete destruction of Israel."

The 234-188 tally came after enough Democrats joined with Republicans to censure Tlaib, a punishment one step below expulsion from the House. The three-term congresswoman has long been a target of criticism for her views on the decades-long conflict in the Middle East.

The debate on the censure resolution on Tuesday afternoon was emotional and intense. Republican Rep. Rich McCormick of Georgia pushed the measure in response to what he called Tlaib’s promotion of antisemitic rhetoric. He said she has “levied unbelievable falsehoods about our greatest ally, Israel, and the attack on October 7.”

With other Democrats standing by her side, Tlaib defended her stance, saying she “will not be silenced and I will not let you distort my words.” She added that her criticism of Israel has always been directed toward its government and its leadership under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“It is important to separate people and government,” she said. “The idea that criticizing the government of Israel is antisemitic sets a very dangerous precedent. And it’s been used to silence diverse voices speaking up for human rights across our nation.”

That criticism reached new heights after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">the Oct. 7 attack by the terrorist group Hamas</a>&nbsp;left hundreds of Israelis dead and scores injured. Tlaib, who has family in the West Bank, came under heavy reproval after she failed to immediately condemn Hamas after the attack.

All Democrats initially stood by Tlaib and helped defeat the first censure resolution against her last week. But since then, many of her colleagues, including prominent Jewish members, have become more conflicted about her rhetoric about the war, especially because of a slogan she has used frequently that is widely seen as calling for the eradication of Israel.

Ultimately, more than 20 of them joined Republicans on Tuesday night to censure her after an effort to shelve the measure failed earlier in the day.

The latest censure push resulted in a dramatic vote on the House floor amid political tensions over the ongoing, deadly Israel-Hamas war. While the majority of both parties have historically stood firmly on the side of Israel, divisions have emerged in the Democratic Party about the American response.

Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., the lone Democrat to vote with Republicans on Tuesday to advance the censure resolution, said he believed it was important to debate the slogan “from the river to the sea.”

“It is nothing else but the call for the destruction of Israel and murder of Jews,” the Jewish Democrat said. “I will always defend the right to free speech. Tlaib has the right to say whatever she wants.”

He added, “But it cannot go unanswered.”

While the censure of a lawmaker carries no practical effect, it amounts to severe reproach from colleagues, as lawmakers who are censured are usually asked to stand in the well of the House as the censure resolution against them is read aloud. But the resolution against Tlaib did not call for the public admonishment.

With the vote, Tlaib will become the second Muslim-American woman in Congress to be formally admonished this year for her criticism of Israel. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., was removed in February from the House Foreign Affairs Committee for similar comments she made about Israel.

Some on the left have criticized President Joe Biden’s stance and urged him to put conditions on U.S. support for Israel as its aggressive military campaign drives the Palestinian death toll higher.

While the vote against Tlaib will take place against the extraordinary backdrop of the war, the push to censure her is part of a growing pattern in the House.

Censure had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/impeachment-house-censure-schiff-biden-boebert-70a2206fc0c543a307fc3ec63d5287e9">long been viewed as a punishment of last resort</a>, just one step below expulsion and to be triggered only for the most egregious wrongdoing. But censure resolutions are quickly becoming routine in the chamber, often wielded in strikingly partisan ways.

Many Democrats and some Republicans who opposed censuring Tlaib cited free speech and warned of the precedent it would set.

“This resolution not only degrades our Constitution, but it cheapens the meaning of discipline in this body for people who actually commit wrongful actions like bribery, fraud, violent assault and so on,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., who defended Tlaib against the resolution on the floor late Tuesday.

A second resolution by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., to censure Tlaib had also been scheduled for a procedural vote late Tuesday night. But that measure was put on hold after the censure resolution from McCormick advanced to a final vote.

Tlaib is now the 26th person to ever be censured by the chamber, and the second just this year. In June, Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/schiff-censure-house-republicans-russia-trump-318300df0f7b4f51c5b0ba5dd91edd23">voted to censure Democrat Adam Schiff</a>&nbsp;of California for comments he made several years ago about investigations into then-President Donald Trump’s ties to Russia.

When the House was under Democratic control, Republican Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-entertainment-marjorie-taylor-greene-censures-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-854fd412b7a1049c8fb9a83fe2c56b8f">censured in 2021</a>&nbsp;for tweeting an animated video that depicted him striking Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York with a sword. And Democratic Rep. Charlie Rangel of New York was censured in 2010 over serious financial and campaign misconduct.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699467104100.png" alt="Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rashida-tlaib">Rashida Tlaib</a>, the only Palestinian American serving in Congress defends herself before the vote Tuesday night. She was comforted by Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rashida-tlaib">Rashida Tlaib</a>, the only Palestinian American serving in Congress defends herself before the vote Tuesday night. She was comforted by Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted late Tuesday to censure Democratic Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rashida-tlaib">Rashida Tlaib</a>&nbsp;of Michigan — the only Palestinian American in Congress — an extraordinary rebuke of her rhetoric about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>.On social media Wednesday, Kansas 2nd district congressman Jake LaTurner wrote, "It's shameful that we have individuals serving in Congress who knowingly push Hamas propaganda and dangerous antisemitic rhetoric."From the river to the sea!" is a disgusting terrorist slogan that calls for the complete destruction of Israel."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Last night I voted to censure Rashida Tlaib. It&#39;s shameful that we have individuals serving in Congress who knowingly push Hamas propaganda and dangerous antisemitic rhetoric. &quot;From the river to the sea!&quot; is a disgusting terrorist slogan that calls for the complete destruction… <a href="https://t.co/TIkBmYdaGl">pic.twitter.com/TIkBmYdaGl</a>&mdash; Rep. Jake LaTurner (@RepLaTurner) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepLaTurner/status/1722287889743044832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The 234-188 tally came after enough Democrats joined with Republicans to censure Tlaib, a punishment one step below expulsion from the House. The three-term congresswoman has long been a target of criticism for her views on the decades-long conflict in the Middle East.The debate on the censure resolution on Tuesday afternoon was emotional and intense. Republican Rep. Rich McCormick of Georgia pushed the measure in response to what he called Tlaib’s promotion of antisemitic rhetoric. He said she has “levied unbelievable falsehoods about our greatest ally, Israel, and the attack on October 7.”With other Democrats standing by her side, Tlaib defended her stance, saying she “will not be silenced and I will not let you distort my words.” She added that her criticism of Israel has always been directed toward its government and its leadership under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My statement on the efforts to silence me: <a href="https://t.co/RRPRfEBrYz">pic.twitter.com/RRPRfEBrYz</a>&mdash; Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (@RepRashida) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRashida/status/1721915427045920966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“It is important to separate people and government,” she said. “The idea that criticizing the government of Israel is antisemitic sets a very dangerous precedent. And it’s been used to silence diverse voices speaking up for human rights across our nation.”That criticism reached new heights after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">the Oct. 7 attack by the terrorist group Hamas</a>&nbsp;left hundreds of Israelis dead and scores injured. Tlaib, who has family in the West Bank, came under heavy reproval after she failed to immediately condemn Hamas after the attack.All Democrats initially stood by Tlaib and helped defeat the first censure resolution against her last week. But since then, many of her colleagues, including prominent Jewish members, have become more conflicted about her rhetoric about the war, especially because of a slogan she has used frequently that is widely seen as calling for the eradication of Israel.Ultimately, more than 20 of them joined Republicans on Tuesday night to censure her after an effort to shelve the measure failed earlier in the day.The latest censure push resulted in a dramatic vote on the House floor amid political tensions over the ongoing, deadly Israel-Hamas war. While the majority of both parties have historically stood firmly on the side of Israel, divisions have emerged in the Democratic Party about the American response.Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., the lone Democrat to vote with Republicans on Tuesday to advance the censure resolution, said he believed it was important to debate the slogan “from the river to the sea.”“It is nothing else but the call for the destruction of Israel and murder of Jews,” the Jewish Democrat said. “I will always defend the right to free speech. Tlaib has the right to say whatever she wants.”He added, “But it cannot go unanswered.”While the censure of a lawmaker carries no practical effect, it amounts to severe reproach from colleagues, as lawmakers who are censured are usually asked to stand in the well of the House as the censure resolution against them is read aloud. But the resolution against Tlaib did not call for the public admonishment.With the vote, Tlaib will become the second Muslim-American woman in Congress to be formally admonished this year for her criticism of Israel. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., was removed in February from the House Foreign Affairs Committee for similar comments she made about Israel.Some on the left have criticized President Joe Biden’s stance and urged him to put conditions on U.S. support for Israel as its aggressive military campaign drives the Palestinian death toll higher.While the vote against Tlaib will take place against the extraordinary backdrop of the war, the push to censure her is part of a growing pattern in the House.Censure had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/impeachment-house-censure-schiff-biden-boebert-70a2206fc0c543a307fc3ec63d5287e9">long been viewed as a punishment of last resort</a>, just one step below expulsion and to be triggered only for the most egregious wrongdoing. But censure resolutions are quickly becoming routine in the chamber, often wielded in strikingly partisan ways.Many Democrats and some Republicans who opposed censuring Tlaib cited free speech and warned of the precedent it would set.“This resolution not only degrades our Constitution, but it cheapens the meaning of discipline in this body for people who actually commit wrongful actions like bribery, fraud, violent assault and so on,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., who defended Tlaib against the resolution on the floor late Tuesday.A second resolution by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., to censure Tlaib had also been scheduled for a procedural vote late Tuesday night. But that measure was put on hold after the censure resolution from McCormick advanced to a final vote.Tlaib is now the 26th person to ever be censured by the chamber, and the second just this year. In June, Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/schiff-censure-house-republicans-russia-trump-318300df0f7b4f51c5b0ba5dd91edd23">voted to censure Democrat Adam Schiff</a>&nbsp;of California for comments he made several years ago about investigations into then-President Donald Trump’s ties to Russia.When the House was under Democratic control, Republican Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-entertainment-marjorie-taylor-greene-censures-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-854fd412b7a1049c8fb9a83fe2c56b8f">censured in 2021</a>&nbsp;for tweeting an animated video that depicted him striking Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York with a sword. And Democratic Rep. Charlie Rangel of New York was censured in 2010 over serious financial and campaign misconduct.

 Kan. Congressman explains vote to censure Congresswoman

DICKINSON COUNTY —A Kansas Game Warden was called out to Dickinson County on Monday for two bucks that were locked together from fighting, according to a social media report from the the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens. It appeared the two had been locked together for some time.

 One of the bucks was dead but the other was still alive and full of energy. In order to save the deer that was still alive, Game Warden Colter Silhan used a slug from his shotgun to shoot the antlers of the deer and separate them. 

The buck appeared to be in shock for a few seconds but once he realized he was free, he took off running and appeared to be in good health.  A salvage tag was given for the dead deer to the hunter who originally called in the incident.

DICKINSON COUNTY —A Kansas Game Warden was called out to Dickinson County on Monday for two bucks that were locked together from fighting, according to a social media report from the the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens. It appeared the two had been locked together for some time.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkdwpgamewardens%2Fvideos%2F353517057080058%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" 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> One of the bucks was dead but the other was still alive and full of energy. In order to save the deer that was still alive, Game Warden Colter Silhan used a slug from his shotgun to shoot the antlers of the deer and separate them. The buck appeared to be in shock for a few seconds but once he realized he was free, he took off running and appeared to be in good health. A salvage tag was given for the dead deer to the hunter who originally called in the incident.

🎥 Kan. game warden fires shot to free deer locked by the horns

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

TOPEKA — More than 50 colleges and universities in Kansas agreed to drop application fees Tuesday through Thursday for residents of the state regardless of age or income interested in seeking undergraduate degrees or certificates.

The opportunity to submit applications for free was extended by the six state universities supervised by the Kansas Board of Regents, Washburn University in Topeka, 19 community colleges, six technical colleges and 21 private independent colleges.

Jon Rolph, chairman of the Board of Regents, said the objective of the first statewide free college application period Nov. 7-9 was to temporarily discard an impediment to higher education and potentially increase the state’s rate of college attendance.

“The Apply Free Days initiative is part of the board’s effort to remove barriers to application and entry for Kansans, making our higher education system more affordable and accessible for all,” he said. “Kansas colleges and universities offer a wide range of program options that help students meet their career goals.”

In the past decade, Kansas’ college-going rate has declined. In 2021, 59.5% of Kansas high school graduates enrolled in a college, university or certificate program. The disinterest also was revealed when less than half of the state’s high school graduates submitted college financial aid applications.

Waiver of the application fee was extended to first-time freshmen, transfer students, returning students and those seeking a second bachelor’s degree. The initiative covered general applications, certificate programs, associate degree programs and bachelor degree programs. It doesn’t include applications for graduate school programs.

The Board of Regents said Apply Free Days information could be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kansasregents.org/applyfree">kansasregents.org/applyfree</a>. Students uncertain about what college option was best for them could use KSDegreeStats.org to explore the cost of degrees and potential earnings of graduates.

Prospective students may start and save an online application any time, but the fee would be waived only if the application was submitted during the three-day window.

However, Kansas colleges and universities have application<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasregents.org/resources/2023_Apply_Kansas_Fee_Waiver.pdf">&nbsp;fee waiver</a>&nbsp;programs available throughout the year to assist individuals enduring financial hardships. It is free to apply year round to the 19 community colleges. Pittsburg State University and Washburn University removed application fees.

Private colleges in Kansas not part of the Kansas Independent College Association may not be participants in the Apply Free Days network.

The state Board of Regents recommended potential students apply to college and then submit a free application for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa">federal student aid or the FAFSA</a>. The FAFSA would provide information about student grants, scholarships and work-study positions that could reduce the cost of a college education. Another option would be to apply for state aid through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasregents.org/students/student_financial_aid/scholarships_and_grants">Kansas State Scholarship Program</a>.

By TIM CARPENTER&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — More than 50 colleges and universities in Kansas agreed to drop application fees Tuesday through Thursday for residents of the state regardless of age or income interested in seeking undergraduate degrees or certificates.The opportunity to submit applications for free was extended by the six state universities supervised by the Kansas Board of Regents, Washburn University in Topeka, 19 community colleges, six technical colleges and 21 private independent colleges.Jon Rolph, chairman of the Board of Regents, said the objective of the first statewide free college application period Nov. 7-9 was to temporarily discard an impediment to higher education and potentially increase the state’s rate of college attendance.“The Apply Free Days initiative is part of the board’s effort to remove barriers to application and entry for Kansans, making our higher education system more affordable and accessible for all,” he said. “Kansas colleges and universities offer a wide range of program options that help students meet their career goals.”In the past decade, Kansas’ college-going rate has declined. In 2021, 59.5% of Kansas high school graduates enrolled in a college, university or certificate program. The disinterest also was revealed when less than half of the state’s high school graduates submitted college financial aid applications.Waiver of the application fee was extended to first-time freshmen, transfer students, returning students and those seeking a second bachelor’s degree. The initiative covered general applications, certificate programs, associate degree programs and bachelor degree programs. It doesn’t include applications for graduate school programs.The Board of Regents said Apply Free Days information could be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kansasregents.org/applyfree">kansasregents.org/applyfree</a>. Students uncertain about what college option was best for them could use KSDegreeStats.org to explore the cost of degrees and potential earnings of graduates.Prospective students may start and save an online application any time, but the fee would be waived only if the application was submitted during the three-day window.However, Kansas colleges and universities have application<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasregents.org/resources/2023_Apply_Kansas_Fee_Waiver.pdf">&nbsp;fee waiver</a>&nbsp;programs available throughout the year to assist individuals enduring financial hardships. It is free to apply year round to the 19 community colleges. Pittsburg State University and Washburn University removed application fees.Private colleges in Kansas not part of the Kansas Independent College Association may not be participants in the Apply Free Days network.The state Board of Regents recommended potential students apply to college and then submit a free application for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa">federal student aid or the FAFSA</a>. The FAFSA would provide information about student grants, scholarships and work-study positions that could reduce the cost of a college education. Another option would be to apply for state aid through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasregents.org/students/student_financial_aid/scholarships_and_grants">Kansas State Scholarship Program</a>.

50 Kan. colleges, universities take part in 3-day, free application initiative

ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Tuesday in Atchison County.

A 2008 Ford van driven by&nbsp;Thomas Sweet, 67, Leavenworth, was southbound in the 1500 Block of U.S.73, according to Police Chief Mike WIlson.

The van had problems that forced Sweet to pull over onto the shoulder of the road. He then got out of and underneath the van to look for the cause of a noise.&nbsp;

The vehicle, which had been left running and accidentlly left in gear, moved forward and ran over his legs.

The vehicle came to rest in an adjoining ditch. A passerby called 911. EMS transported Sweet to the Mosaic Medical Center in St. Joseph, Missouri for treatment of his injuries.

ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Tuesday in Atchison County.A 2008 Ford van driven by&nbsp;Thomas Sweet, 67, Leavenworth, was southbound in the 1500 Block of U.S.73, according to Police Chief Mike WIlson.The van had problems that forced Sweet to pull over onto the shoulder of the road. He then got out of and underneath the van to look for the cause of a noise.&nbsp;The vehicle, which had been left running and accidentlly left in gear, moved forward and ran over his legs.The vehicle came to rest in an adjoining ditch. A passerby called 911. EMS transported Sweet to the Mosaic Medical Center in St. Joseph, Missouri for treatment of his injuries.

Kan. man hospitalized after van ran over his legs

SEDGWICK COUNTY —On Monday&nbsp;members of the Maize Police Department were assisting the Wichita Police Department with a shoplifting call at Menard’s, 3630 N. Maize Road, that resulted in an Officer Involved Shooting where the suspect was shot, and a Maize Police Officer was injured. 

On Tuesday, Maize Police released a timeline to help clarify the events of the day.

13:44:10: Menards Loss Prevention (LP) called 9-1-1 to report a known shoplifter inside the store. The suspect was reported to have taken merchandise from the store without payment at least two known times in the past.

13:46:27: Suspect ran towards Maize Road – no loss – LP recovered merchandise.

13:47:08: Menards LP approached the suspect in the parking lot of the store.

13:48:13: Suspect walked towards the Auto Zone with Menards LP following at safe distance. Menards LP requested officers “trespass” the suspect from store (“trespass”= meaning, to provide documentation to the suspect that legally bars him from re-entering the store).

13:49:22: Suspect crossed Maize Road on foot. Maize PD Officer #1 saw the suspect and attempted to stop him on the west side of Maize Road. The suspect did not comply with the nofficer, concealed his hand inside his jacket, and walked east toward the Take 5 Oil Change.

Officer #1 followed the suspect in his patrol car. The suspect continued to disregard the officers’ orders to stop. The suspect walked south toward Club Carwash. The officer drove around to the east and south to attempt to intercept the suspect on the south side of the carwash.

13:52:01: Officer #1 lost visual of the suspect.

13:53:10: Officer #1 was directed by a citizen to a stormwater drain in the traffic way of the parking lot on the south side of Take 5 Oil Change. Officer #1 found the suspect hiding in the drain under a grated cover. 

13:53:27: Officer #1 confronted the suspect and ordered him out of the drain. The suspect did not comply and told Officer #1 that he had a gun which Officer #1 relayed to other incoming officers.

13:53:47: Two additional Maize PD Officers arrived at the location. The suspect lifted the grate cover and stood up, exposing his upper torso to the officers, but did not climb out of the drain. Officer #1 ordered the suspect to show officers his hands, but the suspect again refused to comply. Additional orders were given to show his hands and he refused to comply. Maize PD Officer #2 approached the suspect from behind and grabbed for the suspect’s right hand, which the suspect had tucked inside his jacket, and grabbed the suspect around the left shoulder with his left hand. Officer #1 grabbed the back of the suspect’s jacket collar.

13:53:56: Maize PD Officer #3 Officer ordered the suspect to show his hands. The suspect pulled his right hand out from under his jacket in a very quick and deliberate motion and pointed it towards Officer #3.

13:53:59: Officer #3 fired two shots at the suspect. Officers #1 and #2 pulled the suspect from the drain to a seated position outside the drain with his legs still in the drain. Officer #2 retreated backwards and away from the suspect because he suffered a gunshot wound to a finger of his left hand.

Maize Police Officers have been trained in tactical medicine and carry tactical medical kits. The officers immediately began rendering aid to the suspect and the officer on scene. As they were rendering aid, the suspect tells officers, “Let me die, I came out to die today.” The suspect was taken to a local hospital in critical condition and the officer was transported to a local hospital in serious condition.

The Officer was treated and released. The suspect did not sustain life threatening injuries and will be released in the next few days. A pickup for arrest has been issued for the suspect for Aggravated Assault and Resist Arrest by the Wichita Police Department.

The Maize Officer that was injured was a 51-year-old male with 29 years of law enforcement service. The other officer is a 39-year-old male with 7 years of law enforcement service. Both officers are currently on administrative leave. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699403984533.png" alt="Photo Maize PD" />
 <figcaption>Photo Maize PD</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —On Monday&nbsp;members of the Maize Police Department were assisting the Wichita Police Department with a shoplifting call at Menard’s, 3630 N. Maize Road, that resulted in an Officer Involved Shooting where the suspect was shot, and a Maize Police Officer was injured. On Tuesday, Maize Police released a timeline to help clarify the events of the day.13:44:10: Menards Loss Prevention (LP) called 9-1-1 to report a known shoplifter inside the store. The suspect was reported to have taken merchandise from the store without payment at least two known times in the past.13:46:13: Menards LP confronted suspect.13:46:27: Suspect ran towards Maize Road – no loss – LP recovered merchandise.13:47:08: Menards LP approached the suspect in the parking lot of the store.13:48:13: Suspect walked towards the Auto Zone with Menards LP following at safe distance. Menards LP requested officers “trespass” the suspect from store (“trespass”= meaning, to provide documentation to the suspect that legally bars him from re-entering the store).13:49:22: Suspect crossed Maize Road on foot. Maize PD Officer #1 saw the suspect and attempted to stop him on the west side of Maize Road. The suspect did not comply with the nofficer, concealed his hand inside his jacket, and walked east toward the Take 5 Oil Change.Officer #1 followed the suspect in his patrol car. The suspect continued to disregard the officers’ orders to stop. The suspect walked south toward Club Carwash. The officer drove around to the east and south to attempt to intercept the suspect on the south side of the carwash.13:52:01: Officer #1 lost visual of the suspect.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699404162855.png" alt="Image Maize PD" />
 <figcaption>Image Maize PD</figcaption>
 </figure>13:53:10: Officer #1 was directed by a citizen to a stormwater drain in the traffic way of the parking lot on the south side of Take 5 Oil Change. Officer #1 found the suspect hiding in the drain under a grated cover. 13:53:27: Officer #1 confronted the suspect and ordered him out of the drain. The suspect did not comply and told Officer #1 that he had a gun which Officer #1 relayed to other incoming officers.13:53:47: Two additional Maize PD Officers arrived at the location. The suspect lifted the grate cover and stood up, exposing his upper torso to the officers, but did not climb out of the drain. Officer #1 ordered the suspect to show officers his hands, but the suspect again refused to comply. Additional orders were given to show his hands and he refused to comply. Maize PD Officer #2 approached the suspect from behind and grabbed for the suspect’s right hand, which the suspect had tucked inside his jacket, and grabbed the suspect around the left shoulder with his left hand. Officer #1 grabbed the back of the suspect’s jacket collar.13:53:56: Maize PD Officer #3 Officer ordered the suspect to show his hands. The suspect pulled his right hand out from under his jacket in a very quick and deliberate motion and pointed it towards Officer #3.13:53:59: Officer #3 fired two shots at the suspect. Officers #1 and #2 pulled the suspect from the drain to a seated position outside the drain with his legs still in the drain. Officer #2 retreated backwards and away from the suspect because he suffered a gunshot wound to a finger of his left hand.Maize Police Officers have been trained in tactical medicine and carry tactical medical kits. The officers immediately began rendering aid to the suspect and the officer on scene. As they were rendering aid, the suspect tells officers, “Let me die, I came out to die today.” The suspect was taken to a local hospital in critical condition and the officer was transported to a local hospital in serious condition.The Officer was treated and released. The suspect did not sustain life threatening injuries and will be released in the next few days. A pickup for arrest has been issued for the suspect for Aggravated Assault and Resist Arrest by the Wichita Police Department.The Maize Officer that was injured was a 51-year-old male with 29 years of law enforcement service. The other officer is a 39-year-old male with 7 years of law enforcement service. Both officers are currently on administrative leave.

Body camera images released from Kan. officer-involved shooting 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp;The most populous city in Kansas will have a new mayor. Voters elected political newcomer and former television news anchor Lily Wu over incumbent Wichita mayor Brandon Whipple on Tuesday.&nbsp; 

According to the Sedgwick County election office Wu easily won with 35,859 votes to Whipple's 25,557.

Wu will take over in January when Whipple's term ends. Wu's top priorities are public safety and restoring trust in city hall, according to her campaign web site.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699412973065.png" alt="Lilly Wu courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Lilly Wu courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp;The most populous city in Kansas will have a new mayor. Voters elected political newcomer and former television news anchor Lily Wu over incumbent Wichita mayor Brandon Whipple on Tuesday.&nbsp; According to the Sedgwick County election office Wu easily won with 35,859 votes to Whipple's 25,557.Wu will take over in January when Whipple's term ends. Wu's top priorities are public safety and restoring trust in city hall, according to her campaign web site.

Most populous city in Kansas elects new mayor

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting that occurred in Wichita's Old Town on October 29, have a suspect in custody.&nbsp;

Just before 11:30a.m. Tuesday,&nbsp;&nbsp;police located the 21-year-old suspect and attempted to stop him during a traffic stop. The suspect refused to stop, and a traffic pursuit ensued, which led to the suspect colliding with another vehicle on the road. 

The suspect then fled on foot and was ultimately taken into custody by Wichita Police Officers.

The other driver involved in the crash received minor injuries and did not need immediate medical attention, according to Gupilan.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the vehicle collision, to ensure transparency. Police will released the name of the suspect after the charges are filed in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699406799719.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting that occurred in Wichita's Old Town on October 29, have a suspect in custody.&nbsp;Just before 11:30a.m. Tuesday,&nbsp;&nbsp;police located the 21-year-old suspect and attempted to stop him during a traffic stop. The suspect refused to stop, and a traffic pursuit ensued, which led to the suspect colliding with another vehicle on the road. The suspect then fled on foot and was ultimately taken into custody by Wichita Police Officers.The other driver involved in the crash received minor injuries and did not need immediate medical attention, according to Gupilan.The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the vehicle collision, to ensure transparency. Police will released the name of the suspect after the charges are filed in the case.

Police capture Kan. shooting suspect after chase, crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats had plenty of good news to celebrate in Tuesday’s off-year elections and more evidence that they can win races centered on the national debate over abortion.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-abortion-amendment-election-2023-fe3e06747b616507d8ca21ea26485270">Abortion rights supporters won</a>&nbsp;an Ohio ballot measure and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kentucky-primary-governors-race-election-2023-e8df45cd3978ce5a1691ba447c84bafc">Democratic governor of beet-red Kentucky</a>&nbsp;held onto his office by campaigning on reproductive rights and painting his opponent as extremist. A Democrat won an open seat on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kentucky-governor-campaign-ad-e29db1a78e4d0bb2c079d993af4c4af2">Pennsylvania Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;after campaigning on his pledge to uphold abortion rights. And Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-legislature-election-2023-79f9337731c25decc83b83eeb4d3e00e">took full control of the Virginia statehouse</a>, blocking Republicans from being able to pass new abortion restrictions and delivering a defeat to Gov. Glenn Youngkin that may&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/glenn-youngkin-president-trump-2024-gop-91adf2b58e18f2d48da29c6219570537">douse any buzz about a late entry</a>&nbsp;into the GOP presidential primary.

The victories won't be enough to make Democrats feel secure heading into next year’s presidential election. The off-year elections have major implications in all of those states and provide a snapshot of American politics heading into 2024. But two big names — Joe Biden and Donald Trump — weren't on the ballot this time. How Americans view them will be a huge factor in shaping next year's race.

Here are some key results from Tuesday’s voting.

Democrats notched two early wins Tuesday night in Kentucky and Ohio, states that voted for Trump in 2020. In both states, abortion was the main campaign issue.

Kentucky&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-kentucky-governor-beshear-cameron-f942a360de22975335a1406f1fdd9ad4">Gov. Andy Beshear was reelected in a state that Trump</a>&nbsp;had won by 26 percentage points. Beshear had criticized the abortion views of his Republican challenger, Attorney General Daniel Cameron, in debates and television ads. One&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kentucky-governor-campaign-ad-e29db1a78e4d0bb2c079d993af4c4af2">Beshear ad</a>&nbsp;featured a woman who miscarried after being raped by her stepfather at age 12 expressing disbelief at Cameron's opposition to abortion in cases of rape and incest.

In Ohio, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-ohio-ballot-abortion-issue-one-amendment-9ab6fb181f2440dad90a616b278403ce">ballot measure preserving abortion rights passed</a>&nbsp;in a state that Trump won by eight percentage points in 2020. Republicans had already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/direct-democracy-ballot-initiatives-republicans-ohio-abortion-bdf2dd061925e49d8dad69e2bd00f835">tried to derail the measure</a>&nbsp;by calling an unusual August referendum to make it harder to pass ballot measures, an initiative that was roundly rejected by Ohio voters.

Later Tuesday, Dan McCaffery won an open seat on Pennsylvania's Supreme Court after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-election-state-supreme-court-5303f2c0d2145c3c0d162e565cfda7b7">positioning himself as a defender of abortion rights</a>. And in Virginia, Democrats held the state Senate and flipped control of the Virginia House of Delegates from the GOP.

The outcomes suggest a transformed political landscape since a conservative majority of the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned a federal right to an abortion last year</a>. Abortion rights measures have passed in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-us-supreme-court-health-michigan-23bfba4a07de57b175d9de1281ecace6">plethora</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">states</a>&nbsp;as some other Republican-run states have instituted new bans on the procedure.

Abortion rights may not be a potent enough issue to swing an election on its own. Several GOP governors who supported new bans cruised to reelection last year, including Ohio’s Mike DeWine, Florida’s Ron DeSantis and Texas’ Greg Abbott.

But abortion was the key issue across the country on Tuesday. And that should worry Republicans in competitive races next year.

GOOD NIGHT FOR DEMOCRATS, BUT MAYBE NOT FOR 2024

It was a good night for Democrats following a series of wins in special elections and comes after a stronger performance in last year's midterms, which are usually crushing for the party in power in Washington.

But none of the races were an up-or-down decision on the incumbent president, Biden. And none featured Trump on the ballot or his ability to turbocharge turnout of infrequent voters.

Democrats have performed well in recent special elections and did&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-race-and-ethnicity-congress-government-politics-b5a279d322326f581304df50020a9d47">better than expected in 2022</a>. It increasingly seems like the party starts from a position of strength. But it's not clear that translates to its 80-year-old president, who faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-approval-economy-poll-survey-b6ec307d15e65ad37b69ff1dc1a0dca8">widespread skepticism about his job performance</a>&nbsp;and whether he is too old to serve a second term.

We'll have to wait until 2024 to see how Biden fares.

Glenn Youngkin burst on the political scene in 2021, winning an upset victory to become the Republican governor of Virginia, a state Biden won handily the previous year. Putting a moderate, suburban dad spin on modern Republicanism, Youngkin generated buzz that he could even make a late, surprise entry into the GOP presidential primary after this month’s elections.

Instead, Youngkin said he would focus on the 2023 legislative elections and winning full Republican control over Virginia government. Things did not go the way he hoped.

Youngkin raised tens of millions of dollars for Republicans to defend their majority in Virginia’s House of Delegates and win control of the Senate, which Democrats narrowly held in 2021. Among the things the legislature could do with that majority, he said, was pass a 15-week abortion ban he favored.

Youngkin didn’t really have a path forward in the presidential primary — his window to get on the ballot has already closed in some states. Virginia has an unusual single-term limit for governors, making Youngkin’s political future even more of a question.

Whatever he does, he’ll have to explain 2023. And he'll face unified Democratic control of the statehouse for the rest of his term.

It was a good night for Democrats, but it could only go so far.

The party invested heavily in an unlikely place: Mississippi, where Brandon Presley, best known as Elvis Presley’s second cousin, was challenging Republican Gov. Tate Reeves.

The party hoped that Presley’s celebrity and political skills, coupled with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/black-voters-mississippi-suppression-election-2023-90e2b6df8e3f0f2ed4141830fa1ee8f6">change in a centuries-old provision</a>&nbsp;originally designed to keep Black candidates from winning statewide races, could spell an unlikely victory. But it was not to be.

Reeves won the race. There are limited lessons to draw from a party falling short in a state its 2020 presidential candidate lost by 17 points, except one of the oldest — you can’t win ’em all.

Political candidates broke barriers in a handful of wins Tuesday.

Former Biden White House aide Gabe Amo will become the first Black member of Congress from Rhode Island after winning the special election in that state’s first congressional district.

The son of West African immigrants, Amo emerged from a 12-candidate September primary to succeed retiring Rep. David Cicilline. On Tuesday, Amo defeated Republican Gerry Leonard, a Marine veteran, in the heavily Democratic district.

And Philadelphia will have its first female mayor after Democrat Cherelle Parker defeated Republican David Oh in the overwhelmingly Democratic city.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699281363641.png" alt="Photo courtesy SBA Pro-Life America" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy SBA Pro-Life America</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats had plenty of good news to celebrate in Tuesday’s off-year elections and more evidence that they can win races centered on the national debate over abortion.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-abortion-amendment-election-2023-fe3e06747b616507d8ca21ea26485270">Abortion rights supporters won</a>&nbsp;an Ohio ballot measure and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kentucky-primary-governors-race-election-2023-e8df45cd3978ce5a1691ba447c84bafc">Democratic governor of beet-red Kentucky</a>&nbsp;held onto his office by campaigning on reproductive rights and painting his opponent as extremist. A Democrat won an open seat on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kentucky-governor-campaign-ad-e29db1a78e4d0bb2c079d993af4c4af2">Pennsylvania Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;after campaigning on his pledge to uphold abortion rights. And Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-legislature-election-2023-79f9337731c25decc83b83eeb4d3e00e">took full control of the Virginia statehouse</a>, blocking Republicans from being able to pass new abortion restrictions and delivering a defeat to Gov. Glenn Youngkin that may&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/glenn-youngkin-president-trump-2024-gop-91adf2b58e18f2d48da29c6219570537">douse any buzz about a late entry</a>&nbsp;into the GOP presidential primary.The victories won't be enough to make Democrats feel secure heading into next year’s presidential election. The off-year elections have major implications in all of those states and provide a snapshot of American politics heading into 2024. But two big names — Joe Biden and Donald Trump — weren't on the ballot this time. How Americans view them will be a huge factor in shaping next year's race.Here are some key results from Tuesday’s voting.ABORTION REMAINS POTENT FOR DEMOCRATSDemocrats notched two early wins Tuesday night in Kentucky and Ohio, states that voted for Trump in 2020. In both states, abortion was the main campaign issue.Kentucky&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-kentucky-governor-beshear-cameron-f942a360de22975335a1406f1fdd9ad4">Gov. Andy Beshear was reelected in a state that Trump</a>&nbsp;had won by 26 percentage points. Beshear had criticized the abortion views of his Republican challenger, Attorney General Daniel Cameron, in debates and television ads. One&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kentucky-governor-campaign-ad-e29db1a78e4d0bb2c079d993af4c4af2">Beshear ad</a>&nbsp;featured a woman who miscarried after being raped by her stepfather at age 12 expressing disbelief at Cameron's opposition to abortion in cases of rape and incest.In Ohio, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-ohio-ballot-abortion-issue-one-amendment-9ab6fb181f2440dad90a616b278403ce">ballot measure preserving abortion rights passed</a>&nbsp;in a state that Trump won by eight percentage points in 2020. Republicans had already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/direct-democracy-ballot-initiatives-republicans-ohio-abortion-bdf2dd061925e49d8dad69e2bd00f835">tried to derail the measure</a>&nbsp;by calling an unusual August referendum to make it harder to pass ballot measures, an initiative that was roundly rejected by Ohio voters.Later Tuesday, Dan McCaffery won an open seat on Pennsylvania's Supreme Court after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-election-state-supreme-court-5303f2c0d2145c3c0d162e565cfda7b7">positioning himself as a defender of abortion rights</a>. And in Virginia, Democrats held the state Senate and flipped control of the Virginia House of Delegates from the GOP.The outcomes suggest a transformed political landscape since a conservative majority of the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned a federal right to an abortion last year</a>. Abortion rights measures have passed in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-us-supreme-court-health-michigan-23bfba4a07de57b175d9de1281ecace6">plethora</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">states</a>&nbsp;as some other Republican-run states have instituted new bans on the procedure.Abortion rights may not be a potent enough issue to swing an election on its own. Several GOP governors who supported new bans cruised to reelection last year, including Ohio’s Mike DeWine, Florida’s Ron DeSantis and Texas’ Greg Abbott.But abortion was the key issue across the country on Tuesday. And that should worry Republicans in competitive races next year.GOOD NIGHT FOR DEMOCRATS, BUT MAYBE NOT FOR 2024It was a good night for Democrats following a series of wins in special elections and comes after a stronger performance in last year's midterms, which are usually crushing for the party in power in Washington.But none of the races were an up-or-down decision on the incumbent president, Biden. And none featured Trump on the ballot or his ability to turbocharge turnout of infrequent voters.Democrats have performed well in recent special elections and did&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-race-and-ethnicity-congress-government-politics-b5a279d322326f581304df50020a9d47">better than expected in 2022</a>. It increasingly seems like the party starts from a position of strength. But it's not clear that translates to its 80-year-old president, who faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-approval-economy-poll-survey-b6ec307d15e65ad37b69ff1dc1a0dca8">widespread skepticism about his job performance</a>&nbsp;and whether he is too old to serve a second term.We'll have to wait until 2024 to see how Biden fares.YOUNGKIN FALLS SHORTGlenn Youngkin burst on the political scene in 2021, winning an upset victory to become the Republican governor of Virginia, a state Biden won handily the previous year. Putting a moderate, suburban dad spin on modern Republicanism, Youngkin generated buzz that he could even make a late, surprise entry into the GOP presidential primary after this month’s elections.Instead, Youngkin said he would focus on the 2023 legislative elections and winning full Republican control over Virginia government. Things did not go the way he hoped.Youngkin raised tens of millions of dollars for Republicans to defend their majority in Virginia’s House of Delegates and win control of the Senate, which Democrats narrowly held in 2021. Among the things the legislature could do with that majority, he said, was pass a 15-week abortion ban he favored.Youngkin didn’t really have a path forward in the presidential primary — his window to get on the ballot has already closed in some states. Virginia has an unusual single-term limit for governors, making Youngkin’s political future even more of a question.Whatever he does, he’ll have to explain 2023. And he'll face unified Democratic control of the statehouse for the rest of his term.DEMOCRATS' HEARTBREAK HOTELIt was a good night for Democrats, but it could only go so far.The party invested heavily in an unlikely place: Mississippi, where Brandon Presley, best known as Elvis Presley’s second cousin, was challenging Republican Gov. Tate Reeves.The party hoped that Presley’s celebrity and political skills, coupled with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/black-voters-mississippi-suppression-election-2023-90e2b6df8e3f0f2ed4141830fa1ee8f6">change in a centuries-old provision</a>&nbsp;originally designed to keep Black candidates from winning statewide races, could spell an unlikely victory. But it was not to be.Reeves won the race. There are limited lessons to draw from a party falling short in a state its 2020 presidential candidate lost by 17 points, except one of the oldest — you can’t win ’em all.HISTORIC FIRSTSPolitical candidates broke barriers in a handful of wins Tuesday.Former Biden White House aide Gabe Amo will become the first Black member of Congress from Rhode Island after winning the special election in that state’s first congressional district.The son of West African immigrants, Amo emerged from a 12-candidate September primary to succeed retiring Rep. David Cicilline. On Tuesday, Amo defeated Republican Gerry Leonard, a Marine veteran, in the heavily Democratic district.And Philadelphia will have its first female mayor after Democrat Cherelle Parker defeated Republican David Oh in the overwhelmingly Democratic city.

Democrats win in several states on abortion rights

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House on Tuesday reiterated that President Joe Biden does not support an Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip once the war ends.

Asked about Netanyahu’s comments, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said he would leave it to Netanyahu to clarify what he means by having “indefinite” control of Gaza's security.

“There needs to be a healthy set of conversations about what post conflict Gaza looks like and what governance looks like,” Kirby told reporters. “What we absolutely agree with our Israeli counterparts on is what it can’t look like, and it can’t look like it looked on October 6.”

Biden previously said it would be a “mistake” for Israel to occupy Gaza.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;The pace of Palestinian civilians fleeing the combat zone in northern Gaza has picked up as Israel’s air and ground campaign there intensifies. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said Wednesday that about 15,000 people fled on Tuesday, compared to 5,000 on Monday and 2,000 on Sunday.

The densely populated northern area of Gaza, specifically Gaza City and adjacent crowded urban refugee camps, are the focus of Israel’s campaign to crush Hamas, the militant group that has ruled Gaza for 16 years. The war, now in its second month, was triggered by the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel.

The number of Palestinians killed in the war passed 10,300, including more than 4,200 children, the Hamas-run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Gaza</a>&nbsp;said Tuesday.

In the occupied West Bank, more than 160 Palestinians have been killed in the violence and Israeli raids. More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, most of them in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Oct. 7 Hamas attack</a>&nbsp;that started the fighting, and 242 hostages were taken from Israel into Gaza by the militant group.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697623511291.png" alt="Biden previously said it would be a “mistake” for Israel to occupy Gaza.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Biden previously said it would be a “mistake” for Israel to occupy Gaza.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House on Tuesday reiterated that President Joe Biden does not support an Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip once the war ends.Asked about Netanyahu’s comments, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said he would leave it to Netanyahu to clarify what he means by having “indefinite” control of Gaza's security.“There needs to be a healthy set of conversations about what post conflict Gaza looks like and what governance looks like,” Kirby told reporters. “What we absolutely agree with our Israeli counterparts on is what it can’t look like, and it can’t look like it looked on October 6.”Biden previously said it would be a “mistake” for Israel to occupy Gaza.Meanwhile,&nbsp;The pace of Palestinian civilians fleeing the combat zone in northern Gaza has picked up as Israel’s air and ground campaign there intensifies. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said Wednesday that about 15,000 people fled on Tuesday, compared to 5,000 on Monday and 2,000 on Sunday.The densely populated northern area of Gaza, specifically Gaza City and adjacent crowded urban refugee camps, are the focus of Israel’s campaign to crush Hamas, the militant group that has ruled Gaza for 16 years. The war, now in its second month, was triggered by the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel.The number of Palestinians killed in the war passed 10,300, including more than 4,200 children, the Hamas-run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Gaza</a>&nbsp;said Tuesday.In the occupied West Bank, more than 160 Palestinians have been killed in the violence and Israeli raids. More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, most of them in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Oct. 7 Hamas attack</a>&nbsp;that started the fighting, and 242 hostages were taken from Israel into Gaza by the militant group.

White House against Israel re-occupying Gaza after war 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man who admitted sexually assaulting patients at a Kansas hospital is scheduled for sentencing Thursday.

In September, Miguel Rodela, 28, entered a guilty plea to rape, attempted rape and battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

&nbsp;Rodela, who was neither a patient nor a hospital employee, was arrested in the pre-dawn hours of June 15 after fighting with security guards.&nbsp;

A 76-year-old woman patient said she awoke around 1 a.m. that day to a man manipulating her catheter. She told police she assumed he was fixing it but noticing he was wearing no gloves or medical attire, she told him to find someone else to fix the catheter, according to the probable cause affidavit.

A nurse walked into the room, but when the man said he was a nursing student, the nurse left without questioning him. Soon after, the patient hit a call button to get the nurse to return and the man left. Security was summoned and the woman reported: “He violated me.”

A lawsuit against the hospital notes that Rodela was in the patient's room for more than 20 minutes.

Court records show a hospital security officer had just started checking surveillance video when he was alerted to another assault on the seventh floor. A nurse technician there found Rodela embracing an 82-year-old woman, his hands under the blankets. The patient said the man had kissed her on the mouth, according to the affidavit.

Soon after that, a security officer on the sixth floor spotted Rodela on top of a 47-year-old patient, lifting up her shirt. The patient had a traumatic brain injury that rendered her unable to speak and Rodela told a nurse he was her relative, although she was skeptical, according to the affidavit.

Under questioning, Rodela told police he had been drinking and having sexual fantasies about hospitalized patients. He said he entered the hospital through a door behind an employee, and that he came into contact with at least three patient. He said he rubbed and kissed them until they woke up, the affidavit said.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686922520098.png" alt="Rodela-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Rodela-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man who admitted sexually assaulting patients at a Kansas hospital is scheduled for sentencing Thursday.In September, Miguel Rodela, 28, entered a guilty plea to rape, attempted rape and battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;Rodela, who was neither a patient nor a hospital employee, was arrested in the pre-dawn hours of June 15 after fighting with security guards.&nbsp;A 76-year-old woman patient said she awoke around 1 a.m. that day to a man manipulating her catheter. She told police she assumed he was fixing it but noticing he was wearing no gloves or medical attire, she told him to find someone else to fix the catheter, according to the probable cause affidavit.A nurse walked into the room, but when the man said he was a nursing student, the nurse left without questioning him. Soon after, the patient hit a call button to get the nurse to return and the man left. Security was summoned and the woman reported: “He violated me.”A lawsuit against the hospital notes that Rodela was in the patient's room for more than 20 minutes.Court records show a hospital security officer had just started checking surveillance video when he was alerted to another assault on the seventh floor. A nurse technician there found Rodela embracing an 82-year-old woman, his hands under the blankets. The patient said the man had kissed her on the mouth, according to the affidavit.Soon after that, a security officer on the sixth floor spotted Rodela on top of a 47-year-old patient, lifting up her shirt. The patient had a traumatic brain injury that rendered her unable to speak and Rodela told a nurse he was her relative, although she was skeptical, according to the affidavit.Under questioning, Rodela told police he had been drinking and having sexual fantasies about hospitalized patients. He said he entered the hospital through a door behind an employee, and that he came into contact with at least three patient. He said he rubbed and kissed them until they woke up, the affidavit said.-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Sentencing for sexual assault of patients at Kansas hospital

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged violent crimes, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.

On Monday, after on an investigation by the Brown County Sheriff's office, deputies arrested 25-year-old Cody Ptomey of Horton on requested charges of Rape, Aggravated Criminal Sodomy and Aggravated Kidnapping.&nbsp; He is being held without bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699377926923.png" alt="Ptomey-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Ptomey-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged violent crimes, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.On Monday, after on an investigation by the Brown County Sheriff's office, deputies arrested 25-year-old Cody Ptomey of Horton on requested charges of Rape, Aggravated Criminal Sodomy and Aggravated Kidnapping.&nbsp; He is being held without bond, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of kidnapping and rape

HARVEY COUNTY—A Kansas woman is going to prison after admitting to child sex crimes.

On Monday District Judge Jason Lane sentenced 32-year-old Gabriaellea Akin 32, of Hesston to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 50 years, according to the Harvey County Attorney's office.

In June, Akin pleaded guilty to Aggravated Criminal Sodomy and Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a child, The victim of the case was a child under 14-years-old.

Along with the prison sentence, Judge Lane ordered Akin to serve lifetime parole and lifetime registration as a sexual offender. Akin is also ordered to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Kansas Offender Registration Act.

Lifetime parole requires the Kansas Department of Corrections to supervise Akin the rest of her life. Akin is subject to conditions of release set by the Kansas Department of Corrections. If she violates those conditions, she could be sent back to prison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699373543614.png" alt="Akin-photo Harvey County" />
 <figcaption>Akin-photo Harvey County</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY—A Kansas woman is going to prison after admitting to child sex crimes.On Monday District Judge Jason Lane sentenced 32-year-old Gabriaellea Akin 32, of Hesston to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 50 years, according to the Harvey County Attorney's office.In June, Akin pleaded guilty to Aggravated Criminal Sodomy and Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a child, The victim of the case was a child under 14-years-old.Along with the prison sentence, Judge Lane ordered Akin to serve lifetime parole and lifetime registration as a sexual offender. Akin is also ordered to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Kansas Offender Registration Act.Lifetime parole requires the Kansas Department of Corrections to supervise Akin the rest of her life. Akin is subject to conditions of release set by the Kansas Department of Corrections. If she violates those conditions, she could be sent back to prison.

Life in prison: Kan. woman admits to sex crimes involving a child

WASHINGTON (AP) — A man with a rifle was arrested in a park near the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, police said.

Police confronted 21-year-old Ahmir Lavon Merrell a registered sex offender from Atlanta after someone saw him with the gun in a park near Senate office buildings and told an officer, U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement. Officers demanded that he drop the gun, but he refused and they used a Taser stun gun to subdue him, police said.

The park and roads in the area across from Washington’s Union Station were closed for about two hours as officers searched the area and Merrell's belongings.

Officers said they did not believe there was an ongoing threat. It was not immediately clear why he was in Washington. No publicly listed contacts were available for him, and a lawyer who represented him on a previous case did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said he was proud of officers who “ran toward the man with the loaded gun.”

Carrying firearms is prohibited on U.S. Capitol grounds. So far this year, U.S. Capitol Police have confiscated more than 30 guns.

After the arrest, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he supports a ban on guns often referred to as assault weapons. “We are keeping a constant vigilance on security” in the Capitol, he said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A man with a gun was arrested near the U.S. Capitol Tuesday afternoon, police said.

The man was in a park outside Senate office buildings and across from Washington’s Union Station when he was arrested, the U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter.

Police searched the area where he was arrested as well as his belongings “out of an abundance of caution.”

Officers said they did not believe there was an “ongoing threat.”

-Check the Post for additional details as they are made available from the U.S. Capitol Police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699405527730.png" alt="Merrill-photo from a 2019 arrest in Fulton County, Georgia" />
 <figcaption>Merrill-photo from a 2019 arrest in Fulton County, Georgia</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A man with a rifle was arrested in a park near the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, police said.Police confronted 21-year-old Ahmir Lavon Merrell a registered sex offender from Atlanta after someone saw him with the gun in a park near Senate office buildings and told an officer, U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement. Officers demanded that he drop the gun, but he refused and they used a Taser stun gun to subdue him, police said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">USCP Officers Arrest Man with Rifle Thanks to Citizen Tip: <a href="https://t.co/7kWpJrwH6T">https://t.co/7kWpJrwH6T</a> <a href="https://t.co/TVvFSKVuws">pic.twitter.com/TVvFSKVuws</a>&mdash; The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/CapitolPolice/status/1722022573599277541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The park and roads in the area across from Washington’s Union Station were closed for about two hours as officers searched the area and Merrell's belongings.Officers said they did not believe there was an ongoing threat. It was not immediately clear why he was in Washington. No publicly listed contacts were available for him, and a lawyer who represented him on a previous case did not immediately return messages seeking comment.Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said he was proud of officers who “ran toward the man with the loaded gun.”Carrying firearms is prohibited on U.S. Capitol grounds. So far this year, U.S. Capitol Police have confiscated more than 30 guns.After the arrest, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he supports a ban on guns often referred to as assault weapons. “We are keeping a constant vigilance on security” in the Capitol, he said.----------------WASHINGTON (AP) — A man with a gun was arrested near the U.S. Capitol Tuesday afternoon, police said.The man was in a park outside Senate office buildings and across from Washington’s Union Station when he was arrested, the U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter.Police searched the area where he was arrested as well as his belongings “out of an abundance of caution.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Due to police activity, the following road closures are in effect: ⁰⁰- Columbus Circle between Louisiana and Delaware Avenues, NE⁰- D Street between Louisiana and Delaware Avenues, NE ⁰⁰Please avoid the area until further notice. <a href="https://t.co/rVixmZsgme">pic.twitter.com/rVixmZsgme</a>&mdash; The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/CapitolPolice/status/1721948851387396117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Officers said they did not believe there was an “ongoing threat.”-Check the Post for additional details as they are made available from the U.S. Capitol Police.

Police: Sex offender with a rifle is arrested near the US Capitol

CLAY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect

On November 3, sheriff's deputies&nbsp;served a search warrant on a drug house operating next to an elementary school, according to the Clay County Sheriff's office.

 Clarence D.L. Greenwood, 56, was arrested on requested charges that include distribution of a controlled substance with an enhanced penalty of being within 2,000 feet of a school&nbsp; keeping or maintaining a public nuisance,&nbsp;

Greenwood is being held on a $100K bond. Kansas City Codes enforcement saw numerous violations that made the house uninhabitable and boarded it up. Deputies will continue to check it to ensure no one has returned for illegal activity.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699307350247.png" alt="Greenwood-photo Clay Co." />
 <figcaption>Greenwood-photo Clay Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>CLAY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspectOn November 3, sheriff's deputies&nbsp;served a search warrant on a drug house operating next to an elementary school, according to the Clay County Sheriff's office. Clarence D.L. Greenwood, 56, was arrested on requested charges that include distribution of a controlled substance with an enhanced penalty of being within 2,000 feet of a school&nbsp; keeping or maintaining a public nuisance,&nbsp;Greenwood is being held on a $100K bond. Kansas City Codes enforcement saw numerous violations that made the house uninhabitable and boarded it up. Deputies will continue to check it to ensure no one has returned for illegal activity.&nbsp;

Sheriff's deputies bust drug house near an elementary school

WASHINGTON —Senate Democrats on Tuesday afternoon blocked Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall's effort to pass the aid package to Israel that House Speaker Mike Johnson and the House GOP delivered to the Senate last week.

The nearly $14.5 billion military aid package approved in the House Thursday for Israel, a muscular U.S. response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-11-1-2023-7016eb9ebd6a7852c0ed71bc97f14d92">war with Hamas</a>&nbsp;but also a partisan approach by new Speaker Mike Johnson that poses a direct challenge to Democrats and President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>.

On social media Marshall wrote,&nbsp; "Today marks one month since Hamas brutally attacked and murdered thousands of Israelis, and 36 American citizens. We cannot delay this aid to Israel another day."

“The first step in freeing these [American] hostages and helping Israel destroy these terrorists is passing aid for Israel. We must send the world a clear message attacking the United States and our allies and partners is a bad idea.”

However, Johnson's package of assistance for Israel required that the emergency aid be offset with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-debt-ceiling-budget-x-date-yellen-fe538fd8371cdf647400a27e6d56a9fb">cuts in government spending elsewhere</a>. That tack established the new House GOP's conservative leadership, but it also turned what would typically be a bipartisan vote into one dividing Democrats and Republicans.

Democrats said that approach would only delay help for Israel. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has warned that the “stunningly unserious” bill has no chances in the Senate.

WASHINGTON —Senate Democrats on Tuesday afternoon blocked Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall's effort to pass the aid package to Israel that House Speaker Mike Johnson and the House GOP delivered to the Senate last week.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Democrats in the Senate are blocking the aid for Israel that Joe Biden requested. Make it make sense. <a href="https://t.co/Ap6RhvKW5W">pic.twitter.com/Ap6RhvKW5W</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1721931685724398017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The nearly $14.5 billion military aid package approved in the House Thursday for Israel, a muscular U.S. response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-11-1-2023-7016eb9ebd6a7852c0ed71bc97f14d92">war with Hamas</a>&nbsp;but also a partisan approach by new Speaker Mike Johnson that poses a direct challenge to Democrats and President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>.On social media Marshall wrote,&nbsp; "Today marks one month since Hamas brutally attacked and murdered thousands of Israelis, and 36 American citizens. We cannot delay this aid to Israel another day."“The first step in freeing these [American] hostages and helping Israel destroy these terrorists is passing aid for Israel. We must send the world a clear message attacking the United States and our allies and partners is a bad idea.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">During our debate for immediate standalone aid to ISRAEL, Senate Democrats mentioned Ukraine 77 TIMES, more than DOUBLE the number of times they mentioned Israel. It is clear: Senate Democrats are using Israel&#39;s crisis as a political pawn for another blank check to Ukraine.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1721969703579472022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>However, Johnson's package of assistance for Israel required that the emergency aid be offset with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-debt-ceiling-budget-x-date-yellen-fe538fd8371cdf647400a27e6d56a9fb">cuts in government spending elsewhere</a>. That tack established the new House GOP's conservative leadership, but it also turned what would typically be a bipartisan vote into one dividing Democrats and Republicans.Democrats said that approach would only delay help for Israel. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has warned that the “stunningly unserious” bill has no chances in the Senate.

🎥 Kan. Senator's effort to pass aid package for Israel blocked

LYON COUNTY—The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are investigating more alleged deer poaching.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699369277316.png" alt="Photo KDW&amp;P Game Wardens" />
 <figcaption>Photo KDW&amp;P Game Wardens</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY—The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are investigating more alleged deer poaching.On Sunday, the Lyon County Game Warden was called to a headless deer Northwest of Americus, according to a social media report from KDW&amp;P&nbsp; &nbsp; game wardens.Lyon County Game Warden Scheve is asking for the public’s help identifying persons involved in the poaching. Game Warden Scheve phone # (620) 431-9873.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699221051436.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday, the Russell County Game Warden asked the public's assistance with information about 3 white-tailed does that were killed between 8a.m. on November and 9a.m. November 4, according to the a social media report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and&nbsp; Parks Game Wardens.The does were 'more than likely killed in the evening or night hours.'All 3 does were shot with a rifle and left in the field on west side of 188th approximately 1/3 of a mile south of Waldo, Kansas.If you have any information about this crime please contact Game Warden Pack (620)770-6148