With Christmas approaching and more families considering a puppy or kitten as the season’s big surprise, the veterinarians at Apple Lane Animal Hospital are urging Reno County residents to think carefully before adding a new pet to the household.

During a recent visit to KWBW’s Morning Show, veterinarians Dr. Erica Miller and Dr. Logan Druecker said the holiday season consistently leads to an increase in surrendered animals, largely because pets were purchased impulsively without family discussion or long-term planning.

“Everyone loves the idea of a child opening a box and finding a puppy,” Miller said. “But families need to talk about what that truly means—time commitments, lifestyle, travel, veterinary care, feeding, training. It’s not something to decide because you walked past a cute litter.”

Shelters tend to report a spike in intake early each year, often from animals bought during the holidays. Miller said families should determine who will be responsible for feeding, exercise, cleaning, and training, noting that children should never be the sole caretakers.

Druecker added that breed choices matter more than many people realize. High-energy or working breeds can struggle in smaller homes or apartments if their exercise needs aren’t fully met. “You’ve got to match your lifestyle to the dog,” he said. “A hunting breed isn’t meant for a studio apartment. And a Great Dane isn’t ideal for someone gone 12 hours a day.”

Both veterinarians also encouraged families to consider adopting from rescues and shelters. “There are outstanding animals waiting for homes, especially after the holidays,” Miller said. “They deserve the same love and companionship as any designer puppy.”

The Apple Lane team emphasized the importance of early veterinary appointments. Many breeder-sold pets come home without a full set of vaccinations, making an initial checkup essential.

Food choice is another major consideration for new pet owners. While TV commercials and trendy packaging may drive sales, Miller said price and appearance don’t guarantee nutritional quality. “Pet food companies have become incredibly skilled at marketing,” she said. “Your veterinarian—not the ads—should guide nutrition decisions for your pet.”

Both veterinarians encouraged new owners to microchip their pets and update the information anytime they move. Lost animals are far more likely to return home when registered correctly.

Apple Lane Animal Hospital is now fully staffed for the first time in years, with the addition of Dr. Druecker and new registered veterinary technician Taryn, along with several new assistants. “We are fully capable and ready to serve,” Miller said.

Apple Lane Animal Hospital is located near 30th and Apple Lane in east Hutchinson. Appointments can be made by calling 620-662-0515.

Veterinarians warn pet shoppers to plan first, not after

MCPHERSON COUNTY —Law enforcement in McPherson are investigating alleged child abuse and have made two arrests including a school teacher.

On Thursday morning, police in McPherson arrested 36-year-old Abby Bradstreet, an elementary school teacher in USD 418 McPherson, on requested charges of attempted aggravated endangering a chid; reckless situation involving a child under age 18 and abuse of a child; knowingly torture/cruelly beat; strike; kick a child between the age of 6 and 18, according to online jail records. Just after 12:30p.m. Thursday, Bradstreet, met the requirement of a $12,500 bond and was released, according to online jail records.

On Thursday afternoon, police also arrested 26-year-old Brady Burr, an employee of the McPherson Fire Department, on requested charges of aggravated endangering a child; reckless situation to a child under the age of 18 and for abuse of a child; knowingly torture/cruelly beat; strike; kick a child between the age of 6 and 18, according to online jail records. Burr was&nbsp;released 90 minutes after his arrest after he met the requirement of a $12,500 bond, according to online jail records.

Police released no additional details. The McPherson County Attorney will determine formal charges against them.

McPherson teacher, firefighter among two accused of child abuse

Reno County Toys for Tots Drive Sets Record in 25th Year

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The 25th Annual Toys for Tots Drive in Reno County has set a new record, thanks to widespread community support and participation from local agencies, businesses and residents.

The Reno County District Attorney’s Office, along with its community partners, announced that this year’s drive collected a record 33 boxes of toys, exceeding all expectations and ensuring hundreds of local children will have a brighter Christmas.

In total, organizers reported the collection of 1,376 toys and one bicycle, along with $40 in cash donations. In addition to toys, donors also contributed a significant number of cold-weather items to help children stay warm during the winter months. Those items included 140 knit hats, four earmuffs, 17 sets of gloves, eight hat-and-glove sets, six blankets and one pair of socks.

“This is what community looks like,” the District Attorney’s Office said in a statement, expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to the drive’s success.

Several departments and community partners played a major role in the record-breaking effort. Contributions by participating groups included:

Organizers said every donation made a meaningful difference and helped ensure children across Reno County feel supported and experience the joy of the holiday season.

The Reno County District Attorney’s Office thanked all participants for their generosity and continued support of the Toys for Tots program, calling this year’s drive one of the most successful in its 25-year history.

Reno County Toys for Tots drive sets record in 25th year

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jose	Alvino	Castaneda	12/12/2025 9:13&nbsp;AM	DUI; 1st; comp ev blood/breath .08+; child pres

Jay	J	White	12/12/2025 10:38&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear

Christopher	Cody	Hardesty	12/12/2025 12:45&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

CharleeAnn		Dailing	12/12/2025 12:54&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant, Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Mya	Joelene	Tate	12/12/2025 1:00&nbsp;PM	Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (2nd conviction in 5 yrs)

Dominque	Michelle	Hamm	12/12/2025 2:01&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Miguel	Angel	Molina	12/12/2025 2:53&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

David	James	Williamson	12/12/2025 3:53&nbsp;PM	Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Restraining Order

Arthur	Lee	Adams	12/12/2025 4:30&nbsp;PM	Interference with Law Enforcement; Conceal /alter/destroy evidence Felony case,				Distribute heroin/certain stim/fent;3.5 - &lt;100grams,				Drugs; Distribute of Depressant designated in 65-4105e, 4107b, 4107c, 4111b; 10 to &lt; 100 dosage units,				Drugs; Distribute Marijuana or Analog thereof; 25g to &lt; 450g,				Possession of Parapernalia with Intent to Manufacture/Plant/Cultivate/Distribute Controlled Substance

Laci	Dawn	Ring	12/12/2025 6:21&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Brittany	Nicole	Holt	12/12/2025 7:02&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear,				Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 to $24,999

Jeffrey	Dean	YBarra	12/12/2025 8:11&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant, Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,				Possession of marijuana

Gerald Gonzalez 12/13/2025 4:17 AM&nbsp;DL Violation; No Drivers License,&nbsp;Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance, Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misdemeanor case, Execution of Misdemeanor Warrant,&nbsp;DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving,&nbsp;Possession of a Firearm Under the Influence,&nbsp;Battery on LEO; Phys contact county/city LEO



Daily Bookings

McPHERSON, Kan. — The City of McPherson and the McPherson Fire Department have confirmed the arrest of one of the department’s firefighters and say the matter is under review.

In a brief statement released Friday, Fire Chief Chad Mayberry said city officials are aware of the situation and are “diligently reviewing the matter.” The city declined to provide additional details, citing personnel policies.

“At this time, the City of McPherson will not comment on personnel matters,” the statement said. “The City of McPherson and the MFD take these allegations very seriously, as public safety is the highest priority.”

No information was released regarding the nature of the arrest, the charges involved, or the firefighter’s employment status. City officials said there will be no further comment at this time.

McPherson firefighter arrested; city reviewing matter

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Three-day outlook

The Salvation Army of Reno County is asking for renewed community support as this year’s Red Kettle Campaign trails behind its fundraising pace with just days remaining before Christmas.

Major Paul James of the Salvation Army joined the BW Morning Show this week to discuss the campaign’s progress, noting that donations are down compared to previous years. He said a stretch of cold weather earlier in the season likely kept both shoppers and volunteer bell ringers at home, contributing to the shortfall.

“We’ve seen an uptick on nicer days, but we’re still behind,” James said. “We have about $44,646 to go, and we’re entering the heart of our 12 Days of Ringing. There’s still time, but it’s limited.”

The local Red Kettle goal stands at $85,000, while the Salvation Army’s overall annual fundraising target is $300,000. James said the organization is currently about $50,000 behind where it typically would be at this point in the season.

In addition to monetary donations, James emphasized the ongoing need for volunteer bell ringers. While volunteers cover many shifts, the Salvation Army also relies on paid ringers to fill gaps, increasing overall campaign costs.

“Ringing bells is actually a pleasant experience,” James said. “You meet people, you spread joy, and sometimes you can make someone’s day better just by being there.”

This year’s volunteer incentive has also changed. Instead of previous giveaways, the Salvation Army has launched “Ring for Bling,” a new drawing made possible through a donation from Westphal Jewelers.

Richard Westphal, owner of Westphal Jewelers, joined the broadcast to explain his contribution: a $1,495 diamond ring crafted in 14-karat gold. Each two-hour volunteer shift earns an entry into the drawing.

“It feels good to give back and encourage people who are already doing something positive for the community,” Westphal said.

James also reminded listeners that year-end financial gifts are critical for the Salvation Army and can be made in several ways, including online through the campaign’s “Give With Joy” initiative at <a href="http://GiveWithJoyHutch.com">GiveWithJoyHutch.com</a>. The national theme highlights the impact even small donations can have.

The organization remains busy beyond the kettles. This week, a Dillon’s truck delivered food supplies that will be used to assemble 1,000 food boxes for local families. James also reported strong progress on toy donations, with all tags removed from giving trees in record time, though items are still being returned.

The Red Kettle Campaign’s final push runs through Christmas Eve. James said every contribution — whether coins, bills, or volunteer hours — makes a difference.

“We help about 12 percent of the local population each year,” he said. “Every dollar, every coin matters. You can’t make change unless you put change in the bucket.”

Those interested in volunteering can sign up online at <a href="http://RegisterToRing.com">RegisterToRing.com</a>, while financial donations can be made online or at any Red Kettle location throughout the community.

Salvation Army urges community support as Red Kettle donations lag

City Manager&nbsp;Enrico Villegas&nbsp;has been named a recipient of the&nbsp;Early Career Excellence Award&nbsp;by the&nbsp;Kansas Association of City/County Management (KACM), an honor presented by his peers recognizing leadership and impact in local government early in his career.

During the awards presentation at KACM’s annual conference last week, Villegas was recognized for the significant progress achieved in just over one year with the City of Hutchinson. In remarks shared during the ceremony, KACM highlighted his efforts to strengthen relationships between City staff and the governing body, as well as his focus on improving communication and collaboration across City departments.

KACM also cited Villegas’ leadership in addressing long-standing budget challenges through the development of a new long-term financial plan focused on restoring balance and increasing transparency. In addition, he was recognized for reinvigorating Hutchinson’s role as a collaborative partner with Reno County and local organizations to advance the Reno County Economic Development Strategic Plan efforts that KACM noted are already producing positive results for the City and the region.

The association further acknowledged Villegas’ work to reorganize and improve operations within the City’s Public Works Department. According to remarks made during the presentation, these efforts expanded services such as residential street plowing during snow events while remaining within the department’s established budget.

KACM also noted that these organizational improvements and leadership approach contributed to a significant turnaround in staffing, with the City moving from widespread vacancies to being nearly fully staffed across major departments.

The Early Career Excellence Award is a peer-recognized honor presented by the Kansas Association of City/County Management to acknowledge early-career professionals who have made a meaningful impact in their communities and organizations.

Villegas receives Early Career Excellence Award from Kansas Association of City/County Management

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————

Martin	Ramon	Duran	12/11/2025 8:12&nbsp;AM	Probation Violation

Robbie	Michael	Jarrett	12/11/2025 11:54&nbsp;AM	DWS; 2nd or subs conviction,				Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,				Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,				Probation Violation

Abram	Jon	Roth	12/11/2025 1:30&nbsp;PM	Direct Contempt,				Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500

Conor	Michael	Eickbush	12/11/2025 6:17&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Adam Travis Galvin 12/11/2025 10:58 PM&nbsp;Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,&nbsp;Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,&nbsp;Traffic Contraband in Correctional Institution; Introduce Firearm, Ammo, Explosive or Controlled Substance,&nbsp;Possession of hallucinogenic drug,&nbsp;Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conviction

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — A former Reno County substitute teacher accused of multiple sex crimes involving students has pleaded guilty to reduced charges&nbsp;in Reno County District Court.&nbsp;.&nbsp;

Whitney Shull, 39, a former substitute teacher for Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309, had initially been charged with unlawful sexual relations,&nbsp;attempted&nbsp;unlawful sexual relations, aggravated sexual battery, and two counts of hosting minors consuming alcohol.&nbsp;

According to court&nbsp;documents&nbsp;the&nbsp;allegations stem from incidents that occurred in Reno County between Jan. 31 and Feb. 1&nbsp;of&nbsp;this year&nbsp;involving three teens. Prosecutors alleged Shull engaged in sexual acts with two minors,&nbsp;one consensual and one non-consensual when the alleged victim was&nbsp;unconscious and&nbsp;attempted&nbsp;to force a third teen into a sex act.&nbsp;

Sedgwick County District Attorney spokesperson Lyndsee Stover,&nbsp;confirmed that&nbsp;Shull entered a plea&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;afternoon to five amended misdemeanor charges:&nbsp;

Judge&nbsp;Daniel Gilligan&nbsp;imposed a&nbsp;six-month jail term for each count, with the sentences for counts one, two and three which were ordered to run consecutively, resulting in a controlling sentence of&nbsp;18 months. Shull was granted&nbsp;at least two years of probation, contingent upon her successful completion of a treatment plan.&nbsp;

Under Kansas law, Shull must&nbsp;register as a sex offender for 15 years&nbsp;as a result of&nbsp;the convictions.&nbsp;

Stover noted that the plea agreement included an acknowledgment that under Kansas sentencing guidelines,&nbsp;three adult convictions of class A person misdemeanors count as one adult conviction for criminal-history purposes, per K.S.A. 21-6811(a).&nbsp;

The Sedgwick County District Attorney's office prosecuted the case on behalf of the Reno County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

Shull pleads to misdemeanor charges, sentenced to probation

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom officially opens its newest Kansas location inside the Hilton Garden Inn and Convention Center, two leaders behind the project say the goal from the start has been clear: build a restaurant that reflects Hutchinson’s identity, serves both travelers and local residents, and contributes meaningfully to the community.

Sumit Patel, senior representative of the ownership group behind the hotel and restaurant, said Thursday’s grand opening marks the culmination of a multi-year effort to bring the project to life.

“This has been a long time coming,” Patel said. “We’re very excited to be a part of the community. There hasn’t been a warmer community than Hutchinson, Kansas. Everyone here has been so welcoming and supportive of both the hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn, Old Chicago and the convention center.”

Patel said the choice of Old Chicago was deliberate, noting the synergy between the restaurant brand and the hotel’s vision.

“It’s a good fit. It’s good synergy with the hotel brand,” he said. “A lot of hotels want big, fancy restaurants, but that’s not really what this town calls for. Old Chicago has a great, balanced menu. It’s approachable and inviting, and we’ve designed the interior to feel elevated and modern, but still comfortable.”

Director of Operations Dylan Nevola, who is overseeing the Hutchinson location, said the design of the restaurant was shaped with both convenience and local engagement in mind.

“This is a very unique design,” Nevola said. “We wanted to give it kind of an airport-esque feel, where you can sit in the hotel lobby or inside the restaurant. A hotel guest can come right in, but the public is equally welcome.”

One special design touch allows guests to order drinks or appetizers from the lobby while they wait for a table, creating what Nevola described as a more relaxed, flexible experience.

“We sell pizza and beer, but we also have a lot of other menu options,” he said. “Our goal is consistent quality. Whether you’re here or at another Old Chicago across the state, you should get the same great food. And every seat in the restaurant is positioned so you can see at least one — and often two or three — TVs.”

Nevola said Hutchinson was a strategic selection for the chain’s ninth Kansas location because of its strong civic culture and the owner’s previous ties to the community.

“When we come in, we like to be in communities like Hutch,” he said. “We get involved. The owner has done a couple of projects here before, knew the area well, and saw an opportunity.”

Local presence is already integrated into the décor. A row of football helmets from area high schools and Hutchinson Community College are in the dining area, with more expected to arrive.

“Our plan from day one was to be involved in the community,” Nevola said. “We want to showcase how great this community is. With the addition of the convention center, there’s going to be a lot of opportunity for Hutch, and we want to be part of that story.”

Old Chicago is also partnering with the Cosmosphere, which will rotate space-themed art displays in the adjoining hotel lobby.

Patel said the success of the opening is due to the people behind the scenes.

“Our employees, our team, our staff are so excited to serve this community,” he said. “We want Hutchinson to feel proud of this space.”

Old Chicago Hutchinson is now open daily, offering its full menu of pizza, taproom selections, and family-friendly dining options.

Old Chicago leaders highlight community focus as Hutchinson Location Opens

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces charges for a shooting that took place in a parking lot over the summer.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2779/Marshall-Complaint-Red">Marvillie Marshall</a>&nbsp;,19, is charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and 2nd Degree Assault, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2780/Marshall-REDACT-PC">According to court records</a>, a business reported to Kansas City police that a shooting had been captured on their surveillance cameras on June 29. Detectives reviewed the footage and saw about 150 vehicles in and around the business parking lot, then observed firearm muzzle flashes from two different guns. As people ran to their vehicles, a man, later identified as Marshall, wearing a gray hoodie, black Nike shoes, black jeans, and a full-face mask appeared from the top of the screen, running and hopping from east to west through the parking lot, shooting over multiple vehicles and about two dozen uninvolved parties.

 It appeared he was shooting with his left hand because his right hand looked injured, wrapped with medical supplies.&nbsp;

There were more than 100 shell casings recovered from the scene. There were no reported injuries.

Detectives were able to identify Marshall through social media, as he had a post with the exact clothing he was wearing during the incident and detectives had access to multiple videos of Marshall's injured arm/hand wrapped with the same medical supplies from the surveillance video.&nbsp;

Marshall had previously been identified by SAVE KC, but did not attend a call-in.&nbsp;

A Jackson County judge set a $25,000 cash-only bond.&nbsp;

Social media helped police ID Kansas City parking lot shooting suspect

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.&nbsp;

Just after 11a.m. on December 7,&nbsp;a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2009 Hyundai Sonata that was heading southbound on U.S. Highway 75 near 126th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The driver of the vehicle, D’Angelo Martez Crosby, 44, of Sabetha, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia.

The passenger, Debbie Diane Shefferd, 68, of Sabetha, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Kansas couple caught transporting cocaine, marijuana 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man who admitted he stole and desroyed a decorative cannon from the Spanish American War Memorial in Riverside Park in Wichita is going to prison.

On Friday, a Sedgwick County District Pro Tem Judge sentenced 38-year-old Gordon Pierce to 53 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; In October he pleaded guilty to felony theft and aggravated criminal damage to property, according to the district attorney's office.

On April 3, police were notified of the theft of the decorative cannon from the Spanish American War Memorial in Riverside Park in Wichita, according to Officer Brad Wright.

Wichita Police immediately notified&nbsp; Patrol Officers, Property Crimes Task Force Officers and Detectives. Around 5:00pm police located the cannon at a residence in the 2000 Block of N Woodland. The cannon was significantly damaged.&nbsp;&nbsp;This cannon was gifted to the City in 1900 and was a priceless fixture in the community.

The investigation led to the identification of Pierce as the suspect and he was arrested in the 2300 block of N Amidon in Wichita without incident.&nbsp;

In addition to the more than four years in prison he is also required to&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;pay $320,500 in restitution to the City of Wichita.

Prison for Kan. man who stole and destroyed priceless cannon

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A shooting in the engineering building at Brown University on the second day of final exams left at least two people dead and eight injured and in critical but stable condition Saturday, Providence's mayor said. The Ivy League school issued an active shooter alert and urged students and staff to take shelter.

Police did not immediately release details about the number of victims, their conditions or the circumstances of the shooting.

University officials initially told students and staff that a suspect was in custody, before later saying that was not the case and that police were still searching for a suspect or suspects, according to alerts issued through Brown’s emergency notification system.

“We’re still getting information about what’s going on, but we’re just telling people to lock their doors and to stay vigilant,” said Providence Councilmember John Goncalves, whose ward includes the Brown campus. “As a Brown alum, someone who loves the Brown community and represents this area, I’m heartbroken. My heart goes out to all the family members and the folks who’ve been impacted.”

The reported shooting occurred near the Barus &amp; Holley building, a seven-story complex that houses the university’s School of Engineering and physics department. According to the university’s website, the building includes more than 100 laboratories, dozens of classrooms and offices.

Engineering design exams were underway in the building when the shooting occurred.

President Donald Trump said late in the afternoon that he has been briefed on the shooting.

“God bless the victims and the families of the victims!” he said on his social media site.

Students were urged to shelter in place as police responded to the scene, and people were told to avoid the area. A police officer warned media to take cover in vehicles because the area was still an active scene.

Officials cautioned that information remained preliminary as investigators worked to determine what had occurred.

Police were actively investigating and still gathering information from the scene, said Kristy DosReis, the chief public information officer for the city of Providence. The FBI said it was assisting in the response.

Brown is a private institution with roughly 7,300 undergraduate students and more than 3,000 graduate students. Saturday was the second day of final exams for the fall semester.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Multiple people were shot Saturday in the area of Brown University, police said, as the school issued an active shooter alert and urged students and staff to take shelter during the second day of final exams.

Police did not immediately release details about the victims’ conditions or the circumstances of the shooting.

Students were urged to shelter in place as police responded to the scene, and people were told to avoid the area. Officials cautioned that information remained preliminary as investigators worked to determine what had occurred.

Police were actively investigating and still gathering information from the scene, said Kristy DosReis, the chief public information officer for the city of Providence.

Brown is a private, nonprofit Ivy League institution with roughly 7,300 undergraduate students and more than 3,000 graduate students. Saturday was the second day of final exams for the fall semester.

Multiple victims reported in shooting at Brown University

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Two U.S. service members and one American civilian were killed and three other people wounded in an ambush on Saturday by a lone member of the Islamic State group in central&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/syria">Syria</a>, the the U.S. military’s Central Command said.

The attack on U.S. troops in Syria is the first to inflict casualties since the fall of President Bashar Assad a year ago.

Central Command said in a post on X that as a matter of respect for the families and in accordance with Department of Defense policy, the identities of the service members will be withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified.

U.S. Defense Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pete-hegseth">Pete Hegseth</a>&nbsp;posted on X: “Let it be known, if you target Americans — anywhere in the world — you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you.”

The shooting took place near historic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/syria-palmyra-ruins-historic-site-heritage-8f47dbe20c64a3de99cec50ad2a06680">Palmyra</a>, according to the state-run SANA news agency, which earlier said two members of Syria’s security force and several U.S. service members had been wounded. The casualties were taken by helicopter to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-base-syria-drone-attacks-0909cb5b2717963dfd6c4e93522c5ae8">al-Tanf garrison</a>&nbsp;near the border with Iraq and Jordan.

SANA said the attacker was killed, without providing further details.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the attacker was a member of the Syrian security force.

The U.S. has hundreds of troops deployed in eastern Syria as part of a coalition fighting the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/islamic-state-caliphate-10th-anniversary-iraq-syria-e25a9ca36ef9c0ed8f743ac9584d50f9">Islamic State</a>&nbsp;group.

Last month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-coalition-islamic-state-79ceed4666aef43465221734fca899d5">Syria joined</a>&nbsp;the international coalition fighting against the IS as Damascus improves its relations with Western countries following the ouster of Assad&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-anniversary-assad-fall-a22746c8b8351b02d77cb62a6260c87e"></a>when insurgents captured his seat of power in Damascus.

The U.S. had no diplomatic relations with Syria under Assad, but ties have warmed since the fall of the five-decade Assad family rule. The interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, made a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-syria-sharaa-first-visit-cf01c5d6c9af7e47ec0bae585634d845">historic visit</a>&nbsp;to Washington last month where he held talks with President Donald Trump.

IS was defeated on the battlefield in Syria in 2019 but the group’s sleeper cells still carry out deadly attacks in the country. The United Nations says the group still has between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/islamic-state-fighters-syria-iraq-875d5ee8a0978f3b28aeec210b33cd5f">5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq</a>.

U.S. troops, which have maintained a presence in different parts of Syria — including Al-Tanf garrison in the central province of Homs — to train other forces as part of a broad campaign against IS, have been targeted in the past. One of the deadliest attacks occurred in 2019 in the northern town of Manbij when a blast killed two U.S. service members and two American civilians as well as others from Syria while conducting a patrol.

Trump responds on Isis ambush that killed US soldiers in Syria

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/rod-mcguirk">ROD MCGUIRK</a>

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Riley Allen, a 15-year-old schoolboy living on an Outback sheep ranch, doesn’t know how he’ll keep in touch with his circle of far-flung friends once Australia’s world-first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/australia-social-media-ban-children-1abadf5445418c8c14f5f68cf76b38d0">social media ban</a>&nbsp;takes effect on Wednesday.

Riley’s family lives 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Wudinna, a community of just over 1,000 in South Australia state. But some of his school friends live as far as 70 kilometers (43 miles) away.

“I don’t think the impact will be very positive for us. We don’t have a lot out here to get in contact with each other,” Riley said.

“I’m not sure how we’re going to keep in touch over the holidays with each other,” he said, referring to the Southern Hemisphere summer break that starts on Thursday.

Riley and others younger than 16 will be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/australia-social-media-ban-reddit-kick-e6ae0be8c6b2571edd94d0318f47cb14">banned</a>&nbsp;by law from holding accounts with Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube and Twitch from Wednesday. The platforms face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($32.9 million) if they fail to take reasonable steps to remove the accounts.

Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads, was the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-media-ban-children-australia-334458608b809a26cc07ea74e39b9b7b">first tech giant to react</a>, beginning to exclude suspected young children from last week.

Riley holds accounts with most of the age-restricted platforms and had been asked by some to verify that he is at least 16. But by Monday, he had not been ousted by any.

Mom won’t help 15-year-old son bypass social media ban

Riley’s schoolteacher mother, Sonia Allen, said she wouldn’t help her son get around the ban, but suspects other parents will.

“I wouldn’t. I do know there are other people that would. If the rule is there, the rule is there. But I know what kids are like, and I’ve been a kid before, and they’re going to get around it if they can,” she said.

While the law allows parents no discretion to allow their children to hold social media accounts, Allen said there was a role for parents in regulating their children’s social media use.

A year ago, she banned Riley from social media for several weeks.

“In the past with Riley, we’ve had to take measures to limit his usage because we found him on social media at midnight and he wasn’t getting his homework done and things like that. We ended up taking it off him for a couple of months,” Allen said. “From that, he’s learned to use it a more responsibly.”

Riley, who turns 16 in April, said he understood the ban’s objectives, but there are other ways to achieve them. He suggested a 10 p.m. enforced social media curfew for young children to prevent them losing sleep.

Teens challenge the ban in Australia’s highest court

Riley has an ally in Australia’s largest city, Sydney: schoolboy Noah Jones, who turns 16 in August.

Noah is one of two 15-year-old plaintiffs in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/australia-children-social-media-ban-court-challenge-5c85493f58c2869505431f101af17f35">constitutional challenge</a>&nbsp;to the law in the High Court. The other in the case brought by the Sydney-based rights group Digital Freedom Project is schoolgirl Macy Neyland.

They claim the law improperly robs 2.6 million young Australians of a right to freedom of political communication implied in Australia’s constitution.

The Australian government is committed to defeating the challenge on behalf of what they say is an overwhelming majority of parents who demand government action against social media harms.

Many restricted children have told media they welcome their exclusion from platforms with design features that encourage them to spend more time on screens while also serving up content that can harm their health and well-being.

The parents’ group Heaps Up Alliance, which lobbied for the social media age restriction, backs the theory behind the blanket ban that “when everybody misses out, nobody misses out.”

Before Parliament passed the ban last year, more than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/young-and-resilient/news/in_media/young_and_resilient_research_centre_joins_chorus_of_nearly_150_australian_and_international_experts_opposing_social_media_ban_for_u16s" target="_blank">140 Australian and international academics</a>&nbsp;with expertise in fields related to technology and child welfare signed an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese opposing a social media age limit as “too blunt an instrument to address risks effectively.”

Noah said the ban would lead to young Australians swapping from age-restricted platforms to more dangerous, less regulated options.

“I’m against this social media ban because as young Australians, we’ll be completely silenced and cut off from our country and the rest of the world,” Noah said. “We’ve just grown up with this our entire lives, and now it’s just being taken away from us all of a sudden. We wouldn’t even know what else we could do.”

His mother, Renee Jones, is also involved in the court case as her son’s litigation guardian, because as a child he can’t make legal decisions himself.

She considers herself a relatively strict parent on social media, and never allowed Noah or his two older brothers to take devices into their bedrooms. But she supports Noah’s stance.

“My parents would never have dreamed that my children could be so fortunate to have this library of knowledge,” Jones said.

“But I really credit Noah as a young person who recognizes the dangers of social media. It’s not all sunshine and lollypops,” she added.

A plaintiff says tech giants’ money would be welcome

Digital Freedom Project president John Ruddick, who is also a state lawmaker for the minor Libertarian Party, said he had initially intended to apply for a court injunction in a bid to prevent the ban taking effect on Wednesday. But his lawyers advised against it.

A directions hearing will be held in late February to set a hearing date for the constitutional challenge that will be heard by the full bench of seven judges.

Ruddick said the case wasn’t funded by any tech giant, but they would be “extremely welcome” to make a financial contribution.

Ruddick expected children would get around the ban by means including using virtual private networks to make them appear to be offshore.

“They’re going to get around it so they’re then going to be on an underground social media and, to make it worse, without parental supervision,” Ruddick said.

“It’s much better for it to be out in the open and for parents to play a very, very active role … in monitoring what they’re doing on social media,” he added.

World-first social media ban leaves teen worried about losing touch with friends

CHEROKEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 6a.m. Saturday in Cherokee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1994 Chevy Blazer driven by Meredith&nbsp;Wagner, 19, Columbus, was westbound on U.S. 400 two miles east of Baxter Springs. The SUV traveled off the road to the left. The driver overcorrected. The vehicle crossed over U.S. 400 off&nbsp; the road to the right, rolled and the driver&nbsp; was ejected.&nbsp;

Wagner was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Derfelt Funeral Home. She was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman killed after ejected in rollover accident

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mead-gruver">MEAD GRUVER</a>

Getting trapped in quicksand is a corny peril of old movies and TV shows, but it really did happen to one unfortunate hiker in Utah’s Arches National Park.

The park famous for dozens of natural, sandstone arches gets over 1 million visitors a year, and accidents ranging from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arches-national-park-hiker-dies-fall-0a2f0d4de9dd246c7ae95cec87195ce8">falls</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-hiker-dead-heat-stroke-arches-utah-c547aacd31b54cebdba5f6b96bc35748">heat stroke</a>&nbsp;are common.

Quicksand? Not really — but it has happened at least a couple of times now.

“The wet sand just kind of flows back in. It’s kind of a never-ending battle,” said John Marshall, who helped a woman stuck in quicksand over a decade ago and coordinated the latest rescue.

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